Baltimore and Washington

[PierreBois]

We are planning on heading south from Canada after the New Year and I pretty much have my route planned. One question I have and need some advice on is the best route through or around Baltimore. We like to stay on the Interstates but both the I-95 Fort McHenry tunnel and the
I-895, HarborTunnel Throughway warn me that LP tanks are prohibied.
Is there another route RVERS use.
Also is either beltway around Washington better than the other.

Thanks

[_tiredTeacher]

PierreBois wrote:

Is there another route RVERS use.

Yes, but it involves getting off the interstate. The often-used route from upstate NY to Fla. is to go south on I-81 to Harrisburg, Pa., then pick up US-15 through south Pa., Md. into Virginia. For the most part, Route 15 is divided, limited access with a 60 mph speed limit. It becomes 2 lane through rural Va. horse country. From 15 you take US 17 south to I-95 south of DC in Fredericksburg. Take I-295 around Richmond and you are good-to-go.
Using Route 15 avoids all congestion from Baltimore and DC, has one short bridge and no tunnels.

[Veebyes]

There are a couple of ways to avoid the whole Baltimore Washington mess completely & retain some sanity while avoiding the area.

Both involve crossing 95 a little S of Wilmington, DE & either getting on 301 S across the Bay Bridge, no toll WB, keep following 301 S through Waldorf & on across the Potomac well S of DC & carry on to 95.

The other way is to follow 13 down the DELMARVA & cross the CBBT, an experience all by itself, to Virginia Beach to 58, nice ride, to 95 well S of Richmond. The CBBT is about 20 miles of bridge with 2 tunnels deep enough for tankers & carriers to go over your head.

Killens Pond SP, a little S of Dover, DE, open year round I think. Nice one 50amp & water. Kiptopeake SP, just N of CBBT, also year round.

[Lantley]

I-81 is a decent alternative if winter weather is not a factor. However during the winter months I-81 can be a disaster at times
95 is closer to the coast a less susceptible to winter conditions.
113/13 down the DElMArVA coast is another alternate route that avoids city traffic.
If you do come through B-more. 695 west during non rush hour periods is fine.
695 East is OK but beware of winds restrictions on the Key Bridge if it windy that day.

[Dave_Jeanette]

I absolutely agree with DrewE on using I-81. When I go to New England that is the route I use. No cities except to go through Hartford and I know to get through there between 10AM and 3PM during the week. It is a little longer overall, but a much more peaceful drive and definitely less stressful.

[DrewE]

I'm not sure where you're heading from or to, so it may not be a possibility, but I prefer taking I-81 rather than I-95 through all the cities (NYC, Philly, Baltimore, D.C.). I-81 has no propane restrictions anywhere.

[Second_Chance]

We ALWAYS use 695 around the west side of Baltimore. We have grandkids in the area and stay at Aberdeen Proving Ground just north of Baltimore on I-95 a lot. Wife's mother lives in Richmond, so we use the loop around DC, too. Just make sure you're doing it in the middle of the day - preferably on a Sunday. On a weekday last week, it took my brother-in-law 6 hours to travel 150 miles from Baltimore to Richmond on 95 later in the afternoon because of traffic snarls, accidents and construction.

Rob

[dblr]

695 east will take you over the Scot Key Bridge (toll), west 695 is longer but no tolls. Another route is pick up Rt 301 in Delaware and follow that and you can end up at the exit 104 in Va. at 95 There are some traffic lights in areas on this route but this is my chosen route when heading south.