I 95 detour in Ct

[capegirl]

Due to a fiery explosion on I 95 in Bridgeport CT. both sides of the highway are closed. I have heard reports that this section of 95 between exits 25-27 could be closed indefinitely.
We are driving from Mass. to WDW in April, and I was wondering if anyone from the CT. area has suggestions with regards to a detour. We know nothing about this neck of the woods, and any help would be appreciated.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Mass Pike to Sturbridge, 84 thru Hartford, Danbury and over the NY line. Then whatever you like: 684 down toward the NYC or keep going on 84 until you hit 87, then south. Hey but you're coming from the Cape. Well may be the Orient Point ferry onto Long Island and on from there might work; it's pretty cool to take a ferry anyway. Or you could do 95 to New Haven (or is that N'Haven?), then State rout 15 to the 84 and on...

I am sure some of our Nutmegger friends on this board will guide you. The reports of that crash/ explosion are scary. The heat of the fire actually bent the steel beams of the bridge . Y'know, flying really is safer anyway .

 

[capegirl]

Thanks for the info pumkinboy. The ferry sounds interesting...I will have to investigate!

 

[seashoreCM]

I have often gone from Boston to NYC passing Hartford, New Haven and Bridgeport. Usually I come down i-84, bypass Hartford using the Charter Oak Bridge, gets me on I-91, then get on the Wilbur Cross Parkway, Ct Rte 15. This skips the entire stretch of I-95 in CT.

Since Rte 15 parallels I-95 closely there could be lots of traffic using it in the Bridgeport area. The I-84 all the way to Danbury is worth considering.

Coming down the CT coast on I-95 and passing through New Haven you can cross over from I-95 to Rte 15 in Milford, several miles before Bridgeport, except that lots of others may be doing the same thing.

There is a state run radio traffic report system that can be picked up on your AM radio while on I-84 and I-91 and other major highways in many spots. I forget where on the dial. It gives reports on freeway traffic.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by capegirl
Due to a fiery explosion on I 95 in Bridgeport CT. both sides of the highway are closed. I have heard reports that this section of 95 between exits 25-27 could be closed indefinitely.
We are driving from Mass. to WDW in April, and I was wondering if anyone from the CT. area has suggestions with regards to a detour. We know nothing about this neck of the woods, and any help would be appreciated.

They are talking at least two week closure. It is a shame since it is a brand new area of 95.
The directions just given to you, are excellent.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
Mass Pike to Sturbridge, 84 thru Hartford, Danbury and over the NY line. Then whatever you like: 684 down toward the NYC or keep going on 84 until you hit 87, then south. Hey but you're coming from the Cape. Well may be the Orient Point ferry onto Long Island and on from there might work; it's pretty cool to take a ferry anyway. Or you could do 95 to New Haven (or is that N'Haven?), then State rout 15 to the 84 and on...

I am sure some of our Nutmegger friends on this board will guide you. The reports of that crash/ explosion are scary. The heat of the fire actually bent the steel beams of the bridge . Y'know, flying really is safer anyway .

You can actually take 95 to New London, catch the ferry to Orient Point (the one from Bridgeport, which is where you don't want to be) goes to Port Jefferson. The LIE, however, is no picnic.

 

[safetymom]

Got this in an email today. I am here in RI and it was on the news. Glad I don't have to deal with this.

In response to the temporary closing of Interstate 95 in Bridgeport, Mystic Coast & Country Travel Industry Association is offering travelers from New York area the following alternate routes to southeastern Connecticut:



Traveling to Southeastern Connecticut By Car:
Hutchinson Parkway/Merritt Parkway: Passenger vehicles can take the Hutchinson River Parkway (North) to Route 15 North (Merritt Parkway). Take Merritt Parkway Exit 54 and follow signs to Interstate 95 North/New London.

From Interstate 95 Northbound: Traffic will be detoured off Exit 25 Commerce Drive. Traffic should take a left onto Commerce Drive, a left onto State Street and a right onto Lafayette Boulevard. That will lead to another Interstate 95 northbound ramp at South Frontage Rd.

Commercial Vehicles: Commercial vehicles are being asked to use Interstate 84. The suggested route is Interstate 95 North to 287 West and 684 North to 84 East.

Returning to New York Area from Southeastern Connecticut:
From Interstate 95 Southbound: Traffic will be detoured off Exit 27 Lafayette Blvd. Bear right onto Lafayette Blvd. Follow to Fairfield Ave. Turn left onto Fairfield Ave (approximately 2-3 miles) to the intersection of Commerce Drive and State Street Ext.Turn right onto State Street Ext. and follow to Interstate 95 South entrance ramp.

From Interstate 95 South: Cars will take exit 27A and proceed to Route 25 north. From Route 25 North, passenger cars are being instructed to take Exit 7 to the Merritt Parkway (Route 15).

From New London via Merritt Parkway: Passenger cars only can take Interstate 95 South to exit 38 and follow signs to the Merritt Parkway South (Route 15). Travelers can proceed directly on the Merritt Parkway to the Hutchinson River Parkway. For shoreline points south of Bridgeport exit the Merritt Parkway to Route 8 South/25 connector and take Exit 2 (Fairfield Ave. Exit). Follow Fairfield Ave approximately 2-3 miles to intersection of Fairfield Ave and Commerce Drive/State Street Extension. Turn right onto Commerce Drive and follow to Interstate 95 South entrance ramp.

 

[Mickey527]

I would recomment taking Rt 15.
I drive to WDW at least 3 times a year and I go 15 to Garden State Pkway, to NJ Tpke, to 95 for the rest of the way. Traffic is alot less than going through NY and the George Washington Bridge.

I live in Bpt, 8 minutes away from work. Today I attempted to get to work. I left the house at 8:15, and at 9:30 I gave up and went home. I wasn't even going toward the accident area, as a matter of fact I was going the opposite way.
This accident has affected travel horrendously and I am not looking forward to this for the 2 to 4 weeks they are predicting before the highway is replaced. Peggie

 

[Ludwig Von Drake]

I agree with everyone that the best route is via RT 15. I live near and unfortunately must travel often on I-84. It has been under construction in the western part of the state for a couple years now. Traffic from Hartford to Danbury and state line has been bad up to this accident, now the additional truck traffic is making it unbearable! And I might add, very dangerous! Talk the Wilbur Cross Parkway and RT 15. Although they are not toll roads any more they are limited access highways - NO 18 WHEELERS!! They are also much more scenic, and definately less stressful! Enjoy your trip.

 

[capegirl]

Thanks to all for your helpful suggestions. We were planning on leaving from Cape Cod at 4am, looks like we might have to get an even earlier start