I-81 to I-66 then RT 17 to-I95

[Brucecav]

We usually take I-81 down to I-66 then across to Richmond VA where we pickup I-95
However I noticed getting off I-81 onto I66 then 17 would knock off allot of miles. BUT was wondering how bad the traffic is going that way anyone ever go that way?

[JEG]

We usually go I-81 to Winchester, VA, and take 17/50 to pick up I-95 in Fredericksburg, VA. Nice ride with not a lot of traffic.

[RGrimm]

Originally Posted by brucec

We usually take I-81 down to I-66 then across to Richmond VA where we pickup I-95
I noticed getting off I-81 onto I66 then 17 would knock off allot of miles. BUT was wondering how bad the traffic is going that way anyone ever go that way?

With relatives and friends in both PA (Bethlehem) and Richmond, I have made many trips frpm Florida and PA in my previous Motorhome and now towing my Vibe 21BH and have always taken the I95, RT17, I66, to I81 route. For our Richmond stop to see family, I have always stayed at Americamp RV, just north of Richmond off I95.

I have had no problems or complaints with RT 17. As you said it sure saves some mileage and for us avoids having to run through Philly, Baltimore, and DC.

Safe Travels.
-Russ

[Chuck_S]

If you're headed south of Richmond on this route strongly recommend coming all the way down I81 to I64 (sixty four) and picking up VA288 on the north side of Richmond. 288 will join I95 between Richmond and Petersburg and you can pickup I85 in Petersburg if desired. Time and traffic wise this beats I95. This is faster for us than US17 to Fredericksburg mainly because if cuts out the section of I95 from there to Richmond -- and you don't have to negotiate Richmond either. *

Depending on what you're driving or towing US522 south out of Winchester will take you down to I64 which will take you to VA288 as above. US522 is one of those old pre-Interstates with good pavement and little traffic.

We live in metro-Richmond and this is how we drive to and from central Pennsylvania and NE Ohio both towing and with any of our cars.

* Just up to Fredericksburg (from Richmond) yesterday (Saturday) morning and southbound I95 was at a standstill in the Fredericksburg area. I came back on US1 and was almost the only car on the road. There's a reason the Amtrak Autotrain toll free phone number is 1-800-HATE- I95

-- Chuck

[Nascon]

We used to go 66. Then tried 64, much nicer route and less traffic with great views.

[RGrimm]

Originally Posted by brucec

We usually take I-81 down to I-66 then across to Richmond VA where we pickup I-95
However I noticed getting off I-81 onto I66 then 17 would knock off allot of miles. BUT was wondering how bad the traffic is going that way anyone ever go that way?

brucec - How far south are you traveling once you get to I95 around Richmond?

My run is from NE Florida to eastern PA and we often stop at Americamp RV in Ashland, VA (just north of Richmond) to visit our son.

Here is the mileage for the 3 possible routes we could take from Florida to PA and back:

Route A: I81, I66, RT17 to I95 = 941 miles. While as Chuck_S indicated the I95 section from Richmond to RT17 (Fredricksburg) can get backed up depending on the time of day. Of all the times I have taken that route (4 to 6 times a year) I have not experiences any major delays). (This is my primary route when towing)

Route B: (Chuck_S route) I81, I64, VA288, I95 = 1004 miles. Since if I'm heading to Richmond it is on the north side so this wouldn't work for me. One note about the western side of I-64, there is a 3 mile 6 to 8% grade heading east (starting around Waynesboro), the west side of the hill is about 2 1/2 miles. I travel this section of I64 from I81 to Charlottesville to visit my son at UVA and it can be foggy at the top of that grade in the mornings and evenings. (I have never tried this route)

Route C: I81, I77, I26, I95 = 948 miles. If I'm not stopping in Richmond, I have taken this, the only area that can have some slow down is going through the Charlotte, NC area in the morning or late afternoon. This route also has a southbound descent of 5% to 6% grade, The south bound descent begins at milepost #7 (Fancy Gap, VA) in VA (I77) and ends just north of the NC/VA border. It is a 7 mile descent with 3 'runaway truck ramps'. I usually use this route (C) when not towing (car/truck only trips between FL and PA). I have taken my previous motorhome (DP) this route without any problems on the Fancy Gap descent. (I use this route primarily for Car/Truck only trips when not stopping in Richmond)

Most of my RV trips from FL to PA and back have been using Route A because we usually make a multi-day stop at Americamp RV in Ashland, VA to visit our son.

Safe Travels

-Russ

PS The information above on mountain grades is from an app I purchased called " Mountain Directory"

[camper_Lucy]

Originally Posted by JEG

We usually go I-81 to Winchester, VA, and take 17/50 to pick up I-95 in Fredericksburg, VA. Nice ride with not a lot of traffic.

X2 this route works well, traffic is moderate on 17/50

[Brucecav]

We are leaving Hershey PA area traveling to Jacksonville FL then across I-10 to Rockport TX. We have done this about 15 times over the years.
I usually always take I-81 the entire way into TN then cut down to Texas shortest route.
BUT since we can't leave till January 7th i figured the I-10 would warmest route.

Thanks I know it is 200 miles across from I-81 on I-64 to Richmond as we usually go that way takes two hours to cross for us.
BUT was just pondering taking I-81 then I-66 and the 17 would knock off about 150 miles however if the traffic is terrible that way could take just as long to drive the 17. Still pondering what way to go

[JP Camper]

The last time I went down i went I-80 to I-77 to I-26. Nice scenic drive. It may be a little longer drive but less time on I-95.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

* Just up to Fredericksburg (from Richmond) yesterday (Saturday) morning and southbound I95 was at a standstill in the Fredericksburg area. I came back on US1 and was almost the only car on the road. There's a reason the Amtrak Autotrain toll free phone number is 1-800-HATE- I95

-- Chuck

Hmm. Just made the same trip, also Saturday morning. The jam only seemed to last for a few miles.

[Villagerjjm]

I have taken the route you describe a number of times. I have found that the traffic is usually very heavy around the interchange with I-95. There are also a lot of traffic lights.

[Brucecav]

Well I have decided to go our usual route I-81 to I-64 and 95.
May be a few more miles but the traffic always seems to keep moving that way no bumper to bumper for miles.


Yes we take the 288 then around Richmond, usually not bad.

[Jimswim]

We regularly travel from the Northeast to FL. Our usual route is from I-78 to I-81 to Harrisburg and then we take US15 south to I-270 to I-495 around the DC Beltway to I-95 south. Pretty straight forward with minimal traffic and no tolls...alot less hills to climb than the 81,77,26 route

[CCrew]

Rt17 between 50 and 66 is a 45mph road and heavily checked by county and state cops. You are indeed a revenue opportunity. Other than that good road. We have a house nearby.

[tjwdj]

US 15. NO traffic. No craziness. I81 to US 15 to US17. Grew up in the area. Good ride take it yearly to and from VT.

[Mandog]

Originally Posted by brucec

We usually take I-81 down to I-66 then across to Richmond VA where we pickup I-95
However I noticed getting off I-81 onto I66 then 17 would knock off allot of miles. BUT was wondering how bad the traffic is going that way anyone ever go that way?

The only traffic you may hit will be at 17 and 95 in Frederksburg….

[JCR]

Depending on where you are going ..RT 17 can be a nightmare around bigger cities. Need more roads and more lanes.. Population is exploding.. Trucks and roadway commerce is huge these days..

[LaLaLisa]

Originally Posted by brucec

We usually take I-81 down to I-66 then across to Richmond VA where we pickup I-95
However I noticed getting off I-81 onto I66 then 17 would knock off allot of miles. BUT was wondering how bad the traffic is going that way anyone ever go that way?

I’ve been taking this route from our home to points south since the 90s. It’s the fastest way even by RV. However, the traffic at some times of year or day can slow you down, but it’s still the best option. There is another way we ended up taking once by going farther north on 95 and then exiting toward Winchester, VA.

[TowPro]

I always took 81 s from PA turnpike to 77.
take 485 around Charlotte if its rush hour
continue 77s to Columbia where you get onto 26
follow 26 to 95.
than to Florida. I live in central FL so I take 10w to 301s
this is 15 hours 1000 miles for me.

If its winter, pay attention to weather forecasts for FancyGap VA and north.

If heading north I would stay at Statesville KOA North of Charlotte right on 77 (8.5hr)

if heading south I would stay at Yemassee KOA north of Savannah right on 95 (10.5hr)

[stilltraveling]

We usually go that way. It used to be a breeze, but the traffic and the lights have been increasing every time we go. The last time we went North to South we traveled further South on I-81 and meandered through NC/SC avoiding the most congested areas. A pleasant drive, but not much in the way of lodging or eating.