Traffic to Pittsburgh on a Friday afternoon? (Leesburg, Winchester: school, prices)

[Doppelganger69]

We'd be leaving Herndon at 3:15. Am I nuts to consider this? Thanks!

[GustavoFring]

Traffic will be bad until you get to hagerstown. I would try and leave earlier if I were you. Take the extra time off and leave around noon for your own sanity.

[FrannyBear]

From Herndon -- not bad. Take the Greenway to Leesburg and then 15 north to Frederick -- will be a little slow on 15 but MUCH better than going the Beltway. I do this all the time. Beware tho -- every 15 minutes is critical -- the earlier you can leave -- the better.

[Doppelganger69]

Thank you! Unfortunately, 3:15 is the earliest we can do because the kids are in school that day.

Thanks especially for the tip about the Greenway/15. I was worried about the Beltway that time of day, but wasn't sure what my other options were.

[FrannyBear]

3:15 isn't too bad. Route 15 North will dump you out right above Frederick so most of the traffic has tapered off. Also the Rt 15N drive is pretty this time of year -- if you use that route on the way back there is a nice pumpkin/fruit stand just north of the Leesburg Outlets. If you need to stop for dinner on the way up we like to stop at the classic Park N Dine just off the Hancock exit -- your will see the signs. Just old fashioned food and really cheap prices -- I like the hot turkey sandwich with real mashed potatoes -- I think it is about $6 and it is huge. They also have pretty good pie. Also watch your speed -- the cops are ALL OVER in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

[michgc]

Originally Posted by FrannyBear

3:15 isn't too bad. Route 15 North will dump you out right above Frederick so most of the traffic has tapered off. Also the Rt 15N drive is pretty this time of year -- if you use that route on the way back there is a nice pumpkin/fruit stand just north of the Leesburg Outlets. If you need to stop for dinner on the way up we like to stop at the classic Park N Dine just off the Hancock exit -- your will see the signs. Just old fashioned food and really cheap prices -- I like the hot turkey sandwich with real mashed potatoes -- I think it is about $6 and it is huge. They also have pretty good pie. Also watch your speed -- the cops are ALL OVER in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

OMG, I think we ate at the Park N Dine several years ago when I had work near to Hancock. Several people recommended it to us. Such a small town and sort of a blast from the past when life was much simpler. Thanks for bringing back that memory for me.

[elias9193]

I did it last year went through Pittsburgh on my way to Ohio it was a nightmare to say the least for sure leave earlier if possible most of the traffic is on 495 and when 270 merges to two lanes then it really sucks!

[marchar123]

I would recommend taking the Greenway to Route 7 to 522 through Berkley Springs to I-70.

Note: take bypass around Winchester (7 to I-81 to 37 to 522)

[NOVAEER]

Originally Posted by marchar123

I would recommend taking the Greenway to Route 7 to 522 through Berkley Springs to I-70.

Note: take bypass around Winchester (7 to I-81 to 37 to 522)

I second this. No traffic, more scenic and around the same length of time.

[FrannyBear]

Originally Posted by NOVAEER

I second this. No traffic, more scenic and around the same length of time.

It is a nice drive but I have found a lot of slow trucks on 522 -- just my personal opinion. And if you get stuck behind them it is very hard to pass what with the hills and curves.