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-   -   Today was the last time I take the New Jersey Turnpike -- Any alternative North/South routes (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/today-was-the-last-time-i-take-the-new-jersey-turnpike-any-alternative-north-south-routes-250811/)

Barbara Aug 18th, 2002 06:06 PM

Today was the last time I take the New Jersey Turnpike -- Any alternative North/South routes
 
We are expatriate New Yorkers, living for years in Maryland, making the trip "home" to NY several times a year. Every single time, the NJ turnpike gets worse. I used to be able to make the trip home from Queens in under 4 hours. Today sealed it for us -- Over 1 hour to get from NJ Turnpike exit 9 south to exit 8 (we gave up after that and took 295 South to Delaware). We are in desperate need of a way to get from NYC through NJ and points south (Maryland Turnpike is also incredibly bogged down). Is there a reasonable way to get from the DC area to the NY area and back, bypassing 95 and other Turnpikes, or are we doomed to turnpike hell.

Daniel Williams Aug 18th, 2002 06:51 PM

It adds up cost-wise but I always took Amtrak from Baltimore to New York City.

Paul Rabe Aug 18th, 2002 07:41 PM

I always take I-295 south of Trenton, which would get you just as well to the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and the traffic on it has ALWAYS been lighter than on the NJT. I can never figure this out, as 295 is free. I started doing so to be a cheapskate, and ended up finding it less crowded.<BR><BR>I agree that I-95 is a nightmare where it meets with 495 and 295, all at the same time, on the south end of Wilmington. I'm not sure there is any faster alternative to I-95 north of Baltimore.

Barbara Aug 19th, 2002 06:14 AM

Do you have any thoughts going southbound from NYC through NJ to avoid the Turnpike where the truck and car lanes merge -- that is the true nightmare -- between exits 9 and 8A going south. Does anyone have a good suggestion driving from NYC through NJ using something other than the turnpike or the garden state?

piker Aug 19th, 2002 07:06 AM

Maybe the key questions arewhat you consider "reasonable" and where exactly you live and are headed.<BR><BR>For instance, let's say you live in No. Va. and visit the Westchester area of NY. You could take 84 west and pick up 15 south near Allentown, Pa., which goes all the way to Va. Just a possibility.

s Aug 19th, 2002 07:31 AM

I don't know if it will be any better but it might be worth a try. Head for Brooklyn and the Verrazano. Take 440 to NJ. Once in NJ go south on rt 9 and then west on rt 33. This will bring you to the Turnpike at exit 8. It is a longer trip but sometimes longer is faster and you avoid the stretch exit 9 to 8. Or you could take 9 to 195 to exit 7a on the NJT. After a short stretch on the NJT you could switch to 295.

Barbara Aug 19th, 2002 08:31 AM

thanks a mil. I was wondering about Rt. 9 -- 9 to 195 to 295 would be the perfect alternative, I think, assuming Rt. 9 is not a nightmare also. What kind of a road is it -- are there stoplights, high traffic areas through towns, or is it pretty much open. I know this is not the most interesting travel discussion, but you cannot imagine what our trip was like over the weekend -- it ruined our weekend. Thanks again.

Jayelle Aug 19th, 2002 08:58 AM

On Rt. 9, from the Sayreville/Old Bridge area (just after you cross the Raritan) all the way down to the junction with I-195 (just south of Freehold/Howell), you will encounter a lot of traffic lights. On a weekend its not that bad, but pretty slow going south on weekday evenings.

Olga H Aug 19th, 2002 09:11 AM

Living in NJ is a challenge when it comes to traffic. Here's an idea for you to avoid the crunch on the Turnpike between exits 8 and 9. From the south - Turnpike to the exit that connects with Route 70 East (it may be exit 6 - check your map). Take Route 70 across the state to Garden State Parkway entrance. (This is only a northbound entrance and will put you on at GSP exit 88.) Now, drive GSP to Turnpike - which is right after you cross the Raritan River. <BR><BR>Route 70 trip should take just under an hour. GSP to Turnpike about 50 minutes. Of course, if you drive during the summer beach season, avoid Sunday evening and Monday morning when heading towards NYC. From NYC, Friday evening and Saturday morning are impossible.<BR><BR>Good Luck!

xxx Aug 19th, 2002 09:19 AM

<BR>Route 70 Exit is Exit 4 off NJT

xxx Aug 19th, 2002 09:21 AM

<BR>it the buuton to fast.<BR>It is exit 4 which is Route 73 towards Berlin Atlantic City<BR>or Exit 34 off 295

suzanne Aug 19th, 2002 03:23 PM

One word:<BR>AMTRAK

amy Aug 19th, 2002 03:30 PM

We've used Rte. 301 N - which was pleasantly quiet - to go from MD (we live south of DC) - to NY. We miss a lot of the stuff around Baltimore/95N that way, but... if its a Friday when everyone is headed to the beaches, you'll hit Bay Bridge traffic, so its probably a wash there. Good Luck!

Barbara Aug 20th, 2002 04:52 AM

thanks again. will definitely experiment with the various routes. to those who suggested amtrak, we have consider briefly, but for 4 people, its a mighty stiff price for a weekend jaunt. and I believe, unless you take the metroliner (or the doomed acela) -- and do they even run on the weekends? -- you can't reserve a seat, so you may well be left standing for 4 hours. In my view, train or plane are not a viable option for a family to travel to NY unless funds are unlimited.

suzanne Aug 20th, 2002 09:38 AM

Barbara - <BR>Ahh...did not know you had 4 people. <BR>Yes, Amtrak can be costly, but is well worth it for 1 or 2 people. I've used it to get from NYC to Philly, Baltimore, and DC many times...even when I had a car. It DOES run on weekends - at least 1 train per hour - and you CAN reserve a spot on some of the trains. Tickets for all of the trains can be bought ahead of time at amtrak.com. You can save $100 or more by taking the Acela regional rather than the express (it doesn't take much longer).

tt Aug 20th, 2002 10:09 AM

Topped for other poster.

Xyankee Aug 20th, 2002 11:12 AM

Barbara -<BR>You should get on I-95 south and just keep going until you get to Nc, Sc or GA and just stay there. I did and don't regret it at all.

xx Aug 20th, 2002 11:25 AM

From NoVa, I used to take the following route to NYC - it is longer than the turnpike, but the scenery is better and there is less traffic:<BR> <BR>Starting in Frederick, MD (I-270)<BR>Get on Rt 15 North to Gettysburg<BR>Take Rt 581E toward I-83N (Harrisburg)<BR>Take I-78 toward Allentown (you might have to get on I-81 first)<BR>Take 78 E until you get to NY<BR> <BR>I know those are a little vague, but I'm sure you can fine tune them to suit your purposes. <BR><BR>

Philly Aug 20th, 2002 11:29 AM

NEVER take I-05 through Philly unless you are from there and know what it's doing. Also, avoid it during rush hour between Phila. and Wilmington.

Philly Aug 20th, 2002 11:30 AM

That is, of course, "I-95" !! (not I-05)


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