Fear of bridges...how do I get from Ct to NJ
 

I’m afraid to drive over bridges. Does anyone know how I can get from Branford, Ct to the NJ turnpike without going over major bridges?

Take either the Lincoln or the Holland tunnel from NYC to the Jersey side. By choosing your route carefully you can limit yourself to the relatively short Henry Hudson bridge or the Third Ave. bridge going from the Bronx to Manhattan, but the latter means going through street traffic to get to the tunnels. Taking the Henry Hudson bridge means going down the West Side highway and using fewer city streets.

Is it the bridge itself or the feeling that you are about to fall off that bothers you? My MIL had a similar fear, but when I drove with her, I would stay in a middle lane so she would feel like she was still on the highway and she was much more relaxed.

I would have more anxiety going through the tunnel, but if you have yo use a bridge, I would probably take the Tappan Zee bridge because it feels wider and lower than the George Washington.

You could also take the Bridgeport ferry to Port Jeff, then the Queens Midtown Tunnel into Manhattan, then the Lincoln or Holland Tunnels.