GRIDLOCK SAM
Friday, March 1 2 - Sunday, March 1 4 ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING RULES ARE IN EFFECT FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
It’s a balmy day, not that New Yorkers need good weather to take the streets, but expect more protest activity this weekend. Avoid East End Avenue in the 8 0 s this morning, Friday, as yellow taxicab drivers continue their protests aimed at Mayor de Blasio. On Saturday, steer clear of Amboy Road near Richmond Ave. in Staten Island as a Rally to Reopen Our Schools is held at noon. Saturday will also see commemorations of the 1 -year anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death. The Brooklyn Bridge is likely to be affected. Check out @ gridlocksam for protest updates.
Enjoy sleeping late on Saturday, because Sunday morning clocks spring forward an hour and for many our sleep cycles get interrupted. Check Sunday’s column for why this results in a 6% jump in traffic fatalities in the week immediately after the change.
TIMES SQUARE ALERT: 48th St. between 6th and 7th Aves. will be closed today, Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The ramp connecting the eastbound Cross Bronx to the northbound Major Deegan will be shuttered midnight to 7 a.m. on Saturdays, and midnight to 5 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, until the end of the month.
Use exit 1D to the southbound Deegan, take Exit 5, left at the intersection with the Macombs Dam Bridge, then veer right onto the ramp for the service road to the northbound Deegan.
Broadway will be closed between
Franklin St. and White St., Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the next three weekends. Take Lafayette St. or West Broadway as alternates.
Friday at 9:30 p.m. through Monday at 5 a.m., there will be no 4 service between Bowling Green and Utica Ave./ New Lots Ave. Use the 2 or 3 between Borough Hall and Franklin Ave.-Medgar Evers College, and take the 3 between Franklin Ave. and New Lots Ave.
MAILBAG Dear Gridlock Sam,
I can’t seem to get my credit card accepted at meters; the display says “invalid card.” My Amex is metal, could that be why?
Andy Dear Andy,
Metal cards are in widespread use and work the same as plastic; in general, it shouldn’t be an issue. Regardless of how you prefer to pay, I recommend the ParkNYC app as a backup.
s It has several advantages over other payment methods, like meter expiry notifications and remote refilling via your phone. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still sign up for the service and then pay by calling (877) 727-5307. Learn more at parknyc. parkmobile.us/parknyc.