Exit 12N is (was?) an exit off of the Henry Hutchinson Parkway (HHP and often referred to as West Side Highway or Route 9A) that has been closed to vehicles since summer 2025. In January a bunch of us were asking for a lane. Only a lane. But now its totally closed to vehicles so its just a strip of pavement that few know about. Actually, an occasional Amtrak vehicle uses it. This roadway may never open again to non-Amtrak vehicles. Community Board 9 Manhattan reported in its March 2026 general board meeting that because Amtrak is involved whatever happens will happen slowly. Many of us don't want this piece of pavement to ever reopen to vehicles. Its accessible via the 119th st tennis courts in Riverside Park or from st. Clair place and 12th ave.
One might reasonably ask what NYC DOT's involvement is in a state road whose responsibility would normally be NYS DOT. NYC DOT is responsible for this exit. NYC DOT may be responsible for large portions of the HHP.
Its been suggested that if an exit off the HHP is really necessary at this location (very few missed it) that an exit ramp could be constructed that does not cross the Amtrak tunnel like Exit 12S.
This is a beautiful photo taken just north of the 119th Street Tennis courts. The video below is a better indication of how it looks.
Add your information to this petition by Anna Berlanger of Transportation Alternatives.
Read this NYC Streetsblog article. It explains everything.
This space of 1/2 mile by 24 feet represents a maintenance cost to NYC DOT and about 3/4 acres of land.