Most of you know of my aversion to I-95 (and to interstates in general). So, I'm trying to plan my route north to NJ (Little Ferry to be exact, just east of Passaic), where we are staying with the +1's rents on that Thurs night. It normally takes about 4.5 hours the I-95 way, so I hope to not add on too many more hours going a more western route. I plan to take Route 15 to Harrisburg, then move north and east toward Allentown and beyond. Not being familiar with that area, I'm looking for ideas on roads. I see I-78 (isn't that the awful PA Turnpike???) to I-287, but would like to avoid those. What do you guys recommend (Jerry, Rob and whoever else can help out here)? My route from Little Ferry to Mystic is set. Thanks!

 

I'm enroute Thursday as well and would be interested in a route as well. My stop for the night is Croton-on-hudson, NY (Believe its Route 9 and 129 - north of White Plains.

 

Deb,

If you come straight up on I95 from Arlington to Little Ferry your drive will be about 235 miles and about 4 1/2 hours long. If you go by way of Harrisburg your drive wil be about 302 miles and probably 6 1/2 to 7 hours long.

The Harrisburg route takes you through Pennsylvania and New Jersey via I78. Depending on the time of the day, the New Jersey portion of I78 isn't bad. The PA portion, the famous (infamous PA turnpike) can be awful. I did hear today that there is construction starting this week on I78 (on one of the entrance ramps and the express lanes). I don't think its where you'll be, but it could back the road up and slow it down. At the end of your drive you will be back on I95 for about 11 miles into Little Ferry. Here you will usually run into traffic, how heavy depends on the time of the day. Unfortunately, you probably have to take these 11 miles whichever way you come.

Once you get to Little Ferry you will be about 35 miles due east of my house.

From Little Ferry to Mystic the obvious route is I95 straight up. When you are in Little Ferry you are only a mile or two from the entrance to I95, but you would have to backtrack west to go any other way. Unfortunately, all things being equal, I95 is probably the most congested way to Mystic. If you were in a spot where the alternative wouldn't be quite so inconvenient I would tell you to avoid I95. But because of where you are starting from I95 may be the best choice.

That said, you probably should leave early, no later that 8:00 A.M. on Friday morning to avoid the crush of traffic. Your drive to Mystic (on I95) is only about 135 miles, but you should probably plan on 3 1/2 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. Again, its best to get an early start.

 

Thanks, Rob...I may just do the route the +1 takes to Little Ferry, which is basically all interstate - 295 (BW Parkway) to 895 to 95. Not sure I want to spend all that much more time on the road to go west, especially if I end up on interstates anyway. As for the trip to Mystic, we are going via the Tappan Zee bridge. I forgot which road we are taking to get there, but it isn't 95. Then the Merritt Parkway to wherever we get off for Abbott's Lobster.

 

Thats a better way up to Mystic, but it will take you a little out of your way. Still, you'll enjoy it.

 

We did the 270, 15, 81, etc to Waterbury CT last summer. Too many ruts/[potholes in PA, NY..... Shortest route for me as well (295/895/95 etc) and hey we might stop off in Fallston MD and see my Dad.
Ms. P see/meet you on the Hi-Way?