Community Forums

rstiteler · 05-13-2025, 08:03 AM

Morning, Has anyone ever done a South Jersey to Connecticut (Mystic) run.
Trying to figure best time to Leave to Avoid GW bridge traffic it would be a Monday Morning. Also any restrictions via NJTP /95 all the way up.
Jayco 35FT
Ram 2500

Be gentle -New to this forum

Chargerman · 05-13-2025, 08:13 AM

No restrictions on the Jersey Turnpike. DEFINITELY don’t try the GW on Monday morning unless you plan on leaving at 3AM.

Eman85 · 05-13-2025, 08:33 AM

I ran it the other way just about every day about 1-2 AM with no problems unless there was construction delays.

rstiteler · 05-13-2025, 08:37 AM

I was thinking 3 am as well ugghh, not sure of alternate routes esp with the gas guzzler (9 miles per gallon at that point)

Eman85 · 05-13-2025, 08:49 AM

I ran it that way for work where time and miles counted, if I was on vacation I'd go around. Either way is easier in the dark, daylight driving near any city isn't fast, fun or easy.

**Lt Dan** · 05-13-2025, 09:07 AM

We came across the GW bridge on a Sunday morning from Mystic and it was a zoo then. I can't imagine what it's like on a Monday morning.

sploke · 05-13-2025, 09:19 AM

I avoid the GW at all costs. Preference is going a little further north to 287 and crossing the Tappan Zee/Cuomo bridge. You can follow 287 all the way back down to 95 and it's a straight shot up 95 for the length of CT.

Another more scenic and probably more time and expense route (but possibly more interesting) would be to cross the Verrazano Narrows bridge on 278 into Long Island, drive the length of Long Island, and take the ferry across to CT. There are two ferries - one halfway up Long Island from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport, and one all the way at the eastern tip from Orient Point into New London. The New London ferry port is only about 20 min from Mystic. Obviously you'd want to book the ferry in advance, but I know they'll carry larger trucks and campers/RVs. The eastern half of LI is kind of a nice drive, a lot of vineyards along the way, and on a nice day the ferry crossing is beautiful.

PushedAround · 05-13-2025, 11:19 AM

I cross the GWB from South Jersey at least 4 times a month. Get to the bridge by 4am and you do not even have to touch the brakes. 4~5:30 a little slower but acceptable. After 5:30 it starts to back up and is unpredictable. After 7am, fuggetaboutit.