I-80 East, the final miles & more: New Jersey-New York City

Follows I-80 East in NJ to its end at I-95 and across the George Washington Bridge to NY City

[@curtisb3336]

Your videos are helping me make it through quarantine. I was supposed to travel to NYC this summer for the first time ever, but that of course had to be cancelled. Your videos give us a taste of normalcy that will hopefully be back again soon.

[@ryankhja2646]

im curious bro did you go?

[@curtisb3336]

@@ryankhja2646 Yeah, I went last September (2021) and had a blast!

[@joetriolo9161]

Driving under the apartments on the Cross Bronx Expwy(95)is something you have to experience to appreciate how truly scary it is.

[@ANEWYORKNATIVE]

Great...love all your videos...especially the comments as it moves along. Thanks for doing these!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much for the comment and for watching!

[@sallyweinreich5769]

I have driven this many times! Once you see the IMPRESSIVE skyline of NYC, I can't stand myself!!! THX!!!

[@Freewayjim]

I agree, it is a thrill to see the skyline coming in that way.

[@socarboy]

Loved it, great job. Moving the overhead highway sign to the right of the branching off right lanes for the GW bridge was a nice touch.

[@DrDoom-wo8hb]

Steveland Morris, aka Stevie Wonder, blessing us with this 1973 jam. Thank you for uploading this.

[@tomservo75]

That's freaking insane. Assuming 8 cars per minute that's over $100,000 per DAY just in car tolls, or $42 million per year. They could pave the road in platinum for that.

[@shenickpop1694]

Love your videos of northern New Jersey and NYC. Thanks so much.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you for watching!

[@StudSupreme]

And another vid right in the area where I was born and grew up. Thank you.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks

[@sterlinged]

Great song (always one of my favs), and another GREAT video! Thanks!!!

[@MillerMeteor74]

I grew up on the west side of NJ in the 70s, and we lived within maybe 10 miles of I-80. We went to NYC several times when I was growing up, for various things. I know we went over the GWB several times, and through the Lincoln Tunnel. Thanks for this.

[@dave11686]

Appreciate your insight into how you make your vids, I for one appreciate it!

[@urzadek27]

i personally think your music choices are perfect

[@danielweiss3810]

I'll be attempting a long distance drive from Chicago back to NYC on I-80, so I'm a bit nervous. These videos reassure me, great work!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you! Nothing to be nervous about, that is a very easy drive, safe travels.

[@MrJamesgrate]

Jim, what can I say, except you do fantastic work . I love each new video I have seen, because you not only provide visual information, you give construction dates, and refurbish years of the many highways and bridges you have encountered.. Thank God you took the time and your own resources to make these videos.. Much appreciation!!!!

[@laurasalgado5326]

Ddgdgqdcdc

[@blvcksailormooninthenameof7561]

I love your travel videos! Not only that, but I love how you put music to describe the cities. VERY GOOD!!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much Iesha!

[@brownsugar8294]

I don't like the music that not how Steve Wonder sing

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you, I appreciate that very much! A lot of thought goes in to them.

[@sunshinegirl1967]

Great song! One of my favorites from Stevie Wonder.

[@s70baby2]

Thank you again for posting these wonderful videos, especially this one. This song combined with the visuals of these roads that I have known all my life brought back so many memories of family and happy times it made me tear up a little. Safe and happy travels to you and your family good Sir, and please keep sharing these videos with us as you travel through our worlds (BTW, I could see my apartment complex at 3:13). Much love and happy holidays to you and yours!💖

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much and Happy Holidays to you!

[@s70baby2]

Thanks!

[@InterstateKyle]

Far cry from I-80s Western Terminus in San Francisco! Great video Jim! Enjoyed it!

[@FreewayBrent]

Dude, this was great. How did I miss this video until now? lol. That soundtrack worked perfectly for the footage...absolutely love the GWB...just not the traffic. I favorited this video...thanks for the upload!

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks! glad you caught it and liked it...it's good to have both ends of I-80 on film :)

[@EpicThe112]

I do appreciate your comment Freewaybrent and I've travelled across the GWB many times since the GWB is the quickest route to reach I-495 Long Island Expressway (exits 27-49) without travelling through Midtown Manhattan congestion from Bergen County NJ.

[@robertramos704]

Train 7 and the rest is JUST

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks for watching, The toll to cross the bridge is $13 now.

[@CrystalClearWith8BE]

I love the express lanes of I-80 and I-95 in Bergen County, NJ. These help improve traffic in the New York metro area. The George Washington Bridge connects the local lanes from the bottom and express from the top as it links Fort Lee, NJ and Manhattan across the Hudson River. The express lanes of I-95 in Manhattan end near the Alexander Hamilton Bridge.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@marcoslorenzomiguelez9071]

Good video ang good music

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@cjs121675]

Nice vid- The image of the traffic in NYC reminds me of all the horror stories I have heard about NYC traffic over the years and what I saw in Los Angeles years ago.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you! the music in the intro isn't really a song, it's a royalty free loop called Chelsea Loft, it has been used in some commercials as well.

[@thewoodsman248]

I can just picture an angelic young Jim dreaming of one day driving over the great gray bridge.

[@jamesnotfound]

I drove through here in May. I love the GW Bridge, in my opinion it's the best looking bridge in America. Thanks for filming this! Hey FWJ, will you be in my neck of the woods (Boston) anytime soon?

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@Mr_CigarJaxGuy]

I'm a Jersey native. 80 is easily the most dangerous major highway in the state (besides US 22). Most people will take 78 to get to NYC, or even 1&9 if you want to avoid tolls. There was a big issue back in the day when it came to building 78. If you look at historical maps, it was so nice before 78 existed. Now, 78 East is a dump, but they're slowly fixing it up. Awesome video Jim I need to take a road trip soon!

[@davidsanford6084]

Great Video man!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@louisiana173]

Liked the video. Never knew you was going to play Stevie Womder. Also lots of cars while going on the bridge

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@yitzhakbenmoshe7485]

They updated the signs around GWB to full color; they look amazing.

[@alan1963]

God bless Stevie Wonder....his Wonder-ful years as a singer, keyboardist, percussionist and producer.

[@maria-melek]

The average human being with most functioning organs complain too much but look at him he's a legend and he can't see. We just complain too much.

[@pjoellius]

I have 2 questions. 1) I noticed that a lot of your videos are mostly east coast cities. Do you have any recommendations for someone who does the west coast cities? or even non-US cities? Because I really enjoy the work you put into your videos! 2) Did you have to edit out the dialog/skit/whatever section of Living for the City yourself or is there a shortened version of the song?

[@Freewayjim]

LOL, there is much truth to that, I recall being thrilled with anticipation when I first saw and crossed it at age 11. I first actually drove over it at age 17.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks Kyle!

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks!

[@HanyAlsaeed]

thanks , very good .

[@metsfreak4life]

Oh boy, I've been on the Cross Bronx Expressway on a Friday night before. It was awful. And one time we were going somewhere toward I-80 in New Jersey. We felt it was better to take a detour by using the Tappan Zee Bridge and Garden State Parkway than it was to sit and wait for the GWB. Note: the Cross Bronx Exwy is synonymous with "nightmare" amongst us New Yorkers. Except for overnights and weekend mornings, do not take the Cross Bronx Expressway unless you have to!!! Anyway, nice video!

[@WallyPCify]

Thanks alot

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks! That's a music copyright issue completely out of my control. Some music companies won't allow their songs to be played on mobile devices through YT but they are OK over a computer, makes no sense but that's just the way it is, they own the copyrights, they make the rules..

[@PfctvsPontivsPilatvs]

Friday at 6PM the traffic seems to be flying in the other direction, too.

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

I used to drive this going from 17 in NJ to the NJTP. I would exit to the right sometime before the bridge but I couldn't make out the signs clearly enough....I think maybe exit 73??

[@patdthomas]

And to think I used to stop at a little pub on Broad Ave in Leonia NJ every Friday night to partake in kamikazi night and then drive home to CT over the GWB. How the hell did I do it?

[@rentslave]

In 1999,I was in Berkeley,California when someone asked me where Rutgers was.I told him:"Take 80 east,then make a right turn just before you go over the George Washington Bridge.

[@kasperklibansky9964]

seeing NY makes me want to play GTA IV again🤤

[@htwoos28]

Love your videos.... one question, why are some of your videos (like this one) not available for view on my andriod phone? Not all your videos are like this. Thanks and Be Safe out there....

[@htwoos28]

@Freewayjim Thanks for the quick answer.... I totally understand, did'nt think of that..... thanks again, Take Care...

[@Freewayjim]

Pleasure.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, it sure was horrible all through the Bronx and up to my hotel in Port Chester.

[@rammgarr]

thanks for this videos but wow 12.00 dls to cross the bridge.,at least is good to know if ever this waqy got to have bunch of money., thanks this videos are awsome i enjoy them alot.,everyone of your videos are so awsome.,everytime i see any of them i feel like i just went with you.,thanks for the ride....

[@Freewayjim]

Good question!

[@metsfreak4life]

have you ever driven on I-87 (the Major Deegan Expressway or the Southern end of the New York State Thruway)

[@Freewayjim]

Yes, I've driven it a few times, but have not filmed it.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks Huy, I can't control the traffic :)

[@Freewayjim]

Sure thing, thanks!

[@Freewayjim]

In the $50-55 range for the NYC-NJ area alone.

[@Freewayjim]

Nice!

[@mattpetrulli]

i went on there yesterday morning

[@EpicThe112]

Great video, and you saw freewayBrent's I-80 east video in sf and he might create a new version of that video that I shared on your facebook page.

[@rwboa22]

$12 for the GWB....😫. It only cost $5 to cross the Delaware River from Jersey to Philly on either the Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, and Walt Whitman Bridges (Jersey to Chester, PA on the Commodore Barry Bridge).

[@chuckonwubu1458]

It costs $15 (cash) in 2017. It's a one-way toll (like all the other Hudson River crossings). Port Authority is the toll agency.

[@PilotRyan1533]

They're not as bad as you think, once you drive them a couple of times it is like any other road.

[@necroslair]

How long did you end up sitting in queue at that tool booth... :)

[@highamleescott]

Great video. $12 cash toll for the GWB? Far out I didnt realise it was that pricey.

[@Freewayjim]

They are from actual photos and I import them in to the software, nothing fancy or difficult.

[@seprishere]

To be honest, even on the GWB traffic doesn't seem that bad considering that it is the approach to NYC (having suffered stop-start rural M6 traffic).

[@RicksTravelogue]

Why does NJ note I-95 SOUTH to US 46 as the last exit in NJ for the Express Lanes when EXIT 73 just before the bridge is really the last exit?

[@Freewayjim]

Who's to say I didn't? I'll have two Albany videos coming in a few months.

[@Freewayjim]

I've done eastern, southern and mid-west roads for the most part and plan to go out west this summer. Check out FreewayBrent and TexasFreeways for western US videos, they both do excellent work. I edited out the section of the song you are referring to.

[@ArtificialBanana]

Do you take these long trips mostly for business or for pleasure?

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks BTW.

[@edkollin]

Cross Bronx Expressway is bumper to bumper at some point 24 hours a day seven days a week.

[@RicksTravelogue]

Got to wonder how worse the traffic would have been if the Yankees were playing in the Bronx that night.

[@maria-melek]

I still can't believe this was shot in the afternoon, to me it always has looked like it was filmed around 9-10 am Eastern Time, especially when you hit the Geo Washington bridge.

[@Freewayjim]

If I shot it in the morning we'd be heading into the sunrise, something I try to avoid, makes the video look like crap :)

[@maria-melek]

@@Freewayjim so you've never filmed in the morning? I thought you knew how to avoid/ get rid of such glare in your videos.

[@Freewayjim]

I have and can eliminate some of the glare, but I can't make it look like what you see in this video, you need the backlight to really bring all the colors out, filming into the sun looks washed out even when you can elinimate some of the glare.

[@maria-melek]

@@Freewayjim You sounded mad were you ok, if so I hope you're fine now, I just said by looking at the sky it looked morning. I love your videos since I was in 5th grade now 10th I hope you can one day go back to Boston and perhaps drive around town and then a highway, yes I know how they are some places can't be filmed and their lame speed limit but needed due to the narrow streets, I love that city and thanks to your videos I felt I love with Boston and roads, and the beautiful scenery around them, but now in driver's education I see all the rules needed to be followed or at least here in California.

[@Freewayjim]

Not mad at all, just matter of fact. Don't read too much into text like that, if I spoke it to you face to face, you never would have thought I was even close to mad. Not sure when I'll be back to Boston, I did not get to go on a trip this year, but hopefully I can go back west next year, we'll see.

[@Freewayjim]

I've driven it, not really interested in filming it unless I was really bored and had to use the road for some reason.

[@melodywawichi802]

3:47 that traffic slowdown literally looked like it come outta nowhere... how scary. o.o

[@Freewayjim]

That can happen in most any big city, more frustrating than scary, lol.

[@lukesvlogsgaming9018]

What is your intro song?

[@Freewayjim]

It's an apple loop called Chelsea loft, the full version is here on YT.

[@emmanuellaalexis3797]

Oh in the NJ without leaving. Them take l-80 east to l-95 in the G Washington bridge now l-95 North. Epass to your New York City

[@Freewayjim]

I've got 5 videos from Boston coming up in a month or two.

[@maria-melek]

When will you go back to Boston? It would be nice if you drove around downtown then entered into a highway.

[@tomservo75]

Besides the numbers I quoted are for JUST ONE BRIDGE. And what of these "other projects?" The tolls are for bridge and road maintenance (which if you've ever driven on NYC roads is clearly not happening). Money should NOT be used for other projects like the World Trade Center. That will be rented out to private businesses, let THEM fund it. My tax & toll dollars have no business being sunk into projects having nothing to do with transportation.

[@krishsaini8463]

In June 28 2022 the 295 south from Princeton to Hamilton

[@kcdude719]

Thx for the tour of the NYC. I've spent 7 hours there once, but it was a layover so I was stuck inside of Kennedy Airport. I saw NOTHING while I was there. Otherwise, I've only been upstate.

[@Freewayjim]

+Kc Matheny Thanks, if you want a better tour of NYC you should check out this video, better camera too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKmvnpitltSGjMk

[@Whit_Siever]

Try being stuck in Newark Terminal C AND with thick fog so you couldn't actually see the skyline that's allegedly in plain sight. Been to Albany once but not actually NYC

[@Freewayjim]

How do you know that? Do you know what goes in to synching these videos to the music? you don't just drop a song and let it go, at least I don't. "Between the Wheels" has several tempo changes that may or may not have matched up as well as what I used here, nor would the overtones of a nuclear holocaust have been fitting with the scenery. To be honest I'm VERY happy with how this one turned out.

[@josh4825]

Does anyone been to the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, or Holland Tunnel to NYC

[@Freewayjim]

No point mentioning it unless I'm filming it.

[@trainluvr]

Trainluvr approves.

[@maureenjohnson5151]

Stevie Wonder is a legend!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@Zeakthecat]

and it will be built with floating bridges but i did not know this but did u know that conrete can float!!!!

[@redman6657]

It's almost dumb going the speed limit since virtually everyone else is going faster. Just always be on the lookout for "smokey bear" ;-)

[@Freewayjim]

$13 In bound, no charge to leave the city.

[@joetriolo9161]

$15 now(cash)and possibly $16 soon...yikes!

[@thegrassguy2871]

@@joetriolo9161 16 bucks as of 2020.

[@larrychan8190]

Oh look where are we?

[@larrychan8190]

Njj

[@Freewayjim]

Just a few minutes, it wasn't bad.

[@emmanuellaalexis3797]

I mean the l-95 North at cross bronx expway

[@draaier327]

The one who collect the money of the toll will be a very ritch one I pressumed !!

[@helenewortham1840]

been on this run in a tractor trailer. I don't know how truckers do it🙈🙈🙈🙈

[@benlonghighway]

5:55 Makes sense. God, I hate this traffic. This one gets backed up almost any time of day, I hear! By the way, I drove I-80 west as far as Exit 62; right where the video starts! How very ironic! :)

[@scootwilson2975]

I fell interstate 80 should be extended to downtown New York instead of just going to GWB

[@Freewayjim]

Think about it.

[@LadyAmanita]

yeah, those are awful. I hear old George is going to get the ropes replaced at some point, and on my next trip to NYC, I plan to visit "the Great Grey Bridge", I've put it off long enough.