Phila & Central NJ - I need directions

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Mother & I will be heading to Wildwood during 4th of July week (Tue-Fri). Normally I would travel 422E to the Schuylkill Expy, cross the Walt Whitman, take AC Expy to Garden State Parkway to 55S or simply take 55S off of ACE. Right?

Well, I looked up my trip on MS Streets & Trips (2001 version) and it has me taking the PA Turnpike to Rt. 100S, 202S, 322E then takes me across the Comm. Barry Bridge. I'm familiar with the journey up til 322E and I'm wary of taking any part of I95 in the area.

Yahoo maps sends me my usual way east on 422 to the Schuylkill, but sends me across the Ben Franklin Bridge, south to 42, then about a mile to 55.

I've been to Ocean City and Wildwood so I am most familiar with the Walt Whitman and can get to 55S or GSP with ease. I have been across the BF a few times, but only when heading to Seaside Heights. The only time I've been on the Cm. Barry is on a work trip, in a van, to Vineland.

Since all three versions will take the same amount of time and are the same distance, which way is preferred? I'm coming from Reading and Mother is coming from Ephrata, Lancaster County. We had talked of meeting at the Denver Interchange of the PA Turnpike (old exit 21). How do you suppose traffic on the Schulill will be on Tues AM? We expect to leave around 9:30 and hit Phila. around 10:30.

 

[pixiechick]

Kris,

I would stick with your original plan. 76(shuylkill) might be a little slow but that's hit or miss at that time of the morning. Snother option would be staying on the Blue route until 95 north and taking that to the WW bridge. But again, 95N can be heavy in the morning.

The WW bridge sometimes backs up going into NJ in the morning because of construction/lane closures. But, by time you get there it should be okay.

The BF bridge isn't much different, you just get off 76 (schuylkill) a little sooner and cut across the city.

CB bridge would be my last choice. 322 in NJ is all local highway and can be slow.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[TeresaNJ]

In my opinion, 322 might be the longest route, but can at times be faster due to less congestion, not to mention it is much more scenic and less boring. Funny thing is, when we go to Lancaster we usually take 322 for those same reasons. I'll have to talk to DH who travels extensively through this region and ask his opinion and get back to you later.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Originally posted by iNTeNSeBLue98
Mother & I will be heading to Wildwood during 4th of July week (Tue-Fri). Normally I would travel 422E to the Schuylkill Expy, cross the Walt Whitman, take AC Expy to Garden State Parkway to 55S or simply take 55S off of ACE. Right?


You can't get on 55 from the Parkway or Expressway. You can from 42, though.

322 is a single lane, so I wouldn't go that way.

I always take 55 to Wildwood, but I live right down the street from it.

You shouldn't hit any rush hour traffic at that time in the morning, so I would go either across the Ben Franklin or Walt Whitman bridge, down 42 and pick up 55.

 

[TeresaNJ]

Okay, DH says Schuykill to WWB to 42S to 55S, more direct, especially if you are leaving early in the am. If there is a problem on the Schuykill such as an accident or you are leaving on a weekday and there is lots of traffic, you can get on 476S towards Chester, shortly after getting off PA turnpike. This will take you to 95N towards Philadelphia, which will then take you to the WWB.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Originally posted by Dopey Sharon
You can't get on 55 from the Parkway or Expressway. You can from 42, though.

322 is a single lane, so I wouldn't go that way.

I always take 55 to Wildwood, but I live right down the street from it.

You shouldn't hit any rush hour traffic at that time in the morning, so I would go either across the Ben Franklin or Walt Whitman bridge, down 42 and pick up 55. [/B]

Sharon - 42 and ACE aren't the same roadway? I can never tell by watching the traffic reports, lol. I've been on 55 once or twice, isn't it a 2-lane, not a 4-lane? NOt that it's a big deal, I remember it being a windy road.

Theresa - In my mind that's the route.

Pixie - thanks to you as well. I really didn't think I wanted to go 322.

 

[katerkat]

The 322 route is the way Mom tells me to go home every time. She swears it's the fastest.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Originally posted by iNTeNSeBLue98
Sharon - 42 and ACE aren't the same roadway? I can never tell by watching the traffic reports, lol. I've been on 55 once or twice, isn't it a 2-lane, not a 4-lane? NOt that it's a big deal, I remember it being a windy road.

Theresa - In my mind that's the route.

Pixie - thanks to you as well. I really didn't think I wanted to go 322.

No, they are two different highways. If you stay on 42, you can pick up the ACE, in Turnersville where it begins, but they are two separate roads. The ACE splits off to the left and 42 continues into Turnersville, but becomes a two lane road.

Yes, 55 is a two lane highway. I wish they would continue it to go all the way into Wildwood. That would be great!