Parkways?

Not usually a problem outside of NYC. And really not that much of a real problem around NYC either. But there are a few there. Once you know which ones are there usually not a problem getting around them. Example the Merritt Parkway in CT. Use 287 to 684 to 84. Or use I-95.

Many times roads are restricted because they are not suitable for certain large vehicles. i.e....low bridges, narrow lanes, twisty turny, etc. And sometime because they just don't want big noisy vehicles commercial on them.

The more important restrictions to worry about is hazardous material bans. Such as propane through underwater tunnels. And the occasional low bridge. But if you watch the signs usually you'll get plenty of warning.

What's a Parkway?

On Long Island parkways are byways that may have low clearance bridges and overpasses. Other restrictions could include hazardous materials and towing restrictions. I'm not familiar with other areas of the state.

I wouldn't say a hazmat ban is more important than a road with 8'0" bridges, which most NY parkways have. In general, any route with the word "parkway" means stay off of it with the RV. Parkways also do not have route numbers, another way to tell if you shouldn't be on it.

Ones I can remember in and around the NY metro area:

Northern State
Southern State
Cross Island
Sagtikos
Wantagh
Meadowbrook
Interboro
Hutchison River
Cross County
Merritt
Taconic
Palisades

Probably missed one or two...they have really increased the signage in recent years with NO TRUCKS signs. If you find yourself on a parkway in error, pull off to the side ASAP before you get to a low bridge, and wait there for the state guys to come along and write you a ticket and escort you safely off.

There is no hazmat restriction on the parkways, but no towing is allowed, so you will get a ticket if you get caught with a pop up even though you'll make it under the bridges...

korbe wrote:
What's a Parkway?

It's a road that lots of cars get on and park in a long line for about 2 hrs every morning and then again after work.

Burbman, Just as a point for clarification....I was referring to the more important restrictions OUTSIDE of NYC. There are more HIGHWAY restrictions for HAZMATS than for low bridges. Or for restricted parkways for that matter.

K Charles wrote:

korbe wrote:
What's a Parkway?

It's a road that lots of cars get on and park in a long line for about 2 hrs every morning and then again after work.

Oh I thought that way the LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY LOL.

Aren't the NY parkways old limited access roads (hence the lower bridge clearances), built with Tri-borough bridge tolls?

Pasadena (Arroyo) Freeway may date from the same era.

In Chicago, Lake Shore Drive may have similar commercial vehicle restrictions. It also has a system of boulevards, effectively linear parks, that restrict trucks.

But for long distance rural travel, there are few if any roads that limit commercial traffic. National Parks have selective limits. California has maps of roads with length limits (usually 40 ft, some shorter). These are twisty mountain roads.

All I know is in the state of NY they don't want RVs on parkways... Now, the parkway that I'm used to is the Baltimore Washington Parkway and we are allowed on that. So you can't assume that all parkways are verboten.

DO NOT USE ANY PARKWAYS IN NEW YORK STATE!!!! They were built for car traffic ONLY and many do have overpasses as low a 10'. This goes for ALL Parkways all over NYS!