New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has issued a warning to drivers ahead of the New York Knicks’ championship parade, announcing widespread traffic restrictions across Lower Manhattan.
The city is preparing for massive crowds as fans celebrate the Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years, prompting officials to introduce extensive road closures before the festivities get underway.
With supporters expected to flood into Manhattan for the parade, anyone planning to travel by car has been urged to make alternative arrangements.
Large sections of Lower Manhattan will be closed to traffic
In a post on X, Mamdani confirmed that Lower Manhattan will be car-free on the morning of the parade as the city prepares to welcome huge numbers of Knicks fans.
The restrictions are set to begin at 7 a.m., with all areas south of Canal Street closed to vehicular traffic. He followed that by confirming the scale of the shutdown.
“Lower Manhattan will be car-free tomorrow morning for the Knicks Championship Parade,” Mamdani wrote.
“Starting at 7AM, south of Canal Street in Manhattan is shut down to vehicular traffic.”
The move comes as New York prepares for what is expected to be one of the largest public celebrations the city has hosted in years following the Knicks’ historic title run.
Officials are urging fans to use public transportation
While much of Lower Manhattan will be inaccessible to drivers, several major routes will remain open throughout the day.
Mamdani confirmed that both the FDR Drive and West Side Highway will continue operating despite the parade-related restrictions.
There will, however, be additional limitations for motorists entering Manhattan from Brooklyn.
According to the mayor, traffic coming off the Brooklyn Bridge will only be able to travel northbound on the FDR. With large crowds expected throughout the day, Mamdani’s main message was simple.
“Plan ahead and use public transportation.”
For Knicks fans heading into Manhattan, that advice may prove essential as the city gears up to celebrate its first NBA championship since 1973.
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