If you are planning on heading to the beach (or the shore) this summer, you’ll likely be crawling in crippling traffic. It’s the last thing you want when beachful bliss is just miles away.
We want to help you out and give you the latest traffic reports. We have a few tips and local resources for you to check out. Still, we can’t guarantee you won’t be moving slowly for at least a bit. You can thank us after you get your killer summer tan.
1. Plan Your Timing. Leaving at 10 am on a Saturday pretty much guarantees you’ll be stuck in bumper to bumper traffic. Leaving very early in the morning ensures you’ll beat out the rest of the slackers. If you have summer hours on Fridays at work, take advantage of the extra time and get on the road as soon as you can.
2. Get An App. If you have a smartphone, take advantage of the helpful apps you have. For example, the iPhone Maps app and the Google Maps app now account for real-time traffic. You might know you’re way around, but having a heads up about traffic allows you to consider other routes. Another popular traffic app is Waze. Just don’t get distracted by your phone, and if you have a helpful passenger, designate them the navigator. They’ll feel really special when they get an official title and job.
3. Fill Up & Eat Before You Leave. Don’t waste your time with extra detours to stop for gas and food. Be sure to have a full tank and stomach when you leave or you could end up adding a ton of extra time onto your travel.
4. Be Prepared. Take a look at some of the routes below, as they may be helpful in avoiding traffic. Be sure to listen to local radio stations and check on traffic reports before you get on the road.
5. Ensure Your Car is in Top Shape. The absolute last thing you need is a car problem that has you waiting for hours on the side of the road. Here’s some travel tips for coming from the Philly area. Schedule a checkup or auto repair services with Tommy’s before you find yourself stuck in a nightmare.
Need an Alternate Route?
To the Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is home to many popular beaches, each with their own traffic problems. A recent NBC10 article asked John Butterworth, who does the WHYY traffic reports, his best advice for getting to the shore.
“It would depend on which Shore you are going to,” Butterworth said. “If you are going to the Wildwoods, go down 55, take the Delsea Drive. If you’re heading to Ocean City, I’d stick with the Atlantic City Expressway and the Parkway.
He suggests those looking for a more scenic route take the Black Horse Pike or the White Horse Pike.
Still, many people believe that staying off the major highways is a big No No because of red lights and low speeds. You be the judge.
Check out the latest Jersey Shore traffic updates.
To the Delaware Beaches
The 495 closure is causing major headaches for area drivers. With the closure, many drivers are taking I95, which of course becomes extremely backed up. For driver’s coming from the Philly area, here’s some travel ideas from the Delaware Tourism Office.
— U.S. 202/Concord Pike from West Chester area takes travelers into Wilmington without having to travel on I-95 or I-495. Once in Wilmington, travelers can head further south toward the beaches (by taking U.S. 13, then connecting with Del. 1); swing to the west toward the DuPont mansions (on Del. 52); or head toward the Newark area (on Del. 2).
— U.S. 13 has long been an alternate route south through Delaware for travelers starting in the far southeastern Pennsylvania area. You can pick up U.S. 13 south just east of I-495, soon after crossing the Delaware border (take the Naamans Road exit off I-95). From that point, travelers can use U.S. 13 (also known as DuPont Highway) to reach Wilmington, or to head further south (to Old New Castle, or to Del. 1, which takes you the rest of the way to the beach).
— Consider taking a bridge over to the New Jersey side and approaching Delaware from the east – I-295, U.S. 40 and the New Jersey Turnpike all cross into Delaware via the Delaware Memorial Bridge. From that point, travelers can jump onto U.S. 13 (to reach Wilmington to the north, or Del. 1/beach destinations to the south).
— If you’re visiting from New York or northern New Jersey, consider traveling to the Delaware beaches on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
Check DelDot for the latest traffic advisories.
Coming from the DC area? Here’s some great travel tips for heading up from the South.