Driving from NJ to Richmond Virginia - Cant use Tunnel in MD

[dblr]

We prefer the 301 route, even with the lights thru Waldorf and all to me a nicer trip.

[Leismom]

I travel from NJ to DC to visit my son, I take 78 to 81 to 83 which hooks up with 695 south around baltimore. No tolls, nice scenic ride but may take a little longer. After all its not about the destination but the ride..

[ceedog]

I've taken I-95 to I-695, across the Key Bridge, back onto I-95, I-495 around DC & on to points south. With all of the construction between DC & Richmond not my 1st choice.

I prefer to take exit 1a off of I-95 in DE & proceed down 301. Even with the lights, it's a more scenic route & it's actually shorter. There's only one toll, on the Chesapeake Bridge (rush hour can be rough).

You can get back onto I-95 at exit 104 in VA.

[dblr]

Originally Posted by ceedog

I've taken I-95 to I-695, across the Key Bridge, back onto I-95, I-495 around DC & on to points south. With all of the construction between DC & Richmond not my 1st choice.

I prefer to take exit 1a off of I-95 in DE & proceed down 301. Even with the lights, it's a more scenic route & it's actually shorter. There's only one toll, on the Chesapeake Bridge (rush hour can be rough).

You can get back onto I-95 at exit 104 in VA.

Our route choice also but the one toll is at the Nice bridge crossing into Va. the Bay Bridge you pay north bound so they only get you once each way, and even with the lights a better choice, at least for us.

[Taranwanderer]

Originally Posted by Leismom

I travel from NJ to DC to visit my son, I take 78 to 81 to 83 which hooks up with 695 south around baltimore. No tolls, nice scenic ride but may take a little longer. After all its not about the destination but the ride..

Ding Ding!

I was going to suggest this. It's longer than going straight down I95 from NJ but it's a fairly easy tow, not too many hills (the hills on I81 are north of the 81/78 merger, and you'll be past that,) no tolls, no propane restrictions. The other option is to skip 83, continue on 81S into VA, then take I66 east toward D/C, then US17 toward Fredricksburg--that's a real nice road, just a few lights, 4-lane the whole way. That dumps you out onto I95 south of D/C, so you avoid Baltimore and D/C all together. Then its a short trip down 95S to Richmond.

[johntaylor]

Originally Posted by dblr

We prefer the 301 route, even with the lights thru Waldorf and all to me a nicer trip.

There is a Waldorf bypass, that's been open about 5 years now, but it's not signposted as such. North of Waldorf, turn left off US-301 onto Rt 5 South. It's a huge intersection, so you can't miss it. Then go straight on, ignoring further Rt 5 signs. It changes names: Mattawoman Beantown Rd - St. Charles Parkway (the new road) - Rosewick Rd, and it ends at US-301 in La Plata. Turn left there onto US-301 south.
Here's the intersection where you take Rt 5.

When you rejoin US-301 in La Plata, there's a Walmart on the left at the next light, which is a safe place to spend the night. There's also a safe Walmart just across the bridge in VA. Don't stay at the Walmart in Waldorf. It's in a drug-infested area.

I live in La Plata and use the Parkway every day.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by dblr

Our route choice also but the one toll is at the Nice bridge crossing into Va. the Bay Bridge you pay north bound so they only get you once each way, and even with the lights a better choice, at least for us.

301 over Nice Bridge then we pick up 17 to Glouster Point Campground and visit Everything south from there. Youroo!!

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by youroo

301 over Nice Bridge then we pick up 17 to Glouster Point Campground and visit Everything south from there. Youroo!!

I hate the Nice bridge. To each there own- but that one gives me the willies.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I hate the Nice bridge. To each there own- but that one gives me the willies.

Hey,its Tall,Skinny,and Pricey to Cross what is Not to like? After you cross into Va.there is a (Discount Liquor Store on the Left)! Youroo!!

[dblr]

Originally Posted by johntaylor

There is a Waldorf bypass, that's been open about 5 years now, but it's not signposted as such. North of Waldorf, turn left off US-301 onto Rt 5 South. It's a huge intersection, so you can't miss it. Then go straight on, ignoring further Rt 5 signs. It changes names: Mattawoman Beantown Rd - St. Charles Parkway (the new road) - Rosewick Rd, and it ends at US-301 in La Plata. Turn left there onto US-301 south.
Here's the intersection where you take Rt 5.

When you rejoin US-301 in La Plata, there's a Walmart on the left at the next light, which is a safe place to spend the night. There's also a safe Walmart just across the bridge in VA. Don't stay at the Walmart in Waldorf. It's in a drug-infested area.

I live in La Plata and use the Parkway every day.

Thanks for the bypass info, I thought there was a way around it now you just confirmed it for me, thanks again.

[dblr]

Originally Posted by youroo

301 over Nice Bridge then we pick up 17 to Glouster Point Campground and visit Everything south from there. Youroo!!

Youroo, that is the exact route we take when we go to the Thaousand Trails park called Chesapeake

[dblr]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I hate the Nice bridge. To each there own- but that one gives me the willies.

A lot of folks we camp with say they need to change the name of the bridge as there is nothing NICE about it

[wicked1]

We made it down in 5 hours with a 40 min bit of traffic but it was a nice drive, got here safe which is all that matters


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[uhduh camping]

Great to hear. What route did you take?

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I hate the Nice bridge. To each there own- but that one gives me the willies.

There is nothing "Nice" about this bridge especially when you are towing something.

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by Flybob

From exit 7 take 295 ( no tolls and nice road) to Del mem Bridge. Then 301 to Rt 50 across Chesapeake Bay Bridge ( no toll this direction). Then Rt 50 to 495 then Rt 95 to Ashland /Richmond. 301 between DMB and Chesapeake Bay Bridge divide rd with trucks and little traffic. After Annapolis 301 has way too many lights and malls to make it fun. Try to avoid the Chesapeake bay Bridge to Rt 95 ( just south of DC during both rush hours.

^^^^what he said

[c0nnd0r]

We live in Richmond and shudder every time we have to go north to D.C. or back down. I-95 can have a good day or a bad day. One time I traveled from Annapolis to Richmond via 95 south and it took me seven hours - not two+. I rode the brake the whole way! So next time I took 301 south and yes to lights and malls - but there were many beautiful spots and sights too. Is it the journey or the destination - or both? Good luck!

[retired on a mountain]

So it's ok to go thru tunnels if tanks are empty?

[wicked1]

According to most websites you can only travel with 10 lbs or less of Propane but you can traveling tanks are empty but is not worth the hassle if they pull you over because they will and that is at least an hour of your time while the weigh them


2014 F150 FX4 Crew 4X4 EB
2015 Roo 23IKSS

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[DBsRedVett]

To avoid DC - 495, I take 695 or I go thru 77-80 via PA. But several had told me they have turned their tanks off and had gone thru the tunnel. My sister told me she saw a few last weekend when she driving to Florida via SUV, along with Semis and propane tanks.