East River Closes for United Nations General Assembly

The Coast Guard will enforce security zones on the East River during the United Nations General Assembly, periodically restricting vessel traffic in the upper harbor near the United Nations Headquarters, New York, starting at 7 a.m. Monday.

The Coast Guard will be enforcing security zones, from Sept. 21-29, on the East River between East 35th Street and the Queensboro/59th Street Bridge.

East River Security Zone Restrictions:

Zone 1: This zone is always in effect. No Vessels within 175 yards of Manhattan between East 35th Street and the Queensboro/59th Street Bridge in the West Channel of the East River. Commercial vessels must check in with VTS New York (VTSNY) on VHF-FM CH 12 prior to entering the West Channel.

Zone 2: West channel closure: Sep 23-27 (7:00 am-7:00 pm). No commercial or recreational traffic in the west channel of the East River between East 35th Street and the Queensboro/ 59th Street Bridge. NYC DEP sludge vessels will not be allowed to transit without 24-hour advance coordination with the Sector NY Enforcement Division.

Zone 3: Full river closure: Sep 24 (10:00 am-5:00 pm). No commercial or recreational traffic in the East River between East 35th Street and the Queensboro/59th Street Bridge except commercial passenger vessels on the east channel with Coast Guard Patrol Commander (PATCOM) approval.

Roosevelt Island Bridge Openings:

    Vessels that require opening of the Roosevelt Island Bridge must contact the bridge tender at least 15 minutes in advance by phone at, (718) 545-2092 from 0500 to 2000 or via VHF-FM CH 13.
    Planning for this event is ongoing and specific times of the various security zone closures may change. Every effort will be made to keep mariners informed of all changes. Contact VTSNY on VHF-FM channel 12 or at (718) 354-4088 for updates.
    PATCOM will be monitoring VHF-FM channel 16.
    Violations of this security zone are punishable by a $50,000 fine, five years imprisonment, or both.

East River Restrictions/Closures:

Date                            Time                            Zone

September 23              7 a.m. to 7 p.m.           2

September 24              7 a.m. to 7 p.m.           2 &3 (Zone 3: 1000-1700)

September 25              7 a.m. to 7 p.m.           2

September 26              7 a.m. to 7 p.m.           2

September 27              7 a.m. to 7 p.m.           2

NOTE: Mariners can expect full closure of the East River on Sept. 24, 2013.