Getting to South Jersey from Reading on Fridays (Commodore: how much, construction)

[stam456]

I live south of Reading, and my family and I go to Ocean City for the weekend occasionally. The mess on the AC Expressway and Schuykill Expressway is really frustrating on Friday evenings, however. I'm new to the area, though, and don't know if there are any alternatives. Would it make sense to take back roads to the Commodore Barry bridge and take 55 thorugh Vineland? Or do I just need to put up with the traffic?

[JerzBoy]

I don't know how much time (if any) this route will save you, but at least you will be moving for most of the time compared to I-76, 42, and the ACE.

Google Maps

[PeeAye Native]

An FYI, the Commodore Barry bridge is not what you call free and clear of traffic on Friday evenings. Whenever I drive I-95 north from Baltimore on Friday late afternoon there is always a backup for getting off on to that bridge. Rt 322 dumping into I-95 N .5 miles south contributes to this. One more thing, I thought I saw a sign a few weeks ago saying there is construction scheduled on the bridge itself starting in June. That may cut both ways, in that it drives people to an alternate route, and they may only selectively close lanes, i.e., lane closures limited to off peak usage times.

I've never actually driven over the bridge, so I don't know why there is a backup.

It's worth a try, though. If you can get to the PA/DE line via non-interstate roads, you might avoid some of the Schuylkill ans AC expressway backups. Be aware that the main roads in that direction, Rt 100, 202 and 322, are heavily used and are subject to bottlenecks during commute times.

[soulsurv]

I know that last month there was extended construction on 322, and it was a nightmare during off-peak time. Not sure if they have completed the construction yet, though. Also, toward the Walt Whitman, the Girrard Point Bridge is another nightmare. Wish I had an answer for you...

[GoPhils]

Do you definitely want to go to Ocean City? One alternative may be to go to one of the Central Jersey beaches like Point Pleasant via the PA/NJ Turnpike and 195. That route isn't always pleasant, but it's not usually as bad as the Schuykill/AC expressway.