Getting around DC on the 4th of July

[lucyem]

We are heading down the 4th-5th of July. We are coming from New England and heading out 84 west eventually getting to Harrisburg and then south to DC and then 95 down. Normally we would get on 95 but between the DE bridge closures and beach goers we decided to stay inland. We are staying the night just south of DC at a friends.

Should we then take 83 down from Harrisburg to Baltimore and 95 or swing out to Hagerstown and Fredericksburg to DC? I know DC has fireworks, but is there anything traffic wise we need to watch out for or specific times to avoid on the beltway?

Thanks!

 

[firegurl]

I would go with the Hagerstown route just to avoid the Baltimore Beltway (695). If you take 83 from Harrisburg it is going to dump you out on the Baltimore Beltway to get to 95 south toward DC. I know that the 4th and 5th are a holiday and a weekend but generally the Baltimore Beltway in that area is pretty bad. There is a multi-year construction project going on and I have noticed workers out at the oddest times. If you go the Hagertown route, it is going to take you further down to DC anyway.

 

[mikehn]

You will probably be better off with the Hagerstown route.

 

[rwdavis2]

I agree with everyone else. Since you will be at 81 in Harrisburg taking I-70 to I-270 to the DC beltway may save you some headaches on one of the slowest parts of the DC beltway from I-95 around to where I-270 meets up.