Driving Day Before Thanksgiving (NY,NJ, MD)

[lucyem]

Our original plan was to leave MA on Wednesday. Through NY, NJ etc to MD south. I was going to ask if anyone had any advice on traffic to expect. But then I saw a couple of articles and a video on weather.com talking about even a possible nor'easter that day. Now we are looking at leaving Tuesday night or waiting a day and leaving Thanksgiving. A lot depends on how soon the system goes through and what it will be. I am leaning more and more towards Tuesday night no matter the weather. Any thoughts or advice? We go 84 to NY Thru to Garden state to NJ turnpike and then its 95 all the way.

We always seem get a big storm right around Dec 1st. In August I canceled part of our DVC stay and booked the first three nights off property. So worst case, even with a last minute change in plans we are probably only out about $100 for the room that night. DH thought I was crazy at the time. Now, not so much.

 

[shafke]

If you have the time leave Tuesday night. Getting through the NY/Tri State area at the beginning of a holiday weekend can be a nightmare. Even though the route you are taking will bypass most of the NYC area the NJ TPKE can get very busy.

Thanksgiving day on the other hand shouldn't be too bad. I would say the only time you would have to worry about traffic is that time when people start leaving to go to dinner with friends/relatives... maybe noon til 2 or 3. You would probably not want to be on the road near major cities at this time if it can be helped.

 

[mjmyers10]

I have driven the Jersey Turnpike on Thanksgiving Day and it is brutal. Unless you are driving super early or super late in the day, you will hit traffic.

 

[CPT Tripss]

OP will likely hit really heavy traffic any of the days under consideration. That's a terrible time to drive.

 

[nono]

How many drivers do you have?

 

[NJRRK]

For a bit less traffic, try I-287 south through NJ. Then US202 south to NJ31 south to I-95 south on the PA side of the river. Since it's a bit out of the way less traffic and no tolls, until Delaware.

It sounds like a pain, but since there's less traffic it doesn't take any additional time.

 

[deedeetoo]

Driving anywhere on the day before Thanksgiving is going to be a nightmare. Leaving Tuesday night is not going to make a lot of difference. I have driven in this area many too many times around the holidays and I will never do it again if I have a choice. Plan on being in bumper to bumper traffic for most of your trip. Your trip will take quite a bit longer than a normal trip of this distance. I used to travel from Boston to Philadelphia around Thanksgiving and it would typically take at least twice as long as normal.

 

[double r]

For a bit less traffic, try I-287 south through NJ. Then US202 south to NJ31 south to I-95 south on the PA side of the river. Since it's a bit out of the way less traffic and no tolls, until Delaware.

It sounds like a pain, but since there's less traffic it doesn't take any additional time.

I would 2nd this route, that's the way I always use when heading north, always avoid anything close to NY City. If the weather is not bad I think I would wait till late Wed. night to head out. I am in De. and most of the road work is complete and should not present a problem( like years ago) and if you have EZ Pass that helps a lot.

 

[double r]

I would be more worried about 95 in Va. just below DC as there is major construction going on in that area.

 

[lucyem]

Thanks all for the advice!!!

I have been watching the weather and made arrangements to leave on Tuesday late afternoon. I will follow behind rush hour through Hartford and then out 84 and work my way south. Its just me driving but spending the night and picking up the other driver in Annapolis. If weather and traffic stay ok we should be in Annapolis about 1am. Its about 8 hours without traffic and we have a family member half way we can stop for a break and quick dinner.

I will look into the alternate route through NJ. I have never gone that way. Usually if worried about traffic we head all the way out 84 into PA but with the weather system moving in I don't think that would be smart.

Thats good to know about the construction below DC. When we leave Annapolis we were planning to take a more coastal route through Anne Arundel/Calvert counties and pick up 95 further south.

Yes I do have my EZ Pass

 

[double r]

Thanks all for the advice!!!


Thats good to know about the construction below DC. When we leave Annapolis we were planning to take a more coastal route through Anne Arundel/Calvert counties and pick up 95 further south.

Yes I do have my EZ Pass

Sounds like you are going Rt. 301 that's the way we go when we haul the camper south, avoids the Balt. tunnels, do you come out at exit 104( just above Kings Dominion) or run 301 further south? We always come out at exit 104 not sure if better to run 301 all the way below Richmond or not, maybe we will try it this year for our trip forr New Years

 

[njmom47]

Traffic on the Turnpike was already a nightmare this afternoon. Hope you have quick and safe travels!