Driving I-95 around Washington, DC & Richmond, VA?

[Lew]

We're driving to WDW in early February from Vermont.

I just received my AAA Triptik. AAA suggests bypassing Washington by taking I95 to the east and staying on I-95 through Richmond, VA.

Both Maquest and MSN Maps & Directions suggest taking I-495 bypassing Washington to the west and avoiding Richmond by taking I-295.

I would be very interested in some input on this from those who have actually driven this route.

Thanks...

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I can help with the Richmond part. I295 starts just north of Richmond and ends in Petersburg, VA. It's a nice route. There is less traffic than going through Richmond and the speed limit is 65 the entire way.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I agree with Pooh Girl--295 around Richmond is the way to go. And to get thru Washington on I-95, you MUST get on I-495. 495 (the capitol beltway) is also I-95--one and the same road until you cross the Wilson Bridge and get thru the mixing bowl.
I would take the East route (the one taking you over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge), as they now have a "flyover" that will get you and keep you on I-95 much better than before. If you take 495 to the West, you have an awful part of the Capitol beltway to contend with, and you run into the mixing bowl from a poor direction.
So--follow AAA and go east on I-95 , but follow Mapquest and take 295 around Richmond. Those are the routes we always follow and we've found it to be the best of a bad situation. And whatever you do, avoid DC rush hour!!!!

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Another recommendation for taking I-295 around Richmond, primarily for the reasons Pooh Girl 71 mentioned. Also, a stretch of I-95 through Richmond south of the 95/295 interchange has been designated a safe highway corridor, meaning a higher police presence and higher fines for those caught speeding.

Definitely be careful on I-95 between DC and Richmond. More often than not the traffic reports on the radio include an accident along that stretch. When you get near Richmond, 1140 AM is good for traffic reports.

 

[Lew]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I have learned not to rely too heavily on recommendations from the Mapquest and Microsoft sites...I've been burned by incorrect info more than once.

Advice based on your personal experience is much appreciated...