95 Baltimore loop?

[ArielRae]

We have driven our RV down to FL a few times now and have always gone right towards Towson. DH wants to try taking the left side loop this time over the bridge to bypass the tunnel. For those that have taken that route is there anything we should know? I have read that they might not let us over the bridge if there is high winds. Is there anything else? DH thinks it maybe quicker going over the bridge side then getting caught in traffic going towards Towson.

 

[amylevan]

Funny, I was just looking into this today. We always head towards Towson, as well. Anyone know what the bay bridge tolls are?

 

[jbrostek]

Do you mean taking 695 around to the Key Bridge? The toll is 4 dollars with the latest toll hike in MD. I am not sure it will save much time as I expect the traffic levels there to be around the same, though you might luck out with lower speeds.

amylevan - Have you thought about taking 78 to 83 and then loop the beltway heading southbound? At least you can avoid the tolls if the travel time is not much longer.

 

[amylevan]

Do you mean taking 695 around to the Key Bridge? The toll is 4 dollars with the latest toll hike in MD. I am not sure it will save much time as I expect the traffic levels there to be around the same, though you might luck out with lower speeds.

amylevan - Have you thought about taking 78 to 83 and then loop the beltway heading southbound? At least you can avoid the tolls if the travel time is not much longer.

Yes, the key bridge. Is the $4 the same pulling a 5th wheel?

We have gone 78/15/270 to hit 95 in DC, but we've never gone 83. DH is the driver, and he is a fan of just taking 476 to Philly and getting on 95 for the long haul there. I'm not sure why. The 78/15/270 route didn't take us out of our way, and we didn't have traffic issues until we approached DC, which I assume is the same no matter which way you're going. What is 83 like?

 

[RVMH]

The Key Bridge toll is higher for more axles. They do restrict access for high winds (with good reason!) 83 is a good road and no tolls but it's definitely the longer route. DC traffic is always tough and avoiding the prolonged rush hours or travelling on a weekend is always a good idea. 95 south in northern VA has major construction (what else is new?) and thus slow traffic and some really narrow lanes. Good Luck !

 

[91oldkeywest]

drive this route a couple times a year with MH fromNJ.Take exit 1 in Delaware (896south)to 301south all the way to 495 south in Wash.No tolls south bound except for Delaware Mem.bridge.Only a few lights in Del.then a nice drive thru Maryland over Ann.Bridge then on to 495.If you have GoogleMaps you can check traffic on 95 south (to Fredrickburg)and if bad just stay on 301south all the way to Richmond.After about 10 mile from Ann.Bridge 301 exits to go south and main road changes to 50 to DC.On north bound route you pay a toll at the Ann.Bridge and that is it all the way to NJ

 

[ArielRae]

That sounds a little more complicated then just taking the loop then back onto 95. Is it faster going the route you described? Not worried about saving on tolls. We have a 3yr old Autistic son and like to keep the trip as short as possible. Thus one of the reasons DH wants to try the other side of the loop.

Edit to add:
ok talked it over with DH and we might give it a try. We plan on leaving at 3am and mapped it out and it looks like it is about 5hrs to Richmond following 301 down. Is the drive more comfortable then 95? How are the rest stops on 301?

 

[vjstangelo]

OK. Just did the Key Bridge thing (East Bypass) over the summer hoping to save (1) time, and (2) money. The toll liked to blow my socks off. Car $4, each add'l axle $4 total $12 for a 1-2 mile bridge. This is a rip-off and Maryland knows it. I for one will no longer play their game and avoid driving through Baltimore at all hazards.

There is no logical reason that propane cylinders cannot travel through the tunnel provided they are DOT approved hazmat shipping containers, which they ARE. My 2 small cylinders are much less a hazard than the thousands of gallons of gasoline that are in the tunnels at any one time during the day.

 

[ArielRae]

So did you find it shorter going that route?

So everyone what should we do for a shorter comfortable ride?

Should we do 301 all the way to Richmond?

Should we do 95 then left across the bridge then back on 95?

Should we do 95 then right towards Towson?

We plan to leave at 3am from Burlington county New Jersey.

 

[jbrostek]

If I where you leaving at 0300 from NJ, it really is down to timing. At that point I would probably suggest 301 southbound route as youll be hitting the Baltimore-DC metro area during rush hour which could be a royal pain. Once you get the to the southern side of DC for 95 southbound in the AM it is heavy, but not impossible.

I leave this area, I actually avoid 95 completely by using 234 or 17, dropping me south of most of the traffic areas.

Amy, I83 to 695 shouldnt be that much out of the way vs. 81-15-270 as far as distance goes, I would take it over the tolls and traffic of 476 and I95 in DE. It really is about timing and I83 from york south is a relatively smooth highway with 2-3 lands per direction depending on where you are at.

I will say those of you who are first time travelers, take the richmond 295 bypass, going through downtown richmond on I95 is a lot of bumps, potholes and traffic.

 

[ArielRae]

Wish I could add a poll to this thread.

 

[jbrostek]

Well your what 1.5-2 hours (about 90 miles) to Baltimore, so thats 0500ish when you get to 695, lap 695 and in another hour your on 495/95S lapping DC. So If your good and in 3-4 hours your are south of DC, I think could just go the lowest toll/easiest route and beating rush hour traffic.

Google brings up the option of taking US13 south, through roanoke, then drops you on US58 which drops you on I95 near Rocky Mount, NC.

 

[1Grumpy9]

Yes, the key bridge. Is the $4 the same pulling a 5th wheel?

We have gone 78/15/270 to hit 95 in DC, but we've never gone 83. DH is the driver, and he is a fan of just taking 476 to Philly and getting on 95 for the long haul there. I'm not sure why. The 78/15/270 route didn't take us out of our way, and we didn't have traffic issues until we approached DC, which I assume is the same no matter which way you're going. What is 83 like?

There is another way to get around the DC traffic with a camper and that is going 15/29/17 then getting onto 95 in Falmouth. There are a couple of traffic circles, but it is all decent roads and you completely avoid the DC nightmare.

 

[lovin'fl]

High tolls...welcome to MD and Gov OWE'Malley (ever hear about our rain tax ).

There will be traffic EVERYWHERE...it's crazy!!! When we go south, we take 301. I hate it because it's a long slow boring road (with lights) and adds about half an hour to the drive....but that's if you can smooth sail down 95 (which is hardly ever possible anymore). 301 might not be convenient to NJ or NY folks though..., I am not so hot with the directions. It's 97 south to Rt 3 south (which is a nightmare during rush hour, but we live south on rt 3 almost near 301) to 301 south and it picks up 95 right before Richmond.

 

[ArielRae]

Ok so far it is leaning towards us doing 95 to the bridge then back onto 95.

 

[jbrostek]

Given your departure time, I think it is doable for you. But timing will be everything. Just pay attention to the signs, if you have not been down 95 in a while, the mixing bowl (south side of DC) has changed a bit from the past.

 

[Iamthequeen]

I-83 southbound to Baltimore is stop and go during morning rush hour once you get to the MD/PA line. If I were you, I'd do 95 to the bridge, if you don't mind the tolls, and then get back on 95. 301 in Southern MD is stop and go with traffic lights every 1/2 mile or so, which adds time to your trip. Once you get past that area, 301 is a very nice road to travel. You could get back on 95 closer to Richmond and miss most of the heavy traffic.

 

[91oldkeywest]

OK,just got back from WDW Sunday night,Drove MH and daughter had her car.I toke the 301 route I posted and daughter drove 95.from Washington to NJ to see what the difference would be.She crossed the bridge into NJ 20min.before me,(I only drive up to 63mph towing car while she drove at speeds keeping up with traffic.65+)You be the judge which one is a more enjoyable ride.

 

[IslandHtsCampers]

We always take 301 down to ruther glen, va. Yes there are taffic lights. But the ride is much more scenic and there seems to be less gamble on traffic.
We take
nj turnpike to Delaware memorial bridge
Delaware 1south to Delaware 299
301 south all the way into Virginia

I never drive to set speed records. I stick with the speed limit. When I find a good thing, I like to stick with it.