Route Question???

JackConrad · September 05, 2009, 02:57:02 PM

We are presently sitting in a campground near York, PA. We plan to leave here on Tuesday to head to Richmond, VA area. Looking at the map, it looks like I-83 to I-95. There is a bypass around Baltimore (696)and DC (495). What can I expect traffic wise on this route? Any alternate suggestions? Jack

Runcutter · September 05, 2009, 03:37:29 PM

Jack, I work that area fairly often. The Baltimore/Washington area 95, 495, 695 does provide you the shortest route from York, but it depends on your appetite for pain.

If you're looking for the most direct route, you have it. Or, you can work your way west, through Gettysburg (worth a stop), and grab 81 south. From the Staunton, VA area, you have a couple of options to Richmond. I'm very familiar with 81, it's a pretty decent drive. I know nothing about the link between 81 and Richmond.

Arthur

BG6 · September 05, 2009, 03:40:22 PM

The wider the loop you can make to the west of DC, the happier you will be. Figure on losing AT LEAST an hour to traffic through that area. The only place I've been which could be counted on to be any worse was the Chicago Permajam (the section of Interstate between the Indiana state line and the toll booths on the south end of Chicago).

Van · September 05, 2009, 04:21:32 PM

Jack, I think if you hit the Dc area after 7 pm you'l do fine,middle lane always works for me doing the loop between the rush hours.YMMV Good luck

oldmansax · September 05, 2009, 05:55:35 PM

Jack,

What has been said about I-95 is about right. If you take that route, it's just driving...nothing to see, hardly anywhere to stop. As my Dad used to say,"You'll be wore out to a hand-hold" by the time you get to Richmond.

If you have time, there are two other routes to consider, although, unless I was REALLY in a hurry, I would not do the trip all in one day. Both routes are really scenic and offer lots of places to spend (waste) an hour or two,

You can take Rt. 30 over to Gettysburg. That is about the worst road you will have to drive on either alternate route. Once in Gettysburg, you can pick up Rt. 15 & run it all the way to Rt. 17 which will take you back to I-95.

The longer route would be to stay on Rt 30 to I-81 south, then pick up Rt 17 south at Winchester back to I-95. There is one little mountain at Paris, not much but Rt. 17 does turn right at the bottom. Don't miss the turn.

You can stay also on I-81 to Strasburg & take I-66 over to 17 which will miss the mountain. All pretty good driving and really pretty.

Whatever you do, HAVE FUN!

TOM

steve5B · September 05, 2009, 07:19:15 PM

Jack,

Off the subject, how is the new re-power working?

Steve 5B.....

Hi yo silver · September 05, 2009, 07:30:26 PM

Jack,
If you do decide to go through Gettysburg, if you have the time, by all means visit the new Civil War Cyclorama. The Cyclorama and museum are in the same building, which is new, and are extremely impressive and interesting. Just park in the bus area and you won't even have to unhook the toad.

From there, I-81 south to I-64 east to Richmond is the best route, in my opinion. As always if you're coming through the Roanoke area give us a call if ya got time for coffee. 540.5 nine 1. 5 two 19. Best to you and Paula. Have fun!
Dennis

gfcgfc1 · September 05, 2009, 11:05:47 PM

Hi Jack ,I-95 and 695 and 495 are all o.k. as stated.Definatelytry to 'time' your passage thru D.C. 95 / 495. Morning and Especially evening rush our challenges Los Angeles as worst traffic. If you want /or need to stop anywhere near Washington .C. or even Baltimore or Northern Va. I am nearby and would really enjoy buying you a cup of coffee.I know about the Dec get together and would like to attend but I'm normally in Arizona.480 306 3598 cell if you need anything feel free to call.Have a great trip ...GFC

JackConrad · September 06, 2009, 05:10:59 AM

We spent 3 days in Gettysburg touring the battlefields, Cyclorama and museums before moving to York/Lancaster area. Gettysburg is a great area for anyone interested in American History. We toured the Hershey factory yesterday morning and kayaked on the Susquehana River in the Afternoon. We are going to the Amish area near Lancaster today and to an American Indian Pow Wow on Monday. We will try to hit Baltimore and especially DC between rush hours. Thanks for all the tips. Jack

John316 · September 06, 2009, 05:15:15 AM

Jack,

I agree with what was said. If you hit DC in rush hour, well then you just pick your place to park tell everything is freed up. We haven't had a problem doing the big cities between rush hours. The problem is the we usually happen to run into a city during rush hour

Arrrggghhh.

Anyways. DC is usually fine between rush hours. We even did NYC between rush hours, and did just fine (between the daylight rush hours...the bronx looks interesting during the day, driving by on the interstate

).

God bless,

John

JackConrad · September 06, 2009, 05:18:03 AM

Quote from: steve5B on September 05, 2009, 07:19:15 PM
Jack,
Off the subject, how is the new re-power working?
Steve 5B.....

Repower is working great! We got a chance to use the Jakes crossing the Alleghenies. Boy, Do they make a difference. Jack

bevans6 · September 06, 2009, 05:22:07 AM

You're passing through my favorite part of the country, I envy you!

Perfect time of year, too.

Brian

bottomacher · September 06, 2009, 05:40:09 AM

If you take the I-81 route, you can pick up I-64 at Waynesboro-Staunton area, quite beautiful (Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway) . Then through Charlottesville, and Monticello, where you can observe Jefferson's work, which was extensive and impressive. Then on 64 into richmond. If you have time, Williamsburg is just an hour east of Richmond, and it is still worth the ride, though more commercial that it used to be in the good old days. Central Virginia is a good place to get lost for a couple of days if you have the time; a lot of our nation's history was born there.

JackConrad · September 06, 2009, 05:54:54 AM

Quote from: gfcgfc1 on September 05, 2009, 11:05:47 PM
Hi Jack,
I am nearby and would really enjoy buying you a cup of coffee. 480 306 3598 cell if you need anything feel free to call.Have a great trip ...GFC

What exit are you close to? We might be able to stop and have a cup of coffee at a restaurant/truck stop near the exit. Jack

Runcutter · September 06, 2009, 07:13:18 AM

Jack, since you'll be in the Lancaster area, remember the Strasburg Railroad (and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania) are nearby. Definitely worth a visit. Strasburg is the oldest continually operating common carrier railroad in the US. Known in the railfan community as a class steam operation.

Arthur