Be Aware of Connecticut Parkways

[Dusty Mark]

As we were (allegedly/hypothetically) driving down the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut, I realized we were the only vehicle towing a trailer...oops! I had Mary Google it and we hastily departed at the next exit. No trailers are allowed on this historic parkway. That explains why there was nowhere to park a trailer at the service plaza. I'm hoping we don't get a ticket in the mail...

[John61CT]

Yes no big trucks or even small commercial vehicles either, intended for private passenger vehicles only.

I-95 or 84 usually has better throughput anyway, just not as scenic, love those WPA bridges.

I think was one of the first restricted access highways in the U.S., long before Eisenhower's tank-moving brainstorm. . .

[featherliteCT1]

As we were (allegedly/hypothetically) driving down the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut, I realized we were the only vehicle towing a trailer...oops! I had Mary Google it and we hastily departed at the next exit. No trailers are allowed on this historic parkway. That explains why there was nowhere to park a trailer at the service plaza. I'm hoping we don't get a ticket in the mail...

Thanks for the warning. I will be pulling a trailer from Indiana through Connecticut next week.

[KCStudly]

Same applies in NY (...and probably other states?). Parkways are for passenger cars only. Highways, Thruways and Turnpikes are for commercial vehicles.

Some, like the NJ Turnpike near the city, have divided sections (essentially two highways running next to each other) where one set of lanes is intended for cars only, and the other is anything goes.

[KCStudly]

One more thing, double deck bridges, like the GW (George Washington) on I95, only allow vehicles with propane tanks to travel on the upper deck. There will be signs, but pay attention because in heavy traffic (almost always) it can be hard to maneuver in time.

I think the reason they want propane tanks to travel on the upper deck is because in case of an explosion, or fire, there would be less chance of damage to the bridge and other vehicles.

[Dusty Mark]

I was lucky on the GW Bridge restriction since I (not purposefully) ended up on the upper deck with my propane tanks.

The northeast certainly was beautiful, but the heavy traffic makes it a "one-time" visit for me. If I visit Maine again, it will be by way of Canada.

We're not guaranteed our next breath. However, Lord willing, our long-range plans include:
2018 = Alaska
2019 = Lots of regional trips (MN, WI, MI, Ontario)
2020 = Northwest
2021 = Alaska

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Funny you mention the Merrit. A few years ago (2012 i believe) I towed my teardrop from South-Central PA to the TearJerkers Ross Hill gathering in Lisbon, CT. Just followed the good ole GPS. Noticed things were a little "tight" on the Merrit, and traffic really did cruise through the sweeping curves. Made it to the gathering with no problems. Once I got there, I was talking with some people about the drive up, and they asked which route I took.

When I mentioned the Merrit their jaws dropped, and they asked why I would come up that way since trailers aren't allowed. Well, nobody told me trailers weren't allowed and I swear I didn't see any signs.

I guess ignorance really is bliss.

I did go another way home. And thinking back, it would have been terrible to get a flat tire, as there really was no place to pull over. Live and learn.

[Dusty Mark]

At least it wasn't an education that involved blue lights!

[John61CT]

Yes heavy commuting times the regulars all really cruise, only a few feet between bumpers, as you get toward the Hutchison it's Jersey barriers one foot to your left one foot from the next lane on your right, tight curves at 75-80, really very stressful if you're not used to it.