Community Forums

Travel8 · 09-21-2021, 10:00 AM

Hello, I will be traveling on I-95 passing through Baltimore. I have never done this trip. I'm in a diesel motorhome with a tow. I'm not familiar with Baltimore. I want to avoid any Baltimore tunnels.

Which is the recommended way to travel through Baltimore in a motorhome?

Thanks.

MRUSA14 · 09-21-2021, 10:04 AM

Take I-695 around the east side of Baltimore. Good road and traffic is not too bad. No tunnels.

R.Wold · 09-21-2021, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

Take I-695 around the east side of Baltimore. Good road and traffic is not too bad. No tunnels.

Agreed - the thing to avoid in Baltimore, is Baltimore! Just like Richmond, DC, Philadelphia, NYC, and Boston. Take the loop, beltway, ring, whatever and save yourself some traffic and construction misery.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 09-21-2021, 12:08 PM

Travel8-

Like others, I prefer 695 ("the beltway") east, across the Key Bridge... unless the wind or the rain are strong, or both. In those cases, I have taken 695 west around Baltimore. That direction usually has a lot more traffic.

You also have the choice of leaving I-95 North at Washington D.C., and make your way east on the 495 "beltway" to 301/50 east. You'll cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge near Annapolis. The drive on the Eastern Shore through rural MD and DE is wonderfully boring, compared with I-95.

Toby Dog · 09-23-2021, 05:03 AM

If you decide to go that way 301 and 50 split some distance past the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Stay left at that point to stay on 301 north. There is plenty of signage warning you in time to move left.

sibe · 09-23-2021, 05:07 AM

where or you comin from to Baltimore... maybe avoid 95.. ?? or use 695...

2cyber71 · 09-26-2021, 03:51 PM

695 is the way to go.
I take it when we camp at Cherry Hill near DC

Laxbuffalo · 01-06-2022, 05:22 PM

Hi All, first post on this forum. I’ll be traveling south on I95 from New Jersey to Florida. Really hate going though Baltimore and Washington while towing a 27 foot trailer. Done it several times and am looking for a route to by pass I95 in Baltimore and DC. What I’m thinking is going East on I695 over the Key Bridge to I97 south to Route 3 CRAIN HWY to Route 301 south crossing the Potomac River on the Governor Nice Bridge and picking up I95 south os Bowling Green. Is this a safe RV drive that has no low overpasses ? Leaving next Wednesday Jan 12th.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 01-06-2022, 05:35 PM

Laxbuffalo-

Welcome to iRV2!

I have gone that route several times. It is more relaxing than the beltway around D.C. The Virginia side is a pleasant drive to Ruther Glen, VA, where you rejoin I-95.

Things to note:

1) There's a fair amount of stop-and-go traffic between Baltimore and the Potomac River
2) The "Nice" bridge has a single 11-foot-wide lane in each direction, with Jersey barriers on the edges of the bridge, and a 50 mph speed limit. I have found it nerve-racking.
3) Stay right as you approach the toll booths on the Maryland side of the bridge, going south. I found the left-hand toll booth very narrow.
4) The VA side of route 301 is two lanes in each direction, but has few or no paved shoulders.
5) My coach is 12.5 feet high and has not had a clearance problem along the route you plan to take.

**NLOVNIT** · 01-06-2022, 05:50 PM

Obviously, you'll have to watch the weather this time of year, as evidenced by what happened just a couple days ago.....

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/l...ginia/2926464/

Laxbuffalo · 01-06-2022, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

Laxbuffalo-

Welcome to iRV2!

I have gone that route several times. It is more relaxing than the beltway around D.C. The Virginia side is a pleasant drive to Ruther Glen, VA, where you rejoin I-95.

Things to note:

1) There's a fair amount of stop-and-go traffic between Baltimore and the Potomac River
2) The "Nice" bridge has a single 11-foot-wide lane in each direction, with Jersey barriers on the edges of the bridge, and a 50 mph speed limit. I have found it nerve-racking.
3) Stay right as you approach the toll booths on the Maryland side of the bridge, going south. I found the left-hand toll booth very narrow.
4) The VA side of route 301 is two lanes in each direction, but has few or no paved shoulders.
5) My coach is 12.5 feet high and has not had a clearance problem along the route you plan to take.

Also I was wondering if the I295 by pass Richmond VA is a better route than staying on I95 ?Thanks Mark

l1v3fr33ord1 · 01-06-2022, 06:49 PM

Laxbuffalo-

I almost made a note on I-295 around Richmond, but didn't, as you had said you'd "done that route several times." Anyway, I prefer I-295. It's longer, and some stretches are a bit rough, but generally fewer cars and trucks, and three lanes or so to spread the traffic over.

There's a Cracker Barrel in Ashland, VA that makes a convenient stop for a bite and stretch. It's north of Richmond and the I-95/I-295 split.

Busskipper · 01-07-2022, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travel8

Hello, I will be traveling on I-95 passing through Baltimore. I have never done this trip. I'm in a diesel motorhome with a tow. I'm not familiar with Baltimore. I want to avoid any Baltimore tunnels.

Which is the recommended way to travel through Baltimore in a motorhome?

Thanks.

Not sure about you,, but we have found the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Rt 50/301 to Rt 301 to Rt 896 to Rt 1 to DMB or Philly - Just in reverse coming from the north - no toll going south on the Bay Bridge, will get you to Christianna Mall exit.

Easier - relaxing drive - avoids the TRAFFIC IN BALTIMORE BELTWAY! - just plan smart, (JMHO)

Best of Luck