Suggestions for Route to Florida from Maine

Padlin wrote:
Question, what's the preferred route around DC, 495S? And around Richmond? Do you stay on 95S thru Richmond or take 295? SHOULD hit DC early afternoon, Richmond roughly 3-4 pm. Hopefully....

Google map shows 695 around Balt to 295S, to 495S around DC and 95S thru Richmond.

1) Yes, take the 495-S beltway around DC, just follow signs for Alexandria, etc, NOT "Bethesda" or "Tyson's Corner". When you hit the beltway coming south on I-95, staying EAST of town is what you want to do. Just look at any map.

2) I'd stay straight on I-95 through Richmond. It's less than half a dozen miles from top to bottom, and the 295 loop seems to be around 40 miles. As I noted in another thread a minute ago, I did it back just before Thanksgiving, and buzzed right through. Unless there's an accident or other screw up, you'll be fine. I doubt there'll be any
construction or other foul ups.

Traffic tends to be VERY heavy between DC and Fredericksburg, but as long as your going OPPOSED to rush hour, you should be ok.

Later edit:
Also, if for some reason the weather gets nasty again before the weekend, and you don't want to mess with the mountains, then get on the NJ turnpike south, take it to the Delaware Memorial, then 95 South to US 301 South. Follow 301 to the Bay Bridge across to Annapolis, then 50/301 to the 495 DC Beltway, and thusly as above.

Zeroing out accidents, road closures, construction or other variables, (which can happen anywhere, anytime), if it's crappy weather, and I have to drive, I'd rather drive on nice, flat, gently curving NJTP and US301 through the DelMarva, than I-81 through Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and the Poconos.