NYPD and United States Secret Service Announce Street Closures and Expected Traffic Delays Relating to United Nations General Assembly Security Measures
September 19, 2019
The New York City Police Department and United States Secret Service announced street closures and anticipated traffic delays relating to security measures in place for the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The NYPD issued a traffic advisory for the event, which provides detailed street closure information amid the increased traffic volume expected in Midtown Manhattan.
During the General Assembly, a major annual event held by the United Nations, the City of New York will host heads of state and diplomats from 193 nations. To help ensure the safety of visitors and New Yorkers, the NYPD and its law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels will provide thousands of highly-trained uniformed and plain-clothes officers throughout the entire event. Thousands of NYPD vehicles will be a part of the approximately 200 escort convoys. Additionally, Department of Sanitation sand trucks will be deployed with additional blocker vehicles. Concrete blocks, jersey barriers, and surface mounted delta vehicle barriers have also been placed at potentially-sensitive locations. Anyone who sees suspicious activity should alert a police officer or call 911.
The General Assembly began on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 and continues through Monday, September 30, 2019. The Department of Transportation has designated weekdays from Monday, September 23, 2019 through Monday, September 30, 2019 as gridlock alert days. Alternatives, including public transportation, bike sharing, ride sharing and parking outside of Manhattan, are highly encouraged for the duration of the General Assembly.
"Just as the men and women of the NYPD work tirelessly to keep New Yorkers safe each and every day, Member States represented in the 74th Session of the U.N. General Assembly are welcomed to New York City knowing that the NYPD is committed to ensuring their safety," said Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill. "I would like to thank our federal law enforcement partners for the NYPD's role as a co-chair in this critical security mission."
"When the Secret Service executes the security for an event as all-encompassing as the United Nations General Assembly, it requires the partnerships of all law enforcement and public safety officials involved," said Patrick Freaney, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office. "Thank you to everyone that has put in so much time and effort to make this the 74th safe and successful United Nations General Assembly."