# UN General Assembly week shuts down NYC

> World leaders arrive Monday for the annual diplomatic summit, bringing road closures, heavy security, and major traffic disruptions across Manhattan.
- Title: UN General Assembly week shuts down NYC · ABC7 New York
- Summary: World leaders arrive Monday for the annual diplomatic summit, bringing road closures, heavy security, and major traffic disruptions across Manhattan. Expect…
- Keywords: united nations general assembly, new york city, road closures, security, manhattan, traffic disruptions, nypd, secret service, world leaders, iran, israel, ukraine
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/post/general-assembly-2026-security-road-closures-expected-nyc/19842827
- Published: 2026-09-17T09:10:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: united nations general assembly, new york city, road closures, security, manhattan, traffic disruptions, nypd, secret service, world leaders, iran, israel, ukraine
## World leaders arrive for UN summit
Nearly 200 country leaders, including President Trump, Iran's president, and Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, gather in Manhattan starting Sunday for the annual United Nations General Assembly.
## Heightened security throughout the week
No specific credible threats exist, but security is intensified due to expected protests and geopolitical tensions. Heavy police presence on land, sea, and sky includes counter-drone teams.

> "New York City is always a target," Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.
## Major street closures on the East Side
First Avenue between 41st and 48th streets is closed. Also closed: 44th to 47th streets between 1st and 2nd avenues, and the 42nd Street exit from the FDR Drive until 9 p.m. daily.
## Expect heavy motorcade traffic
The Secret Service will transport up to 200 dignitaries and their families across the city in motorcades, causing significant traffic disruptions particularly around the East Side.
## No drones allowed in restricted airspace
A flight restriction around the UN applies to all drones for the duration of the General Assembly. Unauthorized drone flights are prohibited.

> "Do not fly a drone in the restricted airspace without authorization," said Matt McCool with the U.S. Secret Service.
## NYPD prepared for protests
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch expects an uptick in protest activity over the next two weeks and says there will be zero tolerance for violence or property destruction.

> "The NYPD is fully prepared, and we remain vigilant," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
## Key takeaway

Expect severe traffic on the East Side, avoid 1st Avenue between 41st and 48th streets, and prepare for a heavy police presence through the week.