Sealygal

My family and I will be on the East coast the first part of October. We will need to drive from Kulpsville, PA (near Philadelphia) to Pawtucket, RI (near Providence) on Monday morning. We need to be in Pawtucket no later than 2:00 pm. We are figuring it will take us about 6 hours?

We are unfamiliar with how the traffic will be in the morning. We would like to be able to avoid any New York commuter traffic. What do you recommend for the best route and the least amount of traffic. Unfortunately we will not have time to sight see along the way because we must be there by 2:00.

Any suggestions will be most appreciated!
Sealygal

djkbooks

You'll probably be just fine taking the NJ Turnpike then over the GW Bridge to I-95. With no unusual traffic/construction slow-downs, it will take you under FIVE hours. Regardless, alternate routes would likely not be beneficial. The most direct route is usually best.

eznmomma

I would suggest you leave 95 in New York and use the Tappan Zee Bridge. Unless you travel in the middle of the night I would never trust New York City traffic. Route 95 in New York goes through the city and the Bronx. No need. The Tappan Zee is easy to use and less stressful.

bluestructure

It should take about 6 hours drive. It takes me 8 hours to do the drive from Baltimore and I drive pretty fast and non-stop. I take it your going during the week since you inquired about morning traffic. Ive only done the trip early in the morning and going thru NYC around 4am. I sugguest sticking to I-95 and GW bridge and good luck with pot holes and crappy roads when your in the city. 8-) Watch those CT drivers, they are fast!

Sealygal

A few questions... what is the GW bridge? The Tappan Zee bridge is different? Sorry, not familiar with the area.

We had planned on leaving around 8am. We would just like to avoid the traffic and confusion and get there in one piece. It is unfortunate that we don't have more time to sight see, but we have an appointment in the afternoon.

Thank you for all your help.

gc

Sealygal...do get a map, don't just use this board...

The GW crosses the Hudson into upper Manhattan, somewhere into the 100's, then crosses Manhattan and eventually gets you to the Cross Bronx Expressway and on to New England. Tha Tappan Zee crosses the Hudson north of NYC. Tappan Zee is far less stressful ans far more picturesque.

gc

Geeze...if I could type I'd be dangerous...8^)

HowardR

The Tappan Zee Bridge is definitely preferable to the George Washington Bridge at the time you'll be in that area. Once on the New Jersey Turnpike, you'll continue on to Exit 11 for the Garden State Parkway North. Continue on the GSP to the Tappan Zee Bridge and follow Route 287 to Exit 9 for the Merritt Parkway East. Continue of the Merritt to Exit 55 in Milford and take Route 95 North all the way to Rhode Island.
It should take you between 5 1/2 and 6 hours.

Sealygal

Yes, of course a map is definately a must. I chuckle because my husband will be doing the driving. He will have used his "Map Software Program" to map this out, and of course, as usual, we will get lost! *smile* Those programs are worse than not having directions at all!

So I thought I would do a little homework ahead of time. I thank you all for your help!
Sealygal

AHaugeto

I'll second HowardR's advice - TZ bridge to the Merritt Pkwy is a good idea, BUT 2 things: listen to 880 AM when you get within 1/2 hour of the city as they have traffic news every 10 minutes, and since the Merritt is only a (very fast) 2-lane road if there's an accident take 95 instead. 2) Make sure you have plenty of gas before you hit the TZ and the Merritt- the Merritt is very fast and curvy (traffic typically does 75 or so) and the on-ramps come from a dead stop - a bit dangerous, and can be a nasty surprise if there's traffic. But get a good map and all will be fine. Have a safe drive, and don't hog the left hand lane - remember, that's for passing only