I figured we could start a list of best/fastest routings around all or most of the tolls. For Example:
Pittsburgh to Cleveland: I-279/79 North to I-76 West to I-680 West to SR-711 North to SR-82 West to US-422 West to I-480 West. (Only 50 cents in the brief Ohio Tpk. section -- but a fraction of the all-turnpike cost -- mostly 4-lane with a 7-mile 2-lane stretch and a only a few traffic lights).
Pittsburgh to Akron: I-279/79 North to I-76 West to I-680 West to I-80 West to I-76 West. (Again, only 50 cents, and if you want all-4-lane with NO traffic lights or 2-lanes, take this route to Akron then I-77 North to Cleveland)
BTW, going the opposite direction is different, as PA hits you hard in tolls entering their state on I-76. From I-680 East, US-224 East to SR-170 South to SR-14 East (Becomes PA-51 at the border) to I-376 East. (2-lane roads from I-680 to PA-51 a few miles inside PA and a notable amount of Traffic Lights, especially in PA). Going beyond Pittsburgh???:
Pittsburgh to Baltimore/Washington, DC Area I-79 South to I-68 East to I-70 in Maryland.
Charleston to Bluefield, WV Since I-77 only has 3 toll barriers along the West Virginia Turnpike mainline, you can duck out at the exits immediately before the 3 plazas and get back on after without paying a pro-rated rate. The northernmost barrier (between Exits 85 & 79 -- Cheylan & Sharon) is relatively easy, the central Barrier (between Exits 60 & 54 -- Mossy & Pax) follows a winding 1-1/2 lane road and is not for the faint of heart, and the Southern Barrier (between Exits 40 & 28 -- I-68 & Ghent) is the longest bypass, and zigzags it's way around Beckley, depending on where you leave I-77).
Others??
I wonder how many people use I-295 between I-195 and the Delaware Memorial Bridge specifically to avoid the NJTP...
You do know you're missing steps, right? "I-279 North to I-680 West" is not possible unless you have a flying car or can find a wormhole to trasport to between the routes. ;)
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on July 26, 2010, 09:34:04 PM
You do know you're missing steps, right? "I-279 North to I-680 West" is not possible unless you have a flying car or can find a wormhole to transport to between the routes. ;)
That is a major missing step, isn't it??? :banghead:
Fixed!
Thankx!!! :sombrero:
Quote from: thenetwork on July 26, 2010, 09:37:22 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on July 26, 2010, 09:34:04 PM
You do know you're missing steps, right? "I-279 North to I-680 West" is not possible unless you have a flying car or can find a wormhole to trasport to between the routes. ;)
That is a major missing step, isn't it??? Fixed! Thankx!!!
Still missing the short segment on I-79. ;)
And to finish out the Northern Ohio string:
Cleveland to Toledo:
ROUTE A: I-90 West to SR 2 West to I-280 North. (Most of the 2-lane section of Route 2 is Traffic Light-Free, while most of the traffic lights are along the non-freeway, multi-lane section of SR-2 in Lucas County).
ROUTE B: I-71 South to I-480 West to SR-10 West to US-20 West to I-75 North. (Most of US-20 west of Norwalk is 4-lane, divided, but 3-5 traffic lights in every city not bypassed, which is like every 10 miles.)
Toledo to Chicago I-75 to I-475 West to US 23 North to I-94 West
Carlisle to Philadelphia.
I-81 N to PA 581 E to I-83 N to I-283 S to PA 283 E to US 30 E to US 202 N to I-76
While you miss the tolls on the Turnpike, you don't necessarily make up any time from Lancaster on east into Philly. :-|
New York to Philly: Depends on time of day. 95S-80W-287S-202S-31S-95S is a popular route. If you're further down, try 139W-1/9S (Skyway)-22W-GSP S-1S and you can take 95S or a Trenton free bridge to 1S to 95S.
Hartford to Boston: Rather than hit the Turnpike, I jog east on US 20 (I-84 Exit 3) to a couple of choices:
* MA 9 straight on in
* MA 9 to MA 16, I-90 to Exit 17, down Charlesbank to Soldiers Field Rd./Storrow Dr.
* I-395 N to I-290 E, I-495 to US 20, I-95 to MA 2
New Jersey toward Albany: I-287 N, then from the Thruway I quickly hop on NY 17 before the toll. Take 6E to 293N to 9W NB. Before Newburgh, bear right twice and end up on River Rd. - definitely a faster way through town.
Quote from: thenetwork on July 26, 2010, 09:27:52 PMPittsburgh to Baltimore/Washington, DC Area I-79 South to I-68 East to I-70 in Maryland.
If you're on the eastern side of the city like me, US 30 straight to Breezewood then I-70.
Quote from: PAHighways on July 26, 2010, 11:38:08 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on July 26, 2010, 09:27:52 PMPittsburgh to Baltimore/Washington, DC Area I-79 South to I-68 East to I-70 in Maryland.
If you're on the eastern side of the city like me, US 30 straight to Breezewood then I-70.
I HATE hate hate that part of US 30. You always get stuck behind a truck doing 7 mph. PA 31 was a lot nicer ride, probably still faster even after cutting down 981-982.
Shunpiking is quite popular in France as their tolls are extraordinary high. A 600 mile trip through the country can cost you as much as $ 100 one way.
It used to be quite easy, as there were "Route Nationales" that ran parallel to the toll roads and were often of high standard. However, they have renumbered almost all their RN-routes, now N20 can have numbers like D9020, D920, D2020, etc., making the routes harder to follow.
Quote from: AlpsROADS on July 26, 2010, 10:54:40 PM
New York to Philly: Depends on time of day. 95S-80W-287S-202S-31S-95S is a popular route. If you're further down, try
From my house, I always take I-287 to US 206 to I-95. I was surprised at the fact it didn't add any time to the trip to Philly vs. using the Turnpike and the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Quote from: AlpsROADS on July 26, 2010, 11:50:55 PM
Quote from: PAHighways on July 26, 2010, 11:38:08 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on July 26, 2010, 09:27:52 PMPittsburgh to Baltimore/Washington, DC Area I-79 South to I-68 East to I-70 in Maryland.
If you're on the eastern side of the city like me, US 30 straight to Breezewood then I-70.
I HATE hate hate that part of US 30. You always get stuck behind a truck doing 7 mph. PA 31 was a lot nicer ride, probably still faster even after cutting down 981-982.
I travel that route almost every month and rarely get stuck behind a truck, but when it happens, there are plenty of passing opportunities.
As Chris noted, this post smacks of shunpiking. Which IMO isn't always the right way to go. If you're not wasting gas on the shunpike route, you're often wasting time.
That said...
QuoteI wonder how many people use I-295 between I-195 and the Delaware Memorial Bridge specifically to avoid the NJTP...
Back when I was doing occasional New Jersey runs, I'd usually take 295 to US 1 to the GSP. It was usually late enough at night by the time I got to the Delaware Memorial Bridge to where traffic wasn't an issue.
QuoteNew Jersey toward Albany: I-287 N, then from the Thruway I quickly hop on NY 17 before the toll. Take 6E to 293N to 9W NB. Before Newburgh, bear right twice and end up on River Rd. - definitely a faster way through town.
IMO, the Thruway along this stretch isn't so bad that avoidance is necessary. And especially with the new high-speed EZPass lanes at Harriman, you're losing a good bit of time. However, next time I "night over" at West Point, I'll have to try out that River Rd route through Newburgh.
QuoteQuoteIf you're on the eastern side of the city like me, US 30 straight to Breezewood then I-70.
I HATE hate hate that part of US 30. You always get stuck behind a truck doing 7 mph.
Not an issue between Bedford and Breezewood, where 30 is 4 lanes. Just the painfully long red light at 70.
My normal route between Philly airport and my dad's house is I-95S, I-476N (free), I-476N (NE ext. PA tpk.), I-80W to US11S and vice versa
A toll-free alternate is I-95S, I-476N, I-76W, US 202S, US 422W, US 222E, PA 61N, PA 42N, PA 487N, US 11N
It is hillier and about 30 min longer but about the same distance.
Quote from: froggie on July 27, 2010, 07:10:26 AM
As Chris noted, this post smacks of shunpiking. Which IMO isn't always the right way to go. If you're not wasting gas on the shunpike route, you're often wasting time.
I shunpike. A lot. But then again, this post DOES talk about "best route around tolls", meaning, if I don't want to pay the toll, how do I go instead?
Quote
QuoteNew Jersey toward Albany: I-287 N, then from the Thruway I quickly hop on NY 17 before the toll. Take 6E to 293N to 9W NB. Before Newburgh, bear right twice and end up on River Rd. - definitely a faster way through town.
IMO, the Thruway along this stretch isn't so bad that avoidance is necessary. And especially with the new high-speed EZPass lanes at Harriman, you're losing a good bit of time. However, next time I "night over" at West Point, I'll have to try out that River Rd route through Newburgh.
That's why I changed it from "to" to "toward" - most people would rather pay the toll and get it over with. At least as far as Kingston, I'd rather use my route. Coming back from Albany, I usually end up swinging over to the Taconic and running down through NYC.
Quote from: yanksfan6129 on July 27, 2010, 06:34:17 AM
Quote from: AlpsROADS on July 26, 2010, 10:54:40 PM
New York to Philly: Depends on time of day. 95S-80W-287S-202S-31S-95S is a popular route. If you're further down, try
From my house, I always take I-287 to US 206 to I-95. I was surprised at the fact it didn't add any time to the trip to Philly vs. using the Turnpike and the Ben Franklin Bridge.
If you like US 206, try CR 601. That's where you go straight instead of the sharp curve over the railroad tracks. Bypasses Princeton and saves you a mint of time.
I managed to get from Hartford to DC without paying a toll, I used:
91 South to 84 West to 684 South to the Hutch then 95 South to NY 9A South (Henry Hudson Pkwy/West Side Hwy) to 78 West (Holland Tunnel) to NJ 139 South to US 1 South to I-95 South all the way to DC (including the weird exit thing on the Delaware Turnpike).
Using that route, you'd have still paid a toll on I-95 in Delaware. And the same route would have 3 tolls on the return trip north.
Milwaukee to Chicago or Indianapolis:Take US41 instead of I-94 to the Edens. For Indy - After Chicago, Bishop Ford to Borman to I-65.
Madison to Chicago - go through Milwaukee and use above or take US 12 straight in and get on to the Kennedy or Eisenhower.
EDIT: Note these routes are slower - not as many free interstates in NE Illinois
I'm surprised how bad people want to avoid to pay a few bucks for using a road. I can understand it's worth it if you're driving a toll route everyday, but why bother for one-time drives? Most American tolls are very reasonable (except for New York City). Compare that to the Øresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden, it's $ 50 one way. (Now you can't shunpike there, unless you want to take a ferry or make a 3,000 mile detour via Russia).
I don't mind paying tolls most of the time, especially the first time I drive a road, but if it's something driven regularly, like for me the route from Hampton Roads to Connecticut or Boston, I try to find some alternatives. For example, I usually take I-295 to I-195 in New Jersey, which I find to be a more scenic drive than the Turnpike anyway, and I've taken the Cross-County to the Hutch to the Merrit Parkways before as opposed to I-95 through NYC / Connecticut because they're also more scenic and free.
Buffalo to Detroit: Canada.
Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 27, 2010, 11:10:36 AM
Buffalo to Detroit: Canada.
Tolls on all the international crossings.
Quote from: InterstateNG on July 27, 2010, 11:46:58 AM
Tolls on all the international crossings.
correct, but still significantly faster - even if you account for international crossings, which tend to be a lot faster coming into the US from Canada than from Mexico. isn't the bridge toll something like $4 each way? How does that compare to the Ohio Turnpike?
The simplest way to go around the toll on the New England Thruway is thus:
Get off exit 16, head east into New Rochelle, make a quick two lefts, go up Palmer Avenue to Mamaroneck Avenue, go left and get back on the highway at exit 18.
We used to do this all the time... but over the years more local traffic and lights have made the detour slower and the advent of EZPass has made going through the toll faster. For $1.75, it just isn't worth it anymore.
When there was still a toll on the Hutch, this was the way to ditch it (NB): get off at exit 7, make a left. right on Pelham Pkwy, right on Columbus Av/NY 22, right on Sandford Blvd, left on Wolf's Lane, left back onto the parkway at exit 9. Southbound it was basically the same in reverse, getting off at exit 8 directly onto Sandford Blvd.
But, it's been 15 years since it was necessary to do this to avoid paying a toll. :biggrin:
And it was a mere 25 cents, anyway.
Quote from: InterstateNG on July 27, 2010, 11:46:58 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 27, 2010, 11:10:36 AM
Buffalo to Detroit: Canada.
Tolls on all the international crossings.
But going west to east through Canada, there is no toll going over the Peace Bridge into the US nor on I-190 East out of Downtown Buffalo.. :sombrero:
Quote from: iwishiwascanadian on July 27, 2010, 08:23:59 AM
I managed to get from Hartford to DC without paying a toll, I used:
91 South to 84 West to 684 South to the Hutch then 95 South to NY 9A South (Henry Hudson Pkwy/West Side Hwy) to 78 West (Holland Tunnel) to NJ 139 South to US 1 South to I-95 South all the way to DC (including the weird exit thing on the Delaware Turnpike).
Quote from: froggie on July 27, 2010, 08:29:43 AM
Using that route, you'd have still paid a toll on I-95 in Delaware. And the same route would have 3 tolls on the return trip north.
There are also the tunnel tolls in Baltimore, unless you use the western quadrant of the Beltway.
From my home in SE Pa, I have used I-95 to SR 896 in Delaware and U.S. 301 to my father's house on Kent Island, MD, and to my mother's house in Annapolis. This, too, only works south/westbound, and would continue along U.S. 50 to D.C. Wasn't specifically to avoid the tolls, but it is a quieter ride.
Quote from: Master son on July 27, 2010, 09:08:26 AM
Milwaukee to Chicago or Indianapolis:Take US41 instead of I-94 to the Edens. For Indy - After Chicago, Bishop Ford to Borman to I-65.
Madison to Chicago - go through Milwaukee and use above or take US 12 straight in and get on to the Kennedy or Eisenhower.
EDIT: Note these routes are slower - not as many free interstates in NE Illinois
Fine routes, if you want to spend all day getting around Chicago to Milwaukee or Madison. Me, I'd rather get the I-Pass, pay the toll, and be there in less than half the time.
Indeed Brandon, and the Illinois tolls aren't as pricey as say the PA Turnpike.
Quote from: InterstateNG on July 27, 2010, 11:46:58 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 27, 2010, 11:10:36 AM
Buffalo to Detroit: Canada.
Tolls on all the international crossings.
And nowadays (or shortly) a passport, which the majority of Americans don't have.
Surprised no one's mentioned DE 2/4/896 around the toll entering/leaving DE on I-95...given how badly traffic backs up here, using those roads to dodge the toll is much faster than waiting it out...
Quote from: thenetwork on July 27, 2010, 12:11:33 PM
Quote from: InterstateNG on July 27, 2010, 11:46:58 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 27, 2010, 11:10:36 AM
Buffalo to Detroit: Canada.
Tolls on all the international crossings.
But going west to east through Canada, there is no toll going over the Peace Bridge into the US nor on I-190 East out of Downtown Buffalo.. :sombrero:
The same is true of the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, though there are still tolls at Grand Island.
Either way, much cheaper to go through Canada, not just toll-wise, but gas-wise. Driving south of Lake Erie adds significant time to the trip (though I've been held up over two hours at the Lewiston border station in the past, which are the longest two hours in the world when you're hungry!)
Quote from: osu-lsu on July 27, 2010, 01:26:53 PM
And nowadays (or shortly) a passport, which the majority of Americans don't have.
really? Out of all my friends, I'd say at least 80-90 percent have them. And not just those who live in San Diego and like going to Mexico.
Quote from: Chris on July 27, 2010, 09:29:46 AM
I'm surprised how bad people want to avoid to pay a few bucks for using a road. I can understand it's worth it if you're driving a toll route everyday, but why bother for one-time drives?
I have to agree. A couple of weeks ago I drove from Boston Logan Int'l along I-90 to I-495. Before my visit I had looked at ways of shunpiking but the alternative routes didn't appeal to me. In the end it was only around $5 in tolls for the whole journey so shunpiking may have actually cost more in gas with stop-starting on the free routes.
Bypassing the Hampton NHTP toll en route ME -> MA:
NH33, NH151, US1, and NH107 backta I-95
Quote from: yakra on July 27, 2010, 02:02:06 PM
Bypassing the Hampton NHTP toll en route ME -> MA:
NH33, NH151, US1, and NH107 backta I-95
I think there's some easy way to bypass the toll coming south from 89 and turning onto 93. Take 293 or something? I forget; haven't done it in years, and the one time I tried it, I did it inadvertently.
speaking of 293 - the shield gallery needs a photo of an interstate 193 shield. That was the former number. Anyone got one?
Georgia 400's the only toll road in Georgia.
To avoid it, if you're at Lenox Mall, follow Peachtree-Dunwoody Road northbound to Glenridge Connector, turn left, and left at the second light onto Georgia 400 North.
To avoid the toll both on the Westside, follow I-285 North to East to the Georgia 400 exit, and there you go.
Be well,
Bryant
Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 27, 2010, 02:16:55 PM
Quote from: yakra on July 27, 2010, 02:02:06 PM
Bypassing the Hampton NHTP toll en route ME -> MA:
NH33, NH151, US1, and NH107 backta I-95
I think there's some easy way to bypass the toll coming south from 89 and turning onto 93. Take 293 or something? I forget; haven't done it in years, and the one time I tried it, I did it inadvertently.
speaking of 293 - the shield gallery needs a photo of an interstate 193 shield. That was the former number. Anyone got one?
No, the toll is between 293 and 89 for a reason. You have to go straight on 89 and hook a right on 3 (or is it 3A, I'm lazy).
Quote from: SyntheticDreamer on July 27, 2010, 01:28:00 PM
Surprised no one's mentioned DE 2/4/896 around the toll entering/leaving DE on I-95...given how badly traffic backs up here, using those roads to dodge the toll is much faster than waiting it out...
Absolutely. Here are some more MD toll related ones:
NB Susquehanna - I tend to leave Baltimore on 1, but 95-24-1 can work. Follow 273 back into DE and either go straight to 95 or cut down 896. Kills two tolls with one stone.
Baltimore - I only know this one SB, but I imagine it's similar NB - 95S to 895S, first exit to Moravia Rd. Make a left, take 40 West through Baltimore, make another left onto 395 or 295 and continue south.
I've mentioned it here before, but going westbound on the Muskogee Turnpike, instead of exiting off at US 69 and paying the toll, you can exit at the service plaza and make a U turn and exit going EB where there is no toll.
Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 27, 2010, 11:54:52 AM
Quote from: InterstateNG on July 27, 2010, 11:46:58 AM
Tolls on all the international crossings.
correct, but still significantly faster - even if you account for international crossings, which tend to be a lot faster coming into the US from Canada than from Mexico. isn't the bridge toll something like $4 each way? How does that compare to the Ohio Turnpike?
Given the increasing frequency with which border crossings are compared to digital anal exams, and the need now for a passport, would it be worth it?
Quote from: AlpsROADS on July 27, 2010, 05:56:07 PM
No, the toll is between 293 and 89 for a reason. You have to go straight on 89 and hook a right on 3 (or is it 3A, I'm lazy).
3A.
Quote from: AlpsROADS on July 27, 2010, 05:58:34 PM
Quote from: SyntheticDreamer on July 27, 2010, 01:28:00 PM
Surprised no one's mentioned DE 2/4/896 around the toll entering/leaving DE on I-95...given how badly traffic backs up here, using those roads to dodge the toll is much faster than waiting it out...
Absolutely. Here are some more MD toll related ones:
NB Susquehanna - I tend to leave Baltimore on 1, but 95-24-1 can work. Follow 273 back into DE and either go straight to 95 or cut down 896. Kills two tolls with one stone.
Baltimore - I only know this one SB, but I imagine it's similar NB - 95S to 895S, first exit to Moravia Rd. Make a left, take 40 West through Baltimore, make another left onto 395 or 295 and continue south.
No offense, but I did that back in 1998 (the Tydings Bridge bypass) and that was the most circuitous route I have ever seen. The toll on the bridge at the time was only $4 Northbound.
Easy cheat from northern New Jersey to avoid the Turnpike tolls to get to Baltimore:
78W-81S-83N. It's quick, easy, and the only toll there (over the Delaware) is reasonable and unavoidable regardless of where you go
Quote78W-81S-83N.
IMO, using 222 and 30 to "cut the corner" between Allentown and York works better than staying on the Interstates.
To cheat the tolls on the Everett Turnpike in New Hampshire, northbound you can take exit 7E to US 3 north, follow it all the way up to NH 101 east, then back onto I-293/Everett Turnpike (free) northbound.
I did the toll-free route to DC from Hartford (95-NY 9A-NJ 139-US 1-95-DE 2/4/896-95-695-95) and it added some time but it was worth it southbound to avoid about $20 in tolls. But the toll-free route northbound seemed to be so far out of the way we bit the bullet and paid up. I suppose its because of the one-way tolls across the Hudson and Delaware Rivers.
Quote from: njroadhorse on July 28, 2010, 10:33:58 AM
Easy cheat from northern New Jersey to avoid the Turnpike tolls to get to Baltimore:
78W-81S-83N. It's quick, easy, and the only toll there (over the Delaware) is reasonable and unavoidable regardless of where you go
Are you sure you don't mean 83S?
How to "cheat" on San Francisco Bay Area bridge tolls...
Destination: Sacramento (avoid Carquinez or Benicia Bridges... $5 toll)
From San Jose --- I-680 north to I-580 east to I-205 east to I-5 north
From San Mateo/Redwood City --- CA-92 or CA-84 east to I-880 north to I-238 south to I-580 east to I-205 east to I-5 north
*Note: Mileage-wise, these routes are considered the "long way".
Destination: San Jose (avoid Golden Gate Bridge... $6 toll)
From Marin --- US 101 south to I-580 east to I-80 west to I-880 south
Destination: San Francisco
From East and North Bay --- Sorry Charlie. Unless you want to drive 80+ miles out of your way (loop south through San Jose), there is no way to avoid bridge tolls.
Quote from: myosh_tino on October 07, 2011, 02:24:08 AM
How to "cheat" on San Francisco Bay Area bridge tolls...
Destination: Sacramento (avoid Carquinez or Benicia Bridges... $5 toll)
From San Jose --- I-680 north to I-580 east to I-205 east to I-5 north
From San Mateo/Redwood City --- CA-92 or CA-84 east to I-880 north to I-238 south to I-580 east to I-205 east to I-5 north
*Note: Mileage-wise, these routes are considered the "long way".
Don't forget the long route to avoid the Carquinez/Benicia toll from San Francisco and the Peninsula: US 101 north via Golden Gate Bridge to Route 37 east to I-80 east
In DFW it;s just quicker to use the toll roads. On 121, taking the frontage road free takes way longer, especially since the tollway is 70 in North Dallas. The only one I've avoided was the George Bush Turnpike. Going from Denton to Arlington, I'll either exit 121 business to 121 south, around DFW airport and through Grapevine to TX 360 south. Or I'll stay on 35E south to Loop 12 through Irving, then a short jog west on 30 to Arlington. Also, the exit from Loop 12 south to 30 west is an insane ramp. Probably a mile long with multiple loops and mini exits within itself.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=32.766311,-96.912611&spn=0.01476,0.01929&t=m&z=16&vpsrc=6 (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=32.766311,-96.912611&spn=0.01476,0.01929&t=m&z=16&vpsrc=6)
I don't see the "Tourist Exit" in Portland, Maine, mentioned in this thread. "mtantillo" called it to my attention a few years ago when I was heading to the Cat Ferry terminal en route to Nova Scotia. Very simple:
If you're going north on I-95, most tourists take Exit 44 to I-295. This exit carries a toll. If you go barely half a mile north to Exit 45 (Maine Mall), you can exit with no toll, drive about half a mile east, then take the loop-around ramp on the right to enter I-295. Hence the name "Tourist Exit." I once saw a list of things that "real Maine residents all know" and "How to beat the 'Tourist Exit'" was one of the items listed. In this particular situation the ease of avoiding the toll really makes the toll smack of a middle-finger gesture to non-residents.
The same does not apply going south, as the entrance at Exit 45 is tolled. If you're going for a clinch on I-295, do it in the southbound direction.
Around Chicago, there's not much point. The other roads are so much slower. The only one worth shunpiking is the Skyway as one can stay on I-94 all the way.
Montreal – NYC; I-87 to Albany, then NY-7 and I-787 to I-90 to Taconic Pkwy to the Bronx.
Less than half an hour lost, but it really depends on how you drive on the parkway.
$5.50 toll on the Thruway down to around 40¢, which is avoidable too via US-9 and Chatham.
Quote from: Brandon on October 07, 2011, 09:10:51 PM
Around Chicago, there's not much point. The other roads are so much slower. The only one worth shunpiking is the Skyway as one can stay on I-94 all the way.
Not entirely true. To get from Chicago to points west and back, I-55 and I-80 (or vice versa) is toll-free and adds only 10 miles and 3 minutes (at least according to Google).
Quote from: pianocello on October 07, 2011, 10:31:05 PM
Quote from: Brandon on October 07, 2011, 09:10:51 PM
Around Chicago, there's not much point. The other roads are so much slower. The only one worth shunpiking is the Skyway as one can stay on I-94 all the way.
Not entirely true. To get from Chicago to points west and back, I-55 and I-80 (or vice versa) is toll-free and adds only 10 miles and 3 minutes (at least according to Google).
According to Google. Google never tried to drive it during rush hour. I'll spend the 30 cents on my I-Pass instead of going to that hellhole we call the Loop expressway system.
Live in central Ohio. Only on some of the longest road trips do toll roads form part of the most obvious route.
Here is one i use often.
Chicago to Pittsburgh: I-80/94 to I-65 South to US 30 East. Once east of Valpo, US 30 is a nice 4 lane divided highway with a couple of lights in Plymouth, Warsaw, and Columbia City with mostly 65 zone all the way to Ft Wayne. Hope onto I-69 North and I-469 East to US 30 East. Ohio is upgrading 30 to a freeway from IN to Canton. East of Canton for about 40 miles it is a regular 2 lane road but catches the OH 11 freeway to East Liverpool. US 30 eventually hooks up with US 22 and I-376 in Piitsburgh. Taking this route costs nothing in tolls and I am there in 10 hrs or so.
Quote from: hobsini2 on October 08, 2011, 11:46:17 AM
Ohio is upgrading 30 to a freeway from IN to Canton.
Not entirely. Upgrading to expressway would be more accurate – when done it will be about half freeway and half expressway. ODOT is definitely considering the expressway portions "done", with no concrete plans for full freeway upgrade. But in the rural areas of Ohio through which US 30 passes, that's almost as good as a freeway.
The most convenient shunpike I have encountered is Interstate 95 and the Florida's Turnpike between the Golden Glades interchange and Fort Pierce. Depending on traffic, and I live to avoid south Florida traffic, I will actually prefer the Turnpike over Interstate 95.
Quote from: xcellntbuy on October 08, 2011, 02:27:17 PM
The most convenient shunpike I have encountered is Interstate 95 and the Florida's Turnpike between the Golden Glades interchange and Fort Pierce. Depending on traffic, and I live to avoid south Florida traffic, I will actually prefer the Turnpike over Interstate 95.
+1! I've even used the SAwgrass to avoid I 95 to work my way north.
Quote from: hobsini2 on October 08, 2011, 11:46:17 AM
Here is one i use often.
Chicago to Pittsburgh: I-80/94 to I-65 South to US 30 East. Once east of Valpo, US 30 is a nice 4 lane divided highway with a couple of lights in Plymouth, Warsaw, and Columbia City with mostly 65 zone all the way to Ft Wayne. Hope onto I-69 North and I-469 East to US 30 East. Ohio is upgrading 30 to a freeway from IN to Canton. East of Canton for about 40 miles it is a regular 2 lane road but catches the OH 11 freeway to East Liverpool. US 30 eventually hooks up with US 22 and I-376 in Piitsburgh. Taking this route costs nothing in tolls and I am there in 10 hrs or so.
I'd spend the money and save the time myself.
Quote from: yakra on July 27, 2010, 02:02:06 PM
Bypassing the Hampton NHTP toll en route ME -> MA:
NH33, NH151, US1, and NH107 backta I-95
Not worth it. 30-35mph most of the way, traffic, and zealous New Hampshire local cops. It's worth the $2.00 toll to just take 95.
I used to live right in that area (just off 151 in Greenland) so I know.
Quote from: hobsini2 on October 08, 2011, 11:46:17 AM
Here is one i use often.
Chicago to Pittsburgh: I-80/94 to I-65 South to US 30 East. Once east of Valpo, US 30 is a nice 4 lane divided highway with a couple of lights in Plymouth, Warsaw, and Columbia City with mostly 65 zone all the way to Ft Wayne.
By "a couple", you mean "a ton", right?
Quote from: Brandon on July 27, 2010, 12:50:11 PM
Quote from: Master son on July 27, 2010, 09:08:26 AM
Milwaukee to Chicago or Indianapolis:Take US41 instead of I-94 to the Edens. For Indy - After Chicago, Bishop Ford to Borman to I-65.
Madison to Chicago - go through Milwaukee and use above or take US 12 straight in and get on to the Kennedy or Eisenhower.
EDIT: Note these routes are slower - not as many free interstates in NE Illinois
Fine routes, if you want to spend all day getting around Chicago to Milwaukee or Madison. Me, I'd rather get the I-Pass, pay the toll, and be there in less than half the time.
For the Milwaukee to inner Chicago, US 41 moves almost as well as the $1.25 Tri-State (I-Pass rate; assumes use of the Edens Spur). Sure there are a few stoplights and many slow to accelerate trucks on 41. But I'll agree that for going beyond the loop, the Tri-State may be worth it over trying to get through the Circle.
Partial alternate for the Madison - Chicago and beyond: Cut over Lake Cook Road from US 12 to IL 53. Overall, this one has way too many stoplights, and the time penalty from all these lights may be worth the tolls. I also recall a long 35 mph section on US 12 north of Lake Cook Road.
One of mine:
I-55 to Elmhurst (near the I-290/I-88/I-294 interchangeUse IL 83 -mostly freeway, but if one intends to take I-290 eastward or I-294 northward from Elmhurst, the IL 83 option only saves 15 cents in tolls (I-Pass rate)
Quote from: Brandon on October 08, 2011, 12:22:21 AM
Quote from: pianocello on October 07, 2011, 10:31:05 PM
Quote from: Brandon on October 07, 2011, 09:10:51 PM
Around Chicago, there's not much point. The other roads are so much slower. The only one worth shunpiking is the Skyway as one can stay on I-94 all the way.
Not entirely true. To get from Chicago to points west and back, I-55 and I-80 (or vice versa) is toll-free and adds only 10 miles and 3 minutes (at least according to Google).
According to Google. Google never tried to drive it during rush hour. I'll spend the 30 cents on my I-Pass instead of going to that hellhole we call the Loop expressway system.
^I have tried numerous times to go through downtown at different times of the day....doesn't seem to change. I take 294 around the city always, no matter time of day due to simplicity and lack of traffic.
Quote from: pianocello on October 08, 2011, 07:20:02 PM
Quote from: hobsini2 on October 08, 2011, 11:46:17 AM
Here is one i use often.
Chicago to Pittsburgh: I-80/94 to I-65 South to US 30 East. Once east of Valpo, US 30 is a nice 4 lane divided highway with a couple of lights in Plymouth, Warsaw, and Columbia City with mostly 65 zone all the way to Ft Wayne.
By "a couple", you mean "a ton", right?
I have to agree, the only reason I would take that route in college was to take a friend to Columbus. Too many towns/speed limit changes in Indiana, but once you get on the other side of Fort Wayne and into Ohio I'd recommend it because us 30 bypasses a lot of cities, is 4 lane and I believe has a 65 speed limit all the way through since they finished upgrading most of 30 in western Ohio.
Pittsburgh to NYC:
US 22 EB/I-99 NB/I-80 EB. With the recent upgrades of US 22, this route is at least as fast as the Turnpike and, what, 24 bucks cheaper??
Also, living in the Bronx as I now do, I shunpike the Henry Hudson Bridge all the time (via Broadway Bridge, University Heights Bridge or any of the downstream Harlem River Bridges depending on destination), though the savings is rarely in travel time.
I also regularly shunpike the Bronx-Queens crossing by using Harlem River/FDR Drive to one of the NYCDOT crossings of the East River. Sigalert helps.
Quote from: empirestate on October 10, 2011, 12:34:07 AM
Pittsburgh to NYC:
US 22 EB/I-99 NB/I-80 EB. With the recent upgrades of US 22, this route is at least as fast as the Turnpike and, what, 24 bucks cheaper??
Yes, US-22 has had a lot of upgrades, but you do have to suffer several traffic lights just outside of Monroeville.
I would suggest PA-28 NB > US-422 EB > US-219 SB > US-22 EB > I-99 NB > I-80 EB.
The main reason I'm suggesting that is you have one really wicked hill just after US-119 NB leaves US-22. If your car isn't ready for it, you could be in for a world of hurt as the old road isn't there anymore because the new one was mostly built on top of it on a straighter alignment except near the top. Plus there are less lights between Pittsburgh and I-99 on my suggested route and on a recent run between Pgh and I-99, seemed to travel it faster than your route. And if your travels are going to be during Rush Hour in the Pittsburgh area, you can almost forget US-22 East of Monroeville as it can be a sea of red lights.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on October 10, 2011, 04:00:20 AM
The main reason I'm suggesting that is you have one really wicked hill just after US-119 NB leaves US-22. If your car isn't ready for it, you could be in for a world of hurt as the old road isn't there anymore because the new one was mostly built on top of it on a straighter alignment except near the top. Plus there are less lights between Pittsburgh and I-99 on my suggested route and on a recent run between Pgh and I-99, seemed to travel it faster than your route. And if your travels are going to be during Rush Hour in the Pittsburgh area, you can almost forget US-22 East of Monroeville as it can be a sea of red lights.
What would make that hill any worse than many of the others on Appalachian four-lanes? I'm planning on driving that portion of US 22 on way to Vermont next month (Mon-Fayette north, US 119 north, Turnpike 66 north, US 22 east to Ebensburg, then US 219 north to DuBois which will give me a clinch of US 219) so I'll be checking it out. Could that hill be any worse, say, than I-68 eastbound past Cheat Lake?
Quote from: xcellntbuy on October 08, 2011, 02:27:17 PM
The most convenient shunpike I have encountered is Interstate 95 and the Florida's Turnpike between the Golden Glades interchange and Fort Pierce. Depending on traffic, and I live to avoid south Florida traffic, I will actually prefer the Turnpike over Interstate 95.
:confused:
Am I missing something here? I thought the point of a "shunpike" route was to avoid tolls. Using the turnpike in the scenario you describe means you hit more tolls, although when I've made the drive from my brother-in-law's place near Pembroke Pines to my sister-in-law's place near Viera I used the turnpike as well on their advice (they said I-95 gets a lot more traffic because it has more exits and people who want to avoid the toll). I don't generally worry about avoiding tolls over long distances anyway, though.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 10, 2011, 09:35:42 AMWhat would make that hill any worse than many of the others on Appalachian four-lanes? I'm planning on driving that portion of US 22 on way to Vermont next month (Mon-Fayette north, US 119 north, Turnpike 66 north, US 22 east to Ebensburg, then US 219 north to DuBois which will give me a clinch of US 219) so I'll be checking it out. Could that hill be any worse, say, than I-68 eastbound past Cheat Lake?
It's a LONG steep ascent, that's what makes it a killer. My car did fine, but it's turbocharged; YRMV.
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on October 10, 2011, 04:00:20 AM
Quote from: empirestate on October 10, 2011, 12:34:07 AM
Pittsburgh to NYC:
US 22 EB/I-99 NB/I-80 EB. With the recent upgrades of US 22, this route is at least as fast as the Turnpike and, what, 24 bucks cheaper??
Yes, US-22 has had a lot of upgrades, but you do have to suffer several traffic lights just outside of Monroeville.
I would suggest PA-28 NB > US-422 EB > US-219 SB > US-22 EB > I-99 NB > I-80 EB.
The main reason I'm suggesting that is you have one really wicked hill just after US-119 NB leaves US-22. If your car isn't ready for it, you could be in for a world of hurt as the old road isn't there anymore because the new one was mostly built on top of it on a straighter alignment except near the top. Plus there are less lights between Pittsburgh and I-99 on my suggested route and on a recent run between Pgh and I-99, seemed to travel it faster than your route. And if your travels are going to be during Rush Hour in the Pittsburgh area, you can almost forget US-22 East of Monroeville as it can be a sea of red lights.
Well, yes there are a lot of upgrades and up-grades east of Monroeville, and all of the lights seem to be located at up-grades heading eastbound, so you do a lot of waiting for slower vehicles to accelerate. But, it is far better than it once was, even fairly recently, such that it becomes a viable shunpike. And coming westbound, if you hit US 22 in the evening you're even better off.
I never used any option involving PA 28 because it was a traffic and construction nightmare during the time I lived there (and certainly still is), and it was a pretty significant crosstown journey from my neighborhood to the more free-flowing stretches. But depending where you live, it could also be useful.
Quote from: pianocello on October 08, 2011, 07:20:02 PM
Quote from: hobsini2 on October 08, 2011, 11:46:17 AM
Here is one i use often.
Chicago to Pittsburgh: I-80/94 to I-65 South to US 30 East. Once east of Valpo, US 30 is a nice 4 lane divided highway with a couple of lights in Plymouth, Warsaw, and Columbia City with mostly 65 zone all the way to Ft Wayne.
By "a couple", you mean "a ton", right?
No i mean about a dozen or so from IN 49 at Valpo to Ft Wayne. yes Valpo itself has about a dozen of its own on 30 but i make good time once east of there.
I guess it all depends on timing. When I went to Fort Wayne back in June, I hit almost all of the red lights.
Stoplights aside, this is also a good toll-free alternative from Chicago to NYC (via 71N, 76E, and 80E).
Quote from: empirestate on October 10, 2011, 12:34:07 AM
Also, living in the Bronx as I now do, I shunpike the Henry Hudson Bridge all the time (via Broadway Bridge, University Heights Bridge or any of the downstream Harlem River Bridges depending on destination), though the savings is rarely in travel time.
I also regularly shunpike the Bronx-Queens crossing by using Harlem River/FDR Drive to one of the NYCDOT crossings of the East River. Sigalert helps.
Problem with using the Broadway Bridge is you will sit in plenty of slow moving traffic getting to and from it. Third/Willis Avenue Bridges are usually the best way between the Bronx and Manhattan - this is in fact so ridiculously easy to do that I'd say using the Triboro for this purpose qualifies as another "tourist exit".
Queensboro Bridge to FDR to Willis Av Bridge is easy and simple coming from Astoria or LIC but getting between anywhere further east and the Bronx it's not worth it.
Quote from: empirestate on October 10, 2011, 05:22:27 PM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on October 10, 2011, 04:00:20 AM
Quote from: empirestate on October 10, 2011, 12:34:07 AM
Pittsburgh to NYC:
US 22 EB/I-99 NB/I-80 EB. With the recent upgrades of US 22, this route is at least as fast as the Turnpike and, what, 24 bucks cheaper??
Yes, US-22 has had a lot of upgrades, but you do have to suffer several traffic lights just outside of Monroeville.
I would suggest PA-28 NB > US-422 EB > US-219 SB > US-22 EB > I-99 NB > I-80 EB.
The main reason I'm suggesting that is you have one really wicked hill just after US-119 NB leaves US-22. If your car isn't ready for it, you could be in for a world of hurt as the old road isn't there anymore because the new one was mostly built on top of it on a straighter alignment except near the top. Plus there are less lights between Pittsburgh and I-99 on my suggested route and on a recent run between Pgh and I-99, seemed to travel it faster than your route. And if your travels are going to be during Rush Hour in the Pittsburgh area, you can almost forget US-22 East of Monroeville as it can be a sea of red lights.
Well, yes there are a lot of upgrades and up-grades east of Monroeville, and all of the lights seem to be located at up-grades heading eastbound, so you do a lot of waiting for slower vehicles to accelerate. But, it is far better than it once was, even fairly recently, such that it becomes a viable shunpike. And coming westbound, if you hit US 22 in the evening you're even better off.
I never used any option involving PA 28 because it was a traffic and construction nightmare during the time I lived there (and certainly still is), and it was a pretty significant crosstown journey from my neighborhood to the more free-flowing stretches. But depending where you live, it could also be useful.
Well, I'm from the North Hills, hence why I suggested PA-28 since it is closer than US-22.
Quote from: Duke87 on October 11, 2011, 08:14:05 PM
Quote from: empirestate on October 10, 2011, 12:34:07 AM
Also, living in the Bronx as I now do, I shunpike the Henry Hudson Bridge all the time (via Broadway Bridge, University Heights Bridge or any of the downstream Harlem River Bridges depending on destination), though the savings is rarely in travel time.
I also regularly shunpike the Bronx-Queens crossing by using Harlem River/FDR Drive to one of the NYCDOT crossings of the East River. Sigalert helps.
Problem with using the Broadway Bridge is you will sit in plenty of slow moving traffic getting to and from it. Third/Willis Avenue Bridges are usually the best way between the Bronx and Manhattan - this is in fact so ridiculously easy to do that I'd say using the Triboro for this purpose qualifies as another "tourist exit".
Agreed, in some cases, except for two things:
1) If you're headed to the GW Bridge, then 3rd/Willis Ave. are too far south to be of help (and the GW Bridge is toll free in this direction).
2) If you are headed south of the GW Bridge, the current construction project at the I-87/I-95 interchange may well make it worth bypassing via Harlem River Drive...via the Broadway or Univ. Heights Bridges. Then again, you've got to weigh the construction at HRD/Triborough Bridge, which also involves the Willis Ave. Bridge.
There is indeed a lot of congestion at both the Broadway and Univ. Heights Bridges, so depending on your origin and destination, and the time of day, it can be very much an "on the fly" decision.
Quote from: Duke87 on October 11, 2011, 08:14:05 PM
Queensboro Bridge to FDR to Willis Av Bridge is easy and simple coming from Astoria or LIC but getting between anywhere further east and the Bronx it's not worth it.
Yup, I've done that for just that destination (needed a haircut from a barber in Astoria) and it worked well. I fully realize, however, that it could very well not have.
Post Merge: October 13, 2011, 01:56:33 AM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on October 11, 2011, 09:23:13 PM
Well, I'm from the North Hills, hence why I suggested PA-28 since it is closer than US-22.
Yup, that would definitely make the difference. Pittsburgh, perhaps more than most other cities, makes a very large difference according to your origin and destination, as far as which route you'll take in and out of town.
Quote from: empirestate on October 11, 2011, 11:04:53 PM
If you are headed south of the GW Bridge, the current construction project at the I-87/I-95 interchange may well make it worth bypassing via Harlem River Drive...via the Broadway or Univ. Heights Bridges. Then again, you've got to weigh the construction at HRD/Triborough Bridge, which also involves the Willis Ave. Bridge.
Bruckner.
But I'm coming from Connecticut. I suppose that doesn't work too well if you're already over to the west.
Quote from: OracleUsr on July 27, 2010, 10:07:28 PM
Quote from: AlpsROADS on July 27, 2010, 05:58:34 PM
Quote from: SyntheticDreamer on July 27, 2010, 01:28:00 PM
Surprised no one's mentioned DE 2/4/896 around the toll entering/leaving DE on I-95...given how badly traffic backs up here, using those roads to dodge the toll is much faster than waiting it out...
Absolutely. Here are some more MD toll related ones:
NB Susquehanna - I tend to leave Baltimore on 1, but 95-24-1 can work. Follow 273 back into DE and either go straight to 95 or cut down 896. Kills two tolls with one stone.
Baltimore - I only know this one SB, but I imagine it's similar NB - 95S to 895S, first exit to Moravia Rd. Make a left, take 40 West through Baltimore, make another left onto 395 or 295 and continue south.
No offense, but I did that back in 1998 (the Tydings Bridge bypass) and that was the most circuitous route I have ever seen. The toll on the bridge at the time was only $4 Northbound.
That's because all the locals know that the "real" shunpike of the Tydings Bridge from the southside of Harford County is the US 40 Hatem Bridge! Unfortunately, it may not last much longer as we know it. Ever since the transportation blogger for the Sun paper revealed its existence, the state has been looking for ways to either increase the prices of the annual bridge-crossing stickers tremendously or eliminate them altogether. (Which is why I'm partially hesistant to talk about it myself)
Since I live on the northern side of Harford County, I always take US 1 over the Conowingo Dam as a default. It would seem silly to do the 95-24-1 route only to head back to DE. That route is a great shunpike, though, if you are heading for NE or SEPA or any points north.
Also, there's a route missing before DE 2/4/896: MD 279. This is the critical exit in MD right before the DE line that takes one from (and southbound, back to) I-95.
Quote from: pianocello on October 11, 2011, 01:54:36 PM
I guess it all depends on timing. When I went to Fort Wayne back in June, I hit almost all of the red lights.
Stoplights aside, this is also a good toll-free alternative from Chicago to NYC (via 71N, 76E, and 80E).
I have used this route as well to get to NYC and New London CT via I-81N-84E-CT 11/2
Hood River Bridge or Bridge of the Gods: Good luck.
Quote from: xcellntbuy on October 08, 2011, 02:27:17 PM
The most convenient shunpike I have encountered is Interstate 95 and the Florida's Turnpike between the Golden Glades interchange and Fort Pierce. Depending on traffic, and I live to avoid south Florida traffic, I will actually prefer the Turnpike over Interstate 95.
How about US 27? It is slightly longer, but mostly 65 mph. Plenty of towns with motels, gas, and food. It is used by truckers to avoid the Turnpike tolls. Only between Lake Wales and Clermont is troublesome with the development boom there causing many traffic signals and local traffic there.
Make sure that you have plenty of gas as from Griffin Road to South Bay there are NO FUEL stops for almost 50 miles!
Very true and a well-used route by the trucking industry. Nothing but large power lines, sawgrass, cat tails and sugar. BIG lake in the middle. :-D
If you are going between edison NJ and Trenton, taking US-130 is a viable option at night, I was on it at midnight, and it was about as fast as taking the turnpike up there.
In southern NJ, depending on time of year of course, US30/US322 can be a viable alternative to the atlantic city expressway, there are lights but it does not cost anything to take and saves you 3.75 in tolls.
NJ55 can save you money if you are coming from camden, to head down to cape may, just be aware NJ47 can be nasty in the summer.
In PA if you are heading west from philly to toledo ohio for example, I used 476 to head over to I80, saving a good bit in tolls, yes you can take PA611 up there too, but the speed on 476 makes up for it
Quote from: SteveG1988 on November 28, 2011, 09:51:24 AM
If you are going between edison NJ and Trenton, taking US-130 is a viable option at night, I was on it at midnight, and it was about as fast as taking the turnpike up there.
In southern NJ, depending on time of year of course, US30/US322 can be a viable alternative to the atlantic city expressway, there are lights but it does not cost anything to take and saves you 3.75 in tolls.
NJ55 can save you money if you are coming from camden, to head down to cape may, just be aware NJ47 can be nasty in the summer.
In PA if you are heading west from philly to toledo ohio for example, I used 476 to head over to I80, saving a good bit in tolls, yes you can take PA611 up there too, but the speed on 476 makes up for it
Due to my dislike for the NJTpke in general, I'd routinely use US-130 to get to I-295 if I was headed towards the Del. Mem. Bridge.
NJTP and 295 both have interchanges at Bordentown. Not too long of a Breezewood between`em.
Quote from: yakra on November 29, 2011, 11:58:01 AM
NJTP and 295 both have interchanges at Bordentown. Not too long of a Breezewood between`em.
Once I-195 was connected to I-295, it was only about 8 minutes or so to reach the Bordentown area. So, I'd just jump on I-195 to get to I-295.
Quote from: froggie on July 27, 2010, 08:29:43 AM
Using that route, you'd have still paid a toll on I-95 in Delaware. And the same route would have 3 tolls on the return trip north.
[
This is the revival of an old thread - thought it might be useful for some members. ]
Alternatives to paying the $4.00 (more for commercial vehicles) Delaware Turnpike tolls - in other words, how to shunpike the tolled part of the Delaware Turnpike - or how to avoid paying tolls on I-95 in Delaware).
Northbound:1. "Traditional" route is MD-279 (Exit 109) north into Delaware (becomes DEL-279, formerly DEL-2); right turn onto DEL-4/DEL-896 (Christiana Parkway); another right turn (follow DEL-896 southbound) onto S. College Avenue) back to I-95 northbound (illegal for most commercial vehicles).
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6420436,-75.8097038/39.6465115,-75.7473258/@39.6485882,-75.8097915,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7967827!2d39.6462465!3s0x89c7a92fc4aa2ae7:0xad735eeee84d1348!1m0!3e0
(https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6420436,-75.8097038/39.6465115,-75.7473258/@39.6485882,-75.8097915,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7967827!2d39.6462465!3s0x89c7a92fc4aa2ae7:0xad735eeee84d1348!1m0!3e0)
2. MD-279 (Exit 109) south to quick left on Belle Hill Road, go past the Waffle House; right on Muddy Lane and under the Amtrak Northeast Corridor railroad tracks; left on MD-281 (Red Hill Road - becomes Old Baltimore Pike in Delaware); left on DEL-896 (S. College Avenue); back to I-95 northbound (illegal for most commercial vehicles and has a low overhead clearance bridge on Muddy Lane).
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6420225,-75.8098669/39.6467718,-75.7412803/@39.6302081,-75.812578,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-75.8065233!2d39.6357983!3s0x89c7a8d532163f49:0xd00105c004371f32!1m0!3e0 (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6420225,-75.8098669/39.6467718,-75.7412803/@39.6302081,-75.812578,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-75.8065233!2d39.6357983!3s0x89c7a8d532163f49:0xd00105c004371f32!1m0!3e0)
3. MD-279 (Exit 109) north to a right on Iron Hill Road (small street after PFG warehouse complex, before Delaware border); left on Chestnut Hill Road; to a right on DEL-896 (S. College Avenue); and back to I-95 northbound (illegal for most commercial vehicles,
works for southbound movements by using a jughandle ramp from northbound 896 to westbound Chestnut Hill).
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6419776,-75.809747/39.6463133,-75.7476262/@39.6412903,-75.8130291,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7903887!2d39.642709!3s0x89c7a92464138b9d:0x4680ff1db1bcd270!1m0!3e0 (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6419776,-75.809747/39.6463133,-75.7476262/@39.6412903,-75.8130291,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7903887!2d39.642709!3s0x89c7a92464138b9d:0x4680ff1db1bcd270!1m0!3e0)
4. MD-272 (Exit 100) south to a left on U.S. 40 (Pulaski Highway) east; stay on U.S. 40 through Elkton into Delaware; left onto DEL-896 (S. College Avenue) north; and back to I-95 northbound (should be
legal for most commercial vehicles, but this is a longer detour).
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6283631,-75.9636844/39.6461995,-75.7443382/@39.5941674,-75.9855224,11z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d-75.8311123!2d39.6010631!3s0x89c7af6037053885:0xf563ac13b9e00b64!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7851531!2d39.6061896!3s0x89c7a8bd142c0cd9:0x47ff21d6d77882cb!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7423528!2d39.6071949!3s0x89c7a86bc9640691:0x82cf8ab94d0c39df!1m0!3e0 (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6283631,-75.9636844/39.6461995,-75.7443382/@39.5941674,-75.9855224,11z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d-75.8311123!2d39.6010631!3s0x89c7af6037053885:0xf563ac13b9e00b64!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7851531!2d39.6061896!3s0x89c7a8bd142c0cd9:0x47ff21d6d77882cb!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7423528!2d39.6071949!3s0x89c7a86bc9640691:0x82cf8ab94d0c39df!1m0!3e0)
Southbound:5. "Traditional" route is exiting I-95 at DEL-896 (Exit 1) northbound; to a left on DEL-4/DEL-896 (Christiana Parkway); to another left on DEL-279 (Elkton Road, formerly DEL-2) back to I-95 southbound (illegal for most commercial vehicles).
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6478112,-75.7376181/39.6426716,-75.8039117/@39.6470782,-75.8055534,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7542199!2d39.6586943!3s0x89c7a99b8401f815:0x8e31253ade6a220c!1m0!3e0 (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6478112,-75.7376181/39.6426716,-75.8039117/@39.6470782,-75.8055534,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7542199!2d39.6586943!3s0x89c7a99b8401f815:0x8e31253ade6a220c!1m0!3e0)
6. Exit I-95 at DEL-896 (Exit 1) southbound; to a right on Old Baltimore Pike; west on Old Baltimore Pike into Maryland (becomes MD-281); right on Muddy Lane; left on Belle Hill Road; right on MD-279; return to I-95 southbound (illegal for most commercial vehicles and has a low overhead clearance bridge on Muddy Lane).
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6478112,-75.7376181/39.6413284,-75.7994385/@39.6327933,-75.8092548,13z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m10!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7633869!2d39.6291207!3s0x89c7a8ff02d907bb:0x403b2013a6ba3bba!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7996661!2d39.6266383!3s0x89c7a8ce1f61cb85:0x3018c00d369ede9!1m0!3e0 (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6478112,-75.7376181/39.6413284,-75.7994385/@39.6327933,-75.8092548,13z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m10!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7633869!2d39.6291207!3s0x89c7a8ff02d907bb:0x403b2013a6ba3bba!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7996661!2d39.6266383!3s0x89c7a8ce1f61cb85:0x3018c00d369ede9!1m0!3e0)
7. Exit I-95 at DEL-896 (Exit 1) northbound; stay in right lane; take jughandle ramp on right just after Chestnut Hill Road to make a left turn; follow Chestnut Hill to the signal at Otts Chapel Road and turn right there. Take Otts Chapel north to its terminus at DEL-279 (Elkton Road) and turn left (south). DEL-279 becomes MD-279, continue to entrance ramp to I-95 southbound (illegal for most commercial vehicles).
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6471243,-75.7419763/39.6424771,-75.8044246/@39.64495,-75.806832,13z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7511154!2d39.6547467!3s0x89c7a999a2efe6c9:0xd4a655cc3058ccbb!3m4!1m2!1d-75.75255!2d39.654857!3s0x89c7a99972e294bd:0x4a82431d3372c934!3m4!1m2!1d-75.783742!2d39.65701!3s0x89c7a96abb62b361:0x33f61a6ca278c562!1m0!3e0 (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6471243,-75.7419763/39.6424771,-75.8044246/@39.64495,-75.806832,13z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7511154!2d39.6547467!3s0x89c7a999a2efe6c9:0xd4a655cc3058ccbb!3m4!1m2!1d-75.75255!2d39.654857!3s0x89c7a99972e294bd:0x4a82431d3372c934!3m4!1m2!1d-75.783742!2d39.65701!3s0x89c7a96abb62b361:0x33f61a6ca278c562!1m0!3e0)
Note that taking Chestnut Hill Road to Iron Hill Road to MD-279 is not advised, because it is a difficult turn from Iron Hill Road to MD-279 southbound (there's no signal at this intersection).Thanks to MTantillo for comments and corrections regarding this shunpike route.
8. Exit I-95 at DEL-896 (Exit 1) southbound; to a right turn at U.S. 40 (Pulaski Highway) west; follow U.S. 40 through Elkton; turn right at MD-272 (North East Road); and return to I-95 southbound (should be
legal for most commercial vehicles, but this is a longer detour).
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6472652,-75.7407913/39.6341476,-75.954202/@39.6094561,-75.9651079,11z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7455008!2d39.6143792!3s0x89c7a843875cef87:0x3e3659fe13c890c1!3m4!1m2!1d-75.9101169!2d39.6108095!3s0x89c7b0079a76f60f:0xaea5c910be8c11eb!3m4!1m2!1d-75.9480252!2d39.6093455!3s0x89c7ba7ddc5a9e8b:0x5136e6da69938731!1m0!3e0 (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.6472652,-75.7407913/39.6341476,-75.954202/@39.6094561,-75.9651079,11z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d-75.7455008!2d39.6143792!3s0x89c7a843875cef87:0x3e3659fe13c890c1!3m4!1m2!1d-75.9101169!2d39.6108095!3s0x89c7b0079a76f60f:0xaea5c910be8c11eb!3m4!1m2!1d-75.9480252!2d39.6093455!3s0x89c7ba7ddc5a9e8b:0x5136e6da69938731!1m0!3e0)
Willis Avenue Bridge to shunpike the Triborough Bridge if traveling from Manhattan and the Bronx. Then the Third Avenue Bridge from the Bronx to Manhattan to avoid the hefty tolls the MTA implements as well.
I-295 or I-95 in PA to avoid the NJ Turnpike in South Jersey. May not be the fastest, but sure is the best and worth the extra time and miles at times.
Quote from: roadman65 on December 06, 2016, 09:42:05 AM
Willis Avenue Bridge to shunpike the Triborough Bridge if traveling from Manhattan and the Bronx. Then the Third Avenue Bridge from the Bronx to Manhattan to avoid the hefty tolls the MTA implements as well.
When I discovered this years ago, it was like a whole new wonderful world has been revealed. Driving into Manhattan became a totally refreshed and enjoyable experience. :D
Quote
I-295 or I-95 in PA to avoid the NJ Turnpike in South Jersey. May not be the fastest, but sure is the best and worth the extra time and miles at times.
Under what conditions? NJ Turnpike that far south is pretty tame, traffic-wise, unless something is going on with the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 09:56:05 AM
Quote
I-295 or I-95 in PA to avoid the NJ Turnpike in South Jersey. May not be the fastest, but sure is the best and worth the extra time and miles at times.
Under what conditions? NJ Turnpike that far south is pretty tame, traffic-wise, unless something is going on with the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Avoiding the Turnpike to avoid the toll, not to avoid traffic.
Quote from: 1 on December 06, 2016, 10:12:56 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 09:56:05 AM
Quote
I-295 or I-95 in PA to avoid the NJ Turnpike in South Jersey. May not be the fastest, but sure is the best and worth the extra time and miles at times.
Under what conditions? NJ Turnpike that far south is pretty tame, traffic-wise, unless something is going on with the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Avoiding the Turnpike to avoid the toll, not to avoid traffic.
Right, but I am wondering what the "times" were that he was referring to.
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 10:19:24 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 06, 2016, 10:12:56 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 09:56:05 AM
Quote
I-295 or I-95 in PA to avoid the NJ Turnpike in South Jersey. May not be the fastest, but sure is the best and worth the extra time and miles at times.
Under what conditions? NJ Turnpike that far south is pretty tame, traffic-wise, unless something is going on with the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Avoiding the Turnpike to avoid the toll, not to avoid traffic.
Right, but I am wondering what the "times" were that he was referring to.
"at times" meaning "sometimes".
I'll throw in one of my favorites from Florida that largely bypasses most of Florida's Turnpike and Miami.
- From Orlando take FL 15/CR 15 to US 192/US 441
- Use US 441 South to Okeechobee.
- Cut east on FL 70 east of Okeechobee and then FL 710.
- Cross over to US 98/US 441 on SE 86th Blvd and continue south.
- In Pahokee cut south on FL 715 and then west on FL 80 to US 27.
- Take US 27 south to reach Miami and/or Florida's Turnpike if you want. FL 997 can be used to bypass the city completely but it doesn't really save much time unless you are in the 7-10 AM rush hour period.
From Tampa it's pretty simple, just stay on FL 60 east to US 441 south at Yeehaw Junction where the rest of the route above can be followed. Even if you jumped off the Turnpike heading south out of Orlando on FL 60 it would still be in the same neighborhood time wise to reach Miami or the Keys...and you would avoid some of the larger toll fees. The route is considerably more scenic traversing Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades too. For what it's worth given that there is usually two or three traffic bogs in Miami I've always found that avoiding the Turnpike as possible either broke you even or saved some significant time. Plus, I'm not the biggest fan of driving around cities anymore with commuters flooding the roads.
Like wise US 27 is a fantastic alternate to I-75 and Alligator Alley from the Tampa area to Miami. US 27 basically is a divided expressway most of the time and there isn't much traffic asides from truckers who are in the know.
Quote from: 1 on December 06, 2016, 10:20:13 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 10:19:24 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 06, 2016, 10:12:56 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 09:56:05 AM
Quote
I-295 or I-95 in PA to avoid the NJ Turnpike in South Jersey. May not be the fastest, but sure is the best and worth the extra time and miles at times.
Under what conditions? NJ Turnpike that far south is pretty tame, traffic-wise, unless something is going on with the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Avoiding the Turnpike to avoid the toll, not to avoid traffic.
Right, but I am wondering what the "times" were that he was referring to.
"at times" meaning "sometimes".
Times meaning figure of speech for in my times of travel.
Sometimes I feel that I do not wish to spend extra time (literal meaning) traveling the busy I-95 or I-295 that I do not mind paying the toll. Other instances I am not pressured for time, or just feel like clinching other roads than the Turnpike.
Its all in the mood. I do not always religiously follow the shunpike, but there are times when I just feel like not paying the tolls.
Quote from: roadman65 on December 06, 2016, 10:31:30 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 06, 2016, 10:20:13 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 10:19:24 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 06, 2016, 10:12:56 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 09:56:05 AM
Quote
I-295 or I-95 in PA to avoid the NJ Turnpike in South Jersey. May not be the fastest, but sure is the best and worth the extra time and miles at times.
Under what conditions? NJ Turnpike that far south is pretty tame, traffic-wise, unless something is going on with the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Avoiding the Turnpike to avoid the toll, not to avoid traffic.
Right, but I am wondering what the "times" were that he was referring to.
"at times" meaning "sometimes".
Times meaning figure of speech for in my times of travel.
Sometimes I feel that I do not wish to spend extra time (literal meaning) traveling the busy I-95 or I-295 that I do not mind paying the toll. Other instances I am not pressured for time, or just feel like clinching other roads than the Turnpike.
Its all in the mood. I do not always religiously follow the shunpike, but there are times when I just feel like not paying the tolls.
Gotcha. Thanks.
Quote from: 1 on December 06, 2016, 10:20:13 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 10:19:24 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 06, 2016, 10:12:56 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 09:56:05 AM
Quote
I-295 or I-95 in PA to avoid the NJ Turnpike in South Jersey. May not be the fastest, but sure is the best and worth the extra time and miles at times.
Under what conditions? NJ Turnpike that far south is pretty tame, traffic-wise, unless something is going on with the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Avoiding the Turnpike to avoid the toll, not to avoid traffic.
Right, but I am wondering what the "times" were that he was referring to.
"at times" meaning "sometimes".
Especially on busy travel weekends the NJ Turnpike can be slow-going in this area between 4 & 1. It can be slow going SB during weekday rush hours...although it's slower on 295 (and 95) so that's not the best/fastest route at that time.
Even when there's an issue in Delaware that backs traffic up into NJ, usually the backup on the NJ Turnpike is longer than on 295 so it pays in time to be on 295. And it's a slight bit easier to jump off 295 onto 140 then 130 to the bridge to possibly save another few minutes.
Of course, the NJ Turnpike used to cheat itself due to congestion at the old Interchange 1 toll plaza, and would often close the highway southbound at Interchange 4, forcing people to 295 anyway. I haven't heard of that happening over the past decade since the new toll plaza was built, except for accidents which close the Turnpike.
Quote from: roadman65 on December 06, 2016, 09:42:05 AM
Willis Avenue Bridge to shunpike the Triborough Bridge if traveling from Manhattan and the Bronx. Then the Third Avenue Bridge from the Bronx to Manhattan to avoid the hefty tolls the MTA implements as well.
That's what we're talking about 10-15 posts back. ;-)
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3185.msg118433#msg118433
Quote from: Bickendan on October 17, 2011, 03:56:31 PM
Hood River Bridge or Bridge of the Gods: Good luck.
I shunpike this all the time. Coming from Idaho going up to Trout Lake, WA, I just take US-197. About the same mileage, haven't timed it but WA-14 is pretty quick (60 MPH Speed Limit vs. 65 on I-84, generally light traffic). If anything, it's a nice change of pace after being on I-84 for hours.
If I'm going from Trout Lake to Portland, though, I generally use the bridge rather than going west to Vancouver. And obviously, if you're traveling from White Salmon or Trout Lake to Hood River (which is very common for people that live in those places), you're right, good luck :P
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 06, 2016, 10:50:56 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 06, 2016, 10:20:13 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 10:19:24 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 06, 2016, 10:12:56 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 06, 2016, 09:56:05 AM
Quote
I-295 or I-95 in PA to avoid the NJ Turnpike in South Jersey. May not be the fastest, but sure is the best and worth the extra time and miles at times.
Under what conditions? NJ Turnpike that far south is pretty tame, traffic-wise, unless something is going on with the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Avoiding the Turnpike to avoid the toll, not to avoid traffic.
Right, but I am wondering what the "times" were that he was referring to.
"at times" meaning "sometimes".
Especially on busy travel weekends the NJ Turnpike can be slow-going in this area between 4 & 1. It can be slow going SB during weekday rush hours...although it's slower on 295 (and 95) so that's not the best/fastest route at that time.
Even when there's an issue in Delaware that backs traffic up into NJ, usually the backup on the NJ Turnpike is longer than on 295 so it pays in time to be on 295. And it's a slight bit easier to jump off 295 onto 140 then 130 to the bridge to possibly save another few minutes.
Of course, the NJ Turnpike used to cheat itself due to congestion at the old Interchange 1 toll plaza, and would often close the highway southbound at Interchange 4, forcing people to 295 anyway. I haven't heard of that happening over the past decade since the new toll plaza was built, except for accidents which close the Turnpike.
If I'm feeling really cheap (b/c the toll agencies get tons of money) and time doesn't matter I'll shun pike the NJ Tpke from Exit 1-6 via I-295 and then Exit 10 on up via I-287 to the Tappan Zee to avoid the GWB to CT.
or
I can take the NJ Tpke up to I-280 to NJ-21 to NJ-3 and get on using the free portion of I-95 to the Palisades to the Tappan Zee. The Port Authority gets enough money.
Buffalo to points west before PA: NY-5 (via Skyway) or US-20. This is only good until you get to Irving though, but you're welcome to go further.
:bigass:
Quote from: empirestate on December 06, 2016, 11:58:17 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 06, 2016, 09:42:05 AM
Willis Avenue Bridge to shunpike the Triborough Bridge if traveling from Manhattan and the Bronx. Then the Third Avenue Bridge from the Bronx to Manhattan to avoid the hefty tolls the MTA implements as well.
That's what we're talking about 10-15 posts back. ;-)
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3185.msg118433#msg118433
Hey if someone else uses this way too then it must be a good route then. Proves the point that its the best route when in NYC to avoid the expensive Triborough if two different people are using this way! :bigass:
Merging Traffic. How does NJ 3 get you on the free portion of I-95? Do you cut through the Sports Complex, or do you mean take NJ 21 to US 46?
Quote from: roadman65 on December 06, 2016, 11:11:22 PM
Merging Traffic. How does NJ 3 get you on the free portion of I-95? Do you cut through the Sports Complex, or do you mean take NJ 21 to US 46?
Yeah I take NJ-3 to just before the merge with NJ-495 (way past the western spur on-ramp) and get on the service road by the Hilton. It dumps you on right before where this sign used to be
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/679/20804712874_db05f3eb29_z.jpg)[/url]Ancient, non-reflective button copy for the NJ TPKE. NJ-495 EB. Secaucus, NJ. Sign may date to 1964 when the interchange was reconfigured. Note: the text US-46, as the tpke ended at US-46 rather than I-80. (https://flic.kr/p/xGrAj7) by mergingtraffic (https://www.flickr.com/photos/98731835@N05/), on Flickr
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7815753,-74.0471383,3a,75y,166.38h,91.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sO8a95Rf5NKeuDEqnnRxlMA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Long Island to Albany: Hutchinson Parkway to I-684 to I-84 to Taconic Parkway
Quote from: cpzilliacus on November 25, 2016, 02:19:17 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 27, 2010, 08:29:43 AM
Using that route, you'd have still paid a toll on I-95 in Delaware. And the same route would have 3 tolls on the return trip north.
[ This is the revival of an old thread - thought it might be useful for some members. ]
Alternatives to paying the $4.00 (more for commercial vehicles) Delaware Turnpike tolls - in other words, how to shunpike the tolled part of the Delaware Turnpike - or how to avoid paying tolls on I-95 in Delaware).
DelDOT "doth protest" rather too loudly about toll revenue losses at its one toll point on the Delaware Turnpike:
USAToday: Delaware eyes truckers evading tolls on I-95 (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/10/08/toll-evaders/16922061/)
QuoteNEWARK, Del. – By year's end, truckers again could see cops on the lookout for Delaware Turnpike toll evaders along streets in this area, officials said.
QuoteThe state Department of Transportation stopped paying for heightened enforcement from Delaware State Police and Newark police in 2007, according to police agencies. New agreements are under discussion.
Quote"It was like as soon as we were gone, the truckers knew," Newark City Manager Carol Houck said. "Our guys just can't be out there all the time."
I shunpiked the A-30 toll ($2.50) in Quebec today on my way home from the Eastern Townships. I took A-530 west to Exit 5 (QC 201 North, QC 132 East), continued straight on QC 201 (with some traffic lights) before reaching A-20 west. Google says it's only a few minutes longer, and now I can add A-530 to my travel mapping :)