Rockville to Centreville commute (Silver Spring: construction, moving, top)

[cduser01]

Hi,
I am looking for info on traffic conditions from Rockville (exit 8) to Centerville. Starting at what time would minimize my commute (both in the morning and evening while returning)?

Thanks.

[Iggier]

Shady Grove Rd. (270 exit 8) in Maryland to Centreville, VA is a commute in excess of 30 miles. Even on a good day with light traffic (never happens unless its a holiday), it'll take an hour. On a standard day, fuhgeddaboudit. The most direct route is 270 South to 495 South to 66 West, highways that are chronically congested and crawling beyond belief throughout the day, never mind during morning and afternoon rush. It'll take you hours. Throw in some rain or snow, and a three or four hour drive wouldn't be out of the question. If moving closer to Centreville is an option, I'd highly recommend it.

[cduser01]

Thanks. Moving might not be an option right away. Any suggestions on the timing where I could skip the heavy traffic. 1hr is not too bad, but I would rather avoid if I can start early and return early.

Thanks.

[superseiyan]

Originally Posted by Iggier

Shady Grove Rd. (270 exit 8) in Maryland to Centreville, VA is a commute in excess of 30 miles. Even on a good day with light traffic (never happens unless its a holiday), it'll take an hour. On a standard day, fuhgeddaboudit. The most direct route is 270 South to 495 South to 66 West, highways that are chronically congested and crawling beyond belief throughout the day, never mind during morning and afternoon rush. It'll take you hours. Throw in some rain or snow, and a three or four hour drive wouldn't be out of the question. If moving closer to Centreville is an option, I'd highly recommend it.

I'll second this. Basically 270s is your only option. Each of the three are pretty bad, and on top of that there will be two bottlenecks--495/270 merge and 495/66 exit (this one backs up A LOT). Unless you're leaving at 5 maybe 6 assume 1.5 hour commute either way.

I don't know about morning, but as far as afternoon I was once doing temporary work and I had to return from Reston to Silver Spring. That's a shorter commute, and it took over an hour even if I left at 4:00pm.

Rush hour starts just before 4:00 pm these days I'd say. Perhaps starting and ending late might be better if reducing time in traffic is the biggest priority i.e. 10-6?

[dkf747]

270 can be jammed as late as 11 am, but generally by 10, or a bit after 10, it should be okay. There are back roads to the AL bridge (another bottleneck not mentioned yet) which work during the worst of times. 495 is a mess due to HOT lanes construction, but if you get there after 10 it should be fine. Same with 66.