Richmond traffic

[Nicoleclaw]

We are going to be leaving on Dec 22 and driving about 5 hours. I would like to be able to stop before Richmond, VA if possible, but I am concerned about traffic we may hit the next morning when we leave around 7. If you take the bypass, does it help? It is a really bad traffic area to begin with?
Any info is appreciated, I have no idea about the area!
Thanks!

 

[Green Tea]

Richmond, VA? Traffic is not a big deal there, if that is where you are referring.

 

[vicki_c]

I agree - that's not a big traffic concern area. We always take the bypass -- just be warned - the bypass is pretty desolate - nowhere to stop there for anything that I can recall at all, so make sure you are all gassed up and everything else.

 

[NJFireman22]

After many trips back and forth , I always take the by pass, I believe its only
2-3 miles longer, but has barely any traffic. Even going right thru Richmond isnt a problem, I prefer the Rt 295 ( bypass) as a nicer drive and I think a bit faster.

 

[Nicoleclaw]

Thanks for all the info. I think we may be able to get south of Richmond on our first night, so then we won't have to worry about the traffic anyway.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Another vote for the bypass. If you wantto stop just south of Richmond try the Hopewell/Chester exit (first one after you cross the James River -lots of gas, food, and room options) or somewhere in Petersburg.

 

[cranbiz]

Add me to the I295 list. It is only a couple of miles longer but faster travel time. I have never had any significant traffic issues on it.

 

[bas71873]

I agree - that's not a big traffic concern area. We always take the bypass -- just be warned - the bypass is pretty desolate - nowhere to stop there for anything that I can recall at all, so make sure you are all gassed up and everything else.

I live right off of I295, so if you should need gas or food, exit 37A has lots right off the exit. Although, I'm not sure it's marked on the "food/gas" blue signs. But, just off the exit there is a Shell, BJ's gas, Chick Fil A, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Applebees, Walmart, Target, a McD's about 1/2 mile down on the right along with a Wendys, BK, a Shoney's. There are also a few hotels, I know a Holiday Inn Express is right there. Hope that helps.

 

[vicki_c]

I live right off of I295, so if you should need gas or food, exit 37A has lots right off the exit. Although, I'm not sure it's marked on the "food/gas" blue signs. But, just off the exit there is a Shell, BJ's gas, Chick Fil A, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Applebees, Walmart, Target, a McD's about 1/2 mile down on the right along with a Wendys, BK, a Shoney's. There are also a few hotels, I know a Holiday Inn Express is right there. Hope that helps.

I might add that info to my phone! Thanks - for all I know we might have even stopped there sometime but my general impression (and it's often at night) is that we are out in the middle of nowhere all alone! Which is a good thing, traffic-wise!

 

[bas71873]

I might add that info to my phone! Thanks - for all I know we might have even stopped there sometime but my general impression (and it's often at night) is that we are out in the middle of nowhere all alone! Which is a good thing, traffic-wise!

No problem. When you think Tappahannock, VA (that is what the exit says, 37A toward Tappahannock but you are really entering Mechanicsville, just heading toward Tappa if you go another 45 miles up the highway), you do think country, but this exit has quite a bit right there and it's easy off/easy back on. Problem is Hanover County does NOT believe in street lights (it's true, I asked) and therefore it's DARK at night! Really dark. I hate that part, but love where I live