Capital Beltway

[TiggerPiglet]

We plan on driving down to WDW in August and the directions from both AAA and Mapquest say to take 495W to 95S. When I look at the map though, it looks like 295 cuts right through the beltway and would be much faster. Am I correct, would 295S be much faster than taking 495W all the way around? I just don't understand why both AAA and Mapquest would say otherwise.

 

[Blondie]

Cause 95 sucks through there!

Actually, it sucks until you get passed Richmond...then it's not too bad.

 

[snoopy]

295 is two lanes, whereas most parts of 95 and 495 are 4 lanes. Traffic is heavy on both, probably a little less on 295. Either way, if you are travelling through the Washington, D.C. metro area, you are going to hit traffic, particularly if its during rush hour (3 pm to 7:30 or 8 pm).

 

[caitycaity]

as snoopy pointed out, 295 has fewer lanes than 495/95. i would take 495 unless you are going to be driving in the middle of the night or something b/c an accident can really slow down 295 a lot more than it does on the beltway. if you are driving anytime from 7am-11am or 3-8pm, you're going to hit traffic on either road.

 

[jfulcer]

Ahhhh, the capital beltway. I remember living out in DC and having to commute on the beltway.

I would agree with the suggestions you have already been given.

I have fond memories of the Malfunction Junction. Anyone know where I'm talking about? It used to be right down the road from my High School stomping grounds.

 

[TigH]

Would malfunction junction be in the Springfield, Va area?

I'm so glad I don't have to drive anywhere near the beltway anymore. *sigh* I-4 from Orlando to Tampa is the worst driving challenge we face now.

 

[mom2boys]

if you mean THE Malfunction Junction in Clinton, PM me right away. I too spent my high school years riding around in that area! Perhaps we know each other in the real world!


But back to the point. Rush hour in the DC area is pretty much all day long. Even mid-day backups are the norm. Just be patient - depending on exactly where you are coming from you may want to bypass the entire area by taking the Cheasepeake Tunnel. I've never done it but have seen "Norhtern's" posts about it on the transportation board.

 

[TiggerPiglet]

Thanks everyone for the info. We'll probably stick with 495 since it has more lanes which might help with traffic. Thanks again