Cooper
Cape Cod, MA
Full Member
Joined: 01/28/2003
View Profile
 Offline
|
I have a question regarding the traffic around D.C. the weekend of the 4th of July. We will be going to Myrtle Beach from Massachusetts. Usually we take Routes 78 - 81 - 66 and then back to 95 south of D.C. We do this to avoid the traffic around D.C.
We will actually be traveling on July 5th which is a Saturday and I was wondering if the traffic would be light enough that we could save some time and miles by taking 95 south through D.C. I am thinking that people may already be at their destination and therefore the roads wouldn't be quite so busy? Then again, maybe there is still a lot going on in D.C. this weekend and I should avoid the area and stick to my regular route.
As always, I appreciate your comments and advice.
You have one opportunity to raise your kids - go camping!
'00 GMC Sierra
'08 Rockwood 8317
Favorite Destination: Myrtle Beach, SC
|
DutchmenSport
Indiana
Senior Member
Joined: 10/10/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Washington DC? 4th of July? Lite traffic? HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! That a good one! I'm busting a gut here!
Sorry, I know this is a real question. Still, .....
Maybe someone else can chime in! I'm laughing too hard!
DutchmenSport
2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Dually Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo
Century Truck Cap Commercial /Toolboxes
Northeast Outfitters Canoe
2006 Keystone Springdale Model 263DBL
Weight 4985, Carrying Capacity 2575, Hitch 560, Length 30'
Width 8', Height 10' 6"
|
Doug and Cassi Glass
Clifton Forge, VA
Senior Member
Joined: 02/20/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Dutchman's right. Avoid DC that weekend.
|
Doug and Cassi Glass
Clifton Forge, VA
Senior Member
Joined: 02/20/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Why not take I-78 to I-81 to I-77 to I-26? You'll miss the DC Richmond mess not to mention Baltimore and Philly.
|
Bea PA
Waynesboro, PA, USA
Senior Member
Joined: 12/28/2000
View Profile
Offline
|
If you are taking 95 to 495,295,95 you are outside the city and the tourist destinations. Now Thursday afternoon thru Friday am when everyone is leaving the city is a diff story. My husband is from Georgetown and we always use the beltway when traveling on Sat or Sun. For us the 81 to Fredericksburg is only 15 miles difference but the stretch near FBurg can be slow going at times. Pull up a DC calendar and see when the fireworks and parades are, that would give you an indication of any possible travel delays. Good Luck, maybe a Washingtonian will see this thread.
Bea PA
2004 Winnebago Journey
2008 Saturn Vue
1998 Venture Van
Brake Buddy/Remco Pump
2003 Gold Wing 1800 (Big Red)
|
|
|
Burp
St. George's Island, MD
Senior Member
Joined: 04/07/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
I don't see why the July 4th weekend would be any worse than any other weekend. The only day that it will be near normal is Saturday. Friday everyone will be leaving DC and Sunday they come back. That does not mean I would recommend it. The construction on the Woodrow Wilson bridge project is not scheduled for completion until next year. The new bridge may be open but the approaches are dangerous for a large RV. If you can avoid the bridge area you may be OK but no telling if there will be an accident or other slow down.
2007 Winnebago Voyage 33V (Workhorse, W20)
2007 Ford Escape, Falcon 2, BrakeMaster
Me, the Wife  , Edgar And Gus 
Places we have camped in an RV
|
Can-AmDuo
MD
Senior Member
Joined: 09/24/2004
View Profile
|
To give you some idea about 4th of July in DC, people start arriving at The Mall around noon for 9pm fireworks. This year the rain date is the 5th.
Avoid at all costs.
We live close enough to take the Metro down, and avoid it on the 4th. As a matter of fact this year we will be in northern BC on our way to Alaska on the 4th. ..... now that's avoiding it for sure.
Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.
Check our Alaska Trip BLOG at http://www.photowebworks.com
|
Pat & Karen
Maryland
Full Member
Joined: 03/12/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Traffic on Beltway (95 to the east and 495 to the west) is pretty much always heavy on the weekends. July 4th will just make it that traffic much worst. If you will be traveling through early in the morning, you should be fine. Traffic gets heavier as the day goes on. Take you time around the Woodrow Wilson Bridge construction. Lanes change quickly and get narrow in places. Once you get south of DC, traffic should get better. Everyone should be going north into Dc for the holiday festivities. Have a great trip.
2005 Dodge 2500 5.9 CTD auto
2007 Jayco Jay Flight 31BHDS
1963 DH IAFF 1664
1963 DW TABCO
1995 DD
2005 Ddog
I wish I was smart enough to put a picture hear. I guess you will have to use your imagination.
|
Cooper
Cape Cod, MA
Full Member
Joined: 01/28/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
I very much appreciate all those that helped me with this question and offered both suggestions and alternatives.
I knew that there would be events going on for July 4th but didn't know about that Saturday, July 5th. Never having been to D.C. I didn't realize that the traffic around D.C. remains busy even on the weekends. I was only comparing it to Boston where the traffic on the weekends can often be neglibile and therefore it makes sense to drive through the city instead of going around it.
Thanks for your help because I really didn't know anything about the traffic in that area except that at times it can be very bad. I will plan on taking an alternate route.
|
DarkRubiTJ
Livingston, Tx.
Senior Member
Joined: 04/04/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Here's another suggestion for you that will shave hours off your trip. Come down the eastern shore of Virginia using HWY 13. We can make it from Virginia Beach to Groton CN, in just under 8 hours. It's a great way to go, much less traffic than I-95. Once you come across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel you catch US 17 through the Carolina's. It's a much less traveled route and quite an enjoyable drive. You can also take 17 down to Williamston NC. and take 64 across to catch 95 at Rocky Mount NC. if you have to have that traffic and congestion fix.
|
|
|
