This is the reality: The closure of the Pulaski Skyway begins a two year commuter hell of the worst kind.

You’re going to have to suck it up and deal with this inconvenience in the best possible terms for the agonizing duration.

When it comes to getting where you need to without the Pulaski Skyway, nothing beats good planning.

Take the following tips into consideration if you want life during this closure to be as painless as possible.

Prepare To Leave Very Early To Arrive On Time

You need to have a good idea how much time you will need to get from Point A to Point B when using any new route.

Some people often plan their routes based on the distance between their departure and arrival locations alone. This is the kind of mistake that results in you being stuck in hours of heavy traffic. If you have to drag yourself out of bed at 3 am to get a jump on things than so be it. Would you rather be an early morning zombie or have your soul-crushed in bumper to bumper misery? Think about it.

It's official! The #PulaskiSkyway is closed for the next two years. Use Truck Route 1&9, I-78 Newark Bay Extention…or mass transit!

— Jamie Morris (@RadioJamNYC) April 12, 2014

When looking at alternative routes, plan for traffic. It would be ideal to take a day where you have no obligations to travel alternative routes in order to get a feel for them. Note any issues you have along the way such as long traffic waits. Timing the trip is probably a good idea.

When you can give yourself a sensible amount of time to plan your daily commutes, it will cut down stress levels considerably.

Plan For Gas Expenses And Fares

Seastreak is a ferry operator in Atlantic Highlands that is expected to offer commuters an alternative to road congestion. It is set to begin to offer services at Paulus Hook in Jersey City and the Hoboken Terminal shortly.

The fare for travelers will be $12 each way.

#PulaskiSkyway closes NB for 2 years Saturday. Alts – @ridetheferry to NYC great option @77WABCradio #mckayway #traffic @NashFM947NY

— Jeff McKay (@McKayWay) April 9, 2014

This is an example of the sort of expenses you may need to take into consideration when finding an alternate way to your destination(s) during the Pulaski Skyway closure.

How much gas money are you going to be spending? How much for public transportation fares? In addition to planning for time spent traveling, you should know how much you will need to set aside to cover travel costs.

Do you have any tips to share with unhappy drivers impacted by the Pulaski Skyway closure? Please share in the comments!

Image via Wikimedia Commons