Dr. Gridlock: Getaways


Posted at 11:59 AM ET, 05/24/2012

Memorial Day and beyond: Thunder in skies, Rolling Thunder on D.C. roads
By Robert Thomson
Dr. Gridlock offers advice to those leaving the D.C. region for the Memorial Day weekend, or staying close to home for holiday events.

By Robert Thomson  |  11:59 AM ET, 05/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Events, Getaways, Metro, Weekend Work | Tags:  DC transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, Metro, WMATA, Summer getaways

Posted at 03:25 PM ET, 05/21/2012

Summer getaways: From D.C. area to New England
By Robert Thomson
A traveler from Montgomery County is looking for advice on reaching Cape Cod this summer.

By Robert Thomson  |  03:25 PM ET, 05/21/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways | Tags:  DC transportation, Summer getaway, Memorial Day

Posted at 03:26 PM ET, 05/15/2012

Memorial Day weekend to open summer getaway season for D.C. area travelers
By Robert Thomson
A traveler from Montgomery County already is looking for advice on how to return home after a trip to Williamsburg over Memorial Day weekend.

By Robert Thomson  |  03:26 PM ET, 05/15/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways | Tags:  DC transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, Memorial Day, Summer getaway

Posted at 03:49 PM ET, 05/08/2012

Southbound I-95: Drivers warn of heavy traffic, offer tips to avoid the worst of it
By Robert Thomson
Interstate 95 south of D.C. is bad, whether on weekdays in the spring or summer weekends, drivers advise.

By Robert Thomson  |  03:49 PM ET, 05/08/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Driving, Highways, Getaways | Tags:  DC transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, Getaways

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 12/23/2011

The holiday weekend and beyond
By Robert Thomson
Dr. Gridlock offers advice for those doing last minute holiday shopping or getting an early jump on the Christmas weekend getaway.

By Robert Thomson  |  05:00 PM ET, 12/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Metro

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 12/22/2011

Travelers plan their Christmas getaways
By Robert Thomson
Travelers in the D.C. region are plotting their getaway strategies for the holidays and asking these questions about timing and routes.

By Robert Thomson  |  10:20 AM ET, 12/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 10:01 AM ET, 12/22/2011

Getaway guide for Maryland and beyond
By Robert Thomson
Use these tips from Dr. Gridlock to help plan holiday getaways through Maryland and beyond.

By Robert Thomson  |  10:01 AM ET, 12/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 09:58 AM ET, 12/22/2011

Getaway advice for Virginia driving
By Robert Thomson
Here are some tips for people from the D.C. region whose holiday travels will take them through Virginia.

By Robert Thomson  |  09:58 AM ET, 12/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 09:31 AM ET, 12/19/2011

The week ahead for traffic, transit
By Robert Thomson
There are many changes in traffic and transit patterns this week in the D.C. region. Travelers should find the temperatures relatively mild, but there’s rain in the forecast for several days, including Christmas.

By Robert Thomson  |  09:31 AM ET, 12/19/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Commuting, Metro, Getaways

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 11/23/2011

Thanksgiving getaway: Transit and transportation changes
By Mark Berman
Whether you’re hitting the road for Thanksgiving or staying in town and heading to work, you need to know about these local transit, parking and transportation changes caused by the holiday.

By Mark Berman  |  12:00 PM ET, 11/23/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 11/22/2011

Which way and when for Thanksgiving getaway
By Robert Thomson
Here are a few more answers to the questions travelers are asking about the Thanksgiving getaway from the D.C. region.

By Robert Thomson  |  12:32 PM ET, 11/22/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 03:48 PM ET, 11/21/2011

The Intercounty Connector: Travelers are eager for a test

By Robert Thomson
Many drivers want to know if the highway is going to be useful. Dr. Gridlock has some answers.

By Robert Thomson  |  03:48 PM ET, 11/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Highways, Maryland, Getaways

Posted at 08:58 AM ET, 11/21/2011

The week ahead for traffic, transit
By Robert Thomson
The first part of the week, Thanksgiving getaway time, is likely to bring showers, and possibly even a thunderstorm early Wednesday, the Capital Weather Gang says. Here’s a look at some of the traffic and transit information you need for the holiday week.

By Robert Thomson  |  08:58 AM ET, 11/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Commuting, Getaways, Metro

Posted at 08:51 AM ET, 11/16/2011

Hang out with us to plan your holiday getaway
By Robert Thomson
Join us here at noon Thursday for a live webcast on the questions that arise among local travelers at holiday time. We’ve assembled a panel of people who can address your concerns about driving and flying during the peak travel periods from Thanksgiving through December.

By Robert Thomson  |  08:51 AM ET, 11/16/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 11/07/2011

What to expect on holiday getaways
By Robert Thomson
A major change occurred over the summer: Highway-speed E-ZPass lanes opened at the Interstate 95 toll plaza in Newark, Del.

By Robert Thomson  |  02:00 PM ET, 11/07/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 08:58 AM ET, 07/01/2011

More tips for summer getaways
By Robert Thomson
I’ve gotten several questions and suggestions very recently about summer getaways. These tips may prove helpful on the July 4 weekend and throughout the summer.

By Robert Thomson  |  08:58 AM ET, 07/01/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 08:38 AM ET, 07/01/2011

The weekend and beyond: 4th of July edition
By Robert Thomson
Many travelers are launching their summer getaways, but others are just waiting to see some fireworks launched this July 4 holiday weekend. The forecast is pretty good, though a bit overheated, for the next four days, the Capital Weather Gang says. Here’s some key information for either the getaway or the staycation.

By Robert Thomson  |  08:38 AM ET, 07/01/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Events, Metro, Getaways

Posted at 09:16 AM ET, 06/28/2011

Delaware I-95 toll lanes nearly done
By Robert Thomson
The effort to ease one of the worst bottlenecks in East Coast holiday travel, the I-95 toll plaza at Newark, Del., is wrapping up ahead of schedule.

By Robert Thomson  |  09:16 AM ET, 06/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 05/31/2011

Your reports about summer getaway routes
By Robert Thomson
Travelers wrote in with comments and questions about our advice on routes out of the D.C. area for summer vacations. First, here’s my own after-action report toward Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake and points west.

By Robert Thomson  |  11:32 AM ET, 05/31/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 08:43 AM ET, 05/27/2011

The weekend and beyond
By Robert Thomson
The highway departments in the D.C. region will suspend road work just in time for travelers to hit their escape routes for the Memorial Day weekend.

By Robert Thomson  |  08:43 AM ET, 05/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Weekend Work, Metro, Events, Getaways

Posted at 12:02 PM ET, 05/25/2011

Advice for vacation driving
By Robert Thomson
Figuring out a holiday travel route and planning the best getaway time are important in maintaining the good vibe of a vacation.

By Robert Thomson  |  12:02 PM ET, 05/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Driving, Getaways

Posted at 10:54 AM ET, 05/25/2011

Advice for northeast holiday drivers
By Robert Thomson
As we prepare to launch the summer travel season, let’s look at a traditional worry: What’s going to happen as I drive north in the I-95 corridor?

By Robert Thomson  |  10:54 AM ET, 05/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 08:55 AM ET, 05/24/2011

Advice for southbound holiday drivers
By Robert Thomson
The Virginia Department of Transportation has issued some very helpful guidance for drivers heading south from the D.C. area this Memorial Day weekend.

By Robert Thomson  |  08:55 AM ET, 05/24/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Driving, Virginia

Posted at 01:51 PM ET, 05/05/2011

Making it for Mother’s Day
By Robert Thomson
When it comes to putting a lot of people on the roads in a short period of time, nothing beats Thanksgiving Day weekend, but the Mother’s Day weekend is often a strong runner-up.

By Robert Thomson  |  01:51 PM ET, 05/05/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Bay Bridge, Driving

Posted at 07:25 AM ET, 12/23/2010

Heading out of town?
By Mark Berman
Heading out of town for the holidays? Let us know what you see.

By Mark Berman  |  07:25 AM ET, 12/23/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 12/22/2010

Preparing for airport getaways
By Robert Thomson
Metro riders were reporting in Twitter messages this morning that the transit system and the streets around stations seemed less crowded. Perhaps it's a sign the holiday exit already has begun, though I'd watch for extra congestion throughout today and Thursday around the malls. The Capital Weather Gang's forecast shows good getaway weather through Christmas Eve, though the forecast for the weekend remains unsettled.

By Robert Thomson  |  10:00 AM ET, 12/22/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Getaways, Getaways, Getaways, Getaways, Getaways | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, travel tips

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 12/20/2010

What's best Christmas route south?
By Robert Thomson
Dear Dr. Gridlock: I plan on driving south to Columbia, S.C., on the 23rd for the holidays (leaving 8-9 a.m.). I haven't left this late because I was a student, so I'm not sure what to expect. How bad does I-95 get before Christmas? I'm thinking of taking I-81 to I-77 to bypass 95 just in case. What would you recommend? Rachel Dolan

By Robert Thomson  |  10:55 AM ET, 12/20/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Getaways | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, travel tips

Posted at 07:30 AM ET, 12/14/2010

Tips for December getaways
By Robert Thomson
A traveler injects a bit of advice about taking an I-95 alternative that I frequently recommend to those who want to avoid the East Coast's Main Street at holiday time. And we take this opportunity to share some updates on the upcoming getaway.

By Robert Thomson  |  07:30 AM ET, 12/14/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, travel tips

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 11/23/2010

Your Thanksgiving getaway questions
By Robert Thomson
My online chat Monday drew dozens of questions and comments about the Thanksgiving getaway. These are some I didn't get a chance to address then.

By Robert Thomson  |  10:15 AM ET, 11/23/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Getaways, Getaways | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, travel tips

Posted at 04:40 PM ET, 11/22/2010

Thanksgiving's biggest bottleneck
By Robert Thomson
What do Thanksgiving travelers fear the most: An airport pat-down, or Delaware? If we did a poll, I think Delaware would win in a landslide. The pat-down is over faster. Driving through the I-95 toll plaza in Delaware this week could take hours. We've talked a lot about the impending congestion and avoidance techniques. Here's a summary of what we know now, but we'll post any developments as the big travel week continues.

By Robert Thomson  |  04:40 PM ET, 11/22/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Getaways | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, travel tips

Posted at 09:45 AM ET, 11/16/2010

On to Richmond for holidays
By Robert Thomson
A traveler from the D.C. area looks for advice on a holiday getaway driving south. Is there anything better than another ghastly trip in heavy traffic along I-95 between Washington and Richmond?

By Robert Thomson  |  09:45 AM ET, 11/16/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Getaways, Getaways | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, travel tips

Posted at 08:15 AM ET, 11/10/2010

Navigating northeast for holidays
By Robert Thomson
Avery Comarow of Montgomery County sent me this question about holiday travels, and both he and I could use your advice: "We're driving to Maine, and our priority is getting there as quickly as possible. We've done this trip many times, but I've never been satisfied that we've taken the best route."

By Robert Thomson  |  08:15 AM ET, 11/10/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, travel tips

Posted at 01:05 PM ET, 11/09/2010

Avoid holiday driving dangers
By Robert Thomson
Traffic experts, and experienced drivers, recommend that people make their holiday escapes at off hours. I also recommend this, as you can see in my Thinking of Thanksgiving travel posting today. But to do that safely, there are several issues to consider.

By Robert Thomson  |  01:05 PM ET, 11/09/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Getaways | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, travel tips

Posted at 09:30 AM ET, 08/18/2010

Navigating from D.C. to Carolinas
By Robert Thomson
During my online chat Monday, a traveler asked about conditions to the south on Interstate 95, but a little too far out of my range. So I asked readers to help out with their advice. This was the full question: Heading south: I am planning to drive to Charleston, S.C., next Sunday for work. I make trips down to the Carolinas two or three times a year, but this is the first time I've gone this far in one shot. On my past few trips to either North Carolina or the northern part of South Carolina, I've taken Route 29 through Virginia, which takes me down to Greensboro, and I was thinking of that route again this time (mostly to avoid I-95). My question for you and other chatters is, what is 29 like past Greensboro? Is it still a nice trip into South Carolina, or should I consider going to I-85 and I-77 once in North Carolina?

By Robert Thomson  |  09:30 AM ET, 08/18/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Getaways | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, travel tips

Posted at 08:44 AM ET, 07/02/2010

Going to the beach? Well, maybe you should wait
By Michael Bolden
The Maryland Transportation Authority estimates nearly 470,000 vehicles will travel the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Thursday through Monday, 2 percent more than last year. State officials say here are the best times to travel: -- Friday before noon and after 10 p.m. -- Saturday before 7 a.m. and between 5 and 10 p.m. -- Sunday between 7 and 11 a.m. and after 10 p.m. -- Monday before 11 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

By Michael Bolden  |  08:44 AM ET, 07/02/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways, Getaways, Getaways

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 07/01/2010

Chat about getting away for the 4th
By Michael Bolden
Chat with Townsend at Noon | Dr. Gridlock: July 4 travel trips John Townsend, manager of public and government affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic, will be online Thursday at 12:30 p.m. to talk about Fourth of July holiday travel. Townsend said...

By Michael Bolden  |  11:45 AM ET, 07/01/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways

Posted at 07:42 PM ET, 06/30/2010

July 4 holiday travel tips
By Robert Thomson
If you're planning a long weekend at the Eastern Shore or the Outer Banks or the Blue Ride, the drive won't be a picnic. You should expect extra heavy traffic from around noon on Friday till late evening. Local highways will be very crowded again on Monday afternoon and evening as travelers return.

By Robert Thomson  |  07:42 PM ET, 06/30/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Getaways | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock