[Dr. Sivana]

Depending on traffic, you can pick up I 287 earlier off the turnpike.
By Day Four of the lane closure, I am sure that the Tappan Zee got to be almost as bad. That whole area got bad enough, that I eventually learned to take I-81 (Winchester) to I-84. It didn't really save time, but it avoided NYC completely and reduced the risk of something REALLY BAD HAPPENING in a hostile environment. I must admit, also, that I was always reluctant to complicate my driving pattern in New Jersey because of poor signage, ease of getting lost, crazy drivers and the occasional need to change many lanes in a short distance in order to make a needed highway change. I find it weird enough that I have to get off of 95 at all and take the Turnpike because of NJ's setup.

[Pharmboy]

Yep...or 81 to 80. My daughter and son-in-law are in VA, and do that. The farther away from NYC, the better off you are. Google maps makes decisions based on traffic patterns much easier these days.

Happy trails to you!