A small plane has made an emergency landing on a busy interstate highway in New York.

The single-engine plane, with three people on board, landed on the Major Deegan expressway in the Bronx around 3:20pm local time.

The situation was quickly brought "under control", said the New York City Fire Department.

There were no reports of car accidents linked to the surprise landing of the four-seat 1966 Piper PA, although traffic was backed up in both directions as crews worked to remove the plane.

At this stage it is unclear why the plane was forced to land on the highway or where it was headed.

It is also unclear if there have been any injuries.

Emergency officials said there were no immediate reports of serious injuries, but local media says four people are hurt.

Reuters