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Old 11-22-2009, 03:15 PM
 
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I'll probably be leaving the Springfield area around 12PM on Tuesday with the ultimate destination being Charlottesville. When I'm coming out of Tysons, I usually take 66 to 29 all the way to Charlottesville. Since I'll already be down around Springfield, I figured I'd go down 95 and cut over at Fredericksburg. Anyone have an idea of what the Thanksgiving traffic may be like on Tuesday around that time? Anyone have any idea based off of past experiences? I can look at normal traffic trends on google maps for given times of day/week, but I can isolate a specific day in history which would allow me to look at traffic on that day in previous years.

Thanks!
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Old 11-22-2009, 03:22 PM
 
Location: Huntersville/Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jesco White View Post
I'll probably be leaving the Springfield area around 12PM on Tuesday with the ultimate destination being Charlottesville. When I'm coming out of Tysons, I usually take 66 to 29 all the way to Charlottesville. Since I'll already be down around Springfield, I figured I'd go down 95 and cut over at Fredericksburg. Anyone have an idea of what the Thanksgiving traffic may be like on Tuesday around that time? Anyone have any idea based off of past experiences? I can look at normal traffic trends on google maps for given times of day/week, but I can isolate a specific day in history which would allow me to look at traffic on that day in previous years.

Thanks!
I would like to bet that it won't be great. I got on 95 South during a pre-holiday rush (Independence Day) at 9:30 am. The second I hit the mixing bowl, gridlock. It took me 20 minutes to go from the mixing bowl to exit 166 (not even two exits) and got to work late.

All bets are off when you are talking holiday rushes. I'm even scared for my afternoon commute coming fron Ballston to West End Alexandria (I end up briefly on 395 S most days.)
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Old 11-22-2009, 04:30 PM
 
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I guess I'll just suck it up and take my chances. It could be horrible on 66 too for all I know.
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Old 11-22-2009, 04:35 PM
 
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I posted this on another thread but what I've noticed over the last couple of years is that Tuesday has become the "getaway" day. It used to be Wednesday. It would be horrible getting home from work on Wednesday. Now, Tuesday is a bear and Wednesday is like a ghost town.

One word of warning on Tuesday, don't try to leave a minute before noon or 1 p.m. If you get on 95 south before the HOV lanes switch over to go southbound, you will be in trouble. The trick is to get on them shortly after they open for the afternoon. You will at least have smooth sailing to Dumfries.
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Old 11-22-2009, 05:51 PM
 
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Do they switch every day at noon? Also.. are there multiple entry points onto them, or is it just at the top of 95 and where they stop 20 miles south? I'm a few miles south of the interchange, just wondering if it's worth it to drive back to the interchange, turn around and get in the HOV's if that's my only option.
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Old 11-22-2009, 07:18 PM
 
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If we only had HOT Lanes on I-95! You would be out of the area in 15 minutes. Would recommend avoiding 95. Will be terrible.
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Old 11-22-2009, 07:23 PM
 
Location: Chapel Hill, NC, formerly NoVA and Phila
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I agree with Christine. Tuesday seems to have been worse than Wednesdays in recent years. I'd say look at the traffic right before you leave and then decide your route.
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Old 11-22-2009, 07:52 PM
 
Location: Suburbia
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Originally Posted by michgc View Post
I agree with Christine. Tuesday seems to have been worse than Wednesdays in recent years. I'd say look at the traffic right before you leave and then decide your route.
Really? Most schools don't get out until Wed. afternoon. I would think that would be the worst time with a rush to leave.
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Old 11-22-2009, 08:12 PM
 
Location: Chapel Hill, NC, formerly NoVA and Phila
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Originally Posted by tgbwc View Post
Really? Most schools don't get out until Wed. afternoon. I would think that would be the worst time with a rush to leave.
Wednesdays were alway AWFUL! But then I think people started to want to beat the rush so they left on Tuesday - perhaps took their kids out of school or don't have kids - not sure. But I know Tuesdays in recent years have been bad for Thanksgiving traffic. Wednesday is no picnic either but Tuesday does not "beat the rush" anymore. We like to leave Thursday early in the morning but we head north so I'm not sure about the southern traffic patterns.
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Old 11-23-2009, 03:09 AM
 
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Kids pull their kids out early. It is already starting as several students will be out beginning Monday! If you have to drive, leave early because it is usually backed up by mid-day. Can you leave on Thanksgiving day? We have found traffic to be very light on that day!
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