Commute from silver spring (Columbia, Woodlawn: construction, living in, commuting to)

[ktramo17]

I work in Columbia, and will be living in Silver Spring. Does anyone know the average commute time around 7:30am from Silver Spring to Columbia area via route 29N. I have a feeling traveling 29N is better than 495 to 95. Has anyone every traveled on 29N in the AM????

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by ktramo17

Has anyone every traveled on 29N in the AM????

Sure, I used to travel from Kemp Mill to Woodlawn every day. I can't give you an average time, but traffic moves. There was usually no problem travelling at the speed limit. I didn't see any need to use I-95 instead of 29.

[Samoi137]

Haven't lived in the area for a while, but my recollection is that this would be a reverse commute so you would not be going the same direction as most people, who would more likely be commuting towards DC. Of course, much depends on exactly where in Silver Spring you will live, since it's a very large chunk of Montgomery County. I lived in two places there-- near downtown, and out in the Arden Hills section-- and the drive time to Columbia (and even the best route) would have been different for each. I'd be surprised if it took an hour, even from downtown, but could be surprised. I'd investigate alternte routes just for the odd occasion when there's an accident or construction on 29.

[ktramo17]

thanks. I am basically right near the town center, where the ice skating rink is. I am going to be leaving for work around 7:30 in the morning. aside from accidents (can happen anywhere at anytime), I was wondering what it is going to be like going northbound on 29 in the morning. It seems like 495 to 95 is a bit to crazy and it makes more sense to stay on 29N since traffic is less hectic.

[Phyxius]

I've drove that way a couple of times in the morning. In both times I've used 29, most of the traffic is heading in the opposite direction towards Silver Spring while traffic is light heading north. Since your destination is Columbia, I-95 should be used as an alternate.