Route planning NJ to NC

tomhamrick · December 19, 2011, 05:33:04 AM

We are going to Brigantine/Atlantic City NJ to pick up a coach and were thinking about coming home through Delaware on highway 13 and then cross the Chesapeke Bay bridge tunnel. We are taking a couple of days to get home and trying to stay of the interstate a little. Is this a good route? Anything I need to know about the tunnel. There is no propane on the coach.
Tom Hamrick

Sean · December 19, 2011, 07:41:46 AM

Tom,

No problems with the CBBT, but there is a toll. It's a pretty drive.

You might also consider taking the Cape May -- Lewes ferry instead of the more boring route through Carney's Point. The ferry is spendy, but it's a beautiful ride and you'll see more interesting countryside on the way to and from. Plus you could stop by and see Nick

If you go back to my blog from the beginning, around November 2004, there's lots of posts on this part of the route, starting from AC and following along the barrier islands of NJ, across the ferry, down the coast of the DelMarVa peninsula, and across the CBBT and then down to Virginia Beach.

HTH,

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · December 19, 2011, 09:09:12 AM

Hi Tom,

Sean is spot on about the countryside. [although no hills unless you are counting overpasses]

If your up to it, I'm just off exit 13 of the Garden State Parkway. 12 miles north from the Cape May Lewes Ferry.

Have a Great Trip!
Nick-

tomhamrick · December 19, 2011, 09:25:28 AM

Thanks guys for the reply. I look forward to the journey.

Tom Hamrick

Ed Brenner · December 19, 2011, 09:42:28 AM

Tom, What have you gone and done !! Hope it is of the same breed to add to your collection.
Have a safe trip
Ed

Ericbsc · December 19, 2011, 09:48:27 AM

Ed, I am sad to say it but Tommy's avatar will be changing soon. I am going to let him take it from there!!!LOL

Mike in GA · December 19, 2011, 11:56:15 AM

Have used the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for years enroute from Atlanta to Rehoboth Beach, DE. As mentioned, there is a toll, but it's a memorable ride. Take it one way, perhaps northward, then you can decide if the views and tolls are worth a return trip. If not, you could always come down I-95, cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and down to Petersburg VA where you pick up I-85.
One caveat about the CBBT: in a rig your size, don't attempt to pull into the tourist stop halfway across. It's too tight for a bus.
Enjoy!
Mike in GA

Sean · December 19, 2011, 01:45:42 PM

Quote from: Mike in GA on December 19, 2011, 11:56:15 AM
One caveat about the CBBT: in a rig your size, don't attempt to pull into the tourist stop halfway across. It's too tight for a bus.

Glad I didn't know that when we did it -- we had no trouble at all and it was a nice stop

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · December 19, 2011, 03:12:48 PM

Quote from: Sean on December 19, 2011, 01:45:42 PM
Quote from: Mike in GA on December 19, 2011, 11:56:15 AM
One caveat about the CBBT: in a rig your size, don't attempt to pull into the tourist stop halfway across. It's too tight for a bus.
Glad I didn't know that when we did it -- we had no trouble at all and it was a nice stop

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

Well, just don't pull in the tourist area with a toad cause there is no place to turn around.

Nick-

Van · December 19, 2011, 03:13:12 PM

Remember... You can't get there from here! Lol!

luvrbus · December 19, 2011, 03:19:10 PM

We got trapped there with a tow lol in 2005 had to unhook the hook up again

good luck

Bill B /bus · December 19, 2011, 04:12:44 PM

Tolls are a little less using I95 than the ferry and the CBBT but the countryside and the views a worth the difference. Did I mention very little traffic on this routing?

Bill

Gary '79 5C · December 19, 2011, 04:13:35 PM

Tom,

Enjoy the ride down Rt13 or take the route by Ocean City MD. to get to the Bay Bridge.

If you need a place to do maint on the coach while in NJ, call and I can get you inside a heated building.

Stop by and stay next to the beach at my place. Love to meet you !

Take care,

Gary
609 Seven Oh three 8989.

tomhamrick · December 20, 2011, 03:12:12 AM

Thanks guys for all the info. I wish that I had time to stop in and visit some of you but we have to get back. I am told the bus is 13'3" at the tallest point. I see that 13'6" is the most for CBBT. Is it that close or is that just their limit?
Thanks again for the help.
Tom Hamrick

Len Silva · December 20, 2011, 05:19:50 AM

13'-6" is the tunnel limit. If all you have to go on is what you were told about the height of your bus, I would take very careful measurements, watch your speed in the tunnels so the bus doesn't "porpoise" and hug the centerline as much as possible.