Washington, DC, Area

Quiroule · 09-28-2012, 04:40 AM

We will be traveling from Canada to Florida at the end of December, via I81 and I95.

What would be the best way to go around Washington with as little traffic as possible, while traveling on divided highways?

Thanks

kenn209 · 09-28-2012, 04:48 AM

I know its a huge detour, but you could take US-13 down the eastern shore of MD/VA to Va Beach the cutover on US-58 back to I-95. If you can't avoid the beltway then time it right so it's not rush hour.

**hankpage** · 09-28-2012, 05:31 AM

When I head South, I leave home in New Jersey around 8pm on Friday. This gets me through Wash./Balt./Richmond before morning rush hour. I find that regardless of time of day I495W towards Towson, Md is the the best way to avoid the tunnel and Key bridges when towing. Hope this helps. Travel safely, Hank

rrohrer · 09-28-2012, 05:57 AM

good info for me too. will have to check out these routes. plan to go to disney with camper in tow this coming march. plan for going down is to leave in pm and drive through beltway at night. should be past dc and then some by am. drive home will not work out that way so I will have to go bypass it. I will be travelling from south central pa.

KJcachers · 09-28-2012, 08:38 AM

From south central PA couldn't you go I-81 to I-66 east. Get off at exit 28 and take 17 south through Warrenton to Fredericksburg where you can jump on I-95 south?

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rrohrer · 09-28-2012, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJcachers

From south central PA couldn't you go I-81 to I-66 east. Get off at exit 28 and take 17 south through Warrenton to Fredericksburg where you can jump on I-95 south?

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To be honest I haven't gotten into studying out my travel plan yet. 81 is about ten minutes from me so maybe that will work.

rrohrer · 09-28-2012, 08:55 AM

my father in law who has a tour bus co. thinks it's 81 to 77 east then 95 sout. If that works for me- might work for anyone from canada coming down 81 too. He did say you could do 66 to 17 south, but thought 77 better for travel?

KJcachers · 09-28-2012, 09:20 AM

I live in Warrenton and drive the 66/17 roads all the time. Plenty of RV traffic and the roads are 4 lane all the way from 81 to 95 in Fredericksburg.

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KJcachers · 09-28-2012, 09:22 AM

The only thing you can't do is drive the stretch of 17 from Winchester to I66. No truck traffic on a portion of it. If you go 81-66-17-95 you should be fine.

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chris199 · 09-28-2012, 09:30 AM

We are northwest of Philly and went down I81 to Winchester, VA. Follow 17. There's a brief jump onto 66 but I think it doubles as rt 17. Follow 17 to 95. If you are already coming down rt 81...I recommend this.

We were headed down this route in August and had to stop for rest in PA...driving after long day at work...had to sleep. Woke up and figured I could cut over to 95 earlier and drive thru DC at 9 PM. While not a traffic jam..there still was a fair amt of volume and they drive like maniacs.

If you are already on 95 I do not recommend you heading west to 81 but if you are west already...stay west..and head east in VA at Winchester and Rt 17.

KJcachers · 09-28-2012, 10:32 AM

Don't go 17 from Winchester. The stretch from the 17/50 split to i66 has a truck restriction and is 2 lane with a 45 mph speed limit. Stay on 81 all the way to 66 and then get off 66 at 17S exit 28. It's a few more miles but its all interstate and you'll make up the difference in traveling at highway speeds.

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Murray0512 · 09-28-2012, 01:20 PM

That restricted area on rt 17 is for semis I'm told would check about rvs

KJcachers · 09-28-2012, 01:29 PM

But it's still only 45mph 2 lane and patrolled quite actively. I do volunteer work at Sky Meadows State Park on that stretch of road and I go around when hauling the TT. I prefer the open road and higher speed limit without any stop lights.

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chris199 · 09-28-2012, 07:10 PM

Either way should be fine. I like the back roads. There's actually a back road in PA where you can see orchards literally for miles. Never see things like that from the Interstate. Once you get off 66, it's backroads as well.

Again...either way...I think you're fine.

Quiroule · 10-01-2012, 10:32 AM

Thank-you all for your good infos.

I will go 81-66-17-95 as suggested.

Happy camping.

rrohrer · 10-01-2012, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quiroule

Thank-you all for your good infos.

I will go 81-66-17-95 as suggested.

Happy camping.

ditto. my grandfather from pa was a snowbird for about ten yrs. and he has driven it multiple times. he likes 81-77 best, but says the hills are frequent and steep for a person travelling with rv in tow. he said taking 66 to fredericksburg a little more traffic, but 95 is flat and straight shot down. I still have several mon ths to make up my mind though. happy travels!

Quiroule · 10-01-2012, 12:10 PM

Rrohrer, do-you mean to stay on I66 to Washington and then take I95 south?

Or, take I66 to I17 south, to I95 as I plan to do?

KJcachers · 10-01-2012, 02:40 PM

The 2nd. No reason to go near DC

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rrohrer · 10-01-2012, 05:10 PM

81-66-17-95. i'll do all i can to avoid the dc beltway. they say it is bad!

Brantlaker · 10-02-2012, 05:31 AM

I travel From Lake George,NY area to South Carolina at least 4 times a year. The way I go is I 87 south, I 278 South (splits off on the New York/New Jersey line) to I 78 West to I 81 South.I pick up I 66 East to Virginia 17 South takes you right into Fredericksburg and I 95. It adds about 30 min of drive time if there is no traffic in DC. Only hit it right one time in 10 years. RT 17 is a good road through Horse county.There are plenty of places to stop for fuel and eating.

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