Driving down 95- around Richmond?

[sherreis]

We leave Friday!!!!!!!

We'll be getting on 95 south of Baltimore. Just wondering, what are the benefits of using the Richmond bypass? Is it a must? Or, is it only advantageous at certain times of day?

Thanks.

We're leaving at 1 PM so we can avoid DC rush hour.

 

[VAgal76]

If you nearing 5 p.m. then I say hit 295 to bypass the traffic which will be heavy but moving. Since you're leaving around 1 p.m. from Baltimore you'll be in my neck of the woods within 3 hours is what I'm guessing. I think you're fine keeping on 95 and head straight through.

 

[tigger1972]

Well, I live in a northwestern suburb of Richmond and commute to Colonial Heights/Petersburg so I think I can answer your question pretty well!

There are 2 routes that could be considered Richmond "bypasses" - I-295 or the Downtown Expressway.

I commute in the heaviest of rush-hour traffic and have timed all three ways. Even in traffic, I 295 takes longer, so I would not use this route unless there was a major accident.

The Downtown Expressway will save you about 10 minutes of time only if you are travelling in peak rush hour - 4:45 to 5:45pm. However, I do not recommend this route for anyone unfamiliar with Richmond - you must first exit on I-195, then find the exit to the Downtown Expressway, the roads are curvy, signs are confusing, the merge back onto I-95 south of Richmond is very short and can be dangerous, and there is a toll required. I am used to it now, but it was a bit nerve-wracking the first couple times I tried it.

I hope this helps!
-April

 

[sherreis]

Thank you. DH used to be familiar with Richmond cause he lived there for a short while with wife #1 but that was a long time ago.

Is there a radio station that we should listen to that gives better traffic reports?

 

[tigger1972]

The best traffic station is AM 1140, WRVA. They have "traffic and weather every ten minutes on the fives" during the morning broadcast (Jimmy Barrett - I think it is 5am-9am?) and evening broadcast (Mac Watson - I think he is 3pm to 6pm). Otherwise, they do traffic during their news updates which are at the top and bottom of each hour. On weekends, I believe they only do traffic on the top and bottom of each hour.

I hope your trip is quick and uneventful!

-April

 

[lbgraves]

There are traffic billboards south of Richmond on 95 north that alerts you to delays/accidents on 95 through Richmond. Can't remember if there is a traffic billboard on I-95 south, but I believe there is one on 95 south. The billboards are located before the 95/295 split.