Commute from Darnestown to NIH (Bethesda, Potomac: home, schools, live)

[MaBo]

Hi all,


I will relocate to MD and will work at the NIH main campus in Bethesda. Does anyone commute from Darnestown? How long does it take on average? I visited the area this long weekend and the traffic was very light but - I have been told - not even remotely comparable to "normal" times. What is the most efficient route? Is MD-190 a reasonable/quicker alternative to I-270?



Thanks!


MaBo

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by MaBo

I will relocate to MD and will work at the NIH main campus in Bethesda.

Ever hear of google maps? LINK

[DaveinMtAiry]

It's really hard to say as COVID has reduced traffic dramatically, it will be interesting to see what the future traffic will be like once this is over as many companies and organizations are talking about making work at home permanent.

I don't know that entire commute but I do know the route would probably be 28 to 270 and that interchange is backed up pretty well in a normal rush hour, then 270 crawls until you get to Bethesda. If I were to guess maybe 40 minutes. But Darnestown is a great area and Bethesda is really expensive so I think it will work if 40 minutes is not too much for you.

[personone]

Assuming somewhat normal traffic (likely the end of this year/early next year assuming a vaccine), Darnestown is a perfectly suitable and probably average commute. It is likely about 30 mins to NIH, give or take. During rush hour when things get back to normal, it could be longer. The tricky thing about being on NIH campus is that there is a backlog of cars trying to get out during rush hour, so you can spend 15-20 mins in the general vicinity trying to exit the NIH campus. This won't be an issue now, but when things get back to normal it likely will be.

[macroy]

You'll have a few options and it will be up to you to determine what works best based on your exact location.
The obvious is 28->270->495->Wisconson. But that is also probably the most congested at the worst times.

You can also cut through West Bethesda, Potomac, etc.

I lived in Potomac (about 15 years ago) by Travilla/Glen Rd and would cut through Potomac via Tuckerman, Bells Mill, Seven Locks, Democracy, Fernwood, River, etc.

I had a main route and a few alternates depending on the weather or time I left. And that matters - the big factor with avoiding the interstate is the school buses. Not an issue now due to Covid... but it will down the road. You'll get to know the where the big school bus stops are as well as the schools and their schedule. Or... just leave by 5:45-6am and avoid all that.

As for River Road - all the major intersections will be crowded at the right times (Falls, Seven Locks, etc.). Especially if you are coming onto River from another road (e.g Piney Meetinghouse can be backed up almost to Glen). You also have a few schools that generate traffic at the right time (Holton-Arms, Whitman, etc.).