The Cost of a Trip Between Brick Township and Jackson Township: Navigating Gas Prices
Gas prices have been fluctuating for years, making it difficult to budget for a road trip or even a regular commute. Drivers often seek the cheapest gas available while also considering the shortest route to minimize the total cost of transportation. This article will examine the cost of a trip between Brick Township and Jackson Township, New Jersey, through different routes, as of May 2021.
The Importance of Planning Road Trip Routes
While it might seem trivial, choosing the right route on your road trip can save you a significant amount of time and money. Widely available, smartphone and computer technologies can also help you estimate gas prices for your particular mode of transportation. Map-based applications like Google Maps, for instance, can provide you with directions from point A to point B along with an estimate of the total gas cost based on your car's fuel economy.
The Route
Brick Township and Jackson Township are only 12.7 miles apart and have four possible routes to reach each other. The shortest route is along US-9 S and only takes 15 minutes to complete. However, the gas cost for this route varies depending on the specific car you are driving and the current gas price. If you opt for this route through the New Jersey Turnpike, you can expect to spend at least $1.25 on gas. However, if you use County Rd 527 and NJ-195 W/Phillip E Frank Memorial Highway, this route would cost you around $1.3.
Another option is to take I-195 W and exit at NJ-547 S/Lakewood Road. You would then take Bennetts Mills Rd to reach Jackson Township. Although this route adds a few more miles to your journey, around 13.3 miles, it might be worth it since it is likely to have lower gas prices. The average gas cost for this route is around $1.40.
Furthermore, you could take County Rd 526 and County Rd 547 to reach Jackson Township. While this route is around 13.8 miles long, the average cost for gas is $1.5. Lastly, if you want to take a more scenic route, you can take Cedarbridge Rd and Cassville Rd to reach your destination. This route is 15.2 miles long, and the average gas price you can expect to pay is around $1.6.
Recommended Route
After considering the different routes and their gas costs, the I-195 W and NJ-547 S/Lakewood Road route is the recommended route. It is longer than the US-9 S route, but it is still a reasonable distance of around 13.3 miles, taking approximately 20 minutes to drive given average traffic conditions.
Other than the distance, the main reason for recommending this route is its lower gas price. With an average of $1.40 per gallon, it is currently the most cost-effective route, leading to significant savings for drivers. The route also bypasses heavy traffic, making it a faster and smoother ride for a less stressful driving experience. Even if the gas prices fluctuate in the future, this route is likely to remain the cheapest alternative, making it the most budget-friendly for travelers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when traveling between Brick Township and Jackson Township, New Jersey, it is crucial to consider the different routes and their associated gas prices carefully. Mapping applications like Google Maps and Waze can help calculate the estimated costs for each route. With a range of options available and varying distances and gas prices, there is enough flexibility for drivers to choose a comfortable yet cost-effective path. The recommended route via I-195 W and NJ-547 S/Lakewood is likely to be the most affordable and convenient one due to lower gas prices and bypassing heavy traffic. Driving to Jackson Township from Brick Township is an enjoyable trip, taking less than half an hour and costing around $1.40 for gas.