[JerzBoy]

I was wondering what traffic is like on the Northbound Merritt Parkway from White Plains to I-91 at about 9am on a weekday? What are average speeds....certain trouble areas?

Thanks!

[Srib]

You should be fine traveling north at that hour traffic wise. You'll find the posted speed limit is 55, but the norm is more like 70+. Trouble areas for me are most on-ramps which don't have a lot of room before they merge with the merritt. You'll have to either be prepared to hit your brakes or be ready to check your mirror and quickly move to the left.

[JerzBoy]

Thanks for your input. I have taken 684 to 84 to 691 to get to this area before but I was wondering if the Merritt would be faster. It looks more direct - just wasnt sure about traffic patterns.

Anyone know if the Merritt is the best option?

[yankee.peddler]

I've driven both routes many times in the past. The Merritt is about five miles shorter and faster at that time of day. You may find a brief slowdown in Trumbull, but that's about all. I-84 through Danbury and potentially Waterbury would be busier.

[CTlibrarian]

As others have said, during that time of day you won't encounter too much traffic. I prefer the Merritt when the weather is good, and find it is more direct and therefore faster than 684/84. If it is raining or dark, I stick with I-84 to be honest... I personally know too many people who have had accidents on the Merritt in bad weather.

I drove to Eastchester and back last week, and there was some construction at the West Rock tunnel in Hamden, so that may still be ongoing, and therefore create a bit of a backup.

[jimmach]

Is the Merritt Parkway better than I-95 (southbound) on a Saturday morning travel?

[sgfludd]

Depends on how early you are traveling. 95 seems to get crowded earlier and earlier - particularly in the summer - but if you will be off 95 before noon - you should be fine. In general - Merritt is less heavy

[Iska]

My perception is that the Merritt has gotten uncharacteristically busier the last few weeks. A week ago I switched to 95. My stress level has gone down dramatically. After 11 months of the Merritt north bound, it's now 95 north/south all the way any time of day. The Merritt is a leafy tunnel. After about exit 51, commuters' pent-up stress explodes as they finally see the light of day and step on the accelerator. 95 is bright and open and the three lanes reduces the element of hand-to-hand combat you sometimes encounter on the two-laned Merritt. I really find the Merritt more dangerous than 95.

[renovating]

Originally Posted by jimmach

Is the Merritt Parkway better than I-95 (southbound) on a Saturday morning travel?

As long as there isn't an accident, I would take the Merritt over 95 any day!

Much prettier and the road seems to have less pot holes and be a smoother ride.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by renovating

As long as there isn't an accident, I would take the Merritt over 95 any day!

Much prettier and the road seems to have less pot holes and be a smoother ride.

I wholeheartedly agree!