We're heading up the Hudson River Valley after a few days in NYC. We've been studying the maps and checking Google. Our question is: Is there anyone who lives or works in the area that can help us out regarding the Tappan Zee Bridge crossing? After visiting Kykuit, we want to go the West Point on the most scenic road, which looks to be on the west side of the Hudson. We've read about construction/lane closure affecting the Tappan Zee Bridge. Mid-day, on a weekday, do you think we'll get caught in massive traffic? Is there an alternative route to West Point? We'd appreciate input from anyone familiar with the area. Thanks so much!

I cross the Tappan Zee daily. As long as you cross the bridge before 3pm you shouldn't hit any traffic. Listen to 530 on the am dial it will give you the traffic information for the thruway.

Once you cross the bridge, follow Route 9W.

And, while in that area you should not miss the Storm King Art Center, a wonderful site featuring acres of outdoor sculptures. Do a Google search to give you a far better description of the site than I could!

I crossed it Wednesday at 6:15 PM, East to West. No difficulties. In fact I cross it often in both directions and have never had a delay. The current construction mostly affects the rea departing the bridge westbound, but it is not daunting.

Chef811, HowardR, and Ackislander, thanks to all of you for your helpful info. It makes us feel more comfortable with our itinerary. After visiting Kykuit on Sunday PM, we're staying overnight in Tarrytown, hoping to visit the Washington Irving Museum on Monday AM, heading across the bridge mid-day to visit West Point. We then have three nights around Fishkill, hoping to take in some of the culture highlights up the valley. We appreciate your input.

With three additional days in the area, you'll have ample opportunity to visit many of the sites in the area including the aforementioned Storm King, as well as the Roosevelt home and museum in Hyde Park, Boscobel historic home (which has one the best views of the Hudson River), Cold Spring, etc., etc., etc.

Check out these two websites for more information:

hudsonvalley.org
hvnet.com

Do not miss storm king, especially if the weather is good.

HowardR, we're checking out the links you provided. And jubilada and Howard R, we'll make sure not to miss Storm King. We only hope that there is no storm when we're in the area, as the weather prediction seems a bit on the rainy side.

Should you hit rain, make the FDR museum and home your destination.

Thanks, HowardR! We hope the weather allows us to enjoy both!

Thanks to you Fodorites for your helpful suggestions. We just returned last evening from a wonderful trip. Hopefully, T/R to follow soon. We had no difficulties crossing the Tappan Zee going west. . .waited 'til 10:00 AM. On our return east, we used the Bear Mtn. Bridge. Again, many thanks to all!

Well, you went at the right time!

Having posted a sanguine view of typical traffic earlier in this thread, I was much chagrined to see westbound traffic backed up yesterday PM from the GSP interchange back into Tarrytown. We were going east and had no troubles except avoiding a race between a girl in a Maserati and a boy in a Beemer 325, yes, on the bridge approach.