Driving around Richmond to avoid traffic

I%26#39;ll be coming from Waldorf MD, to the Outer Banks, and mapquest has us travelling down 17S.

We%26#39;re travelling on Saturday, leaving around 8, or 9 in the morning.

Is 17S a slow road? Should I bite the bullet and cut over to 95, and drive through Richmond?

Thanks

Driving around Richmond to avoid traffic

I looked at the mapquest route and it is a good option; 17S is a good road, mostly divided hgwy, 55 mph in open area, some stop lights at towns areas where speed limit slows, nice scenic route especially if you want to stop for lunch etc., mapquest times the route at just under 5 hrs. I don%26#39;t think taking 95S to 295 (bypass Richmond) to 64E would be any faster (from your starting point). Be aware that since you are travelling on a Saturday, when you get in the Newport News area there will likely be some traffic, especially between exit 255 (NN airport) and your exit for 664. Tune radio to 610AM for traffic issues. 664 takes you via the Monitor Merrimac Tunnel, it is usually the least busy but anything can happen, your other option is the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel which is simply to continue straight on 64E and follow signs for Outer Banks/Nags Head (about 12 miles). Good luck.

Driving around Richmond to avoid traffic

Thank you so much