The Cost of a Trip from Bristol to Milford: Navigating Connecticut's Roads and Gas Prices
Connecticut is a state famous for its winding roads and iconic towns. If you're looking for a scenic drive between Bristol and Milford, you won't be disappointed. But if you're on a budget, you might be interested in finding the most cost-effective route. In this article, we'll look at the different options available and how gas prices can affect your trip.
The Routes
Route 84 and Route 8
One of the most direct routes between Bristol and Milford is to take Route 84 and then Route 8. This route covers a distance of approximately 56 miles and takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. However, there is a toll on Route 84, which costs $1.25 for passenger vehicles.
Route 9
Another route is to take Route 9, which runs northeast from I-95 in Old Saybrook to I-84 in Farmington. This route covers a distance of approximately 52 miles and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. There are no tolls on this route.
Merritt Parkway
The Merritt Parkway is a scenic route that was built during the 1930s as a connecting route between the New York City area and Connecticut. This route covers a distance of approximately 53.5 miles and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. However, the Merritt Parkway has a reputation for heavy traffic and speed limits of 55 mph or lower. There are no tolls on this route.
Wilbur Cross Parkway
The Wilbur Cross Parkway is another scenic route that runs from the Merritt Parkway in Fairfield to the Berlin Turnpike in Berlin. This route covers a distance of approximately 50 miles and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. Like the Merritt Parkway, the Wilbur Cross Parkway has speed limits of 55 mph or lower. There are no tolls on this route.
Gas Prices and Costs
Gas prices fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including supply and demand, production, and government policies. As of June 2021, the average gas price in Connecticut is around $3.09 per gallon of regular gasoline. With this information in mind, let's take a look at how much it would cost to take each of the routes mentioned above.
Route 84 and Route 8
Assuming a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, a trip from Bristol to Milford using Route 84 and Route 8 would use approximately 2.24 gallons of gasoline. At $3.09 per gallon, this trip would cost around $6.93 in gas. Plus, there is the additional $1.25 toll on Route 84 for passenger vehicles.
Route 9
Assuming the same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, a trip from Bristol to Milford using Route 9 would use approximately 2.08 gallons of gasoline. At $3.09 per gallon, this trip would cost around $6.42 in gas. There are no tolls on this route.
Merritt Parkway
Assuming the same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, a trip from Bristol to Milford using the Merritt Parkway would use approximately 2.14 gallons of gasoline. At $3.09 per gallon, this trip would cost around $6.63 in gas. There are no tolls on this route.
Wilbur Cross Parkway
Once again assuming a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, a trip from Bristol to Milford using the Wilbur Cross Parkway would use approximately 2 gallons of gasoline. At $3.09 per gallon, this trip would cost around $6.18 in gas. There are no tolls on this route.
Recommendations
Based on the information given, the most cost-effective route would be Route 9, which costs $6.42 in gas and has no tolls. However, if you're looking for a scenic drive and don't mind the extra cost, either the Merritt Parkway or the Wilbur Cross Parkway would be good options, costing around $6.63 and $6.18 in gas, respectively. If you're in a rush or want to avoid tolls altogether, Route 84 and Route 8 might be your best bet.
Conclusion
No matter which route you choose, a trip from Bristol to Milford is sure to be a memorable one. With gas prices hovering around $3.09 in Connecticut, the cost of the trip varies depending on the route you take. If you're looking for a cost-effective option, Route 9 is the way to go. But if you're craving a scenic drive or need to avoid tolls, the Merritt Parkway, Wilbur Cross Parkway, or Route 84 and Route 8 are all viable options. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. Safe travels!