Tappen Zee around NYC?

[edbo77]

Still having the debate on whether to take the GWB through NYC or go around on the Tappen Zee, which I have never done. If I do go around, how do I get from 287/GSP back to the NJ Turnpike to keep heading south?

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

Still having the debate on whether to take the GWB through NYC or go around on the Tappen Zee, which I have never done. If I do go around, how do I get from 287/GSP back to the NJ Turnpike to keep heading south?

Take the GSP south to exit 129, which will connect you with the NJTP.

 

[tjmw2727]

We always take the tappanzee - we travel back & forth from MA to DE many times a year and according to the GPS its a 12 minute time difference. IMHO its a much nicer ride without as much potential for traffic.

The GSP takes you right back to the NJ turnpike, its easy.

 

[paras4ri]

Absolutely take the Tappan Zee - a much easier ride.

 

[UConnJack]

The GWB isn't what kills you, it's the Cross-Bronx Expwy (I-95) up to the GWB. I have done the Tappen Zee a few times, and it is usually a better ride, but it does add about 15 minutes (if all traffic is equal). The problem is, I have run into major traffic issues on I-287 to the Tappen Zee too, although I think the construction projects that have created most of those issues over the last several years have mostly been completed(?). The GSP is often no picnic either (especially around the repeated toll booths between Patterson and Newark) on the way back to the NJT.

My personal favorite route from CT is the Merrit Pwky or I-84/I-684 (depending on which way I'm coming) to the Hutchinson River Pkwy, to the Cross-County Pkwy, to the Saw Mill Pkwy south which turns into the Henry Hudson Pkwy, and then getting on the GWB from below. It may sound complex, and may be a little the first time you take it, but I have found it is the most consistent route in terms of traffic and time.

The best way for people to give you advice is to give us an idea of what day and what time you plan on driving through/around NYC. The best route can totally depend on that, sometimes significantly changing with a 1/2-hour difference.

 

[francie57]

We are close to 84 in CT and always take the TappanZee. You can go 287 to the end or we take the SawMill Parkway off 287 (think its Exit 5) and follow that to the exit for 287/TappanZee. The GSP takes you right to the Jersey Turnpike. You will get back on the turnpike around Exit 10 (where the road is divided). It may be a few more miles but we find it a much better route to take. We did the GWB once and will never go that way again.

 

[edbo77]

Well I'm leaving Boston around 4PM on a weekday so I guess that gets me into NYC around 730/8PM, I would like to go 287/TappenZee to the GSP back to the NJ Turnpike. I will be coming down 95 vs. 84 so although I have done the Merritt in the past I don't think it's the best option this time. The way I have the trip planned I want to get to the NJ state line by 8PM to get to DE by 10PM. I have no problems taking the GWB since that what I have done the 4 previous times I have made the drive. Just wondering if the detour on the TZ is any better, I'm thinking any time I might save might be lost on the GSP.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

The GSP takes you right to the Jersey Turnpike. You will get back on the turnpike around Exit 10 (where the road is divided).

It's exit 11 on the NJTP. 129 on the GSP.

 

[UConnJack]

Well I'm leaving Boston around 4PM on a weekday so I guess that gets me into NYC around 730/8PM, I would like to go 287/TappenZee to the GSP back to the NJ Turnpike. I will be coming down 95 vs. 84 so although I have done the Merritt in the past I don't think it's the best option this time. The way I have the trip planned I want to get to the NJ state line by 8PM to get to DE by 10PM. I have no problems taking the GWB since that what I have done the 4 previous times I have made the drive. Just wondering if the detour on the TZ is any better, I'm thinking any time I might save might be lost on the GSP.

That's late enough to avoid most traffic, except the I-95 Cross Bronx which is always busy.

Why would you be taking I-95 vs. 84 or the Merritt? Personally, if there is anyway I can avoid I-95, I do, unless its wicked early in the AM or late in the PM. Between New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford, there is just too many possible traffic issues. Even if traffic isn't stopped or slow, it is usually heavy and full of trucks, even around 6:30-7 when you'd be driving it (although you would be going "against the grain" of traffic.) The Merritt simply parallels 95 and is usually a much more pleasant drive (and just as easy to get to I-287 as 95).

From Boston it would be also just as easy to take 84, and besides Waterbury, there isn't nearly the city congestion of I-95. And I-684 is a breeze down to 287 or the Hutch, whichever way you go.

I would still recommend the Merritt or 84/684 to Hutch/Cross County/HH/GWB parkway route I mentioned above. I don't use GPS but I imagine specific routes can be programmed to make it easy to follow? But if you are wary of the multiple roads, I would recommend the TZ/287 via Merrit/Hutch or 84/684 as opposed to I-95 to TZ/287 or worse to the Cross Bronx and GWB.

 

[Ed J]

The tap takes about 30 minutes longer than the GWB if you don't hit traffic. I've been doing the NJ to CT/RI/Ma trip once a month for more than 5 years, I only go over the tap if the traffic over or leading up to the GWB is bad.

I use Sirus traffic + 1010 wins on the AM band (traffic every 10 mins) and make my decision. I don't know which route I'm going to take till I'm 5 miles from the 287 exit on 95 (if I'm on 95, like others have said, I like the Merit better than 95).

Simply picking the tap for the sake of taking the tap is a waste of time IMO.

 

[francie57]

If you leave at 4:00 you wouldn't have any trouble getting through the 84 route. Waterbury backs up at rush hour but by the time you got there it would be clear sailing. I would avoid 95 at all costs - no matter the time of day since it is usually a mess. The 84/684/Tap/GSP/NJT route might be longer mile-wise but time-wise you should save. We have never had a problem with traffic later at night on the GSP, unless there is an accident.

 

[airhead]

absolutely take the tappan zee - a much easier ride.

ita

 

[edbo77]

That's late enough to avoid most traffic, except the I-95 Cross Bronx which is always busy.

Why would you be taking I-95 vs. 84 or the Merritt? Personally, if there is anyway I can avoid I-95, I do, unless its wicked early in the AM or late in the PM. Between New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford, there is just too many possible traffic issues. Even if traffic isn't stopped or slow, it is usually heavy and full of trucks, even around 6:30-7 when you'd be driving it (although you would be going "against the grain" of traffic.) The Merritt simply parallels 95 and is usually a much more pleasant drive (and just as easy to get to I-287 as 95).

From Boston it would be also just as easy to take 84, and besides Waterbury, there isn't nearly the city congestion of I-95. And I-684 is a breeze down to 287 or the Hutch, whichever way you go.

I would still recommend the Merritt or 84/684 to Hutch/Cross County/HH/GWB parkway route I mentioned above. I don't use GPS but I imagine specific routes can be programmed to make it easy to follow? But if you are wary of the multiple roads, I would recommend the TZ/287 via Merrit/Hutch or 84/684 as opposed to I-95 to TZ/287 or worse to the Cross Bronx and GWB.

The reason I'm doing 95 vs. 84 is that we live down by the Cape - to go from our house up to the Pike and then down 84 just doesn't make sense.

I do have Sirius radio, so I'll listen to the NYC channel and make my decision on whether to go GWB or TZB as we get closer. Thanks for all the opinions!

 

[UConnJack]

The reason I'm doing 95 vs. 84 is that we live down by the Cape - to go from our house up to the Pike and then down 84 just doesn't make sense.

I do have Sirius radio, so I'll listen to the NYC channel and make my decision on whether to go GWB or TZB as we get closer. Thanks for all the opinions!

That makes sense, although if you map it out, even going north a bit to pick up I-90 to I-84 only adds about 15-20 minutes, which could be saved on traffic. The other problem with I-95 considering where you are coming from and when (~4pm), is you'll be going through Providence in the peak of rush hour, and I know I-195 and I-95 can get crazy through the city.

If you do go I-95, I would still recommend picking up the Merritt (via the connector) in Milford to avoid Bridgeport through Stamford. I-287 to the TZ (or the other route to the GWB I mentioned) is easy to access off the Merritt/Hutch.