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TIME2CAMP · 10-01-2019, 06:50 AM

I did research the history but have some questions still. We are planning a trip south in March and after driving 95 thru Baltimore and DC want very much to find an alternate route. Looks like there are 2, 81 to 66 to 17 or 301 to 495. But both have issues. we are pulling a small 19 foot trailer but carrying a load on the truck, bikes and kayaks. Well within limits but still a lot of weight.

81-66-17, how is the road condition on 81 and how hilly is the total route?

301-495, How is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with a trailer? I have driven it in a car and if my memory is good it was not too much fun. But this route seems shorter and the terrain is most likely flatter.

Thanks, this forum has been great.

Sue46 · 10-01-2019, 07:14 AM

We lived in Williamsburg, VA and went to NJ frequently.

From Philly I would get to 295 in NJ, then 301 after the Deleware Memorial Bridge. As you approach Richmond you can take 295 around Richmond to 95. This is also a nice drive once on 301.

If I recall rightly you may encountr sme traffic around St. Charles(?) for a few miles.

Wild Card · 10-01-2019, 01:11 PM

avoid 95 from you to S of Richmond at all costs. Travel the area lots

Come down the eastern seaboard down Rt 1 to 13 in Dover across the Ches Bay B &T. Once in Va Beach Chesapeake area take 17 S. to Elizabeth City Nc. Follow thru Elizabeth city about 1.5 hrs to a Town called Williamston NC. Take 64 W from there to 95 in Rocky Mount NC. 95 South from here Rocky Mount NC is not bad. Might catch a wreck. Unlike that 8 lane parking lot from Fredericksburg to Baltimore.

Another route is 695 around Baltimore, 97 S to Rt50 East to 301, 301 S to 17. Once in Yorktown get off 17 at Ft. Eustis and take 64 to Chesapeake, then follow the above from 17 S in Chesapeake. Personally I would skip any and all traffic and just come down 13 across the CBB&T, easy roads and no turns and definitely no traffic.

You can follow 17 all the way through Willmington NC, Myrtle Beach SC and Charleston SC and it will bring you out noth of Savahna Ga. Nice 4 lane most but lots of towns and stop and go. I would go that route if time is of no problem.

The only issue with the CBB&T on 13 is wind restrictions. if the wind gets up they shut it down for all but cars. March is the time of year that you may get shut down. just watch the weather you can even call them for advisory ahead of time.