rush hour traffic question

sk8enscars

New Member
I already think I know the answer to this but I'm experimenting with Friday departure times from Leonardtown. I have to drive up past Harrisburg, PA and am trying to figure out the best time to leave with the least number of hang-ups. I know I'm pretty much screwed either way. The day I left at 11am, it was beautiful. I go up 5, then get on 301, 50, 97 and then the west side of the 695 until 83. The day I left at 2pm I was stuck going 10 mph for about 90 minutes. Today I am leaving at 4:15. Any guesses? Will it be worse? I guess I'm mostly referring to Baltimore's peak rush hour time. Thanks!
 
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Justme2

Member
I already think I know the answer to this but I'm experimenting with Friday departure times from Leonardtown. I have to drive up past Harrisburg, PA and am trying to figure out the best time to leave with the least number of hang-ups. I know I'm pretty much screwed either way. The day I left at 11am, it was beautiful. I go up 5, then get on 301, 50, 97 and then the west side of the 695 until 83. The day I left at 2pm I was stuck going 10 mph for about 90 minutes. Today I am leaving at 4:15. Any guesses? Will it be worse? I guess I'm mostly referring to Baltimore's peak rush hour time. Thanks!

If you are leaving here @415 PM Rush hour Baltimore is not going to be the problem unless something major crashes.

Rush Hour going up 301 @ 5PM is going to be the problem
 
R

retiredweaxman

Guest
To avoid 301...Take Route 4, to Rt.2 to 97

I was going to recommend the same route. From 97, take 100W then route 27...that will hook up with I-70 in Ellicott City. Avoids all the B'more rush hour though Ellicott City can be a bit hairy at times.

Used to take me 6 hours 10 mins or so to get from Pax to Pittsburgh...avoids the beltways around DC and B'more/ For me, it was worth an extra 15 minutes in the car to avoid those HUGE hassles.
 

bcp

In My Opinion
take 4 to 2 then left on Birdsville Rd (424)
take 50 east and then the right exit to 97.
at 5:30pm on a friday 97 will still be moving but should not be stop and go unless an accident.
Once you get on 695 heading toward 70 you should be going the opposit flow of traffic until you get almost to the Charles St Exit in the Townsend area.
If you go the opposit direction on the beltway (695) the tunnels could still be an issue at that hour.
 

awpitt

Main Streeter
take 4 to 2 then left on Birdsville Rd (424)
take 50 east and then the right exit to 97
.
at 5:30pm on a friday 97 will still be moving but should not be stop and go unless an accident.
Once you get on 695 heading toward 70 you should be going the opposit flow of traffic until you get almost to the Charles St Exit in the Townsend area.
If you go the opposit direction on the beltway (695) the tunnels could still be an issue at that hour.

That's the best bet. Taking Birdsville Rd allows you to miss the congestion going in toward Annapolis.
 

dontknowwhy

New Member
take 4 to 2 then left on Birdsville Rd (424)
take 50 east and then the right exit to 97.
at 5:30pm on a friday 97 will still be moving but should not be stop and go unless an accident.
Once you get on 695 heading toward 70 you should be going the opposit flow of traffic until you get almost to the Charles St Exit in the Townsend area.
If you go the opposit direction on the beltway (695) the tunnels could still be an issue at that hour.

wait a minute!! you forgot steps 1 thru 6 to get them outta the parking lot & onto rt 5...or maybe onto Leonardtown/Hollywood Rd...
 

sk8enscars

New Member
wait a minute!! you forgot steps 1 thru 6 to get them outta the parking lot & onto rt 5...or maybe onto Leonardtown/Hollywood Rd...

No worries. That's what my gps is for. ;)

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I'll do the 4/2/Birds-whatever route. Trying to make it to Rochester, NY by midnight. :)
 

bcp

In My Opinion
wait a minute!! you forgot steps 1 thru 6 to get them outta the parking lot & onto rt 5...or maybe onto Leonardtown/Hollywood Rd...

I dont know the area down there well enough to assist in that way.
If they are lost starting at the moment they get in the car, I might try and suggest a cab.
 

sk8enscars

New Member
I'm kinda thinking getting over Solomon's Bridge will be annoying at 4:15... but I'm guessing that's still quicker than potential 5/301 hang-ups, correct?
 

bcp

In My Opinion
I'm kinda thinking getting over Solomon's Bridge will be annoying at 4:15... but I'm guessing that's still quicker than potential 5/301 hang-ups, correct?

I personally cannot speak for the bridge, but I can tell you that 301 is living hell with the traffic and stop lights every 2 feet.
 

TWL

Kernel panic: Aiee.......
I'm kinda thinking getting over Solomon's Bridge will be annoying at 4:15... but I'm guessing that's still quicker than potential 5/301 hang-ups, correct?
You can also get into Calvert via MD-231. It's the same distance from Leonardtown to Prince Frederick using either routes.
 
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