Baltimore-Washington I-295?

[Art]

Has anyone ever travelled on I-295 link between Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD? I am going to travel south and wondered if I-295 would be a better route pulling my fiver between those two cities rather than the I-95, I-695 east round the tunnel, and back onto I-95 below Washington. I really hate these two cities to travel through and will be going through at about 3-4am anyway. I would appreciate the info from those who travel I-95. Thanks!

[CamillaMichael]

We have traveled I-95 for years...also I-295. The traffic along these routes is horrible!!!!! I WILL NOT drive these routes again. Driving solo is bad enough, but towing a trailer is unbelieveable. We make yearly trips to Maine and back to Florida...we travel I-75 to I-81 to I-84 through NY into New England passing the DC/Baltimore/NYC mess entirely. There is still a lot of traffic in major population areas, but nothing like DC/Baltimore/NYC. If I were you, I would look for a route far out of those areas...no matter (within reason...400-500 miles?) how many miles are added. If that is not an option, you are likely to see traffic even during those early morning hours...we had a townhouse in Alexandria, Va about 20 years ago right on I95 south out of DC...traffic 24/7. Good luck.

[camper4]

We will never travel I95 again. The last two years heading to Florida, we had 4-5 hours of delays. No joke! In addition, there are all kinds of nuts driving there who have no idea what kind of evasive moves a monty can not make. This year we traveled 81, 77, 85, 75 and then thru interior Florida truck roads into the Keys. It was a very nice drive!

[awaywego]

Another route is 81 to 66 near Winchester Va. then to route 17 to route 95 in Fredricksburg Va. then 95 to 295 around Richmond then 95 to Florida.
This is a good route and misses the heavy traffic. 4+ lanes all the way.

[CamillaMichael]

quote:Originally posted by awaywego

Another route is 81 to 66 near Winchester Va. then to route 17 to route 95 in Fredricksburg Va. then 95 to 295 around Richmond then 95 to Florida.
This is a good route and misses the heavy traffic. 4+ lanes all the way.

Agree, this sounds like another alternate...although, the Richmond area can sometimes be a challenge, but as you note, routing around Richmond is good. Also agree with camper4...it's the crazies who are the real problem...heavy traffic is something even I can handle, it's having to dodge those nuts who drive pieces of crap like they are in the indy 500...guess they do not care if their piece of crap is totaled.

[H. John Kohl]

Art,
Not sure where you are starting from up north but here are two other suggestions.
If you are coming from or through the Wilmington, DE. area take 301 south into Delaware and then 301/US 50 across the Chesapeake Bay and continue down US 301 crossing the Potomac River near Dahlgren, VA. At Bowling Green you can continue with 301 south to the I295 bypass around Richmond or take 207 over to I 95 at exit 104. The Flying J at that exit normally had the best fuel price.

If you are coming down I81 then you have a couple of choices Awaywego's suggestion is a good one.

quote:Originally posted by awaywego

Another route is 81 to 66 near Winchester Va. then to route 17 to route 95 in Fredricksburg Va. then 95 to 295 around Richmond then 95 to Florida.
This is a good route and misses the heavy traffic. 4+ lanes all the way.

I use route 15 south, since I live close to Gettysburg, to route 17 to Fredericksburg, VA. This is some two lane rural roads.

I note you say your are coming through at 3 to 4 am. During that time traffic should not be a problem. If you decide to take that route remember neither tunnel (I95 or I895) through BALTIMORE allows Propane so you will have to take the KEY BRIDGE (I695 east) or I695 to the west to get around Baltimore. Once below Baltimore on I695 I would take I95 south since I295 does not allow commercial trucks south of route 75 in MD. I know we are not commercial and it should be ok, but I follow truck routes when possible. Then pick up I495 to the East back to I95 south. I would not recommend this route after 4 AM on a work day.

My only other thought is the road conditions. The interstates will be better maintained than the rural roads with regards to snow.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[oldelmer1]

One other thing to remember if you use I-695 to Francis Scott Key bridge, its poorly marked as to what lane to be in. After White Marsh, be in the right hand lane, the only sign(at least it was) is in the middle of the highway.

We live live about 1 hour from Key bridge and when we go that way, we leave the house at 9:00AM, so traffic is usually bearable. But its still very fast paced.

We've also used Rt 301/50 across the Potomac River too and its a nice comfortable ride.

[TheJeep]

I have worked in this area for years and the best thing you can do is go through at night from about 11PM to 4AM. You can not go through the tunnels with propane as the the post earlier stated. Maryland changed its laws 2 years ago. Transporting Hazmat through the Tunnel was just a ticket ($1000.00) now it is a Must Appear. Interstate 95 South to Interstate 695 East (Key Bridge) until you hit 95 South again. You can take 695 around the west side of Baltimore it is about 15 miles more but you will not have to pay a toll at the Key Bridge. I think the toll is nine bucks for 4 axles. When we travel in the Mid Atlantic/Northeast areas we try to get through the cities at night. Oh and one more thing that someone outside of MD might not know is MD has speed cameras set up in constructions zones, you get the ticket in the mail.

[TheCoachPotatoes]

We have traveled through Baltimore and Washington during those hours and also on weekends. There is traffic, but not nearly like a week day or rush hour. You should move along very well at that time in the morning. We once went through Washington at 6 am and traffic was already starting to pick up. My point is, I don't think you need to look for an alternate route that may put more miles on, if going through Washington at 3 or 4 am.

[CmdrDewey]

I agree with John Kohl. Even at 4:00 AM I would take NJTP to Delaware Exit 4B (Route 1) then 896 just after the Delaware toll both (only 50 cents if you have EZ Pass); 301 to 50 to 301. There should be very little traffic at that time, it is mostly a pleasant ride and it is about 100 miles shorter than 95-295. IMHO even if there is traffic the shorter distance makes up for the slower travel. Once you get by La Plata MD it's a piece of cake. When you get to Bowling Green you have two choices, 207 to 95 or 301 to 295 around Richmond to 95. the 301 version is slower but less stressful. I have used these routes over 20 times in the last 8 years.

[Art]

Thanks for your input! I appreciate your suggestions.