We would welcome any thoughts and advice on the best routing for our trip - our first with a truck. Next Saturday we will be driving from Wilmington, NC to Providence. We will have a 12 ft. Penske rental truck as well as an automobile. We are aware that trucks can not drive on the Garden State Parkway. In the past, we've found the TappanZee Bridge to be a better option than the GW. The usual resources we use for mapping (google, AAA) do not have a truck option. Please help us out. It's likely we'll have to take 2 days for the drive as there are 3 of us with 2 vehicles. Thanks.
For New Jersey, you could opt to take the Turnpike, which does allow trucks the entire length. If you're planning on taking I-95 most of the way watch out for the gap in New Jersey, where you will need to take I-295 SOUTH to I-195 EAST to Exit 7 to get back on the Turnpike. Yes, this way is convoluted, but if you're looking for a direct route I would recommend it. If you want to get directly on the Turnpike and bypass Philadelphia, you can take I-295 / US 40 into New Jersey instead of taking I-95 through Philadelphia.
Here's what I got from Google Maps, and from what I can tell it's probably the best route, and I'm fairly certain there would be no truck restrictions in NY (that I can remember), but in any case there are other members here who can probably help with the other states.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Wilmington/Providence/@40.4095173,-74.8740654,8z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89a9f5a20debaed5:0x5e66493884093032!2m2!1d-77.9447102!2d34.2257255!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e444e0437e735d:0x69df7c4d48b3b627!2m2!1d-71.4128343!2d41.8239891!3e0
Quote from: LisaW on May 04, 2014, 05:27:11 PM
We would welcome any thoughts and advice on the best routing for our trip - our first with a truck. Next Saturday we will be driving from Wilmington, NC to Providence. We will have a 12 ft. Penske rental truck as well as an automobile. We are aware that trucks can not drive on the Garden State Parkway. In the past, we've found the TappanZee Bridge to be a better option than the GW. The usual resources we use for mapping (google, AAA) do not have a truck option. Please help us out. It's likely we'll have to take 2 days for the drive as there are 3 of us with 2 vehicles. Thanks.
If at all possible, have E-ZPass transponders for all vehicles, which will save you time.
Going through Petersburg and Richmond, use I-295, a much better road than I-95, but watch out for predatory speed limit enforcement on I-295 in the vicinity of Hopewell.
If you are taking I-95 from North Carolina to Delaware, be aware that some programs will route you through the District of Columbia on I-395, I-695, D.C. 295 and Md. 201 to the Baltimore Washington Parkway (or, even worse, if the mapping files are not current, by way of roads that no longer exist in D.C.).
Going though D.C. is almost always a bad alternative - regardless of what the GPS says - stay on I-95 (Capital Beltway) around Washington.
In addition to the Garden State Parkway, trucks over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight are not permitted on the federal part of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (sometimes marked as Md. 295).
Going through Baltimore, unless the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel is running all traffic in one tube late at night (dynamic message signs will display "2 WAY OPERATION"), I-895 has less traffic (and the toll is the same) as I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel).
The Verizon Wireless VZNavigator program (available for most Verizon smartphones) does have a truck opinion
Quote from: Zeffy on May 04, 2014, 05:35:49 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Wilmington/Providence/@40.4095173,-74.8740654,8z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89a9f5a20debaed5:0x5e66493884093032!2m2!1d-77.9447102!2d34.2257255!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e444e0437e735d:0x69df7c4d48b3b627!2m2!1d-71.4128343!2d41.8239891!3e0
FTFY:
https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Wilmington&daddr=37.3043162,-77.3371249+to:38.8221549,-76.8868725+to:39.0338959,-76.9419669+to:39.2287465,-76.6316349+to:40.5391161,-74.3856792+to:40.5775145,-74.5703534+to:Providence&hl=en&ll=41.647775,-71.474304&spn=0.309393,0.617294&sll=40.569111,-74.30603&sspn=0.314518,0.617294&geocode=FT0-CgIdeqha-ynVrusNovWpiTEyMAmEOElmXg%3BFfw3OQId3O1j-yntzqqfgwexiTEp9SluYfs6Aw%3BFQphUAIdqMxq-ylFd2A8JLy3iTEnZNVFUgWajA%3BFSecUwIdcvVp-yn9FJx8YMS3iTFFUD8WHpD7tg%3BFUqVVgIdrrFu-ykhgKMGyALIiTFIl8KCTHb8Qg%3BFeyTagId8faQ-yn5SHzW4LfDiTHMVwMtHSYjSQ%3BFeopawIdjyWO-ymheXsslb_DiTF2YxkcPgfF5A%3BFfUufgIdnlO--yldc35D4ETkiTEntrNITXzfaQ&mra=dpe&mrsp=5&sz=11&via=1,2,3,4,5,6&t=m&z=11 (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Wilmington&daddr=37.3043162,-77.3371249+to:38.8221549,-76.8868725+to:39.0338959,-76.9419669+to:39.2287465,-76.6316349+to:40.5391161,-74.3856792+to:40.5775145,-74.5703534+to:Providence&hl=en&ll=41.647775,-71.474304&spn=0.309393,0.617294&sll=40.569111,-74.30603&sspn=0.314518,0.617294&geocode=FT0-CgIdeqha-ynVrusNovWpiTEyMAmEOElmXg%3BFfw3OQId3O1j-yntzqqfgwexiTEp9SluYfs6Aw%3BFQphUAIdqMxq-ylFd2A8JLy3iTEnZNVFUgWajA%3BFSecUwIdcvVp-yn9FJx8YMS3iTFFUD8WHpD7tg%3BFUqVVgIdrrFu-ykhgKMGyALIiTFIl8KCTHb8Qg%3BFeyTagId8faQ-yn5SHzW4LfDiTHMVwMtHSYjSQ%3BFeopawIdjyWO-ymheXsslb_DiTF2YxkcPgfF5A%3BFfUufgIdnlO--yldc35D4ETkiTEntrNITXzfaQ&mra=dpe&mrsp=5&sz=11&via=1,2,3,4,5,6&t=m&z=11)
Is a 12 foot Penske considered a truck? It's a van chassis with only two axles. When I've driven that type of vehicle, I've never driven the "truck" speed limit and that hasn't been a problem for me.
Plenty of people have pickups that would have a higher GVWR than a 12 foot Penske
If it's the bigger Penske on an International chassis, that's probably a truck, but an Econoline based 12 foot van at least in my experience isn't a truck, though maybe the GSP thinks differently.
Quote from: corco on May 04, 2014, 05:50:02 PM
Is a 12 foot Penske considered a truck? It's a van chassis with only two axles. When I've driven that type of vehicle, I've never driven the "truck" speed limit and that hasn't been a problem for me.
Plenty of people have pickups that would have a higher GVWR than a 12 foot Penske
Depends on the gross vehicle weight. If it is over 10,000 pounds, then it becomes a commercial vehicle as far as Maryland is concerned (and as far as the U.S. Park Police are concerned on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, though the driver of a rental truck is not likely to get treated as harshly by the USPP as someone driving a tractor trailer on the Parkway, which happens somewhat frequently due to (mis)use of GPS).
Quote from: corco on May 04, 2014, 05:50:02 PM
If it's the bigger Penske on an International chassis, that's probably a truck, but an Econoline based 12 foot van at least in my experience isn't a truck, though maybe the GSP thinks differently.
In theory, no trucks on the GSP over 7,000 pounds GVW north of Exit 105 (south of Exit 105, trucks, including tractor-trailer combinations, are permitted). I have driven my truck on it many times north of Exit 129 (N.J. Turnpike) (registered GVW 10,000, VIN plate GVW 8,600) and never had any problems.
I would be cautious about using an E-ZPass registered for a car in a truck. Some toll facilities treat rental trucks differently than others. I got charged a higher toll when I drove a Penske truck over the Verrazano than my brother did in his Honda Civic the same day, which leads me to conclude that there would potentially be trouble using my regular E-ZPass (which I didn't have back then).
If you want to avoid the GW Bridge, one possibility in Jersey might be to take I-280 to I-287 up to the Thruway. It's a bit out of the way, sure, but it's less out of the way than I-287 the whole way and it avoids the Parkway issue.
When I drove that Penske truck from Brooklyn to Virginia I used I-295 in New Jersey just because it had less traffic than the Turnpike. Nowadays I probably wouldn't do that due to the construction at the interchange with I-76.
BTW, I do not remember which size truck I was driving because it was about thirteen years ago.
Depending on how familiar the driver of the truck will be with driving said size of truck, I wonder if it might not be better to take some flavor of US 17 to the Hampton Roads area, and then across the CBBT and up US 13 and DE 1 to get to the Delaware Memorial Bridge? This would avoid I-95 and the Richmond/Fredericksburg/DC/Baltimore area.
Quote from: hbelkins on May 04, 2014, 07:21:13 PM
Depending on how familiar the driver of the truck will be with driving said size of truck, I wonder if it might not be better to take some flavor of US 17 to the Hampton Roads area, and then across the CBBT and up US 13 and DE 1 to get to the Delaware Memorial Bridge? This would avoid I-95 and the Richmond/Fredericksburg/DC/Baltimore area.
I thought about suggesting that to LisaW, but then figured no, because of the many signalized intersections along that route (and I realize that a fair number can be avoided in the Hampton Roads area) - and some drivers might not find the CBBT as enjoyable as many of the regulars in this forum.
Thanks to you all! I will look at each map and consider all suggestions. I so appreciate your help!
Taking 287 all the way around through NJ adds too much distance to be worth it. Don't fault you for wanting to use the Tappan Zee, but your best options for doing that don't allow trucks.
That said, you do want to avoid the Cross Bronx, so once you get over the GW, take I-87 north to I-287 east back to I-95.
Also note that trucks are required to use the outer roadway of the NJ Turnpike, and the upper level of the George Washington Bridge.
Quote from: corco on May 04, 2014, 05:50:02 PM
Is a 12 foot Penske considered a truck?
Parkway restrictions in NY and CT (probably also NJ) depend on registration type. If the vehicle has a commercial plates (as any form of rental truck will), it is not welcome on parkways, period. And, also with said parkways in mind, the physical limitation is more vehicle height than vehicle weight. A rental truck may not fit under some of the overpasses on those roads.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on May 04, 2014, 07:24:23 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on May 04, 2014, 07:21:13 PM
Depending on how familiar the driver of the truck will be with driving said size of truck, I wonder if it might not be better to take some flavor of US 17 to the Hampton Roads area, and then across the CBBT and up US 13 and DE 1 to get to the Delaware Memorial Bridge? This would avoid I-95 and the Richmond/Fredericksburg/DC/Baltimore area.
I thought about suggesting that to LisaW, but then figured no, because of the many signalized intersections along that route (and I realize that a fair number can be avoided in the Hampton Roads area) - and some drivers might not find the CBBT as enjoyable as many of the regulars in this forum.
There aren't that many -- and if I'm driving a big, unfamiliar vehicle, I'd rather drive that route than have to deal with all the traffic at highway speeds on I-95.
It is truly amazing at the amount of mis-information that goes around about the truck restriction on the Parkway. Simply by looking at the Parkways' toll rate schedule: http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/documents/Parkway%20toll%20rates%20as%20of%20Jan%202012.pdf , one will note at the bottom that the restriction applies to trucks registered at 10,000 lbs or more - 6 tires or 3 axles.
The normal 12' Penske truck is 2 axles, 4 wheels. And most likely, doesn't weigh 10,000 lbs either. Call to confirm your exact truck's specs, just in case. But other than something unusual, the truck you want to rent IS permitted on the full length of the Parkway.
Note: Trucks that are on the Parkway north of Interchange 105 would be charged normal truck rates at the toll plazas if they go thru them. It's up to the police to stop them, not the toll collectors.
As for EZ Pass: My experience is - use a normal EZ Pass. Since it's just 2 axles, the EZ Pass transponder may just charge the car rate. If the system flags the vehicle, EZ Pass would most likely make the internal adjustment to a small truck toll.
A 12' truck isn't much larger than a large SUV. I wouldn't fear driving such a truck on any roadway I've never been on...assuming you're comfortable with such roads (I-95 thru NYC can be a bit hairy for anyone who's never driven on it!).
With an SUV, you usually have a rear window, side windows and a rearview mirror mounted on the windshield for visibility. With a box truck, you don't have the rear window and have to rely on the side-mounted mirrors for merging into traffic and for lane changes.
Quote from: hbelkins on May 05, 2014, 11:34:52 AM
With an SUV, you usually have a rear window, side windows and a rearview mirror mounted on the windshield for visibility. With a box truck, you don't have the rear window and have to rely on the side-mounted mirrors for merging into traffic and for lane changes.
Not to mention the fact that there's
no SUV in the market that I'm aware of that has a 12'
height; as an example a 4x4 version of the Ford Expedition has a height of just over 78 inches (6.5 feet).
As Duke87 mentioned earlier, truck prohibitions on certain highways aren't just because of vehicle weights but rather vehicle
heights; due to low overpass clearances.
IIRC, some of the arched overpasses along the GSP have 13' clearances (over the far left & right lanes). That's cutting it a tad close for a box truck w/a 12' clearance.
If traffic were enough of a concern to prompt someone to choose the CBBT over navigating through the Washington area...wouldn't that someone be wise to consider avoiding the New York metro area as well?
On my longer distance drives, if I can't time my passage through New York appropriately to minimize traffic, and/or if I'm looking for a lower-stress drive, I'll use 84 and 81 to keep my distance from metro New York.
It is almost always longer to go that way, and 81 can be a bit of a slog (and I'll admit that I haven't traveled 81 recently enough to know what joys PennDOT currently has in store for the wayward traveler there), but New York City and the southern half of the Connecticut Turnpike can drive up some drivers' blood pressure.
Or, if you are unfamiliar with metro New York and want to stick to the more direct path....remember that there's no shame in camping out at a service area for a couple of hours for traffic to improve, and that a skilled navigator armed with a good map showing real-time traffic information is worth his/her weight in gold.
(That last statement is true for any long-distance trip on 95 through the megalopolis.)
I really appreciate the continued discussion. We are weighing all the options and it's so helpful that you all are continuing to offer advice. We have done truck drives before to/from NC and VA, but always on an "inland" route. This is our first trek from Wilmington. Thanks everyone!
Another option would be to:
1. Once in the Greater Baltimore area take I-695 West (Baltimore Beltway) from I-95 (and bypass the harbor toll crossings) to pick I-83 North.
2. Take that to I-81 North near Harrisburg.
3. Then pick up I-78 East and follow that to I-287 North.
4. Follow I-287 North to the NYS Thruway (I-87 South/I-287 East) and take the Tappan Zee Bridge.
5. After crossing the Hudson (via the Tappan Zee) and follow I-287 East (it splits off from the Thruway & I-87) and follow to I-95 North.
Quote
Not to mention the fact that there's no SUV in the market that I'm aware of that has a 12' height; as an example a 4x4 version of the Ford Expedition has a height of just over 78 inches (6.5 feet)...IIRC, some of the arched overpasses along the GSP have 13' clearances (over the far left & right lanes). That's cutting it a tad close for a box truck w/a 12' clearance.
The 12' Penske truck isn't 12' high...it refers to the length of the interior. The actual height of this particular truck isn't more than 10 feet.
As for the GSP, there are no height restrictions pertaining to vehicles, which means the minimum height is 13' 6". Large buses use the GSP all the time and there isn't a problem.
This truck is perfectly fine on the GSP.
(If you want an example of cutting it close: The shoulder lane in the Aljo curve on 295 South in NJ is rated 13' 7". And it's open to all trucks, many of which have a 13' 6" clearance. Let me tell you...THAT is cutting it close!!!)
If you wanted a different route, avoiding the cities, US301 could work, adds distance but avoids the cities
Regarding earlier discussion on the CBBT and Delmarva, that routing works best of one's originating from Hampton Roads, or northeastern NC east of roughly US 258. Otherwise (and including from Wilmington), the I-95 corridor is generally better, even if busier.
Regarding the Cross Bronx, I'd do a traffic check to make that call. I've had a fair number of occasions where there wasn't an issue (or just a minimal issue) taking the Cross Bronx.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/trucks_nycarea_parkways.pdf
"Some bridges on the parkway system have posted vertical clearances as low as 6'11" ."
Quote from: SteveG1988 on May 05, 2014, 09:25:26 PM
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/trucks_nycarea_parkways.pdf
"Some bridges on the parkway system have posted vertical clearances as low as 6'11" ."
But in this case, presumably they would be transiting New York State City by way of I-95, I-87 and I-287 (or some combination of same), which would not include any travel on any part of the Parkway network.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on May 05, 2014, 09:48:15 PM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on May 05, 2014, 09:25:26 PM
"Some bridges on the parkway system have posted vertical clearances as low as 6'11" ."
But in this case, presumably they would be transiting New York State City by way of I-95, I-87 and I-287 (or some combination of same), which would not include any travel on any part of the Parkway network.
Yes, but the point is to stress that parkways may NOT be used as an alternate route for ANY reason. Even back in the days before GPS navigation, you would still see trucks getting stuck on them, driven by people unfamiliar with the road who ignored the no trucks sign thinking all they were doing was risking a ticket. Especially when there was nasty traffic or a closure on I-95.
In general, make sure you ask the rental place what the exact height of the truck is, and remember to pay attention to those bridge clearance signs you're probably used to ignoring.
Quote from: SteveG1988 on May 05, 2014, 09:25:26 PM
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/trucks_nycarea_parkways.pdf
"Some bridges on the parkway system have posted vertical clearances as low as 6'11" ."
I would imagine that height is only posted above shoulders or far-right lanes squeezed under old arch underpasses.
How are you going to get on the GSP, would be my first question. Unless you are using the Delmarva Peninsula, you're going to go way out of your way to avoid the NJTP, and you're going to be tolled out the wazoo as it is.
And if you ARE using the Delmarva Peninsula (I agree it's not a good idea from southern NC) how are you going to use the Cape May Ferry? I can't imagine them letting a large truck on the ferry.
So in response to what OracleUsr just posted and others have referred to, I wonder if my initial question doesn't even apply. Perhaps I'm just confused in thinking the GSP is even on a route that would make sense for us. The route suggested by PHLBOS is interesting. Thanks again everyone.
Quote from: OracleUsr on May 06, 2014, 01:13:42 AM
And if you ARE using the Delmarva Peninsula (I agree it's not a good idea from southern NC) how are you going to use the Cape May Ferry? I can't imagine them letting a large truck on the ferry.
Large 18 wheel Tractor Trailers are permitted on the ferry! It's pricey though...a one way trip can be as much as $113!
For Lisa's rental truck, the price would be $44 or $50. Plus the additional car, which is $44. Plus the additional passanger, who would be charged $10. So for the single trip, the fare for 2 vehicles and 3 people would be no cheaper than $98!!! Makes those NYC tolls look like a bargain suddenly.
Here's the complete Cape May-Lewis Ferry fare schedule: http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/SchedulesandFares/Fares/tabid/109/Default.aspx#over
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 05, 2014, 04:34:20 PMThe 12' Penske truck isn't 12' high...it refers to the length of the interior. The actual height of this particular truck isn't more than 10 feet.
Good to know.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 05, 2014, 04:34:20 PMAs for the GSP, there are no height restrictions pertaining to vehicles, which means the minimum height is 13' 6". Large buses use the GSP all the time and there isn't a problem.
The 13' even clearance I was referring to earlier occurs here, at the right lane & shoulder (http://goo.gl/maps/9IcuY). Granted, if one just stay out of the far-edge lanes, there shouldn't be an issue.
Truth be told, in all the years I've used the GSP (north of Exit 129) for holiday travel; I've rarely seen trucks (even rental tracks/vans) on that road. Maybe, those vehicles are on that road at different times than when I'm there.
Nonetheless, since the OP's origin & destination
is nowhere near the GSP corridor; why even bother using it at all?
My listed alternate between Baltimore & Suffern, NY (where I-287 & I-87 come together) not only eliminates using the GSP but it also keeps the OP clear of the NJ Tunrpike construction area (which
does back up at times) and saves some money tollwise. A win-win IMHO.
Quote from: PHLBOS on May 06, 2014, 09:02:30 AM
My listed alternate between Baltimore & Suffern, NY (where I-287 & I-87 come together) not only eliminates using the GSP but it also keeps the OP clear of the NJ Tunrpike construction area (which does back up at times) and saves some money tollwise. A win-win IMHO.
I would also think that the reduced chance of congestion by going further outside of NYC would be desirable, especially if one isn't familiar with driving a box truck.
PHLBOS - Thanks for your suggestion. I'm trying to map that route now using google and/or aaa. Do you suggest staying on 95 through the DC area, or 295? It looks like both meet up with 695W. Or, google is suggesting 495-270-15 to get up to Harrisburg/81N. Anyone have thoughts on that? Thanks again for the help.
The south and east side of the DC beltway (the part that is cosigned as both 95 and 495 and goes across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge)) is longer, but certainly less busy than the north and west side. If you're going through the DC area, stick with 95. Do not follow that Google suggestion, as 270 is often as congested as the Beltway.
Quote from: froggie on May 06, 2014, 04:45:32 PM
The south and east side of the DC beltway (the part that is cosigned as both 95 and 495 and goes across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge)) is longer, but certainly less busy than the north and west side. If you're going through the DC area, stick with 95. Do not follow that Google suggestion, as 270 is often as congested as the Beltway.
Ditto. Just follow I-95 North (including the Woodrow Wilson Bridge & eastern part of the Capital Beltway) up until the I-695/Baltimore Beltway interchange and take I-695 West/Towson exit (49B). Note: it's a Left Lane Exit.
Is the 83N-81N-78E pretty straightforward? Once we get to 78E we are on roads we have traveled before, but we've never come up on 83. Thanks so much!
83 exits itself a couple times near Harrisburg. Otherwise it is straightforward, yes.
Personally, I prefer 30 to Lancaster and 222 to Allentown over 83/81/78, even with the traffic north of Reading. That was my normal route north during my DC-Vermont runs...
Quote from: froggie on May 07, 2014, 08:03:49 AM
Personally, I prefer 30 to Lancaster and 222 to Allentown over 83/81/78, even with the traffic north of Reading. That was my normal route north during my DC-Vermont runs...
The 83/81/78 routing was taking into consideration & under the impression that the OP was seeking an
all-expressway route.
What kind of roads would we be on if we did 30-222? Would prob prefer expressway to lots of traffic lights, but if there's a better alternative we're open to it. Hoping that it being a Saturday will help overall on the entire route with traffic. We fly down to NC tomorrow, so last few hours for me to make final route decision. As I've said before, thanks so much to all who have offered opinions. I'm sure our trip will be easier because of it.
I'd recommend taking the inner loop of the Baltimore Beltway to 83N, to 81N, to 84E. You are toll free, well clear of the NYC traffic, and can work down towards Providence once you are in Hartford, CT. I'd steer clear of I95 in an unfamiliar box truck in NJ and NYC traffic however possible. Good luck regardless of your route.
Quote from: Chris19001 on May 07, 2014, 12:28:31 PM
I'd recommend taking the inner loop of the Baltimore Beltway to 83N, to 81N, to 84E. You are toll free, well clear of the NYC traffic, and can work down towards Providence once you are in Hartford, CT. I'd steer clear of I95 in an unfamiliar box truck in NJ and NYC traffic however possible. Good luck regardless of your route.
Another good way to go is bypass I-95 using I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) and I-495 in Wilmington, DE. Then take I-476, I-81, I-84, I-384 and US 6. Then again, there's no limited-access companion to US 6, which the original I-84 route to Providence would've done, but it's still the most direct route from Hartford.
Quote from: Chris19001 on May 07, 2014, 12:28:31 PM
I'd recommend taking the inner loop of the Baltimore Beltway to 83N, to 81N, to 84E. You are toll free, well clear of the NYC traffic, and can work down towards Providence once you are in Hartford, CT. I'd steer clear of I95 in an unfamiliar box truck in NJ and NYC traffic however possible. Good luck regardless of your route.
Unfortunately, there's no
direct highway access to Providence from Hartford. I-384 (aka the original I-84) only goes do far and US 6 isn't always a freeway from Manchester, CT to Providence. Since the OP has now clearly stated that they want to
avoid traffic lights (& likely narrow roads as well); that option's likely off the table.
As far as I can tell the only
all-expressway routing from the Hartford area to Providence would be to take I-691 East off I-84 and follow to I-91 North to CT 9 South and follow that to I-95 North. It's a bit round-about in terms of linear direction but it does work.
Quote from: LisaW on May 07, 2014, 12:24:10 PM
What kind of roads would we be on if we did 30-222? Would prob prefer expressway to lots of traffic lights, but if there's a better alternative we're open to it.
30 does have some traffic lights prior to it becoming an expressway but such is only for a short distance. OTOH, 222 north of Reading, as Froggie mentioned, does narrow down to an undivided road and has traffic lights from there to the Lehigh Valley. That
can get congested.
Quote from: Henry on May 07, 2014, 01:10:26 PMAnother good way to go is bypass I-95 using I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) and I-495 in Wilmington, DE. Then take I-476, I-81, I-84, I-384 and US 6. Then again, there's no limited-access companion to US 6, which the original I-84 route to Providence would've done, but it's still the most direct route from Hartford.
Too much money toll-wise in MD, DE & PA.
Quote from: froggie on May 07, 2014, 08:03:49 AM
Personally, I prefer 30 to Lancaster and 222 to Allentown over 83/81/78, even with the traffic north of Reading. That was my normal route north during my DC-Vermont runs...
I agree with this. Depending on the time of day, I sometimes exit at Pennsylvania Route 61 and connect to I-78 that way to avoid Allentown traffic and because it offers a decent number of places to stop for lunch. PA-61 is not freeway- nor expressway-grade and it is a little out of the way compared to going all the way to Allentown; I've used it solely because I've gotten stuck in traffic several times when I've gone directly to Allentown.
To connect from I-83 to US-30 in York, PA, don't go all the way to the US-30 exit. It's out of the way. Instead, take Exit 19 (marked for PA-462, Market Street) and go straight at the light at the bottom of the ramp. It'll take you directly to US-30, where you make a right. Doing this essentially cuts off a long redundant segment that's sort of like making a long U-turn; it also avoids driving on Arsenal Road (who wants to drive on a road that shares a name with those tossers....)
Anyway, US-30 and US-222 in that area are very good roads, pretty much freeway-grade until you get past Reading. I recall the speed limit being mostly 65 mph the last time I went that way. I doubt they'll post 70 mph on those segments. You do need to watch the signs closely around Lancaster (follow the signs towards Reading) and again as you approach Reading (high-speed TOTSO).
Whichever route you choose...good luck and hope it's quick and easy!
Let us know which route you decided on when you're all settled!
Quote from: LisaW on May 06, 2014, 04:04:14 PM
PHLBOS - Thanks for your suggestion. I'm trying to map that route now using google and/or aaa. Do you suggest staying on 95 through the DC area, or 295? It looks like both meet up with 695W. Or, google is suggesting 495-270-15 to get up to Harrisburg/81N. Anyone have thoughts on that? Thanks again for the help.
Please
do not take I-295/D.C. 295/Md. 201/Baltimore-Washington Parkway/Md. 295. Most of it is only two lanes each way and subject to congestion 7 days a week.
Unless there is a crash, taking I-95/I-495 around the south and east sides of D.C. or I-495 around west and north sides are better alternatives. The I-95/I-495 south and east side is (IMO) the best.
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 07, 2014, 01:13:51 PMAnyway, US-30 and US-222 in that area are very good roads, pretty much freeway-grade until you get past Reading. I recall the speed limit being mostly 65 mph the last time I went that way.
Outside of Lancaster City limits, the posted speeds on both the freeway segments of US 30 & US 222 are 65.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on May 07, 2014, 02:44:33 PM
Please do not take I-295/D.C. 295/Md. 201/Baltimore-Washington Parkway/Md. 295. Most of it is only two lanes each way and subject to congestion 7 days a week.
Besides, trucks are not allowed on the Baltimore-Washington
Parkway (MD 295).
83/30/222/78 does shave about 20 miles off of 83/81/78, but the time savings are minimal and there is a slight bit of additional headache involved (which I imagine driving a truck may magnify somewhat). It's a good route but I wouldn't say it is a better route.
Our journey is complete. We did 95-695-83-30-222-78-287. It was easy through Richmond, then again once we got onto 78. We had intermittent downpours from Richmond through PA, which never help a long drive. Despite some traffic and construction, the 95-695 leg seemed like a good choice. 30-222 really cost us some time as traffic at times was at a crawl. But who's to say if we had gone 83-81-78 that we'd have done much better. It was probably the first time we've ever sailed right through CT on 95. Our mapped route estimated 13 1/2 hours. It took us just under 16 hours, with 3 very quick gas/pee stops. We made it home safely, so it can only be considered a successful journey. Thanks again to all of you for your discussions and suggestions.
Quote from: LisaW on May 11, 2014, 03:01:30 PM
Our journey is complete. We did 95-695-83-30-222-78-287. It was easy through Richmond, then again once we got onto 78. We had intermittent downpours from Richmond through PA, which never help a long drive. Despite some traffic and construction, the 95-695 leg seemed like a good choice. 30-222 really cost us some time as traffic at times was at a crawl. But who's to say if we had gone 83-81-78 that we'd have done much better. It was probably the first time we've ever sailed right through CT on 95. Our mapped route estimated 13 1/2 hours. It took us just under 16 hours, with 3 very quick gas/pee stops. We made it home safely, so it can only be considered a successful journey. Thanks again to all of you for your discussions and suggestions.
Glad you did well.
Next time, you might consider getting the Inrix smartphone app (works on Andriod and Apple devices), which lets you look at congestion ahead, and modify your route accordingly.
Quote30-222 really cost us some time as traffic at times was at a crawl. But who's to say if we had gone 83-81-78 that we'd have done much better.
In my experience (and I did it extensively for 4 years), 30-222 functions better than 83-81-78, hence why I suggested it. The only real downside to this routing is 222 north of Reading, though it usually clears out after the first traffic signal past Kutztown.
Quote from: PHLBOS on May 07, 2014, 02:51:37 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 07, 2014, 01:13:51 PMAnyway, US-30 and US-222 in that area are very good roads, pretty much freeway-grade until you get past Reading. I recall the speed limit being mostly 65 mph the last time I went that way.
Outside of Lancaster City limits, the posted speeds on both the freeway segments of US 30 & US 222 are 65.
That's pretty much what I said when I said "mostly 65 mph." "Mostly" means there are places where it isn't 65. I just didn't remember the precise locations where it was lower.
Quote from: PHLBOS on May 05, 2014, 03:52:38 PM
Another option would be to:
1. Once in the Greater Baltimore area take I-695 West (Baltimore Beltway) from I-95 (and bypass the harbor toll crossings) to pick I-83 North.
2. Take that to I-81 North near Harrisburg.
3. Then pick up I-78 East and follow that to I-287 North.
4. Follow I-287 North to the NYS Thruway (I-87 South/I-287 East) and take the Tappan Zee Bridge.
5. After crossing the Hudson (via the Tappan Zee) and follow I-287 East (it splits off from the Thruway & I-87) and follow to I-95 North.
This is a very good option. While it is longer and may take more time, the only toll you'll face is crossing the Hudson on the trip north (and crossing the Delaware if you make the return trip south). The tolls for trucks are much higher than the tolls for cars and if you can't get a truck EZ-PASS you'd lose a lot of time paying the tolls. Plus, you have some very good interstate quality roads the whole way. Some of the interchanges in Harrisburg are a little tight, though.
Once in baltimore i would just take the key bridge, around the city, it is a unique view of the harbor.
Take it around to US1 and keep on that until you get to MD 273 taking that into Newark DE, avoiding the delaware turnpike toll as you head north onto I-295 for your crossing into NJ. Once in NJ you can stay on 295 until exit 60, take it over to US 130 if you want to head north and avoid a few more tolls, but want to deal with traffic lights. Or take it over to turnpike exit 7A.
Quote from: Alps on May 20, 2014, 07:09:45 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on May 19, 2014, 05:24:55 PM
Quote from: mrsman on May 18, 2014, 08:02:25 AM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on May 18, 2014, 08:29:18 AM
You both are a little late to the party, as it were. The OP already completed her trip.
The late bird gets the chewing gum.
Regardless, this is a road discussion forum and I like discussing roads. If some of the infrequent posters here just want to use the forum to get directions that's fine with me, but I can still discuss the merits of one routing over another even if it doesn't help the OP. Somebody else at a later time may want to make a similar trip at a later time and they can view our comments and continue the discussion.