Looking for smoothest way around NYC from RI to MD

[Retired_Sailor]

We'll be traveling south from Newport, RI to Wash DC area and would like to bypass NYC as much as possible. The Tappan zee Bridge looks much better than GW but what's the best way to get to it and where do we go after we cross it. I've heard about low bridges on the Garden State Pkwy. I've searched the forums but see mostly northbound routing and advice.

[Tvov]

I just traveled I95 in the eastern part of Connecticut... road condition is not great. Doesn't it seem like they JUST paved it??

[gbopp]

Another option would be to get on I-84 and take it west to Scranton, PA.
Then take I-81 south to Harrisburg, pick up I-83 south to the Baltimore/DC area.
It is about 100 miles farther but, you bypass NYC and Philadelphia completely.
It's the route we take from the Harrisburg, PA area to Bangor, ME.
Maybe it's not the best option but is another option.
Enjoy your trip.

[esyers]

Depending on my destination, I would take US-301 in Delaware and follow that around when it joins US-50 and take it right to the Washington Beltway.

[Retired_Sailor]

Thanks. I was very concerned about the GSP and really appreciate the help.

[CloudDriver]

X2 on what esyers said.

The "low" bridges on the parkway are arched and only low on the shoulders. They are well signed.

The Tappan Zee is toll free in the direction you are going. If you want to avoid the Parkway tolls, you can take I287 to join with the Turnpike. It's a few miles longer though. Avoid the rush hours on either the Parkway or I287, traffic can be awful.

Vehicles with propane, including RVs, are forbidden from the tunnel on I95 in Baltimore. You need to go around on I695.

[esyers]

I live in NJ and travel to RI a bit. I would take I-95 and follow the signs for the Tappan Zee Bridge. You'll come off 95 right at the CT/NY border. Stay on I-287 and across the Tappan Zee Bridge and look for the Garden State Parkway. Unless you are well over 13 feet you won't have any trouble with the GSP.

Take the Garden State down to about Exit 129, I'm not sure of the number but the NJ Turnpike is clearly marked with signs.

The Turnpike is I-95 at that point. Just stay on the Turnpike all the way down and over the Delaware Memorial Bridge into Delaware. From that point, it depends on where you're going in Maryland.

If you have EZ-Pass it will save you a little time with the tolls.

Give a yell if I can add any more and have a great trip.

I would avoid the GW Bridge if at all possible.