[nep321]

I have an interview at 9:30 AM tomorrow in Stamford. I will be driving from Granby. Google says it will take 1 hr 41 min, but of course, that's assuming no traffic. Google says to take CT-15 S from Meriden down to Trumbull and then take CT-8 S down to I-95 S.

As you know, I have no experience with FFC traffic during rush hours. Ideally, I would like to arrive at my destination at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the interview at 9:30 AM, so 9:15 AM really. So, under ideal traffic-free conditions that means I would have to leave my house at 7:35 AM.

How early would you recommend that I leave my home in order to make it there on time, since I have no idea about traffic dynamics there?

Thanks

[Stylo]

Just take the train from Bridgeport and then a cab or walk to office. It's the only truly reliable way to do it.

[CTbrooktrout]

1) I commute daily from Norwalk to Stamford so take my experience for what it's worth and stay on CT-15 (Merritt) all the way to Stamford, Exit 34 (Long Ridge Rd.) Alter your Google map directions to take this route to your destination. You want to avoid the Norwalk area on 95 due to the construction there right now.

2) You have a lot of miles to encounter misc traffic disruptions. I'd leave at 6-6:30am and if you arrive early, good for you, take some time to prepare or get a coffee somewhere. There's a stand alone Lord and Taylor building/parking lot to rest at on Long Ridge (add that to your destination) or at one of the plazas around the Lord and Taylor building. You don't want to start sweating bullets on the way wondering if you'll make it.

Good luck, let us know how you did.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by CTbrooktrout

1) I commute daily from Norwalk to Stamford so take my experience for what it's worth and stay on CT-15 (Merritt) all the way to Stamford, Exit 34 (Long Ridge Rd.) Alter your Google map directions to take this route to your destination. You want to avoid the Norwalk area on 95 due to the construction there right now.

2) You have a lot of miles to encounter misc traffic disruptions. I'd leave at 6-6:30am and if you arrive early, good for you, take some time to prepare or get a coffee somewhere. There's a stand alone Lord and Taylor building/parking lot to rest at on Long Ridge (add that to your destination) or at one of the plazas around the Lord and Taylor building. You don't want to start sweating bullets on the way wondering if you'll make it.

Good luck, let us know how you did.

Leave at 6-6:30??

That sounds like overkill! What if I leave at around 7:00 instead? The interview starts at 9:30. That would give me 29 min of leeway during my trip, if I take the Merritt as you suggested.

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by nep321

Leave at 6-6:30??

That sounds like overkill! What if I leave at around 7:00 instead? The interview starts at 9:30. That would give me 29 min of leeway during my trip, if I take the Merritt as you suggested.

If you're early you can get a coffee. If you're late you might as well turn around and go home.

Seems like a no brainer to me-- leave early.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

If you're early you can get a coffee. If you're late you might as well turn around and go home.

Seems like a no brainer to me-- leave early.

It just seems excessively early. Maybe I'll take the train instead as Stylo said. It's only a 24 min ride from Bridgeport to Stamford.

[nep321]

Actually, I don't want to deal with the train and walking method. I'll add an hour to the Google Map estimate and just take I-95 as Google says, but with an hour extra. Worst case scenario, I get there very early and just find somewhere to park and just continue preparing for the interview or whatever. Besides, on Wed morning I have to wake up at 5 AM to catch my flight to an interview in South FL.

[CTbrooktrout]

Originally Posted by nep321

Actually, I don't want to deal with the train and walking method. I'll add an hour to the Google Map estimate and just take I-95 as Google says, but with an hour extra. Worst case scenario, I get there very early and just find somewhere to park and just continue preparing for the interview or whatever. Besides, on Wed morning I have to wake up at 5 AM to catch my flight to an interview in South FL.

95 is your worst option and there is a guaranteed slowdown starting in Westport/East Norwalk and through the route 7 connector into Darien. This section alone adds a good 15-20 min to the estimated time Google gives you. Take it at your own risk.

[nep321]

Originally Posted by CTbrooktrout

95 is your worst option and there is a guaranteed slowdown starting in Westport/East Norwalk and through the route 7 connector into Darien. This section alone adds a good 15-20 min to the estimated time Google gives you. Take it at your own risk.

I understand, but with an hour buffer added to the Google time estimate, I should be fine, I hope. Plus, I want to get the "real" I-95 FFC rush hour traffic experience, so that I can become more familiar and smart about it.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by nep321

I understand, but with an hour buffer added to the Google time estimate, I should be fine, I hope. Plus, I want to get the "real" I-95 FFC rush hour traffic experience, so that I can become more familiar and smart about it.

The "real" I-95 rush hour is in the afternoon. The mornings, while bad, aren't nearly as bad as the afternoon. Stick around today if you really want the traffic feel. Leave Stamford at 4:30 heading north.