I live in Richmond and work in NOVA/DC. I do the drive every day, and folks, it ain't all
that far.
The worst part of the drive is the
traffic in Northern Virginia. I-95 becomes a linear parking lot from all the volume. As a general rule, from the Beltway to Dumfries in the afternoon sucks big ones. Especially Dumfries where the HOV ends and
all those people who don't know how are actually
expected to merge back onto I-95. Typically gets better till you approach Exit 130 in Fredericksburg, but after that it's pretty much smooth sailing ( although, avoid the right hand lane until you pass Exit 126, the off ramp tends to back up there). Not long after that, the new 70MPH speed limit kicks in and you'll be in Richmond in less than an hour (unless NASCAR is going on, then all bets are off). Over 80 is still a Reckless Driving offense if you're caught, so be careful!
As a bonus incentive for any of you 'coaster fanatics out there, you'll be passing right by King's Dominion on your way down.
The time of day makes all the difference between 1.5 to 2 hour drive and a 5 hour ordeal.
Damn, I started this "novel" hoping to make it not seem so bad. Not sure if that's the case
