Question Trip north from east coast of Florida to western CT

[Joe Dutchstar]

planning a trip north this Spring. Thinking about going north on I-95 to outside Washington, then I-495 around DC to, I-270, US15, I-81, I-78 I-287, I-87, I-684, I-84 to Danbury.

Thoughts? Or do I take I-270 to I-70 to I-81? OR do I take I-495 around DC and continue on I-95 north?
US15 is a question. Never been on that US15, at least not that I remember.

 

[sheridany]

@Joe Hogan id like to hear what you find in RV parks there in CT that can fit big coaches.

 

[AbdRahim]

US 15 is fine. You will just have to stop for a few traffic lights

 

[NWIP]

I haven’t gone north to CT recently however we came south late last summer. I hate the traffic around I495 going thru DC area and avoid.

My preferred route would be to use I81 north to I84 east to Danbury. Usually I cut over from I95 via I26, I77 and other than Charlotte traffic works out good and avoids tolls except crossing Hudson River on I84.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

@Joe Hogan id like to hear what you find in RV parks there in CT that can fit big coaches.

We were there a couple of years ago. Just south a bit from Hartford is the town of Portland. We stayed at Portland Riverside Marina. We used it just as an overnighter but It is Big Rig Friendly. You do have to share the place with some pretty big boats though. It was quiet and easy to get to for us.

Darrell

 

[Chargerman]

Strawberry Park is a nice Ct park and close to the shore and some beautiful New England colonial towns

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Continuing the process of planning this trip. Fueling has become a concern. There is only one Truck Type fueling stop I can find in Danbury area. It is in an area very familiar to me as the Mobil station next door was a gas station we used for over a decade when we lived and worked within walking distance so to speak. Global is the brand, I’ll travel with boxed DEF.
We’ll tank up there and loop around through VT stops and back to Rt87 travel plaza on the way south. There are a few stops in VT Rt 7 if things get tight.
Route we decided is 95 to 77 to 81. Then on to 287, 684, 84. Once in the NY, CT, Vt area, the ground becomes more familiar. The only change is I’m driving a 20-25T vehicle that is ~13’ 2” high.
Watch for road route changes, odd bridges, both over and under. You will note that many bridges in the Northeast do not have markings. Makes life a bit challenging.
Railroad bridges that are not accompanied by a descending approach road grade are suspect.
Should be a fun trip.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Continuing the process of planning this trip. Fueling has become a concern. There is only one Truck Type fueling stop I can find in Danbury area. It is in an area very familiar to me as the Mobil station next door was a gas station we used for over a decade when we lived and worked within walking distance so to speak. Global is the brand, I’ll travel with boxed DEF.
We’ll tank up there and loop around through VT stops and back to Rt87 travel plaza on the way south. There are a few stops in VT Rt 7 if things get tight.
Route we decided is 95 to 77 to 81. Then on to 287, 684, 84. Once in the NY, CT, Vt area, the ground becomes more familiar. The only change is I’m driving a 20-25T vehicle that is ~13’ 2” high.
Watch for road route changes, odd bridges, both over and under. You will note that many bridges in the Northeast do not have markings. Makes life a bit challenging.
Railroad bridges that are not accompanied by a descending approach road grade are suspect.
Should be a fun trip.

I found I 95 very expensive but I was not all that familiar with the area so I was unsure of how to avoid toll roads. You are lucky in that you know the area.

 

[sheridany]

@Joe Hogan i hope you carry a truckers atlas that can verify if the road is suitable for OTR trucks. I lived in Easton many moons ago as a very young kid and I remember there being a lot of narrow winding roads where people toot the horn to let oncoming cars they are there.

 

[Chargerman]

I’m trying to understand your route, help me find where you are picking up 77 and 81 and how your getting to 287. I always stay away from upper 287 and 684. Much less traffic and stress if you take 87 to 84

Upon looking a bit more I see how your getting to 81 but still don’t understand your next couple steps. Why not just stay on 81 to 84. I’ve done that also and it’s a great drive.

 

[NWIP]

I-81 to I-84 does avoid tolls except crossing Hudson River (Newburgh/Beacon Bridge). I-87(toll) to I-84 is less traffic than I-287(toll) to I-684 to I-84 which gets congested around Tappanzee bridge and White Plains area. There are no low clearance concerns with any of these routes

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Regarding 287, typically I stay as far away from the NYC metro area as I can, hence 287 vs 87. Also less miles.
but Newburg/Beacon Bridge is a viable option worth considering. The White Plains, 287 to 684, area has probably grown considerably since my last visit.
684 "use to be" a sleepy road with little traffic, a nice ride in the country.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

The yield signs are the noted low bridges. There are others but typically on less traveled roads. The trip up 87 to 84, Danbury looks a bit longer but may be same time or faster based on time of day.

 

[NWIP]

Once you cross 87 on 287 it get rather congested and 684 isn’t so sleepy anymore until you get north where the Saw Mill Parkway joins 684