Pope Francis is gone, but President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin and more than 160 world leaders are in town for the new session of the United Nations General Assembly, which means a major new headache for drivers. NY1's Roger Clark reports.

If you want to get anywhere fast, Second Avenue during the morning rush Monday is not the route to take.

"It's tough to drive. It's really tough," said one driver.

"It's crazy," said another.

That's because the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly is convening, once again bringing together the world's leaders. It's always a traffic nightmare on the East Side. Add to that President Obama's attendance, and the gridlock is multiplied.

Some thought last week's papal visit was the end of all of this. No such luck.

"I knew last week was bad. I didn't think this week was going to be that bad," said one driver.

Guess again. For most drivers we spoke with, there was not much choice but to brave the street closures and get where they needed to go, for better or worse.

"It's no picnic being stuck in traffic," said one driver. "That's the worst thing about driving. Being stuck in traffic."

You said it. Carlos Vasquez agrees. He's a chauffeur for a big wig he doesn't want to name. Calling out sick isn't an option since he would like to get paid.

Vasquez: If I could have taken a week off, I would have taken a week off just not to deal with this.
Clark: But you can't.
Vasquez: No I can't. I have to work.

And we talk about this every September. So for some drivers, it's Groundhog Day, like the movie. So you grow accustomed to the madness.

"We're used to it," said one driver. "It's every year, the same thing. So we are really used to it."

The best advice for coping with all of this? Josh says it's "patience, and give time to wherever you are going."

And for folks who drive around here for a living, Saturday can't come soon enough.

"I'm looking forward to the 3rd (of October). Definitely," said one driver.

That's when the General Assembly wraps things up. So a little break after that before holiday gridlock days are upon us. Enjoy it while it lasts.