Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   United States (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/)
-   -   Avoiding Wash DC traffic? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/avoiding-wash-dc-traffic-519582/)

LN Aug 13th, 2005 09:39 AM

I'm not familiar with Rt 522 but I believe that Rt 15 goes from Frederick and crosses into Virginia and then connects with Rt 17 closer to Fredericksburg. Could this be what you're looking for?

rkkwan Aug 13th, 2005 10:19 AM

From Federick, you won't be taking 522. But if you're coming from I-68 or I-70 from further west, then US522 should be a good route. It joins 37 and then I-81 in Winchester. Take I-66 East and then US17 towards I-95.

ronkala Aug 13th, 2005 10:19 AM

Ellen,
where are you coming from? 522 is near Hancock and I-70. If you are in that area, take 522 south to I-81 to I-66 East and pick up rte 17 in Marshall which goes through Fredericksburg.

Rte 15 from Frederick goes through Leesburg, VA and joins rte 29/211 about ten miles north of Warrenton. You would go south on 15/29/211 to Warrenton and pick up 17 just before the town limits and continue on 17 through Fredericksburg.

alvira Aug 16th, 2005 04:47 PM

I agree with the Rt 301 to 17 plan. There may be a few stop lights along the way, but I'd rather be moving than sitting on the interstate without moving. Plus you have places you can stop easily for a snack or break. On the part of 17 you will travel you will face almost no traffic.

To get to Williamsburg, continue on Rt 17 through Gloucester, cross the Coleman Bridge, and turn right onto the Colonial Parkway. This will take you to Williamsburg with some very pleasant scenery. There is an exit off of the Parkway that is close to W&M (North Henry Street, I think).

vickib2 Aug 26th, 2005 01:37 PM

What is a route to take from Atlanta to Baltimore, which would avoid Washington, D.C. traffic? My father-in-law is trying to get me to drive through Frederick!!??? That seems a bit extreme.

Thanks.
Vicki

donco Aug 26th, 2005 01:59 PM

Hi McTravel, If this is dupe info, sorry. We almost always "bail" from 97 at 301 (which merges with 50) and come across the Bay Bridge to 301. Yes, there are more lights. However, on the DC beltway, the Wilson Bridge is being re-built so traffic there will be a bear. Listen to 1050 am radio (Baltimore area) and 1500 am (DC area) for traffic info. If 95 is ok, I agree with rkkwan to take it BUT, go toward the American Legion Bridge when you get to the DC beltway and pick up 95 from that side. Good luck and congrats to your son and you for doing a good parenting job!

ronkala Aug 26th, 2005 05:15 PM

Vicki,
Your father isn't that far off.
Per freetrip.com, using I-85/I-95 is 681 miles, 10:10 hours. Using I-85/I-77/I-81/I-70, which he probably had in mind since you mentioned Frederick, is 692 miles, 10:45. Coming the latter avoids D.C. and is more scenic.

justme22 Aug 27th, 2005 01:38 AM

although i still use the 301/17 route to the northern neck of va. 301 from Waldorf to La Plata can be a nightmare if you hit it during almost any part of mid day.

301 has every store for miles around. it has a HUGH amount of lights. except for that one stretch the ride is a good one.

17 takes you right into the colonial highway yorktown to williamsburg

donco Aug 27th, 2005 05:29 AM

Sorry, I meant "bail" from 95 not 97! And justme22 is correct about LaPlata area. Serious, listen to traffic reports, get a great map and have some "bail out" plans! Please report back.

greenfieldhunter Aug 27th, 2005 05:31 AM

Vikki - your father in law is 100% on the money

ellen_griswold Aug 27th, 2005 08:19 AM

Thank you all very much for your very helpful replies. I'm just now seeing them as i haven't been on line much lately.

This is for a business trip next month, where i'd rather much rahter drive than fly.

Hey ronkala, weren't you the one going to Glacier again; did i miss your trip report? Or am i thinking of someone else..?

ronkala Aug 27th, 2005 11:50 AM

Hi Ellen,
Yes that was me who was going to Glacier and the Canadian Rockies. We got back to Virginia three weeks ago, but I haven't posted anything about it yet. I'll try to do a condensed version about it this weekend. Thanks for asking.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:17 AM.