michael_jenkins39•1mo agoProlific Poster

Figured out the back-road shortcut through Oakwood after 3 months of highway misery

My usual commute to downtown used to be 45 minutes on I-95, stuck behind brake lights every morning. About 2 months ago, I started experimenting with side streets after seeing a delivery truck take a detour past the old mill. I tried Elm Street and then River Road, but both added time. Finally about 3 weeks into testing, I found a route through Oakwood that uses 4 stop signs and a single light. Now I get to work in 28 minutes flat, with less stress and a view of the creek. Has anyone else found a secret shortcut that cuts their drive by 15 minutes or more?

3 comments

3 Comments

hannahsingh1mo ago

I feel that Oakwood route find, I did something similar cutting through the old industrial park past the water treatment plant. My drive went from 50 minutes down to 32, and the only traffic I hit is one school bus zone if I leave before 7:45. That creek view sounds nice, sometimes the back way is just better for your nerves than the highway grind.

jake9861mo ago

That creek view probably does more for your blood pressure than the highway ever did. @hannahsingh you're lucky the water treatment plant smell doesn't hit you too bad on that industrial park cut. I've seen too many people trade a few saved minutes for a lifetime of traffic rage on the main roads.

sarah8181mo ago

is the creek view worth the extra gas money though? i've taken longer drives just to avoid the highway chaos, and honestly my blood pressure thanks me for it. sometimes saving your sanity is better than saving a few minutes.