Delaware to Mystic,Ct

It's just a matter of taking your time. All roads surrounding NYC are heavily travelled so they are almost always congested. Large vehicles have a tough go through the big city. The Tappan Zee bridge is further north of NYC and traffic is a bit lighter but you add a few miles to your trip. Which-ever route you take, just allow plenty of time and be patient. If you can travel through during the overnight, it will be a lot easier.

the TAP is probably a bit better of a choice, they do hit you hard on the tolls to tow across it. take it slow, last time we were through that was 2 years ago the roads were in need of repair, I don't know if they have done anything yet. Going through after 8pm is definitely better, or in the middle of the workweek day. Also if you can avoid going north out of NJ on Friday afternoon into evening and south on in NJ all day on Sunday that will also avoid another heavy travel time. Also avoid the commuter hours.

I like the Tappan Zee and that road has been fixed in the last few years. GW Bridge and the road to it is full of pot holes.

The best bridge is the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. It will also help you avoid the CT traffic and all the parkways in the south end. It is farther but sometimes actually faster. Definitely less stressful.

The second best is the Tappan Zee. You will run into traffic but, if you time it right, it might not be too bad.

I have always avoided the GWB, even when I lived in the area. The bridge and the Hen Hud Parkway are the absolute worst. Hen Hud used to have potholes that swallowed cars. As far as I know though, no trailers on the parkways of NY anyway.

IMHO, this area is very time sensitive -- the route is secondary to the time you decide to travel -- I have driven 95 straight through with little problem in the middle of the day but I may have just been lucky! I have also sat in a parking lot trying the Z around 3 oclock.

Try to hit NYC as close to 12 as possible for the best chance at limited HEAVY traffic.

BOL,

Greentow wrote:
Have 6 or 7 5'rs going from central Delaware to Mystic CT on 24 June. I keep hearing DO NOt travel the GW or Tappenzee. Will I'm a bit lost. Open to ALL suggestions for our 350 mile jaunt. Some of my travel buddies think that all the roads are at least 12' wide and traffic isn't that heavy. I KNOW BETTER:B So, give me a hand here if you will. The rigs are all 36-38' fifth wheels, most of the TV's are fat hip duallies..

I would go up 95or whatever rt you would take to get to that point at Woodbridge ,NJ then pickup 287 and take it to 87 north to Newburgh,NY....get on 84 and cross on the Newburgh bridge...stay on 84 east past Waterbury,Ct..the take I- 691 to I- 91 to Rt 9 south ....which is a 4 lane hwy that ends at I-95, then go north to Mystic...now this maybe a little longer,but it keeps you on great roads,away from most of the traffic and tie ups.....the tolls are much less..as the NJ Tpke is high , the Tap is high.....the only tolls are the Newburgh bridge and a short section on I-87....in Ct that route takes you along 84,much less trouble than 95 and rt 9 is a super hwy that crosses the state...Chuck

ct1964ups wrote:

Greentow wrote:
Have 6 or 7 5'rs going from central Delaware to Mystic CT on 24 June. I keep hearing DO NOt travel the GW or Tappenzee. Will I'm a bit lost. Open to ALL suggestions for our 350 mile jaunt. Some of my travel buddies think that all the roads are at least 12' wide and traffic isn't that heavy. I KNOW BETTER:B So, give me a hand here if you will. The rigs are all 36-38' fifth wheels, most of the TV's are fat hip duallies..

I would go up 95or whatever rt you would take to get to that point at Woodbridge ,NJ then pickup 287 and take it to 87 north to Newburgh,NY....get on 84 and cross on the Newburgh bridge...stay on 84 east past Waterbury,Ct..the take I- 691 to I- 91 to Rt 9 south ....which is a 4 lane hwy that ends at I-95, then go north to Mystic...now this maybe a little longer,but it keeps you on great roads,away from most of the traffic and tie ups.....the tolls are much less..as the NJ Tpke is high , the Tap is high.....the only tolls are the Newburgh bridge and a short section on I-87....in Ct that route takes you along 84,much less trouble than 95 and rt 9 is a super hwy that crosses the state...Chuck

I second that route. The Danbury and Waterbury areas on I84 will be congested at rush hour times but still better than the Stamford, Bridgeport and New Haven areas on I95.

Just did 287, 87 to 84 last Sunday. I would never use the GWB, any time of day. It is always a******shoot, both with traffic and condition. That being said, 84 in NY and most of CT is starting to fall apart - potholes - sporadic construction.
Still probably the best choice - but don't expect a smooth ride.

Travel safe. Enjoy Mystic.

We drove the coach up from SC the last week of March. The Tappanzee is very easy. I would not suggest going any further out of the way than that. It's just unnecessary. If you can time NYC for the very early morning hours on a weekend (before 6am), I would not hesitate to go over the GWB. Done it before and it's fine.

I honestly think your worst section will be in the New Haven CT area, where the road is undergoing major construction. Very slow, narrow and twisty areas. seems like it's becoming CT's version of the Boston "big dig".....

Avoid GWB at all cost. Tappan Zee is very doable.