Traffic from Williamstown Mass?

I'm going to be driving from Williamstown Mass to Maplewood next Friday afternoon. The route is either via the Taconic or interstate 87. Both routes look like they are about 3.5 hours. I bet traffic northbound on those routes on a summer Friday is horrible. But I'll be going southbound. Anybody with any familiarity?

Southbound on 87 should not be a problem, but things happen.

Exceptions often occur around Albany, especially after 3:00pm, and the last few miles before the 287 exit.

If you can leave in the evening there should be less traffic. Have an early dinner in Williamstown or lower down in Pittsfield, Lenox or Lee (Rt. 7), then get on the Mass pike extension in Lee and hook up with the Thruway. Better to wait up there than it taking 5 hrs. to get home rather than the 3 1/2 or so. I have a place in the Berkshires and have driven back to Maplewood various days/times. Enjoy the beautiful Berkshires!