[sunnsnow]

Northeast down to The Villages. Has anyone used the route that takes you to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in order to avoid the more busy I-95 corridor. I'm sure that this is a longer trip than going I-95 through the D.C. area, but I'm not adverse to a longer trip if it's a more "gentle" journey as well. Thank you.

[villagetinker]

Have not used that route, I like going out to Harrisburg (PA), 15 south, to Frederick (VA), then 270 south to 95, avoids the entire Phila, Baltimore DC area.
Hope this helps.

[ConnieNonnie]

I used to travel that route to get to the Outer Banks from
NY. It's so far off 95, and I think the toll on the bridge,
Tunnel,bridge tunnel is a lot. If you've never driven that
Route before make sure to do so in daylight. Have a safe trip.

[John_W]

I use to live in Baltimore and I once took that route north from Myrtle Beach, and it seem to take forever plus Norfolk has a lot of traffic. Going south when you cross the bay you have to navigate Norfolk and then you're in the middle of nowhere as far as interstates go. The last time I took the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel it was $20.

If it was me, I would go another 5 miles or so on I-95 pass Wilmington and then take US 301 south exit. Stay on that road and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into Annapolis, stay on 50 toward DC and exit south onto 301 toward Upper Marlboro. It's a 4 lane divided road all the way until you cross the Potomac. There is a lot of traffic during rush hour, but I never minded it too much. Once you get past Waldorf there's not much traffic, you'll cross over the Potomac and stay on 301 until you intercept the I-295 Richmond Bypass. Take that south around the east side of Richmond and you'll join I-95 near Petersburg.

Actually the way I would go, but that's because I know the roads. Would be to stay on I-95 all the way to Baltimore. You'll cross I-695 the Baltimore Beltway and in about 8 miles look for I-895, take that road and you'll go through the old Harbor Tunnel, you'll pay a small toll, maybe a dollar, once you exit the tunnel in about 1 mile you exit to the right onto the exit for I-97 Annapolis. Take I-97 about 30 miles and then you'll exit onto Rte 3 Upper Marlboro. It will join US 301 without making any turns. Then just continue like you would have before. Take 301 all the way to Richmond Bypass I-295.

[784caroline]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Have not used that route, I like going out to Harrisburg (PA), 15 south, to Frederick (VA), then 270 south to 95, avoids the entire Phila, Baltimore DC area.
Hope this helps.

270 is no easy trip and you still must travel 495 and connect with 95 in Springfield. Springfield to Fredicksburg VA is the hardest apart of the trip.

We have used the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel...we cut over at Emporia (about 8-10 miles inside the VA border) and head to Norfolk to pick up the Bridge tunnel. Works ok..is longer, toll is expensive but there are a lot of tolls on 95 North of Baltimore, Definitley more pleasant drive and less hassle.

[villagetinker]

Interesting, as I had no trouble with this route, but I am sure it depends on time of day. Thanks for your feedback. From not on if I am going North, I either fly and rent a car, or if I really need my car, Amtrak Autotrain. I hate the 95 drive............

[PennBF]

We have used this route at times to avoid I-95 and found it to be a good way to go. The route is not usually located with traffic, many farms and at times of year farm stands. Not hard to get from Norfolk to I95 when you cross the bridge. It may take a trifle bit longer but is worth it to avoid I-95.

[JoMar]

Like Village Tinker, when I was going home I would also take 15 if I was using 95, which was not often. I enjoy more scenic routes so every other year I would take the bay bridge, stop at the rest stops on the route and enjoy watching the water and the ships. You also need to understand that I always take the scenic route, FL to PA was always a 4 - 5 day ride. My wife always went by air......

[sunnsnow]

Originally Posted by sunnsnow

Northeast down to The Villages. Has anyone used the route that takes you to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in order to avoid the more busy I-95 corridor. I'm sure that this is a longer trip than going I-95 through the D.C. area, but I'm not adverse to a longer trip if it's a more "gentle" journey as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Everyone, for your kind reply to my inquiry. I enjoy a leisurely, less hectic, drive. It's something to consider and again THANK YOU.

[outahere]

I've done the trip across the bay bridge/tunnel several times and the only complaint I had was that it seems to take FOREVER to get down Route 13, and there were usually a lot of speed traps when going through all the small towns on that road. It's not a bad ride, but does seem long.

[Trayderjoe]

Originally Posted by outahere

I've done the trip across the bay bridge/tunnel several times and the only complaint I had was that it seems to take FOREVER to get down Route 13, and there were usually a lot of speed traps when going through all the small towns on that road. It's not a bad ride, but does seem long.

We have also done the route a couple of times, BUT, I would highly advise that you make a "pit stop" BEFORE you get on the bridge. There is a rest area about halfway or so on the bridge, but if you are unfortunate enough to get stuck by an accident, you could be sitting there a while as there isn't really any room to get around an accident and you aren't going to be able to turn around. You know what they say, "plan for the worst and hope for the best".

[KayakerNC]

Originally Posted by Trayderjoe

We have also done the route a couple of times, BUT, I would highly advise that you make a "pit stop" BEFORE you get on the bridge. There is a rest area about halfway or so on the bridge, but if you are unfortunate enough to get stuck by an accident, you could be sitting there a while as there isn't really any room to get around an accident and you aren't going to be able to turn around. You know what they say, "plan for the worst and hope for the best".

And NEVER watch the movie "Daylight" before you go that route.

[Bay Kid]

The great part about this route is you get to see the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!

[patfla06]

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge has beautiful views but I
thought is was pretty scary to drive on.

[John_W]

Originally Posted by patfla06

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge has beautiful views but I thought is was pretty scary to drive on.

The first time I took it was in 1974. I was working in St. Petersburg and decided to take vacation in Ocean City, MD. As a 19 year old I had worked the summer of 1969 for my cousin, he owned the first sub shop in Ocean City, MD. Now five years later I had finished a tour of duty in the Army and was working for the FAA. I drove straight through and got on the bridge/tunnel sometime in the middle of the night. I remember a couple of times seeing attendants in uniform on catwalks along the tunnel. I thought that was strange because it seemed like I was the only car. I didn't know what to expect, I just remember it felt like a long time to get to the other end. I'm pretty sure the toll then was $20 and it's gone down, I believe it's only $13 now.