Connecticut Highway 1. Should we do it?
 

On May 16, 2015, we will drive from New York City to Newport, Rhode Island. We have driven I-95 several times, and we are curious if it would be enjoyable to drive at least part of the way on Highway 1 and Highway 156 in Connecticut. If so, which stretches of these highways is most scenic?

HTtY

That is a hard choice, if there is a backup I'd get off and at least have a place to get a cup of coffee. There are small areas where 1 has pretty views, but mostly it is strip malls and stop lights. 156 also does have some places that are interesting but mostly is not. Like most of the coast in the northeast, you have to drive on the tiny local roads to see the pretty places, because the coast is not straight and to really drive along it would add hundreds of miles, the hwys are built to go inland a bit.

For pretty, take the Hutchinson/Merritt (sp?) Parkway to New Haven.

Well, you might go 95 to Branford and take the Goose Lane exit. Go east from there and take in the small, pretty town of Madison. Go east till you can't take it any more. Old Saybrook would be nice. And Stonington. New London? Check your maps

U.S. 1 is a gawd-awful drive if you have to drive it because you are a local. I cannot imagine driving in stop and go traffic, lights, etc.

The Hutch/Merritt is a good suggestion, although it can be a bit intimidating as the road has no shoulders and the underpasses have little to no space beyond the lane.

Meant to include thatHutch/Merritt is only 2 lanes in each direction but has no Commercial vehicles, which makes it nicer.

I have always loved the Merrit, but it has become much less an enjoyable ride due to long stretches of narrow jersey barriers

Jersey barriers??

yes, long stretches

Thanks for the feedback. I now understand that Highway 1 in Connecticut is not much like Highway 1 in California.

HTtY

HTTY,

You might want to get off 95 at exit 89, go right at the end of the exit then left a mile or so down when you get to rt 1. Drive through Mystic, stop and get an ice cream, sit on one of the benches along the river and watch the bridge go up and let boats through. Continue east on 1 and drive through Stonington Burough for a look at some nice old homes and have a meal.

Part of the problem with the rt 1 trip in CT is also that on crossing several of the rivers 1 and 95 are together because the bridges have to be so high to let the ships go up the river.

If you continue east on 1 past Stonington into RI, the first town you go through is Westerly, a bit confusing as to where 1 actually goes, but once through Westerly center the route becomes 2 lanes in each direction and there is access to all kinds of beach towns and a couple of state parks/wild life areas. From the Point Judith area I prefer taking 1A to 138 to get to the Newport Bridge. Do stop in Jamestown Island, just before the Newport Bridge and go out to Beavertail State Parks for great views of Naraganset Bay and Newport.

Thanks for this very specific information.

Stonington is a beautiful town. I remember having lunch there in the 1980s with friends who were living in East Haddam at the time.

HTtY

I agree with the Mystic / Stonington section of Route 1 and into Rhode Island. Its definitely the most scenic section of the road in CT with the rest being strip malls, etc. If you would like a stop for a beer, two of the best micro-breweries in the area are right on Route 1 (or on side roads off of), look up Beer'd Brewing (Stonington) and Grey Sail Brewing (Westerly)

You made me thirsty.

HTtY