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bass_n_bob's avatar
bass_n_bob
Explorer
Jan 11, 2014

loop around Wash DC

Driving a 35 foot MH and towing a toad. To circumvent Wash DC would you take 495 west around Washington or 495 around on the east side? I will be traveling on 95. I have to make the trip twice- once on a Fri and next on a Sat- both times in late afternoon - does that make any difference? THX
  • Was quite a bit of construction on the west side my last trip, so I would say east. Friday afternoon will be rotten with traffic.

    I don't use it anymore because you still have to detour 695 at Baltimore ( no propane in the McHenry tunnel). Might suggest 895 just south of Wilmington De which turns into 301. Stay on 301 to Bowling Green Va then 207 back to 95 at Ruther Glen.

    Bill
  • traffic around DC will suck any hour of the day but particularly in rush hour which is about when you will be hitting it. go West to Frederick, MD area and south on 17/15, or clear over to 81.
    bumpy
  • Friday PM will add 1 to 3 hrs to your trip either way. Depends where in NY you are coming from. We take western route to join I95 near Fredericksburg where traffic thins.

    I used to drive from DC to Virginia Beach for work most Fridays. Traffic was miserable heading south.
  • bass n bob wrote:
    Driving a 35 foot MH and towing a toad. To circumvent Wash DC would you take 495 west around Washington or 495 around on the east side? I will be traveling on 95. I have to make the trip twice- once on a Fri and next on a Sat- both times in late afternoon - does that make any difference? THX


    Late afternoon is rush-hour in DC, so hence the issue, but going South on 495 Inner loop- East side, is not that bad (Bad just not too bad) Saturday will be fine with the worst traffic being on 95 North just before the Beltway, just pick your lane and turn on some good music or listen to WTOP 103.5 FW for all the traffic info.

    Enjoy the trip just plan on the extra 30-60 minutes around DC, tens of thousands do it every day.

    BOL,
  • bass n bob wrote:
    Driving a 35 foot MH and towing a toad. To circumvent Wash DC would you take 495 west around Washington or 495 around on the east side? I will be traveling on 95. I have to make the trip twice- once on a Fri and next on a Sat- both times in late afternoon - does that make any difference? THX


    If those are your two choices stay on the east side, Use the thru lanes over the WW Bridge not the local. The exit for 95S toward Richmond will be on your left. Safe travels.
  • Friday afternoon is going to be painful. Rush hour starts around 2pm and runs until 7pm. :(

    Go around the east side.
  • bass n bob wrote:
    Driving a 35 foot MH and towing a toad. To circumvent Wash DC would you take 495 west around Washington or 495 around on the east side? I will be traveling on 95. I have to make the trip twice- once on a Fri and next on a Sat- both times in late afternoon - does that make any difference? THX
    It really depends on where you are going? need more info.
  • ependydad wrote:
    Friday afternoon is going to be painful. Rush hour starts around 2pm and runs until 7pm. :(

    Go around the east side.

    Agreed. Saturday will be a bit better but it can still be very hectic.
    Early afternoon late morning would be better options.

    If you're locked into the times posted,just plan on being patient.
    Getting through may take awhile. You will be traveling a very congested area.