[JDong217]

Hi guys. This Saturday I will be taking a trip up to Six Flags New England and I was wondering if it is a good idea to take the Merritt all the way up to I-91 rather than take the I-95 to the I-91. I'm asking because it's a Saturday morning and I'm anticipating traffic ont he I-95. Is this a good alternative or is the Merritt Parkway usually packed too?

Also, I have never driven on the Merritt Pkwy and I've heard it's supposed to be a really nice drive. So if I'm not going to be bogged down by traffic I'd love to drive it

[mlassoff]

On a Saturday morning you'd likely be fine on the Merit Parkway or 91. If you are looking for the scenic drive the Merit is the way to go. It is also more pleasant because trucks are not allowed.

Enjoy your travels.

[pulpfiction]

Definitely stick with the Parkway...but watch out for the dangerous mix of FFC soccer moms & aggressive drivers.

I-95 is to be avoided at all hours of the day.--even when traffic flows at a decent speed (which is usually only at night between 10pm and 5am), it is such a dangerous, pathetic excuse for an interstate highway that driving it will be far more terrifying that anything you'd encounter at Six Flags

[dazzleman]

At almost any time, I prefer the Merritt over I-95.

The other thing to consider is that the Merritt/Wilbur Cross leaves you considerably further north than I-95 does. With the Merritt/Wilbur Cross, you pick up I-91 in Meriden as opposed to New Haven, so you're already about halfway between New Haven and Hartford. Depending on where you're coming from, that probably makes it a shorter drive.

[Cambium]

Merrit...this reminds me...gotta make plans to go to Lake Compounce in Bristol.

[JDong217]

I'm actually going there on Saturday! We're spending the morning+afternoon in Six Flags then going to Lake Compounce around 5 since I saw on their website that entry is only around $18 after 5.

[HeadedWest]

Originally Posted by pulpfiction

I-95 is to be avoided at all hours of the day.--even when traffic flows at a decent speed (which is usually only at night between 10pm and 5am)...

I-95 can throw you a curve (so to speak) at any hour of the day or night.

I've been on it after midnight when it's completely jammed -- entirely by truck traffic.

And, of course, the repair crews close lanes at night.

I have found Google Maps traffic to be reasonably accurate; if you can get that on your phone or before you leave you can get an idea of whether or not the road is flowing freely.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

I can definitely say that up until ~7:30 a.m., it's balls out on the Merritt if you're so inclined.

[Kristin85]

Originally Posted by JDong217

I'm actually going there on Saturday! We're spending the morning+afternoon in Six Flags then going to Lake Compounce around 5 since I saw on their website that entry is only around $18 after 5.

My husband calls Lake Compounce "Lake Deathtrap" and won't even consider going there. Some history on fatalities in the park: Dark Destinations - Lake Compounce Amusement Park

Beware the curse!

[JayCT]

Yes there have been a few deaths at Lake Compnce over the years but that would never stop me from goping. Even Disney World has a few deaths. It should be expected any place there are people. If you did not go any where there has been a death you would have to lock yourself up in a small room. Jay