Dealing with Highway Construction and Closed Exits

TomTom, at one time, had a feature called MapShare that allowed users to input changes to handle a number of things like road closers etc. Whether they still support this or not I can't say.

If I use the GPS in my phone (Google Maps)
It shows traffic accidents and current conditions.
I still use my GPS but if I run into a backup, I turn on the GPS on the phone.

This looks like it's the solution to my problem, I'm going to look into it. Thanks!

Being new to the area, you may also inquire with neighbors or friends into what local radio stations give frequent updates on traffic conditions.

I have one I always listen to when pressed for time. It's quite thorough and reports frequently.
I don't use Garmin's FM Traffic, I find it useless in my area.

Take a look at Waze for your smartphone. It pulls traffic data from users, so it's pretty much real time. I've seen warnings of closed exits and roadwork well in time to avoid them (or call home and warn folks I'll be late).

If you're reading this, and you have Waze loaded on your smartphone but don't run it when you're on the road, why? Please make running it a part of your routine, like clicking the seatbelt and checking mirrors -- that way, you're contributing to accurate traffic data for everyone in the area.

I just turn in logical direction and let tell me the new route. If she's stubborn I keep going till she gives in!!!

You can setup custom avoidances for routes you prefer not to take because of construction.

I doubt that the Garmin GPS map would be that current that it would be aware of construction sites. I have heard that the phone app Waze provides information about current road issues, e.g., traffic, closings, etc..

One of the major differences between INRX and WAZE is INRIX uses a combination of sensors and crowd sensing data. The traffic engineers rely on INRIX data for a more consistent overview of the traffic levels on the streets.

+1 for INRX. Very accurate.

If you have a traffic enabled Garmin device. You may want to take a look at this:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/shop-by-accessories/traffic-...

It makes no sense to buy Premium Traffic since the only difference from Premium to the free Navteq that comes with the unit is Premium does not have advertisements.

Currently the free subscription no longer displays advertisements; it appears the sponsors pulled out.
So why pay 50 bucks for something you already have.

I agree that buying Navteq Premium Traffic isn't the best of choices for the reasons you state but there is another option and that is Clear Channel Premium Traffic:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/shop-by-accessories/traffic-...

Depending on where you live the Clear Channel coverage has been reported to be better than Navteq's.

As jfossy mentioned, custom avoidances would be perfect for your situation. Unfortunately, if your current GPS is a 2360 (as shown in your profile) the avoidances feature is not supported in the 23xx series.

I'm a huge fan of Waze, however it eats my mobile phone battery like a greedy goldfish. Also I drive a 5-speed, so entering data into Waze on my phone's small screen can be awkward and dangerous.

I do prefer a dedicated GPS so my phone can be hands-free.

I don't find Garmin's traffic sensing to be that accurate.