Midtown Traffic Delays During UN Meetings

The UN General Assembly%26#39;s annual meeting is starting early this year -- next week -- in order to have a world summit on poverty. People who are traveling in East Midtown by car, taxi, limousine or bus from the middle to the end of September should be prepared for traffic delays and jams as many world leaders make their way to and from the UN and various social engagements and meetings around town. People traveling on foot or by subway should not be affected by this, at least not very much. The most serious delays will likely occur on weekdays during business hours, but they could occur at other times.

The area most likely to be affected is midtown east of Fifth Avenue and from 42nd Street to 57 Street, with the most serious disruptions, street closings, probably east of Third Avenue. Areas around the Waldorf Astoria (49th/50th around Lex/Park) could also be closed off if President Bush is in town and staying overnight. Actually, wherever W goes, streets will be closed.

Details on potential traffic disruptions should be covered in the local newspapers and on TV traffic updates on the day before or the day of the expected disruption.

Also, anyone planning on visiting the UN during this period would be wise to phone the UN or check its website to make sure it is open to visitors that day.

Midtown Traffic Delays During UN Meetings

I got stuck in this mess last year coming from LGA to our hotel. It took over an hour, cost over $40, and the taxi driver was furious and pounding the steering wheel!