I-278 East: Brooklyn New York at Night

[Fartdemon]

love the video and assumabley videos you have, but I must arbitrarily ask - can you upload some driving vids like this, but done in real time, without any on screen text? I really want to be able to absorb the experience :)

[Freewayjim]

@Fartdemon Sorry, that's not my style and trust me, it is EXTREMELY boring, Check my very first video *Boston Big Dig at Night) and you'll see what I mean.

[Fartdemon]

@Freewayjim oo thats your best video man! well I enjoyed it at least.. I really like to feel the reality of the highways and cities, especially at night! :) But your style is up to you friend, videos are still good

[Freewayjim]

@Fartdemon Thanks! check out YT user Roadwaywiz if you want videos with real-time speed and no graphics.

[3MostHolyTrinity3]

Have you ever been to all the parts of this giant city ?

This would be very strange for me to live in a city where I would not know some entire neighborhoods like if they were foreign lands.

NYC has more than twice all the people living in my entire country ! I can't realise it, even if I've been in NYC ;-)

[Freewayjim]

@3MostHolyTrinity3 No, I have not seen all parts of NYC but I hope to someday.

[americanidol434]

cool

[crowamonghens]

marry me freewayjim

[Freewayjim]

@crowamonghens :)

[cochrab]

Hey Jim, congrats on your 200th video! We love 'em so keep 'em coming! This was a great ride!

[Freewayjim]

@cochrab Thanks Brian, #300 is coming soon :)

[cochrab]

@Freewayjim Wow, I've got to get some more videos out there! :) Can't wait to see your new stuff!

[StormsongK]

Okay, I've never been to NYC, sadly, but I do believe that Billy Joel and Steely Dan could write the definitive soundtrack for the Big Apple.

[Freewayjim]

@StormsongK agreed!

[EdM021]

The Brooklyn Queens Expressway in Brooklyn? Why is it an interstate??? No breakdown lanes, no acceleration or deceleration lanes for the ramps, very sharp curves. The only thing missing are overhead bridges too low for trucks to fit under (that's on the Grand Central Parkway section). They should have called it Business 87 instead...

[Freewayjim]

@EdM021 Excellent points!

[EdM021]

@Freewayjim Thanks! :)

BTW Belt Parkway seems more like an Interstate than the BQE.

[ahmnatheist]

@EdM021 I agree that it's not interstate, but it's all truck accessible. Well, at least to LIE. I've not been above the LIE on 278. The bridges say 12'1"; They have a bit of a pucker factor when driving a big truck.

[EdM021]

@ahmnatheist Yes, exactly; and if you read my comments above more carefully, you'll realise I was saying exactly what you're saying about truck accessibility! :^)

[themarioman360]

new york is a piece of shit been there chicago my city we ill we better then zooyork

[wokeupthismorning100]

Intro sounds like porn music LOL

[Freewayjim]

@wokeupthismorning100 Sorry the content fell short :)

[tall32guy]

Cool! The very best part, the Brooklyn Bridge, is very last before the fade! Hold on for it peeps! :)

[MrBIGbird1423]

Soo how is New York down there.I live in L.A. but i want to go to NY!

[DontBeATeabagger]

I'd like to take a big rig down there someday...

Yeah I know, I'm nuts :)

[Freewayjim]

@DontBeATeabagger It's snug in an SUV, can't imagine a Big Rig.

[ahmnatheist]

@DontBeATeabagger I did the BQE for 3 years. The first time or 10 is unnerving. The first time I saw that overhang, at 3:58ish, had I not been warned, I'd have shit my pants. lol. I only did Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. Never Manhattan. I'm not THAT nuts.

[rmcg70]

FJ----Your channel is the greatest!!

Keep em coming!!!

[Freewayjim]

@rmcg70 Thanks, I plan to!

[roswellatup]

what's the title of the music used in the beginning in @0:01-0:10?

[Freewayjim]

@roswellatup That clip is a GarageBand software loop called "Chelsea Loft" it's not a commercial song of any sorts.

[interstateruler]

Damn, that traffic is heavy. I bet New York City gets a lot of traffic. Thank you for the video

[Freewayjim]

@interstateruler Thanks for watching.

[NYsentinel]

Great vid

Im a dispatcher for nyc authorized hwy tow

your videos help quite a bit

I carry the LIE, BQE QUNS side of the Kosk and clearview

you do good work

[Freewayjim]

@NYsentinel Thank you!

[EdM021]

That Gowanus Expressway *****! I've been on it, one of the filthiest, grittiest expressways EVER. The freeway is literally built on old elevated MTA (IRT or BMT) train tracks in 1941. Its construction and operation ruined a stable Italian neighbourhood and turned it to a slum. From the mid 1980s there was a debate, that I was aware of up in Mass., whether to depress it or relocate it. The NY State DOT finally said, **** IT! And decided to just patch the deck. Rebuilt sections have old railings.

[yankeesman14]

Great video! I've lived in Brooklyn my entire life, and I love going around on all the highways here at night.

[spaceplanepilot]

At 2:26, I spotted another plane to the right, it looks like when you passed 38th and 39th Sts.

Anyway, Jim, have you ever drove on the Verrazano? I see you have drove on the Brooklyn.

[Freewayjim]

@spaceplanepilot It is illegal to use a camera on the Verrazano (it is clearly posted near the toll plaza eastbound) so I can't/won't film it but I have driven across it several times.

[adrianroam95]

@Freewayjim why is it illegal to use a camera on the Verrazano??

[Freewayjim]

Security reasons 

[gtasupergamerdude]

@Freewayjim and wat happeneds

[Freewayjim]

@gtasupergamerdude ??? what do you mean?

[gtasupergamerdude]

@Freewayjim if u vid on the bridge

[Freewayjim]

@gtasupergamerdude You'd probably get a date with the NYPD and Homeland Security, they'd pull you over and search/question you at the very least.

[gtasupergamerdude]

@Freewayjim lol

[MyMultimedia]

@Freewayjim I'm wondering, why is using a camera while driving on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge a security risk? BTW, I guess the NYPD really needed to strictly enforce that regulation after 9/11! :)

[Freewayjim]

@MyMultimedia Considering all the photos of that bridge that are in books and postcards it beats the heck out of me what the issue is. That goes for ALL Triborough Bridge-Tunnel Authority facilities.

[Freewayjim]

@gtasupergamerdude ??? what do you mean?

[MyMultimedia]

You know what I've noticed about your videos, Freewayjim?

Mostly depending on the metro area where the video was filmed in, that has significant impact on how many views your videos attract within 6 months after it's posted. For example, Washington DC gets about 3,500-4,500 within that window of time, and NYC usually receives the most, for an understandable reason.

Please reply to this comment if you agree. Thank you. Good luck on your quarter-thousandth video! I have belief it'll distinguish!

[Freewayjim]

@MyMultimedia -Thanks, I think you are probably right with your assessment. #250 will be pretty good I think, should be up Wednesday AM.

[drugssuck1991]

Have you ever considered a drive through Vegas playing "Sin City" by AC/DC?

[Freewayjim]

@drugssuck1991 Never been to Vegas and I'm not a fan of AC/DC so no, I have not considered that. I would lean more towards "Show Biz Kids" by Steely Dan if I were doing that kind of video.

[mizzouluvr]

How many five-stars can one man collect ? Happy 200th, Jim. You've outdone yourself yet again !

[Freewayjim]

@mizzouluvr Thanks!

[WolfODonnell3762]

i totally agree at 2:58 always a traffic jam

[richieasian]

what's the name of the song in your intro?

[Freewayjim]

@richieasian -It's just a Garage Band clip, not an "official" song.

[drugssuck1991]

You cheated. You didn't drive the length of the infamous BQE? I'm just kidding. I really can't blame you for going into manhattan. The BQE is a scary expressway and most other video's were taken during saturday and sunday mornings. My hats off to you dude! Great job and great song!

[Freewayjim]

@drugssuck1991 -Thanks, actually I had a plan, check my other video "NY City at Night" and you'll see what I was going for.

[drugssuck1991]

@Freewayjim Ahhhh I see what you were going for now. Great job!

[Freewayjim]

@drugssuck1991 -Thank you! All the footage was from the same drive :) 

[barclosed]

what s that blue sign at 3.31

[Freewayjim]

@barclosed -Mega Millions Lottery

[SuperTuna23]

what made you pick this song? it goes perfect with this video.

[Freewayjim]

@SuperTuna23 -I've always liked the song and I just thought it work here.

[sc4portugal]

Congratulations on the 200 mark!

[JayBrodieBro]

I got tired of seeing people cutting in front of you lol! Next time,rent a monster truck and run they ass over lol!!

[RequinRoi]

@JayBrodieBro haha it's extremely normal in new york

[hadabenz]

My friend, you have the very best taste of music!!!

[Freewayjim]

@hadabenz -Thank you! I do appreciate that.

[ztrain445]

Get in that left lane heading into the Tunnel then cut off someone at the end with a honk

[StukInBuf]

Congrats... I just read the byline... 200 vids! Keep it up, bro'!

Looking forward to seeing clips of Buffalo and Western NY in the future from you...

[drugssuck1991]

Awesome job dude! I've become a timid driver these days so watching the videos are good enough for me. Thanks! Great Song!

[Tribeca40]

Congratulations on 200 videos!! Interestingly it's on a New York City highway. Driving here is scary, but if you're really alert, you'll do fine...if you can drive in NYC, they say, you can drive anywhere! In general, you do an excellent job at doing the videos...excellent effort and extremely well produced. Keep up the good work!

[Freewayjim]

@Tribeca40 -Thank you very much! I completely agree if you can drive NYC you'll do just fine anywhere else.

[stevostevie]

@Tribeca40 No, If you can drive in Atlanta, then you can drive anywhere.



[Tribeca40]

@stevostevie I'll have to come down there to ATL sometime to see for myself, but to deal with New York City traffic you gotta be alert and react quickly.

[NJRoadfan]

When ISN'T that clunker of an elevated freeway under construction. Gotta love the typical NY drivers cutting you off pretty badly near the Battery Tunnel.

[nc2888ksw]

@1:20 The speed limit reminds me of how in the UK lights in the middle means slower speed limit.

[techman224]

You should record the Verrazano-Narrows bridge at night. It will be even more awesome.

[Freewayjim]

@techman224 -No Thanks, Camera Restrictions.

[techman224]

@Freewayjim I've seen other videos on Youtube that show the bridge, and why do they stop anyone from recording?

[Freewayjim]

@techman224 Thye are lucky they did not get caught. All Triboro Bridge-Tunnel Authority Facilities have "No Camera" rules. There is a big sign as you approach the Narrows Bridge stating that cameras are not allowed to be used. My setup is such that it's hard to hide it so I prefer not to tempt fate.

[prfsnlwannabe]

What a heckuva great video! It's amazing how damn narrow expressways like the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway really are. And of course, going over the Brooklyn Bridge is always fun to do, amazing to think I actually walked all the way across that bridge last summer!

[Freewayjim]

@prfsnlwannabe Thanks! I'd love to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge sometime, I'll bet that's a neat experience.

[NJRoadfan]

@Freewayjim It sure is. It doesn't seem long in the car, but on foot its a bit of a hike. Great views of the BQE too.

[336kush]

Oh Thanks for counting the vids..never had the time to!!! HA! :-P

[Maserati7200]

lol, I live in Brooklyn, and most of the time the traffic on this road is a PITA. However, once you get past the Verrazano going West, or go far enough East, its a really nice drive

[GeoffJennyOliver]

Hi Jim. luvved this one. Even read all the comments! Scary though - some of those exits are so abrupt and on sharp corners. Lanes appear quite narrow at times too, with no shoulder. Not many trucks though. Great to watch! Geoff

[Freewayjim]

@GeoffJennyOliver Thank you Geoff! Many of the expressways in NYC are not up to "Interstate Standards" despite being marked as such.

[prfsnlwannabe]

@Freewayjim Isn't that the fregging truth, excluding a few rare exceptions like I-495(moreso on Long Island, where at least it does have HOV lanes).

[epzik8]

52nd Street was the first album ever released on CD, although it came out on CD in 1982, 4 years after its original release on record.

[Freewayjim]

@epzik8 Neat factoid!

[336kush]

I guess your stepped it up huh?...lol

[Freewayjim]

@336kush -Thanks, but I think it's consistent with my last 40-50 videos for the most part.

[2004JETTA]

Happy 200 videos FJ heres to 200 more

[Freewayjim]

@2004JETTA Thank you!

[fiestaman87]

Another fantastic video. I'm looking forward to what is now my annual visit to the states. Best wishes from a Brit who has fallen in love with the USA (what little he has seen of it!).

[Norg1]

I watch alot of your videos and to switch stuff up can u just get off the highway and kinda u know zig zag through the various streets that would be much cooler IMO

[Freewayjim]

@Norg1 -Eh, not so much IMO, a lot much depends on the stretch of road, traffic, timing of the footage and what music I may want to use. I personally like to keep street routes separate from highway routes, different tempo and such.

[rickhh1]

Congrats on 200. And, Garage Band and Soundtrack are fascinating programs to play around, I must say. Fine composition for an intro.

[Freewayjim]

@rickhh1 -Thank you, I wish I had more time to play around with Garage Band, it's amazing what that program can do.

[Trekker1801]

Congrats on the big 200! You can bet that we'll be watching the next hundred. You really do a great job on these. My subscription is well worth it.

[Freewayjim]

@Trekker1801 Thank you!

[NYGiantsFan845]

Must of been strange for you driving around New York when your used to the nice wide ATL freeways and up here we have so much 6 lane freeways with really narrow lanes and cement barriers inches from the side of your car

[Freewayjim]

@NYGiantsFan845 -Yes is definitely different, you really have to stay sharp on most urban expressways in the Northeast.

[FootLoose4ver]

Nobody in Brooklyn can be timid.

[bryson55]

Awesome video! And congrats for 200. You do great stuff.

[Freewayjim]

@bryson55 -Thank you!

[TexasSupra]

200!?! Holy crap.

You deserve a medal. If I had one, I'd give it to you.

Now, you know I'm anticipating 200 more...right?

[Freewayjim]

@TexasSupra -Thank you! I hope to do another 200....or more :)

[Centipeedsrocks]

thanks Freewayjim watching this video makes me feel more experienced driver and better than my friends in school.

[LightsCameraAtlanta]

Awsome Video As usual

[Freewayjim]

@LightsCameraAtlanta - Thank you!

[Blue387]

I live in the area. The Gowanus is always under repair. I usually avoid it when driving to Manhattan. Note the lack of shoulder on the BQE.

[stuckybowl]

Another fantastic video that saves me a few hundred quid on a trip to NYC! Cheers for uploading it Jim!

Also, should you ever find yourself on a trip to London, let me know and I'll take you on a drivers tour of the city.

One last thing, have you thought about doing a loop route of Manhattan? All the way round the outside of the island with maybe a crossing of each bridge and tunnel? I'd love to see that!

[Freewayjim]

@stuckybowl -Thank you. I already have videos of both east and west side drives around the island in the daylight posted here. As for doing all the bridges & tunnels? many of the crossings have camera restrictions and are closely monitored so that video probably isn't going to happen.

[michael3572]

congrats to your 200th video. all awesome videos of our interstate system. go for 400 videos!

[bsdpowa]

I love New York City! Thanks and congratulations on your 200th video. I enjoy watching your videos! Keep up the good work!

[Freewayjim]

@bsdpowa Thank You!

[ashvegas1018]

Congrats on your 200th video!!!! It is great as usual, especially the introduction! What song did u use in the intro by the way? :) Keep on making great vids!!!

[Freewayjim]

@ashvegas1018 -Thank you!

The music in the intro is a 10 second Apple Garage Band loop, not a "real"song.

[ashvegas1018]

@Freewayjim Ah, okay. I like Garage Band. You can do a lot of cool things with it. :) Thanks for answering my question.

[Larbearfl]

One of the best! Perfect song, for the drive...thanks for posting these.

[CosmoPhotography]

Also, I bet you had to slam on the breaks at 2:48 for that jerk. Don't you just love driving in New York? :P

[Freewayjim]

@CosmoPhotography Yes, I had to "firmly" use the brakes for that guy :) That's the northeast for ya, all kinds of short exits and entrances like that littered about.

[CosmoPhotography]

Makes me miss home watching this! Great job, Jim! The new intro is really classy, btw!

[Freewayjim]

@CosmoPhotography Thank you very much!

[Papillonmuscogee]

Fabulous as always.

[rthor34]

Congrats on the big 200. Keep up the good work!!!!

[Freewayjim]

@rthor34 Thank you!

[TheMostWantedR1]

Are you gonna be posting more?

[Freewayjim]

@TheMostWantedR1 -Not for another 3-4 weeks or so.

[rlaherman]

Jim..

At 2:06 you state the Gowanus opened in the 1940's and was expanded in the 1950's. It opened as the Gowanus Pkwy (no trucks)... using existing steel supports form an abandoned NYC Transit subway line. The conversion to I-278 happened in the early 1960's, in time for the Verrazano Bridge opening in 1964.

Keep the videos comin...

[Freewayjim]

@rlaherman -Yes I know that, I only have so much space to make a point/list facts, have to condense it as best I can. It's more about the video with a few info-nuggest thrown in for good measure.

[XCtrackRUNnner]

wow, I love the New York freeways, although they are very dangerous outdated and antiquated, They are just too freakin cool!

[Bryant5493]

Nice music there, Jim. Fits with the video perfectly.

[Freewayjim]

@Bryant5493 - Thanks Bryant. This music was almost used with the first NYC Night Video but Boogie Nights won out.

[Bryant5493]

@Freewayjim

Ah... can't go wrong with "Boogie Nights."

[patrick560sl]

HELL YES!!!! YOUR BACK!!!! I LOVE THE VIDEOS!!!!! you rock!

[james71]

congrats on ur 200th video looking forward to seeing more

[ScrewdUPClickV2]

nice .. i enjoyed the ride .. enjoyed the view of the narrows

[FreewayBrent]

Excellent!!! Weird how I only spent the month of August, driving along I-278 on several occasions, and yet, not only did I instantly recognize every second of footage in this video, but it still only feels like it was just last month. I'm glad you filmed this at night; it's even more interesting during nightfall, as opposed to being stuck in it during the daytime commuting hours. The views of Manhattan (in person) are plentiful, which only makes the night time drive even more appealing.

[adogg619]

I like the Verrazano- Narrows Bridge, it looks nice at night.

I wouldn't want to deal with New York drivers though.

[FreewayBrent]

@adogg619: New York drivers, generally speaking, are no worse than what you'll find in L.A. or Boston. HOWEVER, driving on Manhattan city streets is a very nerve-wracking experience, mainly due to the taxi drivers that'll literally create extra lanes, where they aren't any. I was surrounded by taxi cab drivers by mere inches on both sides and from behind, creating perhaps 7 lanes where only 5 exist.

[adogg619]

@FreewayBrent

I honestly didn't know how the motorists in NYC were except for the taxi drivers as you mentioned.

Good point though. You can't be a timid driver here in L.A. either.

[fldoughboy72]

Happy 200th. I wish you started on the Belt around Knapp St. I am from there!

[Freewayjim]

@GMSnintendoman -Thank You!

[TailsPrower88]

The music in the introduction... what's its name?

[Freewayjim]

@TailsPrower88 -It's just a loop from Garage Band (Apple)

[quatlen]

Extraordinary introduction, good music choice, and a great stretch of road! This is a great 200th video!

[Freewayjim]

@quatlen - Thank you very much!

[HongsiquanWingDing]

nyc has traffic no matter what fuckin time it is.

[0marigolds]

OMG - one of my favorite B Joel songs too! Drive me to Harlem or somewhere the same (yeah, not Joel, but it's in the NY state of mind) - love the new intro. FAV!

[Freewayjim]

@0marigolds -Thank you! I knew you of all people would know and appreciate this song :)

[colinstu]

camera seems a little shakier then normal? what's that intro song btw?

[Freewayjim]

@colinstu -Camera setup is same as always, the roads were a little bumpier than usual, hey it's New York!

Music from the intro is an Apple Garage Band Loop.

[carocarotho]

i love you knew opening Jim!

[Freewayjim]

@carocarotho -Thanks, I think I'll stick with it.

[eluko79]

I always thought "piano man" would be everyone's favorite Billy Joel song. Nice work though Jim. Very cool views of the bridges. I like the new intro too.

[Freewayjim]

@eluko79 -Thanks on the intro, I can't stand "Piano Man" LOL.

[eluko79]

@Freewayjim But were all in the mood for a melody! XD

[yarossa]

I want to be there

[anrchst1905]

Thank goodness you came back

[Freewayjim]

@anrchst1905 -Come back? I didn't go anywhere.

[firenewt95]

I liked the intro here.

[Freewayjim]

@firenewt95 -Thank you!

[MazdaStrider]

Are you going to do any more videos soon? I love yours!

[Freewayjim]

@MazdaStrider - Thanks, I may be doing some the end of June, early July.

[10251991JRH]

You need to show me Long Island, Ny and West Hempstead, Ny, please Freewayjim?