© TASS
USA: 80th session of UN General Assembly
(New York, NY) — They call it the “worst traffic of the year.” Every September, as the United Nations General Assembly meets, New Yorkers brace for a traffic nightmare that grinds many streets and avenues to a halt, especially on the East Side, where the UN is located on First Avenue between 42nd and 48th Streets.
During the General Assembly, large portions of First and Second Avenues are closed to regular traffic. In addition, the NYPD sets up checkpoints and metal barricades, along with special lanes so motorcades carrying presidents and other officials can easily drive to the UN. This leaves the rest of us to figure out the best way to maneuver through city streets.
It also creates a domino effect of gridlock, as you can in the video I took while trying to walk to work at 77 WABC.
The @UN is creating major gridlock in New York City. It’s been a challenge walking to work. 🚶🏼♀️🚷 pic.twitter.com/hvpw16CJGw
— TalkRadio 77 WABC (@77WABCradio) September 25, 2025
The second video I took shows 57th Street between 3rd and Lexington Avenues. One driver didn’t obey the red lights and almost ran into me!!! Luckily, a traffic cop stopped them.
Part Two: Trying to cross 57th Street in NYC during @UN General Assembly. pic.twitter.com/ZgUvDb71o5
— TalkRadio 77 WABC (@77WABCradio) September 25, 2025
Even French President Emmanuel Macron got stuck in gridlock trying to get to the UN!
City officials tell all of us to use patience and mass transit during UN Week. Some office workers can work from home, but most don’t have the luxury of staying home and gridlock becomes more of a costly disruption.
