Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 – Gridlock Alert Day (balloon inflation)

November 26, 2019

The balloon inflation will take place on Wednesday, November 27th, 2019, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Spectators may enter the queue at West 73rd Street and Columbus Avenue. Large backpacks, coolers, alcoholic beverages, chairs and umbrellas are expressly prohibited and participants will be screened prior to entering the viewing route. Once screened, spectators will enter the inflation viewing area at West 74th Street and Central Park West. The balloon viewing path flows around the American Museum of Natural History. Spectators exit the viewing area at West 81st Street and Central Park West.

Heavy traffic conditions are expected, and there will be rolling street closures in Manhattan, so mass transit is strongly encouraged. No large backpacks, lawn chairs, umbrellas, large coolers or alcoholic beverages will be allowed at these events.

Traffic Advisory

Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 – Gridlock Alert Day (balloon inflation)

At 7 a.m. West 81st Street and West 77th Street from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic.

At 8 a.m. West 73rd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenues will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Additional vehicular traffic closures at noon are as follows:

• Central Park West from West 73rd to 85th Streets
• West 74th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• West 75th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• West 76th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• West 77th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• West 78th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• West 80th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• West 81st Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• West 82nd Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• West 83rd Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• West 84th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• West 85th Street between Columbus and Central Park West Avenues
• Central Park Transverse Road at Central Park West and West 81 St. (both directions)

After 10 p.m., West 81st Street and West 77th Street from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue as well as Central Park West from West 59th Street to West 86th Street will be closed to all traffic. "Broadcast vehicles only" may park beginning at 9 a.m. on the east side of Columbus Avenue from West 77th Street to West 76th Street. All Broadcast Vehicles must be off Columbus Avenue by 11:30 p.m.