We have been taking the Cape May Ferry and driving the Eastern Shore the last few times we've gone south. We've never done the drive with an RV in the spring so we're looking for a break in the weather and scooting south on March 4.
I have not driven directly through the DC area for years and never with an RV. We're looking for input as to the best route, tunnel restrections, etc., both North and South. We'll be approaching the area on I-95 from Maine.
Based on what I read on here we'll decide which route to take.
Thanks,
2004 GMC Denali, 6.0 L SUV
Freedom Express TT, 295 RLDS
One wife and a tumbleweed for a pet.
Busskipper wrote: One more option around Baltimore that we always use;
Directions around Baltimore using Maryland’s Eastern Shore from the Delaware Memorial Bridge. IMHO avoid all cities during Rush Hour + Travel time 9:30 – 3:00 and always check for construction.
Printed directions
From I-95 or I-295
On I-95 South -- to Exit 4A Rt 1/7 Christiana Rd -- South -- 4 +- miles
Merge into Rt 13/1 South -- 5+- miles over Chesapeake and Delaware Canal
Exit 148 right lane immediately after CDC Bridge this will loop under the Bridge to
Rt 13 South -- 3+- miles to
Right turn on Rt 896 West -- 3+- miles to
Left on Rt 301 South This will take you over the Bay Bridge (No Toll) to Annapolis you can continue on Rt 301 South or take Rt 50 to Washington DC and I-95
This will get you around Baltimore is a very pleasant drive on MD's Eastern Shore -- stay 9 over the speed limit Max and you will be fine.
After driving up to my Son's college for five years in NJ I found this is one of the most pleasant drives around. (4 years for him 1 year for his friends)
Hope this is of some help,
From an earlier post, will give you one alternative,
Busskipper
Maryland/Colorado
Travel Supreme 42DS04
MDX-FMCA--M&G Brake
States traveled in this Coach
Just take I-95 south all the way. Its a straight shot through the Balt/DC area. Just be sure not to travel during rush hour traffic. Best times are from 9:30AM till about 2:30PM or after 8:00PM. During this time traffic is fairly light unless there is an accident or minor construction.
I believe there is a propane tank restriction at the Baltimore tunnels, but if your tanks are off you should be fine. If you want to avoid the tunnels just take i-695 (east) just north of Baltimore. It will take you east of the city over a bridge instead of the tunnel and rejoin with I- 95 further south of Baltimore.
David, Wendy, Paige and Julian
2008 Winnebago Sightseer 35J
2008 VW Jetta
Demco KarKaddy SS Tow Dolly
We use the ferry with the truck and trailer going South from NJ. There are places to overnight along US-13 and campgrounds open all winter from Cape Charles South.
Since you say you will be coming South on I-95, you could pickup DE-1/US-13 just South of Wilmington, DE. and skip the ferry ride. We usually use US-17 rather than US-13 from Virginia Beach South to Georgia.
I usually take I-895 through the tunnel,then I-295 (Blt/Wshn Pkwy) then around Washington on I-495 following signs for Richmond.
I have tried the 301 rt but way to many small towns and dozens of traffic lights that i dont think make it any faster.
"Second star to the right, and straight on till morning."
You didn't say your destination, but if south of VA, I suggest (if you have the time), cross the Hudson on the Tappanzee bridge (avoiding NYC) and work your way SW down 84/81 and then cut ESE to catch up with 95 south of Richmond. I'll do almost anything to avoid 95, and having lived and worked around the Baltimore/DC area for years, 95 can be miserable outside of the normal rushhours, too. Seems like there's always some construction or accidents, and even unexplainable slowdowns. I can't tell you how many times I've jumped on 95 at Lorton VA to drive to my daughter's in Williamsburg, a two-hour trip at most. Usually takes three and sometimes four hours total, much of that spent on 95 before taking 64E.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
My moto is to never ever try 495/95 in the DC area. I don't care if it is 3AM, chances are you are going to pay a price. If it isn't a hazmat wreck, it's lane closures. And rush hour never ends due to the gov flex hours, so 5AM to 10PM is still a nightmare. We lived there in the 80's and very early 90's, and it used to free up at Woodbridge, now it is jammed until Fredericksburg and sometimes halfway to Richmond. Stressful enough without towing anything.
After using the 301 Rt. for several years, I tried heading south on 95 early one Sunday afternoon a few years ago thinking the traffic would be a little lighter than during the week. Well, so much for that thought. Never again.
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