[Winterlance]

Hi all,

I need to drive from Stamford to Queens (Flushing) for a medical procedure scheduled at 8am tomorrow (6/4/09). I have never done that drive during weekday rush hour so I am asking for advices on when I should leave and what route to take. Thanks in advance.

[MikefromCT]

Originally Posted by Winterlance

Hi all,

I need to drive from Stamford to Queens (Flushing) for a medical procedure scheduled at 8am tomorrow (6/4/09). I have never done that drive during weekday rush hour so I am asking for advices on when I should leave and what route to take. Thanks in advance.

Can you pick up the Merritt Parkway from where you are? Because it's probably the best route. Get on it, stay on it, and once you cross the NY state line it becomes the Hutchinson River Pkwy. It's the same parkway just a different name, and it takes you first through Westchester, then the east Bronx, and eventually you can take either the Throgs Neck or Whitestone Bridge - both of which can get you into Queens. Not sure which of these would be better suited to get you to Flushing, though. I know exactly where that neighborhood is, it's right where Shea stadium was, but it's been a long time since I've been there. Traffic may be heavy, but it's probably a smoother trek than I-95 - which would take you into the Bronx east and west, then Jersey.

Not sure how long a commute you're looking at, but coming from Stamford I'd give it at least an hour, maybe even a bit more.

[western mass and love it]

i would leave at maybe 5-5:30,beat the traffic and find yourself a coffee shop to read the paper at till it's time for yor appointment.

[pulpfiction]

As someone who lived in Stamford for awhile and has family in NYC, I'm all too familiar with that drive. Here's my advice:

-Get on the Merritt South. You do NOT want to use 95 South during the AM rush hour (it's even a parking lot during the PM commute coming out of downtown Stamford)--there are very significant delays going into downtown Stamford as well as Greenwich (particularly exit 3). The Merritt will be free-flowing all the way into NY State.

-Once in NY State, take 287 East to 95 South. 95 typically flows pretty decently in Westchester.

-Follow 95 South down to the Hutch Parkway. The Hutch typically flows halfway decently down to the Whitestone Bridge.

-From there, you'll have to brave the Cross Island/LIE (495) traffic.

All in all, should be 1hr 15 mins..

[pulpfiction]

While I agree with the Merritt, it's section in Westchester (the Hutch) is just awful. 3 or 4 lanes in each direction are desperately needed there.

Originally Posted by MikefromCT

Can you pick up the Merritt Parkway from where you are? Because it's probably the best route. Get on it, stay on it, and once you cross the NY state line it becomes the Hutchinson River Pkwy. It's the same parkway just a different name, and it takes you first through Westchester, then the east Bronx, and eventually you can take either the Throgs Neck or Whitestone Bridge - both of which can get you into Queens. Not sure which of these would be better suited to get you to Flushing, though. I know exactly where that neighborhood is, it's right where Shea stadium was, but it's been a long time since I've been there. Traffic may be heavy, but it's probably a smoother trek than I-95 - which would take you into the Bronx east and west, then Jersey.

Not sure how long a commute you're looking at, but coming from Stamford I'd give it at least an hour, maybe even a bit more.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by western mass and love it

i would leave at maybe 5-5:30,beat the traffic and find yourself a coffee shop to read the paper at till it's time for yor appointment.

Great suggestion.

[jjbradleynyc]

You are probably already in the procedure at this point according to your post, but I was going to chime in and say the best time to leave is before 6:30. I used to drive from Stamford to Brooklyn for several years, and if I left closer to 7, I'd be in traffic for 1 1/2 to 2 hrs! It's all about leaving early. But, 6:30 should've worked fine. That would typically be mostly a breeze--on either the Merritt or I-95--barring any unforseen accidents of course and leaving at that time.

I'd be curious to hear how the commute went for you.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by pulpfiction

As someone who lived in Stamford for awhile and has family in NYC, I'm all too familiar with that drive. Here's my advice:

-Get on the Merritt South. You do NOT want to use 95 South during the AM rush hour (it's even a parking lot during the PM commute coming out of downtown Stamford)--there are very significant delays going into downtown Stamford as well as Greenwich (particularly exit 3). The Merritt will be free-flowing all the way into NY State.

-Once in NY State, take 287 East to 95 South. 95 typically flows pretty decently in Westchester.

-Follow 95 South down to the Hutch Parkway. The Hutch typically flows halfway decently down to the Whitestone Bridge.

-From there, you'll have to brave the Cross Island/LIE (495) traffic.

All in all, should be 1hr 15 mins..

Why would you get off the Hutchinson River Parkway at I-287, go over to I-95 and then get back on the Hutchinson further south? I would just stay on the Hutch to the bridges like others have suggested. The section of the Hutch between I-287 and where you would get back on from I-95 is not that bad IMHO. Jay

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Why would you get off the Hutchinson River Parkway at I-287, go over to I-95 and then get back on the Hutchinson further south? I would just stay on the Hutch to the bridges like others have suggested. The section of the Hutch between I-287 and where you would get back on from I-95 is not that bad IMHO. Jay

I was wondering the same thing. From downtown Stamford to Flushing is only 30 miles and about 40 minutes. Taking the Merritt would add some time onto the trip, unless you are starting out in North Stamford, in which case, the Merritt would be quicker (the Hutch to 678 over the Whitestone).

[pulpfiction]

The section of the Hutch in Westchester County has only two lanes in each direction. It's usually backed up, even during non-peak periods....especially in the vicinity of the Cross-County Parkway.

However, once you enter the Bronx, it is three lanes in each direction...and traffic generally flows well. I'd rather take 95 in Westchester and switch over to the Bronx's portion of the Hutch to get to one of the bridges...at least during peak hours

Originally Posted by JayCT

Why would you get off the Hutchinson River Parkway at I-287, go over to I-95 and then get back on the Hutchinson further south? I would just stay on the Hutch to the bridges like others have suggested. The section of the Hutch between I-287 and where you would get back on from I-95 is not that bad IMHO. Jay