By tradition, this weekend marks the start of the summer travel season. We have our own tradition of offering
some tips on how to drive out of the D.C. region toward holiday destinations without losing that good vacation vibe.
Summer getaways
These are among the most popular routes.
Northeast Corridor
Classic route: Interstate 95 to I-295, across the Delaware Memorial Bridge to the New Jersey Turnpike to northern New Jersey approaches to New York (about 227 miles).
Alternatives: For the many who hate the tolls and congestion, consider I-95 to I-695 around Baltimore to I-83 to York and Harrisburg, Pa., then I-81 to I-78. Options include staying on I-78 across New Jersey toward New York City, or taking a more northerly course, following Route 22 just before Allentown, Pa., to Route 33 to I-80 across the top of New Jersey.
Some drivers dodge the Delaware toll plaza on I-95 by taking Route 50 across the Bay Bridge, to Route 301 to State Road 896 (Churchtown/Boyds Corner Road) to Route 1 and Route 13. From there, drivers can reach I-295 and the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Others stick with I-95 but skirt the toll plaza by taking Route 279 toward Newark, Del. Turn right onto Iron Hill Road. At the end, turn left onto Chestnut Hill Road. Then turn right onto Route 896 (South College Avenue). I-95 will be a quarter-mile down the road.
Travel tips: The Newark toll plaza remains a serious bottleneck for I-95 drivers during construction of highway-speed E-ZPass lanes in the middle. The scheduled completion date is Aug. 15. Northbound and southbound toll lanes have been reduced in the work zone. This affects the cash lanes and the dedicated E-ZPass lanes.
As you approach the toll plaza, tune your radio to WTMC (1380 AM) for traffic reports. Before starting your trip, check the Delaware Department of Transportation Web site at www.deldot.gov for traffic conditions.
Deep Creek Lake
Classic route: I-270 to I-70 west to I-68 west to Exit 14A at Keysers Ridge and follow Route 219 south (about 180 miles).
Alternatives: Between Frederick and Route 219, try portions of Route 144 and Alternate 40, which weave along with the interstates. Much of that route is the Historic National Road, gateway to the West during the nation’s early days, when travelers moved along it at about 10 mph. Take it to enjoy a different drive to Western Maryland, rather than to save time. Maryland travel maps, including a map of scenic byways, are available at www.marylandroads.com.
Travel tips: The way west through Maryland is difficult because major roads, including I-270, I-70 and Routes 15 and 40, pass through a bottleneck at Frederick. This illustrates why picking a route is only part of the job. Travel times are relative, said David Buck, spokesman for the Maryland State Highway Administration: “relative to whether it is raining, relative to traveling at 4 p.m. on Friday or 6 a.m. Saturday, relative to if there is a disabled truck on the shoulder or relative to the sun glare.” Try to avoid starting your trip between 1 and 8 p.m. Fridays, have a map to review options on detours, stay patient and make driving a full-time responsibility, Buck said. A bit of planning and car care (such as checking wiper fluid, oil, gas, lights and tire pressure) go a long way to avoiding extensive delays and frustration.
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