I posted this question a few weeks ago and got some useful information which was much appreciated. The main issue was how to get around Washington DC.
I drove down on a Sunday and got on 495 (I think South past the Balt Wash Pkwy) to 95 and everything was smooth but it was Sunday.
Going back home, on a Monday, I got to the DC area around 2 PM. Google maps directed me from 95 to 495 East to the Balt Wash Pkwy (which I think was 295 North) to 895 North to a different tunnel than I came down, Fort Mchenry and back to 95. It went very smooth which was way different than the last time I did the trip. The problem is that I'm not sure what the previous trip was. I think it was 95 to 495 (I think North) and back to 95 and there was horrible traffic on a weekday at around the same time.
The question I have is about 495 east road. Is that a new road? Did I just get lucky? I use Google Maps and a GPS and this was the first time I was directed this way. Is this the way to go in the future both ways?
Second question relates to Richmond. is it better to go straight on 95 or 295 around Richmond assuming weekday but not rush hour.
Thanks for any help.
I-895 takes you through the old Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, while I-95 uses the Fort McHenry Tunnel. I-895 is a little longer and will usually have less traffic, but it's only 2 lanes so if there's an accident, you are hosed.
Glad it worked out for you.