Gridlock Alert Day and Holiday Traffic Plan

MYFOXNY.COM - The New York City Transportation Department and New York City Transit have released a 2009 holiday traffic plan, which was developed in cooperation with the NYPD to address increased traffic.

"The holidays are an exciting time in New York City as the streets swell with shoppers, theatergoers and sightseers but if you want to get around quickly and safely, mass transit is your best bet this time of year," said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.

The guide is designed to try to make holiday travel as smooth as possible. The holiday traffic season starts the week before Thanksgiving and lasts until after New Year's Day. The city's greatest level of traffic congestion typically occurs during this six-week period every year. All residents, commuters, and visitors are urged to use mass transit wherever and whenever possible.

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 (this the final 2009 day):

• Wednesday, December 23