Beltway Eastbound AM traffic? (Silver Spring, Bethesda: home, construction, university)

[al489]

Hi all,

I'm relatively new to the DC area and just recently moved to Bethesda- I live very close to the 495 entrance. I work in Laurel, MD and am wondering how bad traffic will be in the morning. I've done the trip in about 25-30 min without traffic. I generally leave around 6/6:30 am. From what I've read, this is generally a reverse commute. I would appreciate any input!

[rsh56]

I've driven to College Park a couple of times in the AM and it is indeed a reverse commute. However, expect a small slowdown past the exits of University blvd for a couple of reasons:

- There is a speed trap by the construction zone on both sides of the beltway before you enter the bridge.

- There are 4 lanes on both sides of the bridge (which are open) but the area between the 3rd and 4th lanes are under construction as it is going through maintenance and possible expansion.

Mainly drivers are a little clueless to these things but compared to the other direction, commuting will not be a problem.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by rsh56

I've driven to College Park a couple of times in the AM and it is indeed a reverse commute. However, expect a small slowdown past the exits of University blvd for a couple of reasons:

- There is a speed trap by the construction zone on both sides of the beltway before you enter the bridge.

- There are 4 lanes on both sides of the bridge (which are open) but the area between the 3rd and 4th lanes are under construction as it is going through maintenance and possible expansion.

Mainly drivers are a little clueless to these things but compared to the other direction, commuting will not be a problem.

Yea, good reply. Not a bad commute unless there is a crash. The other way (college park to bethesda AM is TERRIBLE).

[carroll4628]

I spent the last week doing the commute from Mt. Pleasant (Irving and 16th) to MD100 (Hanover area). I left between 7:30 and 8:30a. It took 15-20 minutes just to get to 495 (I went through Silver Spring once and it was slow going), then another 30 minutes once on the beltway. Leaving MD100/495 at 5p, it took about 45-60 min each day to get back. The other side of the beltway looks like a parking lot (but probably because I'm speeding along at 50/60 mph). Going north on 95 is a breeze (70+ mph), it just takes some time. It's not a bad commute as the traffic flows.

[SolarDub]

I commute clockwise around 495 and it's not too bad.
I genuinely feel sorry for those going the other way.

[smitity]

It will probable be a bit slower than you are used to just due to extra volume, but not as bad as the other direction. Give yourself at least an hour, you'll probably get there faster (especially if you leave 6-6:30), but its better to allow more time.

I have noticed that there can be some slow spots heading towards Bethesda on 495 during the evening commute, so keep that in mind when you're going home too. Also, in general, never be surprised if there's an accident or something that holds up traffic. With so many cars its going to happen, so no sense getting angry about it and driving extra-stupid like many tend to do.