Blocks of Midtown Manhattan are facing street closures for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding festivities at Madison Square Garden, adding to the difficulties commuters are experiencing as New York City grapples with record-breaking heat.
Pedestrians and drivers encountered early street blockages on Friday, prior to the official closures scheduled for 1 p.m. The closures are expected to impact access to Madison Square Garden and the adjacent Penn Station, which has been experiencing significant delays and cancellations.
According to the New York City Police Department, the following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 1 p.m. Friday: 7th Avenue between 30th and 34th Streets, West 33rd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, West 32nd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, West 31st Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, and West 31st Street between 7th and 8th Avenues.
Additionally, the west side of 7th Avenue between 31st and 34th Streets and West 33rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Security-controlled access points will also be in effect on the east side of 8th Avenue between 30th and 34th Streets, and on West 33rd, 32nd, and 31st Streets between 6th and 7th Avenues.
Travelers seeking to enter Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall for NJ Transit, LIRR, Amtrak, and subway services are advised by police to use the entrance to Moynihan Station on the west side of 8th Avenue at 31st and 33rd Streets. An additional entrance to Penn Station is available at the northeast corner of 8th Avenue and 31st Street.
These disruptions coincide with extreme heat, which has already affected the region. Temperatures in New York City were predicted to reach triple digits again on Friday. The extreme heat on Thursday caused equipment issues for NJ Transit, leading to widespread delays and cancellations at Penn Station. The rail line stated that these issues would continue through the end of the service day on Friday, July 3, 2026, and recommended that customers avoid non-essential travel.
Long Island Railroad will operate on a regular schedule, but passenger access will be limited. Travelers are instructed to use the 34th Street and 7th Avenue entrance. The LIRR also suggested that passengers consider traveling from Grand Central Terminal or Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn.
The decision to host the wedding events during the Fourth of July weekend, and particularly the closures around Penn Station, have drawn public criticism, with some expressing frustration over the disruption to transit and daily life for New Yorkers. The wedding events are also occurring ahead of New York City's Fourth of July celebrations and a World Cup match scheduled for Sunday in New Jersey.