On May 6th at around 5:00 PM EST my daughters and I will be taking a trip from Michigan to Norfolk, VA.
We’re going to hop on the 80/90 toll road east but I have a predicament.
I can take a south at Akron and head down through West Virginia, get on 64 and follow it all the way OR take the Washington DC route. I’d rather take the West Virginia route but I’m concerned that it will slow us down greatly and that I might not find gas stations in the middle of the night.
It’s been 20 years or so and the last time I did that it was two lanes and twisted like an old river.
The question is, what is the highway like going through WV? Is it a two laner or an interstate?
Anyone been that way lately who can update me on highway conditions?
I could swear that my mom takes 64 when she comes to visit from the DC area (when she doesn’t take the interstate that is). I don’t think it’s a huge 4 laner, but I seem to think that she has a good time of it. It’s much prettier at least, and I haven’t found a major time difference when she does take it. But then again, I could have it totally wrong, and she may not take 64 at all Aren’t I helpful this morning, flydood?
Fly - I asked Tom (since he’s a WV native, and lived in Columbus for 30+years) and here’s what he says:
“I think the best way would be to head down 75 to 64 and over. Going to
Washington DC would be slow at best. From Columbus, I would head down
77 to
64 just south of Charleston then take 64 to Richmond and pick up 95 I
think
toward Norfolk. We were going to Outer Banks so I don’t know if you
need to
hit 95.”
I-64 through WVA is a fine road. It was completed, I think, in the early 80’s. Before that, there were one or two stretches when you had to get on US250 for 20 miles or so. The only thing you have to look out for now is runaway trucks – there are some grades worthy of the Rockies. Some spectacular scenery, too. You might want to plan any overnight stays so that you’re not in WV, though – the few motels can fill up very quickly.
It’s definitely worth avoiding the DC area. Even if you save 50 miles, that can be more than chewed up by the traffic.
Thanks for the tips. Actually it will be around 1 or 2 AM before we get as far as DC so traffic wouldn’t be too bad.
I was also thinking of going south from Pittsburg and hitting whatever highway that is that heads east to Hagerstown, MD. Then down the Valley and then over to Richmond. Avoid the windy mountains AND DC.
We will certainly be taking the WV route back though because it will be daytime and scenic. Maybe we’ll take it both ways considering the highway has improved a lot.
No route would go into Washington, but this one would go as close as any other. You would go east on 70 and take 270 south to the Washington beltway to 95 south. You’re gonna have to get through the Appalachians somehow. 70 isn’t as windy as 64, though.
That would be fun! The kids could see all the babies (calves) and the chickens. You could try out my whistles, dulcimers and Psaltery. I’ve got enough for the kids to join in too!
A good friend of mine who travels extensively says to take the WV route. It’s a good interstate, with a speed limit of 70 (on all state freeways). It’s a toll road, if that makes a difference to you.
Aren’t I helpful this morning, flydood? 
