[Russell789]

I am driving from lower Westchester county, NY, up to Boston in a couple of weeks on a Friday, leaving Westchester at around 5:30 pm (I know, right during rush hour). I am debating whether to take the Merritt Parkway up to I-91 to I-84 or to take I-684 up to I-84 and take I-84 all the way across Connecticut. Which route is going to be smoother and have less congestion through western Connecticut, the Merritt or I-84? Thanks!!

[JayCT]

If you are going the Friday after Thanksgiving, traffic may not be that bad since many places are not opened that day. Though traffic around major shopping areas (like Trumbull, Danbury and Manchester) may be heavy.

I usually will go the Parkways since you do not travel directly through any major city, you just skirt the outside. With I-84 you go right through Danbury, Waterbury and Hartford, all places that can give you traffic problems. I am sure there will be others that will say to take I-684. Jay

[Russell789]

I am driving through on a Friday in December. Does anyone else have any advice as to which route to take to avoid traffic?

[andthentherewere3]

Traffic will be heaviest starting around 3:00 in the afternoon, especially along I-95 and the Merritt Parkway. It will just get progressively worse until well after 6:00. You never really know which of those two roads will have the lightest traffic, because one accident can snarl traffic for miles. I would recommend you leave earlier in the day.

[kidyankee764]

I would take 684 to 84. Less congestion, but you'll still hit traffic.

[Ourdreamhouse]

Originally Posted by JayCT

With I-84 you go right through Danbury, Waterbury and Hartford, all places that can give you traffic problems. Jay

If you don't leave lower Westchester until 5:30, and take I-684, you won't hit Danbury until about 6:30, after the worst of the rush hour traffic.

Whatever you do, don't take I-95!