There's no reason to go over the TZ bridge to get to Vermont. The route from there (I-684 to I-84 through Danbury, Waterbury and Hartford to I-91 through Springfield to I-89) goes through some of the most miserably congested roads on the east coast.
The Northway to Glens Falls and across southern VT is a beautiful ride. Goods are delivered every day in 18 wheelers across the roads you are concerned about. I've driven part of that route (Route 4 from Fairhaven to Whitehall) and some of it is 4 lane divided.If you really don't want to drive on 22A, the option would be to continue up I-87 and take the Cumberland Head Ferry out of Plattsburgh.