Traffic will be routed to 7th Avenue for three months as construction continues on a plan to permanently reduce traffic congestion in midtown.
Traffic-Free Broadway Means New Public Space
Green Light for Midtown will create new pedestrian plazas on Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets and between 33rd and 35th Streets, resulting in more than three acres of additional outdoor public space in New York City for the summer.These new plazas will provide prime locations for a series of public events including outdoor screenings, festivals, and art exhibits (see schedule below for details).
Reducing Traffic in Times Square and Herald Square
The program will also permanently improve traffic flow on 6th and 7th Avenues. The Department of Transportation says that the construction work will lead to simplified traffic patterns, longer green lights and reduced travel times throughout Midtown Manhattan. In Herald Square, changes will unclog a major traffic choke point and significantly improve travel times.Work began in early May with the removal of a traffic island in the heart of Times Square. Through-traffic will be expanded to four lanes along 7th Avenue through Times Square. East/West vehicular access through Times and Herald Squares will not be impacted
Summer Events in Times Square and Herald Square
The newly created public spaces at Times and Herald Square will be home to numerous events and attractions during the summer of 2009.Times Square
- Memorial Day Celebration and screening
Free outdoor screening of classic New York musical On the Town
When: Monday, May 25, 12 noon
Where: Times Square Promenade - Best of the Buskers
Musicians, magicians, dancers, signers and other artists will perform throughout the Times Square area.
When: Lunchtime Monday-Friday, May 28 through Labor Day
Where:Times Square Promenade
- Tony Awards Simulcast
See a live simulcast of tne Tony Awards on jumbo video screens in Times Square.
When: Sunday June 7, 7 p.m.
Where: Duffy Square / Broadway Plaza - Taste of Times Square
Sample food from Times Square's best restaurants, classic New York street performers and top-notch local entertainment on three stages, and swing dancing.
When: Monday June 8, 5 p.m.
Where: West 46th Street between Broadway and Ninth Avenue - Come Out & Play
Play interactive street games including old favorites like kickball and capture the flag and new urban diversions like treasure hunts that involve GPS, Bluetooth, and text messaging.
When: June 12-14
Where:Throughout Times Square - Solstice in Times Square 2009
Enjoy sunrise yoga in the heart of Times Square. This event is free and open to the first 724 to sign up online.
When: Sunday, June 21, 7 a.m.
Where:Times Square Promenade - Theater for One
The Times Square Alliance will install a temporary booth in which guest artists will perform just for you.
When and where: Dates and location to be announced
Herald Square
- Visitors Services Cart
The 34th Street Partnership will roll out a visitor services cart staffed by multi-lingual tourist greeters ready to provide information, maps to help you get around, and guides to what's where.
When: All Summer
Where: Herald Square Promenade - Meet the Birds
The Arcadia Bird Sanctuary and Education Center will bring gorgeous tropical birds to display. Come on by to visit and have your picture taken with a new feathered friend.
When: Lunchtime on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer
Where: Herald Square Promenade - Herald Square Reading Room
Improve your mind at an outpost of the popular free "outdoor library" in Bryant Park in Herald Square this summer.
When and where: Dates and times to be announced - Herald Square Concerts
The 34th Street Partnership is planning a series of weekly musical concerts in the plaza.
When and where: Dates and details to be announced
