Washington DC Traffic Question

[NJBILL]

If you had to choose, which would you pick taking I-95 heading South

Driving thru DC on a Monday morning around 10/ 10:30am or a Sunday around 5pm?
We are leaving in a few weeks.
Thanks.

 

[rwdavis2]

If you had to choose, which would you pick taking I-95 heading South

Driving thru DC on a Monday morning around 10/ 10:30am or a Sunday around 5pm?
We are leaving in a few weeks.
Thanks.

IMHO, either should be OK. Mornings by that time the traffic is clear. The downside to Sunday is possible road work somewhere. You can take the Beltway, either side, or I-295 right down the middle which is quicker and meets the Beltway on the south side of the city.

I would recommend tuning into 103.5FM when you hit Baltimore and you will get traffic reports on the 8's: :08, :18, :28 etc.
BD

 

[mskermit]

If you had to choose, which would you pick taking I-95 heading South

Driving thru DC on a Monday morning around 10/ 10:30am or a Sunday around 5pm?
We are leaving in a few weeks.
Thanks.

hey exit 3 here as well!!! Deptford. We drive down too. We always leave about 2 am and never have a problem with traffic unless there is construction at night. yea other states are smart and do major roadways at night unlike jersey! We ususally reach our Brunswick GA hotel stop by 3:30 4:00 in the afternoon. Great place to stay, very convenient and a great BBQ restraunt next door. I think you would be safe either way. by 10-1030 all the DC work traffic should be gone and 5pm on a sunday going south you should hit no shore traffic in MD. Is this your first drive down??

 

[jasko5990]

If you had to choose, which would you pick taking I-95 heading South

Driving thru DC on a Monday morning around 10/ 10:30am or a Sunday around 5pm?
We are leaving in a few weeks.
Thanks.

I'd go for Sunday at 5pm. If you try for Monday around 10-1030am you'll be hitting major rush hour traffic around Wilmington (DE), Baltimore (MD), between Baltimore & D.C., and also the Ft McHenry Tunnel Tolls.

 

[gumbo1009]

I also agree Sunday would be better (as the pp indicated, there will still be traffic problems on a Monday morning, PLUS there is a LOT of contruction right now, all over the beltway, and the orange cones start coming out weekdays around 9:30am or so -- seems to be a lot less active construction on Sundays...)

 

[Missytara]

I'd go for Sunday at 5pm. If you try for Monday around 10-1030am you'll be hitting major rush hour traffic around Wilmington (DE), Baltimore (MD), between Baltimore & D.C., and also the Ft McHenry Tunnel Tolls.

And there is major construction going on at the toll plaza in DE, so you will run into a worse delay.

Note also that many, many people from DC own homes at the beaches in DE. They go back on Sunday nights, but you will be going in the opposite direction. You will still see a lot of traffic.

 

[DVC-Don]

And there is major construction going on at the toll plaza in DE, so you will run into a worse delay.
...............

How is that coming along? We went through there in mid April northbound on a Saturday and the backup was horrendous. Planning on going through southbound in mid July again.

 

[jasko5990]

How is that coming along? We went through there in mid April northbound on a Saturday and the backup was horrendous. Planning on going through southbound in mid July again.

What's the last date you need this information? We're driving straight through in mid July also, so if it's before your trip I'll post from my smart phone during our breakfast break in North Caroliona. We'll be hitting that toll plaza around 1:15-1:30 am.

 

[DVC-Don]

What's the last date you need this information? We're driving straight through in mid July also, so if it's before your trip I'll post from my smart phone during our breakfast break in North Caroliona. We'll be hitting that toll plaza around 1:15-1:30 am.

Should be mid day on the 16th of July.

 

[jasko5990]

Should be mid day on the 16th of July.

No problem, I'll let you know on July 14th. Obviously due to the time we're going through we probably won't encounter much traffic, but I'll at least be able to let you know what the construction looks like & how many lanes are closed, if any.

 

[Missytara]

Right now, DelDOT is still saying a completion date of Summer 2011. They don't seem to be committing to any exact dates.

 

[gumbo1009]

And there is major construction going on at the toll plaza in DE, so you will run into a worse delay.

I have a tip for this one!! Go *around* the toll plaza. Check out Google Maps to figure out the route, but from the North, you would exit from 95 around exit 3 or 4 - then re-enter 95 after you get past the toll (in Maryland).

Last time I did it I just dumped out on a lark and there were some Detour signs taking you back to 95. Not sure if it saves time, but it certainly saves on the frustration of being trapped in traffic (which I hate).

 

[Missytara]

I have a tip for this one!! Go *around* the toll plaza. Check out Google Maps to figure out the route, but from the North, you would exit from 95 around exit 3 or 4 - then re-enter 95 after you get past the toll (in Maryland).

Last time I did it I just dumped out on a lark and there were some Detour signs taking you back to 95. Not sure if it saves time, but it certainly saves on the frustration of being trapped in traffic (which I hate).

Yes, I used to live in MD and work in Newark, so I know the back way very well.

The only time you have a real issue with it is when U of D had their football games at home and the weekend of their graduation - that was a nightmare.

 

[gumbo1009]

I have a tip for this one!! Go *around* the toll plaza. Check out Google Maps to figure out the route, but from the North, you would exit from 95 around exit 3 or 4 - then re-enter 95 after you get past the toll (in Maryland).

I HAVE AN UPDATE - finally, the construction in DE is DONE! And the EasyPass lanes are now full speed (which is quite nice!)

 

[Donald is #1]

I HAVE AN UPDATE - finally, the construction in DE is DONE! And the EasyPass lanes are now full speed (which is quite nice!)

Awesome! That will make my trip to WDW via DC easier next month.