Commuting from Clinton NJ to South Orange NJ (Scotch Plains, Lebanon: maintenance, live in)

[vikaskvatsa]

Me and my fiancee are not from the New Jersey area and we were wondering how bad the commute is from Clinton to South Orange in terms of traffic on I-78 East. Does it get highly congested during rush hour? Because it should take roughly 45 minutes, but we are a little weary if it takes much longer due to traffic. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.

[hrjersey]

I haven't travelled 78 as a commuter in a long time but based on morning traffic reports it sounds like it gets pretty congested. You are traveling in the direction of commuter traffic. Everyone out on Rt 78 is traveling east bound in the morning and west bound in the evening. It is also a highway notorious for not being well maintained in winter weather. As I said it's been a while since I travelled that route, but 45 minutes sounds optimistic.

[CuCullin]

45 minutes.... if you leave early. Once its about 7:15-7:30, you get some heavy traffic. Its been a few years since I've commuted on 78, but depending on when you leave/when you're coming home, it can be unpleasant.

[Spudwrench]

Well, I live in South Orange and drive to NYC every day. While I-78 does get crowded during rush hour, that does not mean that your commute from Clinton will be slow. I am usually doing 65mph on I-78 in the morning and in the evening. For me the only problem with the commute is the Holland Tunnel...

[paddy205]

I go from Scotch Plains (exit 40) to Lebanon (exit 20) on 78 every day and its smooth sailing heading west but I always feel bad for those of you on the east side- its slow and backed up the whole way. I've not noticed any winter maintenance issues.