Northern NJ to Boston Drive
 

Friday's at 5PM I commute from northern NJ to Boston. My route is Garden State Pkwy-NY thruway(287)-over Tappan Zee Bridge-Saw Mill Pkwy-684-84-MA Pike. This was fine until a few weeks ago. 84 from 684 to Hartford has become bad. I've been avoiding the Merritt Pkwy because I assume that traffic coming out of NYC is pretty bad.

Is there a reason why 84 has become difficult? Does anyone have an alternative route?

They are doing major re-construction in Waterbury to fix the drainage issue that they created the first time they did the construction. Unfortunately, you are correct that its generally the better idea. The only thing I can suggest and I don't know if its feasible is a different time. 5pm on Fridays is difficult anywhere due to travel.

Thanks. It does improve after Waterbury.

I have been driving this route for 35 years to one New England destination or another - and more recently to southern locations with college-age kids.

I am not exaggerating when I say that there has been construction, delays and all sorts of nonsense on 84 during all of these 35 years. Fridays heading north have always been bad, as are Sundays heading south - especially in summer.

Not being political - just practical - part of the Economic Stiumlus Act is that there has been an acceleration of many highway projects on roads of all levels and jurisdictions.

Have not found a better route than the one you use and not even sure hopping off the highway and trying to find secondary roads would be better.

Thanks Gail. Heading south on Sundays, the Merritt has been pretty good. So, heading north on Fridays, and as bad as 84 is, it's still better the the Merritt or 95?

Hi Henry--

Are you still making the Boston - NNJ commute on Sundays? I'm a current grad student and looking to make that trip tomorrow. I'm happy to chip in for gas / tolls if you are, and willing to take a divinity student.
310 880 2479
Josh

I always take the Merritt north and south. There will be lots of traffic, but if you leave Jersey at 5ish, you will be at the Merritt when? 6? Much of the commuter traffic seems to originate from the MetroNorth stations rather than coming all the way from Manhattan so it may not be as bad as expected, except, of course, for next weekend.

What if you atee dinner before leaving or on the way, getting back on the road around 7? Your overall travel time might not be that different.

OP left in June 2010 - even with heavy trafic would be there by now

gail--:))

Or maybe he's Lost in Yonkers?