I-95 Alternatives? (Richmond, Manassas, Springfield: map, summer, drive)

[Doppelganger69]

I just read Melbourne Fam's question and am a little worried about the answers, specifically those that pretty much warn that I-95 will be a nightmare on the Friday before Memorial Day. We're planning to go from Vienna to Williamsburg that afternoon; is there any alternative to I-95? I know that once I hit Fredericksburg or thereabouts, I can take US-17, but I'm going to guess that there will be a whole lot of misery before I get there.

In the alternative, would there be any merit in making the drive on Saturday morning rather than Friday afternoon?

Thanks, all!

[springfieldva]

The only thing I can really suggest, is to try hitting 95 at Occoquan (instead of earlier) and getting off as soon as you can if the back ups are really bad (17 would be good).

Try leaving as early on Friday afternoon as you can - before 2:00 if possible. And just plan on it taking a while.

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger69

I just read Melbourne Fam's question and am a little worried about the answers, specifically those that pretty much warn that I-95 will be a nightmare on the Friday before Memorial Day. We're planning to go from Vienna to Williamsburg that afternoon; is there any alternative to I-95? I know that once I hit Fredericksburg or thereabouts, I can take US-17, but I'm going to guess that there will be a whole lot of misery before I get there.

In the alternative, would there be any merit in making the drive on Saturday morning rather than Friday afternoon?

Thanks, all!

I've heard suggestions of taking Rt. 301 S to Richmond and then hooking up with 95 but that probably wont help coming from Vienna. I would defintely consider leaving Sat Morning or better yet Friday morning (if at all possible.)

[Doppelganger69]

Thanks for the feedback so far . . . especially for hitting 95 at Occoquan. It looks easy to take 123 south to there. From Occoquan to Fredericksburg, I see a US-1 on the map that seems to parallel 95. Does anyone have any experience with that road? Also, does anyone know where HOV starts and ends? We'll have 3 in the car, so we could use it.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger69

Thanks for the feedback so far . . . especially for hitting 95 at Occoquan. It looks easy to take 123 south to there. From Occoquan to Fredericksburg, I see a US-1 on the map that seems to parallel 95. Does anyone have any experience with that road? Also, does anyone know where HOV starts and ends? We'll have 3 in the car, so we could use it.

HOV ends just past the route 234 (Dumfries/Manassas Exit 152) exit. The bad thing is you can't access the HOV lanes if you get on 95 south at 123. There is no access point south of there. Perhaps you could get on the HOV in Springfield from the FFX Parkway?

[Bigfoot424]

It will add on a number of miles but you'll unlikely hit the traffic like I 95. Take the PW Parkway to Manassas and take RT 28 South. Do this before 4PM or you'll start hitting some traffic for RT 28.
Take 28 to its end and take 29 towards Culpeper.
Take the RT 522 exit at Culpeper south all the way to I-64. Then take 64 into Richmond. Longer route but more scenic and less traffic.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger69

Thanks for the feedback so far . . . especially for hitting 95 at Occoquan. It looks easy to take 123 south to there. From Occoquan to Fredericksburg, I see a US-1 on the map that seems to parallel 95. Does anyone have any experience with that road? Also, does anyone know where HOV starts and ends? We'll have 3 in the car, so we could use it.

Don't get on Rt. 1--it will be a nightmare also. Everyone has the same idea. My vote is to leave SUPER early on Saturday morning (like 5 AM). People just cannot get out early.

[Mike From NIU]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

Don't get on Rt. 1--it will be a nightmare also. Everyone has the same idea. My vote is to leave SUPER early on Saturday morning (like 5 AM). People just cannot get out early.

Super-early is right. By the time early rolls around (ie, 7am), traffic will be horrendous. It was bad on an ordinary Saturday morning last summer; I can't imagine Memorial Day weekend. If you aren't on the road by 6am, just stay home; you'll spend half the weekend in I95 traffic.

[springfieldva]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

It will add on a number of miles but you'll unlikely hit the traffic like I 95. Take the PW Parkway to Manassas and take RT 28 South. Do this before 4PM or you'll start hitting some traffic for RT 28.
Take 28 to its end and take 29 towards Culpeper.
Take the RT 522 exit at Culpeper south all the way to I-64. Then take 64 into Richmond. Longer route but more scenic and less traffic.

I'd take "longer and scenic" over the insanity on 95 any day. I may have to try this next time .

[michgc]

I agree with everyone. We take Route 123 and pick up I-95 at Occoquan almost all of the time we are leaving Vienna to go South. But then we can't get on the HOV lane which stinks. Leaving super early on Saturday morning is probably a better bet.