What's 301 like from Richmond to 50 toward Annapolis? (Lynchburg, Fredericksburg: home, congested)

[starrsealife]

I'll be traveling from North Carolina to Annapolis and see that 301 loosely parallels 95. But I've never been on it so don't know if it is highway driving or a local road with lights and stop and go traffic. I'm thinking about going that way but wanted to get some input from those that know the route. Looks like it's about the same mileage but may take about 45 minutes longer according to google maps.

[spencer114]

301 is great, compared to the alternative...

Not much traffic in VA. Very rural dive, hardly any services. 301 in MD is very congested.

[johnsonkk]

Yep. It splits in some areas to four lanes and even divides in some spots. You pay a toll on the Maryland side but forget which direction pays the toll. There are some occasional lights but it's 55mph most of the way. If it's during rush hours, that's a fair option to take if going to Baltimore.

[starrsealife]

Originally Posted by spencer114

301 is great, compared to the alternative...

Not much traffic in VA. Very rural dive, hardly any services. 301 in MD is very congested.

Any idea how far to 50 once you cross into MD on 301? And is there a better time to travel through than another?

[starrsealife]

Originally Posted by johnsonkk

Yep. It splits in some areas to four lanes and even divides in some spots. You pay a toll on the Maryland side but forget which direction pays the toll. There are some occasional lights but it's 55mph most of the way. If it's during rush hours, that's a fair option to take if going to Baltimore.

Thank you! Very helpful!

[badger74]

I just drove it last week from Fredericksburg up to Annapolis. Stretch to MD line is fine. BUT lots of mid-day stop and go until you hit 50. I ended up coming back on 95 and saved an hour+ as traffic was light. YMMV

[starrsealife]

Originally Posted by badger74

I just drove it last week from Fredericksburg up to Annapolis. Stretch to MD line is fine. BUT lots of mid-day stop and go until you hit 50. I ended up coming back on 95 and saved an hour+ as traffic was light. YMMV

I'm hoping to get up there by early afternoon so hopefully either route will be smooth sailing. I may try 301 as a change of pace from 95.

Just curious......What route did you take back to 95?

[Flamingo13]

Originally Posted by badger74

I just drove it last week from Fredericksburg up to Annapolis. Stretch to MD line is fine. BUT lots of mid-day stop and go until you hit 50. I ended up coming back on 95 and saved an hour+ as traffic was light. YMMV

I did it last yr. in reverse (picked up a family member in Annapolis), driving to New Bern NC - HATED 301!!!! - did it for a while (I know we passed the toll thing, other direction) - I couldn't take it anymore and went over to 95 somewhere... (in Va. but I couldn't say where - I really wanted to like it, more things to see, etc. - but too much traffic, lights, etc. - at least I can make better time on 95.

OP - all along 301 there are signs for 95.

[badger74]

Originally Posted by starrsealife

I'm hoping to get up there by early afternoon so hopefully either route will be smooth sailing. I may try 301 as a change of pace from 95.

Just curious......What route did you take back to 95?

I was coming from Easton, MD so RT 50 to 495 to 95 and then 3 etc to C'ville and 29 S to Lynchburg. Left Easton at 10 am on a Wed. and home by 3 with nice stop for lunch in F Burg.

[slowlane3]

The section of 301 in VA is pleasant, scenic, and relaxing, with only a handful of stoplights.

The 2-mile-long "Harry Nice Bridge" over the Potomac is toll-free going north, but $6 to go south. It has very narrow lanes with no separation or shoulder, and is high, and makes some drivers nervous.

The section through Waldorf and Brandywine, MD, has particularly heavy traffic - but during mid-day, northbound should be O.K. with no problem. From Brandywine up to Baltimore the traffic is not quite as bad, but there are numerous traffic lights.