Like most major cities, Washington DC draws a lot of traffic during the evening and early morning hours. Thankfully, traffic in DC is nowhere near as bad as Bangkok, Thailand where drivers spend an average of 64 hours a year waiting to move.
However, rush hour still exists, and savvy commuters know how to avoid it. Especially if you live in a neighborhood in the district.
Traffic for DC Avoidance
Most commuters live in Virginia or Maryland and drive to DC to work. Rush hour in DC lasts from approximately 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. During rush hour, it’s best to avoid I-95 and I-70 completely. Highways such as the 295, 395, 495, and 270 are popular alternatives.
Route 301 is another way to avoid Washington D.C. and Baltimore. This route goes from Florida to Delaware and is a reliable option for drivers commuting from Fredericksburg and D.C.
Time-conscious commuters also remember to check the day’s events before heading out the door. Annual events such as the Marine Corps Marathon, Presidential Inauguration, and Independence Day celebrations can lead to road closures and altered traffic patterns.
Stay Updated
WTOP in D.C. is an FM radio station that offers regular updates on accidents and construction. This radio station also posts updates on its Twitter account. Don’t forget the Waze app which updates traffic in real-time, including speed traps, car wrecks, and lane closures.
The Waze app is community-based and drivers share updates and connect with Facebook friends so you can plan a meet-up. You can so find the cheapest gas!
Google Maps is pre-installed on some Android phones and has real-time traffic updates and commute times.
INTRIX traffic app recommends the most efficient route taking into account various driving conditions. It collects data from phones, traffic cameras, car navigation systems GPS to give you the route with the least delays. Sounds like a winner to us.
Make Traffic For DC E-Z
D.C. drivers can also reduce their commute through special high occupancy vehicles and E-Z Pass lanes. Toll lanes recently opened on Interstate-66 to ease the traffic in Northern Virginia. However, the price of a 10-mile stretch can cost as much as $34 during peak travel times.
Avoid these costs by riding a motorcycle or carpooling with three or more people. If you’re in the market for a commuter car, WTOP and CarMax list the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra.
If you need help navigating D.C.’s rich history and accessible suburbs, sign in at our website and create your own custom search. You can also call our office, and an Eng Garcia realtor will help you find a neighborhood that works for your family.