What's the best way to go through Boston when headed north to NH?
The main options are:
-I93 through the city (shortest route)
-I95 just around the city (Mapquest claims 10 minutes longer)
-I495 well around the city (MQ claims 15 minutes longer - seems like it would be more)
We're driving up on Sunday and back on Wednesday (mid-day). I'm thinking I95 on the way up and I495 on the way back. However, I'm just wondering if those with experience in the region have any suggestions - thanks!
My brother lives in Boston and the drivers are reckless! Driving through Boston can be a nightmare with the traffic and add an hour to your drive time, so I'd go around at all costs and take 95.
I-93 is the shortest but you just can't predict traffic there any day, any time. You have some construction and lane shifts on 95/128 but on a Sunday that shouldn't be a factor. 495 is longest, however, that may be a bit dependent on your location when you list "SE Mass." Not knowing your exact location, I might pick the middle route, I95/128. JMO
We normally use 95 unless really off hours....93 traffic is hard to predict.
If towing, some will say you can not go through tunnels on 93 with propane. My read, for what its worth, is that tunnel restrictions are for commercial traffic only.
We're based in New Bedford, so make that trip often. you don't mention what you are driving? IMO, the I93 option is not as bad as people make it out to be, especially on a Sunday. It is only about a 10mi stretch through the city, from 128, after all. It is always fairly slow, so as long as you pick a lane and plug along, it should not be that big a deal. Not sure what the rules are for PROPANE though the tunnels, so you might want to check the MASS DOT web site.
I95 would be a bit longer, but there is lots of construction between Rte 24 and the mass pike (especially around Dedham), so traffic can be a problem at times.
I495 will take you forever! Lot less traffic, but it sure is the long way around. That would be my very last choice, but if you aren't in a hurry, it's definitely an option.
Paul & Sandra
New Bedford, MA
2003 Monaco Executive M43 DS2
We live in East Freetown - right up the road. Just moved here last fall. We have been to Boston a few times, but weren't sure about the routes around Boston. I have yet to get into the city without at least a 20 minute delay somewhere.
And, for those who have asked, we will be towing a 21' tt.
After spending many years in ME, MA, and RI i would say that you will be much happier and safer on I 495. This is even more critical if you are in a RV. Not sure about propane in downtown Boston. You easily could get trapped in traffic on 93 potentially... anytime.
BTW in Boston, the use of directional signals is considered a sign of weakness and you become the prey!
Joan and Bruce
05 Excursion 39L
powered by 350 KittyCATS on a Spartan
2010 Traverse LT toad (Blue Ox & Breakbuddy)
...and a "road dog" named Max and his gabby sister, Abby.
"May the wind be always at your back and your destination the one you chose"
No propane in the Boston tunnels. I95 is like going to the casino, once in awhile you win and there are no traffic issues, but most of the time the house (I95) wins . I would wager that short of going in some really off hour, that 495 will actually be faster. With that said, an accident on 495 can cause delays as well.
Good luck and travel safe.
My read, for what its worth, is that tunnel restrictions are for commercial traffic only.
Dead wrong. There have been people on the forum that have been stopped and fined plus I have witnessed it myself.
What town are you coming from? 95 on Sunday will most likely be fine. The Hampton, NH toll back-up issue has been resolved with the advent of the new separate EZ Pass lanes. Wednesday will be a toss-up-it truly depends on which highway has the least amount of accidents on that particular day. 495 bends so far out I can't imagine that Mapquest claims there's only a 5 minute difference. When we go down to the Cape it takes about an 90 minutes or so using 95. If we go via 495 it adds a good 30 minutes.
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RV-less for now but our spirits are still on the open road.
I93 about 6am on Sunday is not bad, 6am and later on a weekday is a zoo. (I wrongly thought I could get through I93 at 6am on a weekday once) If you have LP then I93 is not a consideration. I don't really like I95/128 either, there always seems to be construction. I always go I495, towing or not, fewer boneheads. On a weekday 495 will have a lot of big truck trafic but they know how to drive and they don't treat a TT as a second class citizen. We go that way 4 or 5 times a summer.
Gene and DW Ginny 2008 Toyota 4Runner 4.7L V8 w/factory towing option
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