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New York Holiday Traffic Guide

How to Beat Traffic and Travel Smoothly During the Holidays in New York

By Pamela Skillings, About.com

New York City has announced the 2008 Holiday Traffic Plan, a series of initiatives designed to make holiday travel as smooth as possible during the heavy traffic days from Thanksgiving through New Year's. Read on for more about how the plan can help you beat gridlock and travel safely and efficiently this holiday season.

Gridlock Alert Days

The City designates a number of days during the holiday season as Gridlock Alert Days, which are days when significant vehicle traffic is expected. Residents, commuters and visitors are strongly advised to use mass transit on the following days:
  • Friday, November 21st, 2008
  • Wednesday, November 26th
  • Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
  • Friday, December 5th, 2008
  • Thursday, December 11th, 2008
  • Friday, December 12th, 2008
  • Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
  • Thursday, December 18th, 2008
  • Friday, December 19th, 2008

Stay Up-To-Date On NYC Traffic Conditions

For the latest updates on traffic conditions, check out the following resources.

Trip Planning Resources

These trip planning tools help you find the fastest and most convenient route to your destination -- by bus, train, car, or ferry.
  • Hopstop makes it easy to map out your public transportation or taxi route to any destination in New York City.


  • Trips 123 helps you plan any trip within the tri-state area and also offers traffic information.


  • Google Maps lets you plan and map your trip within the New York City region and beyond.




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