What times are traffic unmanageable in the Hartford area on a Friday morning? I need to get from about Danbury to northern Mass and usually take 84 to 91.
I've done this drive on weekends only so I have no idea how bad the traffic might be. Any good work arounds that don't involve going too far out of the way?

nyer,
Around what time will you be traveling?
The traffic on 84E is usually heavy from 7:30-8:30. I hop on it at exit 43 in West Hartford, so I don't know what is is like before that. But I never sit in traffic for more than a few minutes - it moves, but slowly. Once you get on 91N, you are headed away from the city so traffic should not be bad. But, there is some construction on 91N (repaving) and I do not know what that starts on a weekday morning. Unfortunately, I don't think there is a viable workaround that would save you any time during normal rush hour traffic, although it might if there was a major traffic problem.

Other considerations - what date are you traveling? In the summer, Friday morning traffic is typically light. Where in MA are you going? If it is west of Springfield, you can take 84 to Waterbury, then take Rt. 8 North to the Mass Pike (I-90). This could take longer though if your destination is not the western part of MA.

Connecticut DOT has a website that has traffic cams for the major highways. http://tinyurl.com/zfcwu

janewb, I'm headed toward Deerfield (and later on to Vermont) so I-91 makes the most sense.
I know that in the NYC area "rush hour" can actually go on for 2-3 hours or more, so I was curious if traffic starts to thin out by 9am or so. Sounds like you're saying that's true?

I have some flexibility on time (I'm not catching a plane or anything) so if it makes much more sense to wait it out a little longer, I can

Correct - it is nothing like NYC. I would allow a little extra time if is raining. I would also check on the I91 construction if you planning on going later in the morning.

thanks,janewb, especially for the tip on the construction. I never come across it on weekends.