The 79th session (2024) of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) started on September 10th, and is headed into its last two weeks, ending on September 30th. Due to several street closures, traffic in and out of Manhattan will be heavy.
NYC Street Closures
Due to the increased number of world leaders and delegates visiting New York City during the UNGA, there will be significant traffic disruptions. Here’s a breakdown of the expected street closures and traffic impacts:
- Manhattan:
- 42nd Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 44th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 45th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 46th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 47th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 48th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 49th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 50th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 51st Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 52nd Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 53rd Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 54th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 55th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 56th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 57th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 58th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 59th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- 60th Street: Closed between 1st and 3rd Avenues.
- Other areas:
- Central Park: Restricted access for certain areas.
- Grand Central Terminal: Increased security measures and potential traffic restrictions.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport: Expect higher passenger volume and longer wait times.
Gridlock and Traffic Congestion
During the UN General Assembly, New York City can experience severe gridlock and traffic congestion, especially in areas surrounding the United Nations headquarters and other key locations. This is due to the increased number of vehicles on the roads, as well as road closures and detours.
Here are some tips for dealing with gridlock:
- Avoid peak hours: Try to schedule rides during off-peak hours to minimize traffic congestion.
- Use alternate routes: If possible, use alternative routes to avoid areas with known traffic congestion.
- Be patient: Gridlock can be frustrating, but it’s important to remain calm and patient.
- Use real-time traffic information: Utilize navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to get real-time traffic updates and find the most efficient routes.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main meeting place for all the countries in the world. It’s generally a global discussion where leaders from every country come together to talk about important issues facing our planet.
Key events and dates of this event include:
- September 18-24, 2024: General Debate, where world leaders deliver speeches outlining their countries’ priorities and concerns.
- September 20, 2024: Climate Summit, focusing on global efforts to address climate change.
- September 25, 2024: High-Level Meeting on Sustainable Development Goals, reviewing progress towards achieving the UN’s ambitious goals for a better world.
