I’m driving from Richmond Va to Bethesda Md on Thursday morning. I’m leaving at 5:30 AM.
Potential hack (albeit a longer drive). Go N on 495 to the Pike. Then grab 84W to skirt NYC density. Catch 87S to NJ. Definitely a longer route but on Tuesday PM would likely be clear of traffic.
Why 8 AM?
Leave at 5 AM.
September perhaps?
I’d think with leaving RI around 6 PM, it should be past peak hours by the time you get to the major traffic choke points - most of CT south of New Haven, and the GWB/Cross-Bronx. (Of course depending on where in NJ you’re going, the Tappan Zee might be a better option).
Can you hop on a short flight? Where I live we can get on a 20 min flight and cover 3.5 drive time.
Today.
Check the weather forecast. You’re in for some nasty stuff.
Labor Day.