Wash. Heights to Brooklyn move: where can I drive?

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Wash. Heights to Brooklyn move: where can I drive?

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jopie3
what am I, new?
Joined: Apr '11
Posts: 6

I'm moving from Washington Heights (163rd street) to Brookyln on Saturday (Ft. Greene near Atlantic), and I'm picking up a UHaul truck in Park Slope--the idea being that I get the difficult to-and-from Brooklyn driving done early, and then only have to take a quick trip down 6th Avenue to drop off the truck.

I know I can't take the West Side Highway past the mid 50s, and I'm fine with taking Broadway (unless there are any other suggestions...) but what I'm most worried about is getting to and from Brooklyn. I've heard a lot of people say that certain bridges are closed to trucks, but they were also referencing strict security that was being enforced after 9-11... does anyone know which routes you can take to and from the city in a moving truck?

Also, the truck I'm getting is one size above the cargo van, so it's not too big. I'm not worried about small roads, I'm more worried about being ticketed for accidentally finding myself on an off-limits bridge, or the FDR. Suggestions? and thank you!

# Posted 2 yrs ago
PragmaticGuy
above average
Joined: Apr '11
Posts: 391

You can take either the Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridges. If you're going back to Manhattan from Brooklyn, go over the Brooklyn Bridge, make a left on Chambers St to Hudson St which turns into Eighth Ave and take that all the way up. If you're taking Flatbush Ave. straight over the Manhattan Bridge make a right on Canal and a left on Allen St which is First Ave and take that all the way up. When you're coming back from Manhattan you can go over either bridge. If you take the Manhattan then you end up on Flatbush Ave. If you take the Brooklyn make a left on Tillary and a right on Flatbush which is about 3 blocks up.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,006

Actually, I think the Brooklyn Bridge has a "No Commercial Traffic" restriction which means no trucks at all. I'd stick to the Manhattan Bridge. Another option is to come down the Harlem River Drive and then hop on the Triborough to the BQE. Take the BQE to Knapp Street. You'll have to pay the toll, but you won't get hassled by the cops at all.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
PragmaticGuy
above average
Joined: Apr '11
Posts: 391

You can't take a truck on the Belt Pkwy and Knapp St. is the southern most part of Brooklyn so it's too far away. Best bet...over the Manhattan Bridge down Flatbush, left on Myrtle as you can't make a left on Atlantic from Flatbush Ave. I haven't been over the Brooklyn Bridge in years so there may be a restriction on commercial traffic.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,006

Sorry, not Knapp Street, Kent Avenue off the BQE. Kent will run you right into Myrtle from which you can get to anywhere in the Ft Greene/Clinton Hill neighborhood.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
RobNYC
getting it
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 50

homeowner said:
Sorry, not Knapp Street, Kent Avenue off the BQE. Kent will run you right into Myrtle from which you can get to anywhere in the Ft Greene/Clinton Hill neighborhood.

What Homeowner said, either the Manhattan Bridge or the Tri-Boro are ok to drive on with a moving van.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
jopie3
what am I, new?
Joined: Apr '11
Posts: 6

Been doing some research... I'll probably wind up going through Queens (287>87 and across the bridge at 145th street) which is apparently all open to local trucks (as in, traveling to and from boroughs). Thanks for the advice about no left at Flatbush though, that's going to be a big help.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
Idlewild
rocking it
Joined: Sep '05
Posts: 2,795

I'm wondering if you're not better off taking the GWB to the I-95s/NJT and getting off Exit 13. You pay tolls for the NJT and Goethels, but I imagine even though the miles are longer, the Staten Island Expressway and Gowanus/4th Ave is much quicker than going crosstown for the Tri-Boro/BQE or the local streets to the Manhattan Bridge.

"Clamato! Straight Up! No chasah!

# Posted 2 yrs ago
Salix
getting it
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 139

Idlewild, I drive that stretch of the NJ Turnpike & am waaay too familiar with the SI Expressway & the Gowanus. Please don't send Jopie3 that way; it's not for the faint of heart & definitely NOT only the way to Ft. GReene from Washington Heights. Have mercy! Manhattan b or Triboro are not bad early on a Saturday or Sunday.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
Idlewild
rocking it
Joined: Sep '05
Posts: 2,795

I also drive that stretch, and except for the small lanes on the Goethals and the first few miles after the Goethal/SIE merger, it's really not that bad. And, it's not the Manny B or Triboro I'm against. It's the path getting there. Plus, the OP didn't say when he was going. If it's early on a weekend day, by all means take the local streets to the river crossing/s. Like I said, I'm just a wondering.

"Clamato! Straight Up! No chasah!

# Posted 2 yrs ago
vidro3
running you over with my bike
Joined: Feb '08
Posts: 1,493

take 7th ave (adam clayton powell blvd) to 125th st, to the triboro, to the bqe, to kent ave.

check the DOT traffic advisory, too
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/wkndtraf.shtml

# Posted 2 yrs ago

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