Maynard to Waltham commute (Cambridge, Belmont: house, live in, relocating)

[basil1977]

Is anyone familiar with the commute along 117 from Maynard to Waltham? Is traffic heavy? We're relocating and like Maynard very much, but when driving 117 while visiting the area noticed it was only one lane - does that get congested? Does anyone know if there is an alternate route?

Thanks!

[goyguy]

117 doesn't get backed up all too badly because there are few "sets of (traffic) lights" from Maynard all the way in to Waltham. But for a faster trip, those in the know take Route 62 from Maynard Center up to Route 2, then go south on 128/95 for one exit ro Route 20 east. Either way, you can usually get to the Waltham line inside of half an hour.

[eastcoastlady]

Its okay, but when it snows you will have a tough, long drive. I do it once a week and I wouldn't want to do it more often than that.

[brightdoglover]

Isn't route 20 somewhere in there, through Wayland to Waltham? I guess it depends on what part of Maynard you're in. If it's a 9-5 kind of commute, it's gonna be crowded anywhere. Better if you can shave the times a little.

[basil1977]

We did drive Rt. 2 to 62 when driving into Maynard for the first time, that's the way my Garmin said to go... 117 just seems like a nicer, more scenic drive. When it snows is what concerns me most, given that it's pretty hilly with lots of turns. From DC, so don't have too, too much experience driving in snow, although I know how to not be an idiot... My job is pretty open as far as arrival, I'd probably be out of the house by 7:30 or so - maybe a bit earlier. I'll check on the Rt. 20 thing.

Thanks all for the replies!

[brightdoglover]

I live in Littleton, which isn't far from Maynard. When I had to take annual classes at 8am in Belmont (abutting Waltham, in towards Cambridge), if I left by 6:30am, I sailed into Belmont in 30 minutes, and usually read the paper at Andros Diner, waiting for 8am. If I left after 6:30, I'd be in traffic. It was very precise.

[eastcoastlady]

Yes, I find that you can really make your commute better just by choosing a slightly different time to drive. If you drive before 7 or after 9 it is better. Similarly, I never leave work between 5 and 6. Either 4:30 or 6. I can't justify sitting in the car in traffic spending money on gas.
So if you have a flexible schedule, it can be better.
I try to work from home whenever it snows.