Baltimore - 695 East. (Frederick, Towson, Annapolis: construction, trailer, propane)

[sparky32]

I'm coming up from NC through MD to get on the NJT.

I've always taken the McHenry tunnel and stayed on I-95.

But this trip I have to go around the tunnels due to exposed propane tanks on my trailer.

Anyone have a suggestion as to whether to take 695 East over the Key bridge, or go west. East looks shorter. Is there a toll on the bridge?

After going around the Washington Beltway (east), Is the Baltimore Washington Parkway the best route for hooking up to 695 E and is it okay for traveling pulling a trailer.

thanks for any help.

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

You will pay a $2 toll to use the Key Bridge. No idea about trailers on the parkway, I know trucks are prohibited.

[P47P47]

I think you can pull your trailer up the Parkway, but I find the Parkway to usually be a pain in the nether region, particularly just south of 695 where they're doing construction, and take I-95 between D.C. and Baltimore.

The southern side of 695 has less traffic than the north side, so I recommend the Key Bridge. Not sure of toll with trailer.

If you're going that way at breakfast or lunch time, take Exit 1 to Hawkins Point Road, turn left at the end of the ramp, and have a nice meal at Cookie's City Line Diner. Easy to get back on the Beltway.

[ReefAreCoolToo]

Take the FSK bridge instead really..going around I695 wB is a ***** during rush hours...around I-70/695 and towards Towson..sucks...pay the $2, you be glad !

[GoPhils]

695 East is probably shorter and has been mentioned, has less traffic but has a toll. If you're going on the weekend though, 695 West shouldn't be too bad. I also agree with Glom in that IMO 95 is usually easier than 295 between Baltimore and Washington.

Also, depending on what part of NC you're coming from and NJ you're going to, you may also be able to take I-81 and avoid Balt/Wash altogether.

[CHIP72]

Originally Posted by GoPhils

695 East is probably shorter and has been mentioned, has less traffic but has a toll. If you're going on the weekend though, 695 West shouldn't be too bad. I also agree with Glom in that IMO 95 is usually easier than 295 between Baltimore and Washington.

Also, depending on what part of NC you're coming from and NJ you're going to, you may also be able to take I-81 and avoid Balt/Wash altogether.

It's also possible the OP may be able to use US 301 from near Fredericksburg, VA up to I-97 near Annapolis, or even possibly use the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (US 13) near the Hampton Roads area and drive up through Delmarva to the Wilmington, DE area to connect with the NJ Turnpike.

[GoPhils]

Originally Posted by CHIP72

It's also possible the OP may be able to use US 301 from near Fredericksburg, VA up to I-97 near Annapolis, or even possibly use the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (US 13) near the Hampton Roads area and drive up through Delmarva to the Wilmington, DE area to connect with the NJ Turnpike.

That's true, but he'd still need to pick a way to get around the tunnels through Baltimore. Can you have propane tanks on the CBBT?

[CHIP72]

Originally Posted by GoPhils

That's true, but he'd still need to pick a way to get around the tunnels through Baltimore. Can you have propane tanks on the CBBT?

Yeah, the CBBT may not work because of the propane. (Ironically, most of the CBBT is bridge; only a small portion is tunnel.)

Using US 301 to US 50 and I-97 would actually be more convenient for using I-695; you'd be further east when you got to I-695 on I-97 than you'd be on I-95 or the B-W Parkway (MD 295). The flip side is US 301 can get pretty congested itself, though even with the traffic signals it may not be as bad as I-95 between Fredericksburg and the DC Beltway.

[sparky32]

Hi, all went well, I went over the BW parkway and the key bridge with no troubles towing the trailer. The Parkway was a nice break from the major highways, although it was a little congested in certain spots. Went through just before 4 pm. An easy drive though, and getting back on I-95 was a piece a cake! Thanks to all for your input!