Directions to NJMP

[SEISAN]

Have checked mapquest and found several routes to NJ. One route has 6 1/2 hours over GW bridge. Last year followed and took longer. What is the best or easiest route to get to NJ.

Is anybody leaving Sunday morning and caravaning.

Thanks,
Bob

[jeffw]

This is my truck route that's worked pretty well for me:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=206 ... 4,0.445976

It's basically 90 to 84 to 684 to 287 to 95 to 195 to 295 to 42 to 55 to 47

Taking 287 the whole way around is longer, but almost never traffic. Gettting onto 295 also helps traffic-wise, and makes for an easier transition onto 42/55

[SEISAN]

Thanks Jeff,

Appox how long does it take you.

Bob

[joncowen]

Are there any roads offlimits to vehicles with trailers? This will be my first time trailering down this way.

[Chrispy]

Are there any roads offlimits to vehicles with trailers? This will be my first time trailering down this way.

Stay off the parkways if you have a full size trailer, bus or freightliner. Little tire trailers would be ok I imagine.

[John F]

I expect to reach the GW bridge at about 1 to 2 PM, so it shouldn't be too bad on a Sunday. They are doing roadwork week nights but nothing shows for Sundays. I will check before I leave.
http://www.panynj.gov/alerts-advisories/advisories.html

[dinoracer]

Are there any roads offlimits to vehicles with trailers? This will be my first time trailering down this way.

Stay off the parkways if you have a full size trailer, bus or freightliner. Little tire trailers would be ok I imagine.

I always take the Tappen-zee if I'm pulling the trailer. The Cross-Bronx with a trailer is not a good combo. Past that going north, I've gone both 84 and 95 - 84 if it's anywhere near a rush hour, 95 otherwise, I think the time and miles are about the same.

I've also towed the trailer on the Garden State parkway no problem. They have cars and trailers on the toll both menu, and they've never said I shouldn't be there. Although when paying cash I've got about a 50% success rate in getting t the booth and they say "one dollar", not even noticing the trailer....

[Chrispy]

Yeah the Garden State Parkway is fine for anything except semi-trailers, it is the New York and Connecticut parkways you need to avoid as they have low clearance. I would also vote for the Tappen Zee vs the GW if towing a trailer, the lead up through the Bronx is pretty perilous should you get a trailer flat, plus traffic is a crap shoot even on a seemingly off time of day. The Sawmill parkway is a nice option if you aren't towing anything, low traffic and scenic. It dumps you onto the NW end of Manhattan and you follow the Henry Hudson down to the GW, but follow the signs closely as the way onto the bridge is not obvious.

[jeffw]

Are there any roads offlimits to vehicles with trailers? This will be my first time trailering down this way.

My route is totally truck/trailer safe. I have a 40' box truck and often tow a trailer.

[CP]

What's the thinking behind getting off of the NJ Turnpike (I95) and onto 195/295 somewhere in mid-Jersey? I'm heading down there next month and this is the one drive per season that I truly hate...being anywhere in NJ for that matter.

[jeffw]

Thanks Jeff,

Appox how long does it take you.

Bob

Best has been 6 hours. Usually 6.5-7.

[jeffw]

What's the thinking behind getting off of the NJ Turnpike (I95) and onto 195/295 somewhere in mid-Jersey? I'm heading down there next month and this is the one drive per season that I truly hate...being anywhere in NJ for that matter.

It's usually faster moving, especially as you get closer to the south. Jeff Baker suggested it one time and said it's his standard route.

It also makes it easier to get onto the 42/47/55 series that takes you to the track. You can't get there directly from the turnpike, but you can from 295.

It's not much out of the way, but has been free flowing the 4 times I've used that route...

Also, less tolls

[Chrispy]

Less tolls and more lanes The TP funnels down to 2 lanes in the lower section where as 295 is 3 lanes.

[paultg]

I'll offer up one suggestion too as I travel to Somerville NJ (08876) off 287 a few times a year. From NH I take RT93 to Rt495 to MA Pike to Rt84 to Rt87 (NY Thruway) to RT 287 (skip the GW and the Tappanzee bridge all together). I think the distance is a bit longer then taking the Rt84 to RT684 to Saw Mill Parkway to RT287/Tappanzee, but depending on when you go I find it doesn't take any additional time.

Plus you go right by OCC in NY and can see the building when you get on/off RT87.

Paul G.

[Dtangard]

Does anyone have extra space or a trailer they aren't going to be using so I don't have to suffer in my miata for the ride down there?


I know its a little late to ask....