We are leaving from Westport Ct, going to Williamsburg (on our way to OBX). It will be a friday, so I know we will be in for DC traffic...Just how horrific will traffic be? What time should we leave to avoid it, if it's even possible to avoid it? Is there an alternate route rather than 95 south of DC? Every time I've been on that strip of road it's been a nightmare. Thanks.

After you cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge, head south on 13/301, then follow US 301 across Chesapeake Bay Bridge (near Annapolis) continuing south and rejoining I-95 (or maybe it's the I-295 Richmond bypass) just north of Richmond.

It has a few areas of local traffic, some traffic lights, but overall keeps moving with much less stress of I-95

The construction on I-05 around DC is now on southbound side - avoid, avoid,avoid I-95 southbound this weekend coming up! Also I-64 between Richmond and Va Beach on weekends is really busy. I would suggest: Delaware, ake 13 south down eastern shore (Delmarva peninsula) cross over Chesapeake-Bay Bridge tunnel and then head for OBX; OR I-95 to Baltimore, head for 5 south that becomes 301 south over Potomac River bridge, follow 30a south to I-295, east to I-64 east. hope you have a great trip!

I make this trip frequently and I would recommend JOYINVA's route of Rte 13 south down the Eastern Shore to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunel. In the Norfolk area, take Rte 64 west for an easy drive to Wmbg. and then east to head for the OBX.

Another vote for Route 13. I drive down to W'burg/Va Beach/OBX frequently from New York City, and it's the only way to go.

I like Rt 13 too, but suggested the other route as there's a bit of 'backtracking' needed to get to Williamsburg, which she wants to visit on their way to OBX; otherwise I'd say Rt 13 hands down.

If Nina is willing to take a little more time, she may even take the Cape May Ferry from the tip of NJ over to Lewes, Delaware. It always seems so quiet & stressfree driving on the DelMarVa peninsula.

I'm with rb on this one.

Taking US-13 across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel puts nina in Norfolk. Wmbg is a minimum of an hour west on I-64 having to cross either the Hampton Rds Bridge Tunnel or the Monitor Merrimac BT. Both are potential nightmares on a Friday (or any day for that matter). I might reconsider if I was rolling off of the CBBT after 7 in the evening.

I'd go with Joy's alternate: I-95 to 301 to 295 and I64.

I-95? Never.

But to each his own.

Thanks everyone, my modem was fried in a storm so I haven't been able to get on in a few days...I think I'm going with rb's advice. I've done 13 then over the Chesapeake Bay tunnel and that ride seems endless...sure it moves, but just barely with all the lights along the route.

Thanks everyone!