New York - Visitors to New York's Times Square will no longer have to dodge taxis if they want to stop in the middle of the street to stare at its iconic neon lights.

On Sunday, authorities blocked of the notorious traffic clogged intersection that will become a pedestrian zone, with only walkers, bicyclists and skaters allowed on Broadway between 42nd and 47th streets.

The move is designed to free up space for street artists, cafes and vendors and improve the area for New Yorkers and tourists alike. Live broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera and special Broadway shows will be shown on giant screens during certain evenings.

A second pedestrian zones opened on Herald Square in front of the world's largest department store, Macy's, the centre stage of the United States' most famous Thanksgiving holiday parade each November. (dpa)