NoVA guys ... can i get help with driving directions?

[30 cal slut]

Just wanted to know if anyone had alternate directions that would avoid that awful beltway traffic.

I'm coming in from north of Baltimore on I-95, and would like to head towards Richmond, VA.

Any hints? I've tried futzing around with mapquest, but not terribly sure if alternative routes are actually better. So I'm looking for some local color, if possible.

I tell ya, mapquest says that as the bird flies, I'm only 8 or so hours from South Hill, VA. But with that traffic, it's more like 12 hours.

Thanks!

-slut

[JiMfraRED1911]

Perhaps head south on Route 1? Moar traffic lights to deal with though.

[lindertw]

via google maps starting at Baltimore, MD --> ending at Richmond, VA:

default route = 146 miles via I-95, approx 2hr 39mins (in reality much longer due to 95 traffic)

modified route (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Baltimore,+MD&daddr=James+Monroe+Hwy%2FUS-15+to:38.50949,-77.695312+to:richmond,+va&hl=en&geocode=FS-VVwIdffVu-w%3BFUTWVgIdvvlg-w%3B%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=8&via=1,2&sll=38.565348,-76.717529&sspn=2.121731,4.916382&ie=UTF8&z=8) (click) = 70/40/340 West to 15 South; 15/17/29 South to I-95 in Fredericksburg. 198 miles , approx 3hr 45mins (much lighter traffic, country scenery, etc.)

hope this helps!

[GaryG]

I've been here in the Woodbridge/Lake Ridge, VA area (~25 mi south of DC) since 1994 - - about 1/2 way between you and South Hill.

Sorry to say, there really aren't any good alternatives. The best advice I could give you would be to stay on I-95 and just make sure you avoid the morning/evening rush hours.

[Business_Casual]

Stay on 95, on a weekend or mid-day it might not be bad.

You never know until you are on it.

M_P

[JSantoro]

It's going to take longer no matter what, but going north to south from Annapolis, I've had consistent luck avoiding the DC-and-below I95 madness, particularly the Springfield mixing bowl, by heading to Dulles Airport.

I then take 28 South to 234 South, which will dumps me onto I95 just one exit north of Quantico, mostly avoiding the madness except for where the I95 express lanes cease to be. There's often some slight congestion around Exit 133 just north of Fredericksburg, but it's mostly just a slow-down.

So, it adds time, but you mostly avoid the desire to froth at the mouth and chew on your car upholstery from the stupidity of other drivers.

[SHIVAN]

Get on Route 3 South to 301 to 95....

Use maps.live.com and put in Baltimore to St. Charles MD, then Richmond.

[30 cal slut]

thx guys. if anyone wants to know how to beat rush hour traffic in manhattan, let me know. :D

[thedog]

thx guys. if anyone wants to know how to beat rush hour traffic in manhattan, let me know. :D

I think I will use the Dr. from "I Am Legend" for the answer to this instead of you. No offense! :D

dog

[Robb Jensen]

Get on Route 3 South to 301 to 95....

Use maps.live.com and put in Baltimore to St. Charles MD, then Richmond.

I'd 2nd that, avoid the DC beltway at all costs when possible.

[shadco]

Get on Route 3 South to 301 to 95....

Use maps.live.com and put in Baltimore to St. Charles MD, then Richmond.

Watch out for the county mounties in Bowling green and caroline county in general