Lpk

I am driving from NJ to OUter banks
Checked with Map quest and they suggest getting off 95 in MD and going down the coast.
Sounds pretty but looking to make some time
would we be better to go 95 to the Norfolk area ?

Callaloo

Having driven both routes (and I assume you are referring to going via 301/3/13), I would say it's a toss-up, and really depends on the time of day you're traveling.

A portion of the I-95/I-64 route takes you on the Capitol Beltway -- if you catch the Wilson Bridge as it opens (it's a drawbridge which is being replaced), you'll be delayed there. Then, there is messy construction in the "Mixing Bowl" area of the northern Virginia suburbs. And, the last time we drove the route, there was road construction on I-64 between Williamsburg and Norfolk.

(We happened to leave our home in MD at 4 a.m., so we missed all of the traffic and arrived in Nags Head by 9 a.m. Although this was too early to get into our rental house, we used the time to complete our obligatory outlet shopping, have lunch at Quagmire's, and then meet the rest of our party at the house we'd rented -- they'd managed to get us in early -- for some quality beach time.)

On the return, we took the slow route. Many of the highways along the way here are narrow 2-lane roads, so you won't be speeding along (though it's pleasant enough). And once you get closer to "civilization" -- particularly the Rte. 3/301 area starting just north of the Potomac River bridge in Maryland, it's serious suburban sprawl, with lots of traffic lights.

Bottom line: it's a function of day of the week and time of day, with the crap shoot of what the traffic may be like on any given day.

Lpk

Thanks so much
Will look to avoid the traffic may just take our time ( what a novel idea) and stop over in MD.
Any suggestions?

rkkwan

I think the "coast" route means DE1 to US13 down the Delmarva Peninsula. In fact, from southern Jersey, one can even take Cape May-Dewey ferry.

US13 is divided highway, but not freeway, so speed is definitely lower; but it's night-and-day compared to I-95 in terms of traffic. I'd take US13 anytime to avoid traffic on I-95 even if it's a little slower.

You also get to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel, which I think is an amazing structure.

goldsph

I am attempting to take this same, US13 down the coast route, from Southern New Jersey to Salisbury Maryland on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. If the traffic really bad during this time period?

justme22

did obx from mid jersey and used route 13 and it was about 6 hours to nags head, did this in sept. just after labor day. in season i would expect a longer trip but i Hate 95.

i travel a lot to dc, and to avoid 95, i use njtp to 1 in del. to middletown exit and go over to md 301 which heads towards annapolis, then take 301/50 back to outer loop, this connects to 95 and avoids some of 95. but you only use this if you take the 95 route to 64 and on to obx.