Crossing the Potomac-D.C. directions help please

[sundevil777 102]

I'll be getting to D.C. to see my younger replica the marine (ceremonial marcher) Thursday night likely around 8PM at the earliest.

My understanding is that crossing the river is a big mess depending on the time of day, or maybe always?

I'll be coming from Ohio, so approaching from the NW. It looks like mapquest advises to cross the river well north of the city, to get on the south side of it, and then cross again on 395 to get to my hotel which is just south of the air and space museum.

Is this a good idea, or might I be better to stay north of the river and head into the city?

Thanks in advance

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[Boomerdog 0]

It sounds like you'll be coming down I-70 then to I-270 then linking up to I-495 (Capital Beltway) crossing the American Legion Bridge from Maryland into Virginia, and you'll be in go home traffic. Entering the District from Northern routes will always have the gridlock. Fact is, traffic is hard to escape here in the morning or evenings. Will others be travelling with you? If you have 3+ you can use the diamond lanes on I-495. Do you have an EZ Pass?

The junction of I-495 to I-95 (heading South to Richmond) and I-395 is a network of freeway called "The Mixing Bowl." Get it right the first time or you will have to drive another two - three miles to double back. Set up for I-395 into WASHINGTON and stay on it into the District. The Pentagon will be on your left as you approach the Potomac. This should get you to your hotel.

Yes, this is the best route to your destination. Don't try to detour in the District. The DC cops use radar and hide along with speed cams. AS far as they are concerned, you are form out of town and therefore a funding source. Make sure you know where you are parking. The traffic control pukes are as heartless as they come.
Anymore questions, please ask. Good luck.

[sundevil777 102]

Thanks, and you are correct about my route coming from Ohio.

1) Would I be better off to not cross the river into Maryland - to come into D.C. from the North somehow? If that is viable, what general route would you suggest, such as hugging the river, or heading east and then south? Probably a lot of city traffic and stop lights on those alternatives that make it no better than going into Virginia?

2) Is the 395 bridge the best bridge to take? It looks like the route to the hotel is reasonably direct using some of the other bridges, such as the Arlington Memorial Bridge heading into the Lincoln Memorial, or the Teddy Roosevelt Bridge.

I am intending to pay the $36/day to park at the hotel and not take the car out until I leave on Sunday.

Thank you very much.

ETA - I will not be able to use HOV lanes, and no EZ pass

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[sundevil777 102]

Quote

Yes, this is the best route to your destination.

Sorry, you confirmed the answer to my later questions (previous post).

Thanks

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[Boomerdog 0]

Best route is the one I provided. Given the fact that you have to be somewhere at 8 PM, You should plan to cross the American Legion Bridge at or before 4:30 PM. Tune to 103.5 WTOP FM as they provide the best information on traffic. It's August and this is vacation month around here but there's STILL a lot of traffic on the road.

This is the best route to minimize driving in the District. Drive in the District ONLY if absolutely necessary. Otherwise take a cab or better yet, use the Metro.

[jonstark 8]

All you need to know is that DC was designed to thwart attempts by invaders to find the Capital. They did a good job! Best of luck!

Truthfully, it's not that bad even if you miss a turn or two. There are many ways to get wherever you're headed.

Jon

[sundevil777 102]

Really, 3.5 hours for just that stretch? OK, it is good to know that I won't be there at 8...I don't have any appointment Th night, so it is better I guess to just get there later and at least have a little less frustrating drive.

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[Boomerdog 0]

I just want you to make your appointment my friend. Once you drive the traffic, you'll understand I'm looking out for you!

[sundevil777 102]

How late might you think it would have to be for somewhat not awful traffic?

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[Boomerdog 0]

Things being to thin out about 6:30 PM.
Sounds like you are going to the Marine Barracks at 8th and I?

[BillyVance 35]

If you're on the beltway, beware of hill tops where you crest at speed and traffic in your lane is at a dead stop just ahead.

Almost got killed along with the driver (my buddy) and 3 ladies in the back seat while in college. He had just barely enough time and room to swerve to the next lane on the left. I stared at him like I'd seen a ghost. He was like what? I put up my hand showing how close he came to clipping the stopped car...

Sheesh...

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[Boomerdog 0]

What you describe happens everyday around here. I've driven in a lot of places in this country but hands down, the drivers in the National Capitol Region are hands down, batshit nucking futs.

[BillyVance 35]

Boomerdog

What you describe happens everyday around here. I've driven in a lot of places in this country but hands down, the drivers in the National Capitol Region are hands down, batshit nucking futs.

Yep. Been through that area at least a handful of times.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[sundevil777 102]

Boomerdog

Things being to thin out about 6:30 PM.
Sounds like you are going to the Marine Barracks at 8th and I?

I successfully crossed the Potomac. There was very little traffic at 9 PM. I'm concentrating on the air and space museum today with my son and then tonight will seem him in the evening parade at the Marine Barracks.

People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am

[Boomerdog 0]

Air and Space Museum a great place. If you have time, get out to the Udvar-Hazy part of the Air and Space Museum in Chantilly next to Dulles Airport. Take I-66 to HWY 28 and exit North and continue about 6 - 7 miles.

The parade at the Marine Barracks is very impressive. You'll enjoy it.

[mrubin 0]

sundevil777

I'm concentrating on the air and space museum today

I've been to the air and space museum and really enjoyed it. I was pleasantly surprised when I got there and it was full of airplanes and not empty like I had expected.

"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

[oldwomanc6 60]

You picked a good time to be in DC. Normally, the middle of August is nasty, hot and humid, but it's been great as of late. I think the whole weekend is supposed to be beautiful!

lisa
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