Leaving for Maine tomorrow....

[Delarage]

A DUer gave me good directions to avoid (as much as possible) traffic horror (incl. the GW Bridge in NY) but I cannot find them

I'm leaving from northern Delaware (not far from the DE Memorial Bridge to NJ but could also go by Philly) and heading to MDI.

There was a debate at work between:

-- Avoid GW Bridge at all costs.

-- Take the GW Bridge ("it's faster&quot

-- Do what the GPS says (probably the GW Bridge, b/c it will take me on an icky route to *possibly* save 21 seconds).

The Avoid the GW crew told me that I should take the Mario Cuomo bridge, so I was thinking about entering that into my GPS. After that, they said I should take Rt. 15 (Merrit Pkwy) until I can get back on I-95 (possibly near Milford, CT).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!! It's just me and a 10-month old lab mix, so I'd prefer the easiest on the driver/dog route as possible. Thanks!

[OAITW r.2.0]

1. 95 North

Just before Bangor look for the exit that takes you to Acadia National Park, Enjoy!

[GPV]

2. Im already in Maine, so can't advise on your route here, but

hope you get sound advice and wish you safe travels.

[bottomofthehill]

3. Go the way the GPS tells you

It will take traffic and construction into account. I have taken the GW, the Tappan Zee, and one time even a 3 bridge combo ( veranzono to Whitestone to something else I can’t remember). The GPS may give you little shortcuts to save time but it will also give you big ones. All I can way is avoid rush hours in Philly, Newark, NYC, Hartford, Boston those are the real time sucks.

[RicROC]

6. Waze is a good GPS ,

better than OnStar which is woefully antiquated in routes and speed limits.

Waze has an option of the driver entering information of road hazards and police, which is a great way to keep me alert.

[bottomofthehill]

9. I loved ware when it first came out but now I am just zazy

And use google maps as it is already loaded on the phone.

[EYESORE 9001]

4. Have a good trip

I will probably solicit advice when I get closer to taking a trip through New England.

[Delarage]

5. Thanks for the replies

I did some more calculations.....from my house via MC Bridge will be 630 miles and 9 hours/45 minutes. Via GW Bridge would be 9 hours/25 minutes.

GW is thus 20 minutes faster. I may try the MC way up this time, then 15 to 91 to 84 (near Hartford) to 90/290 to 495 to 95.

All I know is that I took the GW/95 way up last year and it wasn't horrible, but I got stuck on GW coming back. It was probably the timing (left on a Sunday morning, came back mid-week). I'll be coming back mid-week again, but my friend in Maine swears that the MC bridge is the better way.

I will report my findings..........

[3Hotdogs]

7. NJ turnpike to exit 11, Garden State Parkway. (Do u have ez pass)

GS Parkway north to the end, 287.

287 SOUTH (correction) to Mario Cuomo Bridge. Continue on 287 to White Plains, Rt 684, north.

684, east to 84 East. (it actually goes north)

Take 84 east to the Mass. Turnpike, East.

Take mass pike to 290 east.

290 to 495, north

495 to 95 through New Hampshire and into Maine.


Faster, less traffic and more scenic route.

[Sanity Claws]

8. GW Bridge into NYC is $16

There is also a backup to get on it and if you don't know your way, you may get in the wrong lane for the exit you need.
I would avoid it and continue traveling in NJ. You can cross the Hudson River north of NYC.

[bottomofthehill]

10. Just realized the Mario Cuomo is the old Tappan Zee

The GW is shorter and faster traffic depending.

[3Hotdogs]

11. "depending," is the problem. Geographically, it is a shorter drive.

Depending on what is going on, there can be a line from 5 minutes to an hour - just to pay your toll.

Then there is rt 95. Sometimes it goes smoothly ... but when it. doesn't -- bumper to bumper for miles. You are less likely to experience traffic jams on the route I suggested.


Then, you didn't specify, what time do you expect to enter N. .J? It will take you about 1 1/2 hours to drive through NJ if you don't hit NJ traffic.

[Delarage]

12. Thanks!!

That's sort of the route I figured out on my computer---and then sent to my phone. I'm leaving DE at 7:00-ish, so I should be across the DE Memorial Bridge into NJ by 7:30. I'll be around NY by 10:30 I think. Heading for MC Bridge, following your advice

[3Hotdogs]

13. So how was the trip?

What route did you finally take?

[Delarage]

14. It was great

I used your suggestions going up; on the way back, GPS strongly recommended Merritt Parkway in CT due to an accident somewhere. I took its advice and it wasn't too bad. Definitely prefer the MC Bridge to the GW Bridge. Thanks!

I wrote more about the time there:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10554214