Just back--I-95 traffic/gas report

[Uncleromulus]

Left at 3:17 AM on FRiday and got past DC by 5:15 AM. NO traffic problems, no construction actually going on. The new flyover is a real blessing, as the mixing bowl can now be avoided. Amazing tho the volume of cars even at that hour heading into DC from N. Va. Lines of cars as far as we could see, and speeds down to about 20 MPH even then. Lord only knows what 6:15 AM would be like---
Contrary to all the media hype about gas shortages after Rita, no problem whatsoever all the way down, or all the way back. Most prices were under $3.00 (except for Va.) and even in WDW it was $2.77 a gallon.
THo there were construction sites in Georgia and in Florida, not a bit of actual construction taking place.
Took the 295 bypass around Richmond, but since we arrived in Jacksonville around 7:30 AM on Saturday mornning, decided to stay on 95 rather than the 295 bypass there. It was OK, but still nerve racking, especially at the infamous "left hand turn". An amazing feat of road engineering, and the locals are in no mood to give anyone a break, especially to "out-of-state er's", many of whom are probably astounded at having to come to almost a complete stop to turn left on an Interstate!!!
Traffic itself was "moderate", with the usual collection of speeders, tailgaters, improper lane changers, and failure to yeild'ers. Had I been a Highway patrolman, I could have easily handed out several hundred citations--and that only for the most flagrant violations. I saw any # of cars that HAD to be doing 90+ MPH, and in no mood to have to change lanes.
Stopped at Hampton Inn in Brunswick on the way down, and Best Western Emporia Va. on the way back. Both clean and quiet, and both had sausage and egg "Mcmuffin" for breakfast!!
Any questions cheerfully answered!

 

[JimFitz]

Left at 3:17 AM on FRiday and got past DC by 5:15 AM. NO traffic problems, no construction actually going on. The new flyover is a real blessing, as the mixing bowl can now be avoided. Amazing tho the volume of cars even at that hour heading into DC from N. Va. Lines of cars as far as we could see, and speeds down to about 20 MPH even then. Lord only knows what 6:15 AM would be like---
Contrary to all the media hype about gas shortages after Rita, no problem whatsoever all the way down, or all the way back. Most prices were under $3.00 (except for Va.) and even in WDW it was $2.77 a gallon.
THo there were construction sites in Georgia and in Florida, not a bit of actual construction taking place.
Took the 295 bypass around Richmond, but since we arrived in Jacksonville around 7:30 AM on Saturday mornning, decided to stay on 95 rather than the 295 bypass there. It was OK, but still nerve racking, especially at the infamous "left hand turn". An amazing feat of road engineering, and the locals are in no mood to give anyone a break, especially to "out-of-state er's", many of whom are probably astounded at having to come to almost a complete stop to turn left on an Interstate!!!
Traffic itself was "moderate", with the usual collection of speeders, tailgaters, improper lane changers, and failure to yeild'ers. Had I been a Highway patrolman, I could have easily handed out several hundred citations--and that only for the most flagrant violations. I saw any # of cars that HAD to be doing 90+ MPH, and in no mood to have to change lanes.
Stopped at Hampton Inn in Brunswick on the way down, and Best Western Emporia Va. on the way back. Both clean and quiet, and both had sausage and egg "Mcmuffin" for breakfast!!
Any questions cheerfully answered!

Leaving from NJ on Saturday at 6pm and driving straight through on the way down (two drivers).

I am worried about traffic, but I think leaving at night on a Saturday will be good.

Left Turn on an Interstate?????? Is it really that bad?

 

[Robert P]

Ah yes, the left turn....
In Jacksonville, on I-95 going straight through (not taking 295 around the city), traffic is forced to turn left, slowing down to somewhere between a stop-and-go and 20 mph. I-95 actually turns a fairly sharp left, which then hops you over the river (bridge), and continues from there the traditional South-ward trek down to I-4.
As I recall, there are 2 lanes for the left turn, but that doesn't become apparent until it's way too late to make use of that info. And Uncleromulus is correct, the locals are not an accomodating group, if you need to switch lanes going through town.

I laughed at the part about 'the usual collection of speeders, tailgaters, improper lane changers, and failure to yeild'ers', b/c I agree completely!
That's the funniest phrasing I have heard in a while.

The overall quality of drivers, I have noticed, on I-95 the last few years has seemed to be on a downward spiral, and that is not singling out any particular state or area.

 

[Pete W.]

Thanks for sharing. I see you live in Glen Rock, PA. We're in northwestern NJ not far from Allentown, PA area and we are driving for the first time to WDW in December and I was thinking about heading west to Harrisburg, then south on 81, then 77 until connecting with 95 after Columbia, SC. I've read reports from folks who have taken this way to avoid the DC mixing bowl and they seemed to have good results. Do you always take 95? Would you ever recommend an alternate route?

 

[Irishmommyof4]

If you can avoid DC reasonably, do it!
We moved from there last year and had forgotten how bad the Beltway traffic was until we went back for a visit.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Jimfitz: Well-it's pretty bad, especially if there is a lot of traffic and you aren't expecting it. Robert P describes it better than I did, but going from 65-70 down to 20 (or less) in the left hand lanes isn't fun!!!

PeteW: Of coure a lot depends on what time you get to DC--we got there very early, so no major problems. And that "flyover" does avoid the mixing bowl, tho I'm sure at rush hours it too is quite a mess. That 81-77 route is a good one and I'd probably try it myself. But from where I live, to get to 81 takes me WAY out of my way--either I need to drive straight N to get to 81, or due W, on a # of one lane roads. Lose too much time to make it worthwhile. But if you can hit 81 by driving S or SW and heading in that general direction, it's a great alternate route.

 

[always quiet]

We've driven down I95 many times over the years but I have NO CLUE what the "fly over" and the "mixing bowl" are!! We haven't been to WDW since Dec. 2002 and do remember that when you merged back on 95 after taking the by pass around Washington, they were making some HUGE over-pass thing......is that what you are referring to? I remember thinking "Yikes!" when I saw how high that thing was.

Are you saying when there was 'no construction', are you saying that all the construction on 95 in Jacksonville is finally over?!! We went to WDW in Feb 2000 and were amazed in Dec. 2002 that they still weren't finished yet! I think Jacksonville has to be the hardest stretch of I 95....trying going through that mess while towing a camper. They really won't give you a break.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Jacksonville--no construction actually going on--but apparently far from over!! Lots of traffic cones and equipment--but no one working!!
Should add that it LOOKED like all the costruction where the 295 by-pass meets up with 95 just AFTER Jacksonville --was over. Can't be certain tho. If so, that by-pass may be better for you and the trailer. I always used to take it anyway, but the last few trips a whole lot of construction at the end where it meets 95. Was a real mess---.
And that's probably the flyover in DC!! Actually, the retaining wall is high so that youcan't really see down. I certainly wouldn't want to be on it in snow/ice tho. DC/VA can't keep the regular streets clean and lord knows what shape the flyover will be in during the winter----.