Merritt pkwy vs I95

[STC10]

I'm considering heading up to Mystic Ct. after work Fri. I want to slab it just to save time. I'm in the Lehigh Valley area and plan on 78e to 287n, over the Tappan Zee. Now in the cage, I usually just take 95 N, however, on the bike I was thinking of the Merritt Pkwy past New Haven, then picking up 95 past the most populated areas. I've never taken this route. Good idea or not?

 

[FjrVfr]

Absolutely. Traffic is going to suck no matter what route you choose but I'd take the Merritt/Wilbur Cross over I-95 anytime. If by some miracle the Merritt isn't bumper to bumper it can be quite a nice ride.

Have a good trip.

 

[BigOgre]

Hey. Would highly recommend the Merritt over 95 even just for time sake. If you've been on 95 you must be well aware of the conditions and the many areas that bring you down below speed, not to mention the tense grip in your hands. Just an ugly road. Merritt is more parkway, no trucks, and while only two lanes, I've been fortunate not to have been caught up in slower traffic. Of course I guess time of day might alter that somewhat. Only thing I would caution is to be sure how to jump over to 95 around New Haven. (Merritt turns into the Wilbur Cross sometime before that.) Last two times in that area I screwed myself up trying to get from one to the other after coming down 91.

 

[Willie]

I'm considering heading up to Mystic Ct. after work Fri. I want to slab it just to save time. I'm in the Lehigh Valley area and plan on 78e to 287n, over the Tappan Zee. Now in the cage, I usually just take 95 N, however, on the bike I was thinking of the Merritt Pkwy past New Haven, then picking up 95 past the most populated areas. I've never taken this route. Good idea or not?

+1 on the Merritt. If time is not a consideration, continue taking back roads all such as AS AN EXAMPLE. Personally if I am not in a rush, I tend to take back roads even if it takes me thru towns. They can be interesting as well.

Willie

 

[STC10]

I'm considering heading up to Mystic Ct. after work Fri. I want to slab it just to save time. I'm in the Lehigh Valley area and plan on 78e to 287n, over the Tappan Zee. Now in the cage, I usually just take 95 N, however, on the bike I was thinking of the Merritt Pkwy past New Haven, then picking up 95 past the most populated areas. I've never taken this route. Good idea or not?

+1 on the Merritt. If time is not a consideration, continue taking back roads all such as AS AN EXAMPLE. Personally if I am not in a rush, I tend to take back roads even if it takes me thru towns. They can be interesting as well.

Willie

Thanks all. I will be in a rush on the way up. The earliest I can leave here is 4pm. I try to do as little night riding as possible (forest rats and critters)I would like to arrive by dark. Your route looks like a good way home however. I've rarely run into heavy traffic on 95 past North Haven. Of course this will be Fri eve. so maybe the alt rte is best.

 

[gravity]

Yes take the Merrit up to New Haven or possibly farther. You could do something like take Rte 68 over to Rte 9 then down to 95. I was in Mystic last night on Masons Island to visit a friend, didn't leave to go there till after 6pm. Traffic wasn't to bad 70-80 mph the whole way,except it's down to one lane at exits 71-73 for road construction. It was backed up even then and had to walk my bike in the 1mi of stop & go. But seeing as your going on Friday even the Merrit will be jammed. Good luck,Peter

 

[fljab]

I'm considering heading up to Mystic Ct. <snip>

I had dinner in Mystic Friday night! Sorry to say, didn't get there by FJR tho...

 

[ALDAWG]

STC-10 I wish there was a magical road on friday afternoon, unfortunately NO. I-95 is the devils highway on a monday, nevermind friday. Seriously if I had to do what your planning , I would really consider traveling this streach at night. I cannot put into words how much I-95 sucks on a friday, after 8pm it's not so bad, but The Merrit can be risky at night keep those eyes peeled. Whenever I travel south on 95 it is always early in the am around 5ish, that puts me in N.J. at around 6:30. Good luck (your gonna need it) and be careful.