[ricthemic]

Looking to bypass NYC, Baltimore & DC. Looking at map. How is the Tappan Zee over to 81 to 64 to 95 in Richmond? Thanks

[Jima64]

The last time we drove over the bridge there was still freeway construction going on widening sections a few years back. We always bypass nyc using the bridge and the GSF.

[KayakerNC]

Beautiful time of year for DW and me to be in Newport RI for 2 weeks.
Came up I95, bypassed NYC by taking Jersy turnpike to Tappen Zee Bridge ($5 toll), pretty much smooth sailing. But....didn't bypass DC and Baltimore...BIG mistake.
Coming back next week, we will be taking the total bypass. DW is looking forward to a scenic drive in the Shenandoah Valley and a stop at the Shenandoah Caverns (never been). Then from 81 to 64 to get back on I-95 S.
Should be a good route and we are looking forward to it.
I would also be interested in hearing from travelers who have already tried it.

[njbchbum]

As in all things - timing is everything! I do believe that most of the construction in the area of the TZ is complete [compared to a "few years back"] except for a couple of spot areas The lane changing machine will close down a lane when it is time to accommodate the pattern change of commuters.

My suggestion would be to take the TZ Bridge to the Garden State Pkwy S [toll road but no trucks] to the NJ Tpk S over the Del Mem Bridge to 95S and then to the 295 Richmond roundabout back to 95S.



We prefer to travel on Saturdays and usually hit the NJ Tpk around 9am and have a pretty smooth ride all the way thru D.C. since most construction is shut down for the weekend. Regardless of our travel days, however, I always study I-95 Road Construction | I-95 Exit Guide just to find out what's going on. Also check the sports schedules to find out when teams are at home in Maryland - baseball-football-pre-season hockey all have venues off I95! We can usually count on an average ride of 7.5 hrs from NJ Tpk exit 7A to Florence S.C. Exit 154.

Last went South to NC in Aug during the week - good ride thru Ft. McHenry Tunnel, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Lorton VA; jumped onto the HOV lanes that changed over to EZ Pass and rode all the way to Aquia, VA without delay. The area from Lorton and below can be a bear if ya hit it soon after the auto-train arrived and cars are streaming onto I95!

If you will be planning an overnite along I95 you might want to review Travel Coupons by Market America and https://www.hotelcoupons.com/ for discounts.

Hope this helps.

I envy KayakerNC the scenic drive he and his wife have planned - the Skyline Dr/Shenendoah Valley trip is still on our bucket lis

[PJOHNS2654]

Originally Posted by ricthemic

Looking to bypass NYC, Baltimore & DC. Looking at map. How is the Tappan Zee over to 81 to 64 to 95 in Richmond? Thanks

We have taken this route many times, and prefer it. Actually we take I78 to 81/ The tolls on Garden state and New Jersey Turnpike are high and the tunnel is daunting. Unfortunately we will have to endure them this year (New Great Grand daughter in D.C. area)

[mtdjed]

Originally Posted by ricthemic

Looking to bypass NYC, Baltimore & DC. Looking at map. How is the Tappan Zee over to 81 to 64 to 95 in Richmond? Thanks

Kind of depends where you are coming from and going to and the time of day.

Somebody mentioned the autotrain causing traffic. I wouldn't worry. They might carry 500 cars max and take over an hour/ perhaps two to unload. Another 8 cars a minute is not going to be noticed except by those coming from the autotrain.

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

Kind of depends where you are coming from and going to and the time of day.

Somebody mentioned the autotrain causing traffic. I wouldn't worry. They might carry 500 cars max and take over an hour/ perhaps two to unload. Another 8 cars a minute is not going to be noticed except by those coming from the autotrain.

I guess your experiences are considerably different from ours! lol

[villagetinker]

I have avoided Phila and DC and Baltimore, by going to Harrisburg, then south on 15, at this point you have a choice, I was taking 270 (I think( to 95 as I was going to Lorton (AutoTrain), but as I recall you can get to 81 or 95 from this area.
I would advise getting around NY but it has been way too long for anything I say to be accurate.
Hope this helps.

[Nucky]

Listen to Njbchbum..he speaks the truth. Rush hour at The Tappan Zee can be rough The Garden State Parkway is always a crap shoot but once you hit the New Jersey Turnpike ahhh it is now a pleasure just stay in the car lanes. Safe trip & good luck.

[bluedog103]

The new TZ bridge is under construction just to the north of the old bridge. Not a problem except for rubberneckers. No real problems on the NY Thruway or GSP. Jersey TPK moves along well. I always travel on a Sunday to avoid most of the traffic on I95. I've done the route I-84 to I-81 to I-78 a few times and it's about 90 miles farther. Traffic moves pretty well but you're really going way west to come back way east to connect to I-95 farther south. That route has a whole lot of trucks taking the long way to avoid tolls. A lot of truck drivers are like a lot of car drivers anymore in that they're texting and on their phones. Many of them are all over the road. You really have to watch out for them. I can't tell you how many times I've been passing a truck when they decide to pull out to pass. Unfortunately days of the Knights of the Road are dwindling away. It's never an easy trip but traveling on Sundays and staying on I-95 seems to work best for us.

[village dreamer]

from nj I take rt 78 west to rt 81 south stay on all the way to tenn. to rt 40 to rt 75 south, about 1250 miles and 19 hours. and all this for only a buck in tolls in pa.

[lanabanana73]

Originally Posted by village dreamer

from nj I take rt 78 west to rt 81 south stay on all the way to tenn. to rt 40 to rt 75 south, about 1250 miles and 19 hours. and all this for only a buck in tolls in pa.

We take 81 from PA and find it WAY more relaxing and doable than 95. We stay away from the coast at all costs!