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Old 04-01-2011, 10:28 AM
 
2 posts, read 6,501 times
Reputation: 10

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OK, first things first...yes I know this is a nutso commute, but sometimes there are no other options, so you don't need to tell me to move to MD (as much as I may want to, that ain't happenin' anytime soon).

I am looking for any key hints, tips, etc. for avoiding the dreaded 66/495 evening rush hour. In the summer I will be riding the Harley into work so that will save some time using HOV on 66, but other than that, I am really just looking for tips from anyone dealing with this horrendous commute. Cut through the city? Dulles Toll road?

Background: I usually leave around 6am to avoid the beginning hassle on 66 around Manssas and Centreville, and may end up leaving even earlier if that helps. The problem is that afternoon commute and the backups that are consistent on 495 and 66. Anybody have another route that may be longer mileage-wise, but gets you home a litle quicker.

I am prepared for the "nope', "no", and "you are crazy" answers.
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Old 04-01-2011, 11:04 AM
 
Location: Chapel Hill, NC, formerly NoVA and Phila
9,777 posts, read 15,786,780 times
Reputation: 10886
Nope. No. You are crazy. There got that off my chest.

Okay, now some ideas. Warning, some of them are really bad but it may get you thinking of something else.
--Did you ever consider the VRE into the city and then Metro?
--How about driving and getting off on River Road and taking it to East/West Hwy to Connecticut. Meh, it's probably worse than the Beltway, but it's different.
--I suppose you can try driving into the city and then heading out. Up Georgia? Connecticut? I really don't know.
--How about going on the south side of the beltway and around the other way? That's probably crazy.

Where exactly in Silver Spring is it? And can you afford a helicopter?
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Old 04-01-2011, 12:13 PM
 
Location: DMV
10,125 posts, read 13,983,093 times
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This is hard, the only thing I can think of is driving to George Washington Parkway towards DC and getting off to get on 66, by then you could hit the HOV on 66 and ride it out to Manassas. The hardest part would be driving from Silver Spring to GW Parkway though. Once you get on the Parkway it stays pretty clear until you get around the Memorial Bridge. My guess in Silver Spring would be to take some side streets just to avoid 495 as long as possible to get you to GW Parkway, but other than that, that's the best I could come up with. I'm with michgc on this one, I think the VRE and metro would be a good option if it is close to your job.
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Old 04-01-2011, 12:37 PM
 
2,879 posts, read 7,778,755 times
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How about the Clifton cut thru?
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Old 04-01-2011, 12:43 PM
 
Location: In the woods
3,315 posts, read 10,090,280 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by michgc View Post
. . --Did you ever consider the VRE into the city and then Metro?
Unless there are some other shortcuts, I would second this suggestion. It would free you from driving period.

However, it would be tempting to ride that Harley on a nice sunny day . . . esp if you can use the HOV lanes.
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Old 04-01-2011, 02:49 PM
 
71 posts, read 204,026 times
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VRE to/from Metro is your best option.

Driving is not a good option.
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Old 04-01-2011, 02:57 PM
 
Location: Afghanistan
158 posts, read 270,315 times
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I live in Manassas. I have a harley too and I found that even with a vehicle alone you should be taking the dulles toll road over to 28. Then take 28 south. You can go straight through Manassas Park or take 66w from there. You in effect cut 3 miles off going straight down 495 to the 66 exit and avoiding that backup onto 66. This is the way I go when I have to go to Bethesda.

Hope this helps.
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Old 04-05-2011, 05:13 AM
 
2 posts, read 6,501 times
Reputation: 10
Very helpful everyone, thank you. I live very close to the VRE station in Bristow, but I hate having to be on the train schedule, and having to drive, park, get on train, get off train, get on Metro, change lines, get off metro, and walk. It is just as long a commute as driving all the way into town. Plus, I will be doing some traveling for this job so I can't take advantage of monthly passes that save a little money.

Looks like the Dulles toll road and 28 might be a good bet to avoid that dreaded 50/123/66 and beltway backup. Thanks!
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Old 04-08-2011, 12:49 PM
 
Location: Kearneysville,WV
92 posts, read 233,255 times
Reputation: 22
Well, my husband commutes from Manassas to Fort Meade everyday and he HATES IT! 66-495 or PWP-95 other than that the VRE in Manassas or you could I guess drive to Vienna metro? Good luck, we are moving to WV so my husband's commute won't be as bad( can't afford NOVA and don't like MD)
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