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10-06-2019, 01:15 PM
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#1
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Trailer Park Supervisor
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 8,626
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William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, known as the Bay Bridge is terrifying
So I went to our first FROG Rally in Williamsburg VA. Still here. Great first rally, great group of folks. On the way here, had to cross Chesapeake Bay via the Bay Bridge, Rt. 301/50. Towed my rig in left lane at just over 50 mph, as middle lane seemed to be going quite slow. Now I know why. Traveling in outer left lane of this bridge, with no shoulder, and a flimsy guardrail, and nothing but view of water FAR below you from the driver's seat, is not for the light of heart.
I am no sissy. I used to jump off buildings rappelling as a younger man. I have a healthy fear of heights, but nothing irrational or paralyzing. Somehow, the view of the span of bridge in the opposite direction, seeing how insanely high it was above the water, and the feeling of riding on the edge of the bridge at high speed with apparently nothing between you and impending death invoked a horrible vertigo-like feeling. I've never had a panic attack before, but I think I may have gotten a taste. Finally moving over to the center lane helped a little, but I was never so happy to be off a bridge in my life. I think I will drive home via I-95.
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2019 Rockwood Geo Pro G19FD w/off road package
2015 Ford F150 XLT Super Cab 4x4 V8
Yes, I drink the water!
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10-06-2019, 01:45 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Gulf Coast
Posts: 342
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NJKris
So I went to our first FROG Rally in Williamsburg VA. Still here. Great first rally, great group of folks. On the way here, had to cross Chesapeake Bay via the Bay Bridge, Rt. 301/50. Towed my rig in left lane at just over 50 mph, as middle lane seemed to be going quite slow. Now I know why. Traveling in outer left lane of this bridge, with no shoulder, and a flimsy guardrail, and nothing but view of water FAR below you from the driver's seat, is not for the light of heart.
I am no sissy. I used to jump off buildings rappelling as a younger man. I have a healthy fear of heights, but nothing irrational or paralyzing. Somehow, the view of the span of bridge in the opposite direction, seeing how insanely high it was above the water, and the feeling of riding on the edge of the bridge at high speed with apparently nothing between you and impending death invoked a horrible vertigo-like feeling. I've never had a panic attack before, but I think I may have gotten a taste. Finally moving over to the center lane helped a little, but I was never so happy to be off a bridge in my life. I think I will drive home via I-95.
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Hey Kris,
I have taken this bridge many, many times. I couldn't agree with you more. I usually stop in Annapolis for something to eat though which makes it worthwhile.
The only thing worse is taking your rig through manhattan
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Central Florida
2017 Nissan Pathfinder SL
2019 Shamrock 19
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10-06-2019, 01:51 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Posts: 9,230
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I can't count how many times I have been over that bridge both ways. Went different to and from Williamsburg. Took the Bay Tunnel instead. Very nice ride and a little less traffic this time of year.
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2012 SunSeeker 3100SS Toad-1962 Futura Average 100 + days camping
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10-06-2019, 02:18 PM
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#4
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Trailer Park Supervisor
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 8,626
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Coney, this trip is the first since I camped with you in the Spring, we are having such a good time it breaks my heart thinking I will be winterizing soon. Maybe squeeze one more in at Turkey Swamp!
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2019 Rockwood Geo Pro G19FD w/off road package
2015 Ford F150 XLT Super Cab 4x4 V8
Yes, I drink the water!
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10-06-2019, 05:09 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5,432
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Travel that bridge a lot of times but usually always in the right lane, so just have to listen to the wife, I usually tell her to climb in the sleeper until it's over.
The next bridge, the Nice bridge over the Potomac is the one that tightens me up, single lane each way always afraid a mirror will hit.
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2017 River Stone Legacy 38mb
2001 Kenworth T2000
2016 Smart for Two on deck
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10-06-2019, 05:15 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Burlington, ON
Posts: 746
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I was thinking of taking a trip that involved the Mackinac bridge in Michigan...your description is pretty much exactly how I thought I might feel! I’m not squeamish or fearful, but...
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Carmen and the pack
2015 Coachmen Clipper 17BH
2017 Dodge Durango Citadel 5.7 Hemi
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10-06-2019, 05:59 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Posts: 9,230
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dblr
Travel that bridge a lot of times but usually always in the right lane, so just have to listen to the wife, I usually tell her to climb in the sleeper until it's over.
The next bridge, the Nice bridge over the Potomac is the one that tightens me up, single lane each way always afraid a mirror will hit.
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Our last trip over that narrow bridge, it was one lane due to construction. Some clown from NY had to SEE what was going on and had his driver side Dodge pickup mirror well into my lane and no way to move over more or stop. Just cracked my housing. I don't know what it did to his, but I hope he doesn't do that stupid trick again!
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2012 SunSeeker 3100SS Toad-1962 Futura Average 100 + days camping
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10-06-2019, 06:15 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Catonsville Maryland
Posts: 1,970
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it does take getting used to it - as we cross - i have to tell myself to breath. we are usually going across the bay bridge when the traffic is heavy and the speed is never anywhere near the speed limit - that helps. When going west bound, i am always in the center lane.
East bound there is only two lanes so, i stay in the right lane so can't see the water. I also don't go through the left side ezpass as this lane often gets shunted onto the west bound span and you are the only lane going east when the other two lanes are going west.....
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HTT: "EscapeII" 2016 Shamrock 23WS (current)
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TV: "Gill" 2022 RAM 2500
Just us gals (me, Sis and our daughters)
We spend alot of money to go sit in the woods
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10-06-2019, 07:14 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Frederica DE
Posts: 1,223
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I have crossed that bridge many times. I love it as long there is no bumper to bumper traffic. However if traffic is bothering you give the rig a quick (but safe) shake of the wheel, the traffic will scatter like roaches. What I don't like is crossing east bound in the rain with TT. The rear tires slip on every expansion joint climbing up the bridge. Pretty sure the drive line screams at me to stop. Now I believe that they still drive your vehicle across for you if you fear the bridge but I don't think they drive it with trailers.
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2016 Ford F250 XLT 4X4 6.2L
2015 Rockwood Signature Ultralite 8329SS
Hensley Arrow
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10-07-2019, 09:41 AM
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#10
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Retired Panpsychist
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Western Massachusetts
Posts: 1,043
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Kris,
When I was in my teens and living in VA, the Bridge-Tunnel opened and my family (er, Dad) just had to traverse it. Each year we would find a reason (usually Williamsburg) and head out for the Bridge.
My Dad drove with me seated behind him and my Mom and Sister on the passenger side. While I did not notice my Mon's anxiety, I giggled at my Sister in her fetal position on the floor of the back seat.
Roll the clock forward 55+ years. I am now piloting an F-150 with an 8-foot wide trailer across the Sagamore and Bourne bridges to and from Cape Cod. It's nowhere near the magnitude of the CBBT but I can't help but feel bad about my Mom and Sister when we cross.
Next time I'm taking the Tunnel:
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Theo & Carol
2007 GoldenDoodle ("Cooper") R.I.P.
2020 Rockwood Roo 23IKSS
2015 F-150 4WD XLT SCab, 5.0L, 3.73, 36gal, HD Towing Pkg (53A), 1,980lb Payload
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10-07-2019, 12:24 PM
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#11
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,891
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There are people nearby for hire to drive you across that bridge. I saw an article that ranks it very high as one of the most terrifying bridges to drive across.
I really don't mind it until I end up when they reverse lanes on one bridge span. Between the flimsy guardrail AND oncoming traffic with no barrier. Yeah, totally messes with my head.
But, I'll second dblr - I loathe the Harry P Nice bridge. It's neither Hairy nor Nice.
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Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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10-07-2019, 12:33 PM
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#12
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 48
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And for the next TWO years, it will be under construction.....already causing tremendous havoc with traffic on both sides of the bridge and all the local feeder roads...
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10-07-2019, 12:45 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Whiting, NJ
Posts: 157
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narrow bridges :-)
Yes I've traveled it several times and I much prefer the Bay Bridge Tunnel to Norfolk. Of course traveling through Norfolk can be a white knuckle ride too. Pick your poison :-)
Paul
This is not a rehearsal.
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10-07-2019, 12:51 PM
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#14
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Spring, Texas
Posts: 6
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Be aware of carrying propane tanks with product in them through the tunnels, you may receive a hefty fine if caught.
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10-07-2019, 12:55 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Eastern NC
Posts: 3,963
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Stay east of the Mississippi as if have to cross 1 of many passes it will be less fun. May even find snow 1/2 up in August. No flimsy guard rails, none at all.
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2022 Montana 3855 BR
2019 F350 6.7 4X4 LB Dually
Edgewater 205 EX 150 Yamaha
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10-07-2019, 12:56 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 173
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I'm a bridge junkie. The Bay Bridge at Annapolis is awesome! I used to love driving over it, except on Fridays in the summer when the eastbound traffic would back up for miles. One day each year, they close one span to traffic and open it for walking and cycling across.
I used to live 10 miles from the Nice Bridge from Maryland to Virginia on US-301, and crossed it hundreds of times. The best times were when there were stoppages for the endless maintenance on the ancient bridge, and I could get out at the top and look around.
On the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel from Norfolk, there are turnarounds at the restaurant near the western shore, and just before the toll booth on the eastern shore. On one beautiful summer's day, I drove back and forth four times for one toll payment.
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2018 Coachmen Viking 21RD
2012 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi 4x4
Full-timing since October 2017
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10-07-2019, 12:58 PM
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#17
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 81
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I understand how you feel but being from the eastern side of the bridge anything other than local trips usually takes us across the bridge so maybe I'm used to it. I'm sorry but I'll take a ride over that bridge before wanting to be on I-95. The sign says 65 but if you aren't doing 80 you are in the way!!! Leave a safe enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you and some one will squeeze right on in. No thank you. Those big city folks need to get up earlier and maybe they won't need to be in such a big hurry.
OK I feel better now.
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2021 Grand Design Solitude 390RK
2016 Chevy Silverado 3500HD DRW High Country
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10-07-2019, 01:35 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 672
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I used to have a friend, who was in his 30's when I knew him, that would get in the floor of the car curled up like a ball. He was terrified of that bridge.
They do offer drivers for people who can't make it over without a panic attack, but, you would have to ask about driving an rv over for you, or give me a time to meet you and I will drive it over, haven't lost mine yet.
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Retired Auto body teacher
2021 Arctic Wolf 3550 Suite
2019 F-250 Lariat Super Crew 6.2
Having lots of Fun traveling with my wife
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10-07-2019, 01:47 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 135
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I do have a fear of heights and realized them fully at Grand Canyon a couple years ago driving the rv to one of the observation points. Looked out the side and realized it was straight down, no guard rail so focused on the yellow line between the lanes. I didn't get out of the rv once we got to the parking lot and after we got off of it we stopped at the indian site on the other side of the road to give me a chance to calm down.
This summer we were in the UP and had plans to go over the Mackinac bridge. My wife hasn't ever driven our 38' class A and the morning before we were supposed to cross the bridge, I pulled my back getting the griddle from under the rv. We ended up delaying a day. Lots of muscle relaxers and a brace helped so I drove. Had a hard time on the bridge keeping my speed down. t 1/2 way and the right lane was closed for construction and had to force my way over. Fortunately it wasn't windy.
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10-07-2019, 01:57 PM
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#20
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,855
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I LOVE heights![emoji847]
I have to add this bridge as a must-do, when we travel back East.
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2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
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