Thousands of Officers Deployed as Nearly 200 Nations Gather; Extensive Road Closures and Rolling Security Restrictions Expected Across Manhattan
Fauzia J. Choudhury:— New York City has entered one of its busiest and most heavily secured weeks of the year as world leaders and senior diplomats arrive for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, bringing heightened security, major street closures and severe traffic disruptions across Manhattan.
Representatives from nearly 200 countries are gathering in New York, prompting a multilayered security operation involving the NYPD, U.S. Secret Service, federal agencies and other law-enforcement partners.
Authorities say there are no known specific or credible threats against the United Nations General Assembly or New York City at this time. Nevertheless, officials have significantly increased security measures as heads of state, government leaders and diplomatic delegations move throughout the city.
Heavy Security Across Land, Air and Water
Thousands of NYPD officers are being deployed throughout the city, with specialized resources positioned around the United Nations complex and other key locations.
Security operations include personnel on the ground, aviation and harbor units, counterterrorism teams, bomb squads, K-9 units and counter-drone capabilities. A temporary restricted airspace area is also in effect around the U.N. complex, while maritime security zones are being enforced along the East River.
Officials say rolling security closures will occur as motorcades carrying world leaders travel between hotels, diplomatic facilities and the United Nations.
Major Street Closures in Midtown East
New Yorkers should expect significant restrictions around the U.N. headquarters throughout the General Assembly.
First Avenue is closed between 41st and 48th streets, while 44th through 47th streets are closed between First and Second avenues during the assembly period.
42nd Street, between First and Second avenues, will also close during meeting hours, generally until about 9 p.m. The 42nd Street exit from the FDR Drive will be blocked during the affected periods.
The First Avenue Tunnel remains available for northbound passenger vehicles and bicycles, while access to Tudor City is being maintained through designated entrances.
Additional rolling closures may occur across Manhattan as international delegations move through the city.
Drivers Warned of Severe Gridlock
The city has designated September 21 through September 25 as Gridlock Alert Days because of the General Assembly.
Transportation officials say Midtown traffic historically moves at less than four miles per hour during U.N. General Assembly week, making it one of the slowest periods of the year for driving in the city. Officials are urging New Yorkers and visitors to avoid unnecessary driving and use subways, buses, commuter rail, ferries, bicycles or walking whenever possible.
Public Urged to Plan Ahead
City officials are asking residents, workers and visitors to allow additional travel time and remain alert to changing security restrictions.
Ferry service and other transportation options may also experience temporary disruptions as security conditions change.
Despite the extensive security operation and expected congestion, city officials say the measures are designed to allow New York to host one of the world’s largest diplomatic gatherings while protecting residents, visitors and international delegations.
For millions of New Yorkers, the message for the week is straightforward: expect delays, avoid driving into Midtown when possible, and plan ahead as the city hosts the world.
