The Cost of a Trip Between Belleville, New Jersey and Maplewood, New Jersey: Navigating the Current Gas Prices

Navigating through New Jersey can be quite tricky, especially when it comes to calculating the cost of a trip from one city to another. With rising gas prices, it is important to consider the various routes and distances available when trying to determine the most cost-effective and efficient way to get around. This article will explore the different routes from Belleville to Maplewood and emphasize their cost and distances. Furthermore, it will recommend the best route considering the cost factors and distance.

Route 1: Garden State Parkway and I-280

The most common route between Belleville and Maplewood is via Garden State Parkway and I-280. It is a total distance of 14.6 miles and approximately 25 minutes' drive in clear traffic. The Garden State Parkway distance is 4.4 miles, and the I-280 distance is 10.0 miles. The cost of one-way toll from Belleville to Maplewood on the Garden State Parkway (Exit 148) is $1.50.

The cost per mile for gasoline in New Jersey is approximately $0.25, and with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, it will cost $1.46 for a one-way trip from Belleville to Maplewood using Route 1.

Route 2: Bloomfield Avenue

Another popular route between Belleville and Maplewood is via Bloomfield Avenue. It is a more direct route, with a distance of 7.3 miles, and approximately 18 minutes' drive in clear traffic. The cost per mile for gasoline and the average fuel economy are the same as the previous route. Therefore, it will cost $1.87 for a one-way trip from Belleville to Maplewood using Route 2.

Route 3: I-280 and Springfield Avenue

This route is less commonly used, but it is a viable option for drivers looking to avoid tolls. The total distance is 10.6 miles, and it takes approximately 22 minutes to drive when there is no traffic. The I-280 distance is 7.9 miles, and the Springfield Avenue distance is 2.7 miles. The cost per mile for gasoline is the same as before, which means it will cost $2.66 for a one-way trip from Belleville to Maplewood using Route 3.

It is worth noting that although Route 3 does not have any tolls, there are traffic lights along Springfield Avenue, which can cause delays during peak hours.

Recommended Route

Based on the factors of distance and cost, Route 2 via Bloomfield Avenue is the recommended option to travel from Belleville to Maplewood. Although it is a slightly longer distance, the lack of any tolls can lead to significant cost savings, and there are fewer traffic lights than Route 3. Furthermore, Bloomfield Avenue is a more direct route than Route 1, cutting the distance in half and offering a faster travel time.

Conclusion

Calculating the cost of a trip from Belleville to Maplewood is not a daunting task, but it requires an understanding of the different routes and the costs attached. Depending on what the driver is willing to pay and the existing traffic conditions, there are various ways to get to Maplewood, with certain routes offering significant savings on tolls and fuel costs.

In conclusion, Route 2 via Bloomfield Avenue is the recommended route to get to Maplewood from Belleville. It is cost-effective and, as long as there are no traffic impediments, can provide a smoother and faster driving experience. The distance and gas cost for Route 2 make it easy for drivers to calculate their travel expenses when planning trips in the future.