Some folks prefer to get off on the surface streets in the Bronx. I have found it’s very confusing (even following a GPS, which may lose signal under all the elevated train tracks), and slow (if the Cross Bronx is snarled, the surface streets will also be packed.) So here are some ways to get around.
1. Don’t get on it in the first place
Really, it’s just asking for trouble. Many Cross Bronx drivers suffer from past beautification. They remember the time when they just sailed through. It was exhilarating! But be honest, it happens one time in ten. You’re just looking to repeat the high.
2. Headed West-You’re already stuck
If you are headed West and find yourself stuck-it feels like you’re on the bottom of a dry river bed, looking up the banks and can’t escape-get off at the first exist and head back East.
Get off on the Sheridan Expressway (895). Right, hardly anyone ever takes the Sheridan. Ask New Yorkers and they’ll say, “Sheridan? What’s that?” It’s a tiny connector between the Cross Bronx and the Bruckner. You will have to loop around on some Bronx streets and carefully follow signs for 95. If you have a GPS, pay careful attention to the pink line.
Then, you can go across the Triboro to Manhattan (if that’s where you’re headed), or nip across the Harlem River Drive from the Triboro to get to the GWB.
3. Headed West-Not stuck yet
Take the Hutch or 95 to the Bruckner. Go across the Triboro, and take the Harlem River Drive to the GWB.
If the Harlem River Drive is packed, take the FDR Drive South to 96th street. Suck it up and make your way across town on 96th. There, you can head north on the Henry Hudson and pick up the GWB, or you have options if the GWB is packed to head south to the Lincoln Tunnel.
4. Headed East-The Northern Route
Your GPS will want to put you on the Cross Bronx. Don’t fall for it.
If you are about to hit the west side of Manhattan, get off the GWB onto the Henry Hudson Parkway and head north. From there you have several options. You can take the Saw Mill to the Hutch or to the Major Deegan (87). Now, the Sprain Brook Parkway is little known, and a lovely ride. There are a couple of startling traffic lights on it, but traffic usually moves pretty well.
A favorite route of mine is to avoid the Hutch, which can be snarled with traffic in the Bronx and southern Westchester, and head for the Cross Westchester instead. It’s a direct route East and an easy hookup back with 95.
5. Headed East-The Southern Route
If you are coming off the GWB, take the Harlem River Drive to the Triboro (or just get to the Triboro from Manhattan). From there you have two choices, you can take the Major Deegan to your favorite route (see Hutch versus Cross County above). Or you can take the Bruckner and pick up 95 again.
