Avoiding Washington and Baltimore on I 95
I will be heading south to Darlington Raceway in April and will hit the Baltimore area around 5:30 PM and then Washington DC around 6:30 PM this will be on a Thursday night. Other members here have...
Forum Discussion
I just drove from MD to southern VA and back Tuesday and Wednesday. On the way down, I took 301 to Bowling Green to 95. On the way back I went straight up 95. Both trips were done between 10AM and 2PM. Both trips took about 3.5 hours due to stops (it is 192 miles between start and ending points).
I avoid 95S through NoVA because I have never not seen it a parking lot at one point or another.
It seems they are extending the HOV lanes or doing some such construction on both sides on and off for about 40 miles. While going north on 95, I noticed HUGE backups going south, even with the HOV lanes open, due to the lane closures.
I have driven this stretch of road at least 6 times a year - we just sold our farm in the Smithfield area - for the last 16 years. Unless it is after 9PM, I always take 301 going south.
I recommend using 295 over 95 through Richmond. The traffic is lighter (except around the junction with 64), the speed is higher, the road is marginally smoother.
I also recommend an App called Waze. People are constantly updating information and one can look ahead at the route to see problem areas (construction, accidents, traffic, radar traps, etc.).
The speed limit through Fort AP Hill is 55. I went 65 and was passed by many cars and trucks. (The smaller towns like Port Royal do lower the speed limit in town to 45, but it lasts a mile or two).
Good luck. 5:30PM is the second worst time to be approaching Baltimore with the intention of passing through. If you could delay it an hour, your time would be much improved.
I avoid 95S through NoVA because I have never not seen it a parking lot at one point or another.
It seems they are extending the HOV lanes or doing some such construction on both sides on and off for about 40 miles. While going north on 95, I noticed HUGE backups going south, even with the HOV lanes open, due to the lane closures.
I have driven this stretch of road at least 6 times a year - we just sold our farm in the Smithfield area - for the last 16 years. Unless it is after 9PM, I always take 301 going south.
I recommend using 295 over 95 through Richmond. The traffic is lighter (except around the junction with 64), the speed is higher, the road is marginally smoother.
I also recommend an App called Waze. People are constantly updating information and one can look ahead at the route to see problem areas (construction, accidents, traffic, radar traps, etc.).
The speed limit through Fort AP Hill is 55. I went 65 and was passed by many cars and trucks. (The smaller towns like Port Royal do lower the speed limit in town to 45, but it lasts a mile or two).
Good luck. 5:30PM is the second worst time to be approaching Baltimore with the intention of passing through. If you could delay it an hour, your time would be much improved.
