I've been to the D.C. area (Herndon, VA) from where I live (Cincinnati) a few times and found a the quickest route possible so far. I take 4 lane state roads and interstate roads. My question is about U.S. 50 that runs through WV, a part of MD (I think) and then finally VA. I can't tell from the Google map if that is 4 lanes all the way from the Clarksburg, WV area over to the Herndon/Reston VA area. Does anyone know? Anyone taken that road all the way through those areas I mentioned?

The reason I ask is because I see that if I could take US 50, I could avoid having to go north on I-79, up to I-68 and then back south on I-70. Seems like that litlte north and then south jog is a waste. But if it's still quicker to do that, I'll be glad to. I just don't want to get stuck by slow pokes on US 50 if it turns into a 2 lane road or has lots of stop signs/lights.

Anyone know that stretch well? I'm leaving at 3:30am tomorrow morning.

Here's my usual route which gets me there with pretty low traffic and in a good time:
First part:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=e...93774&z=9&om=1

Rt 32 through OH is a fast 4 lane road - I won't change that part. It's the US 50 part where I usually go north on I-79 that I'm curious about. US 50 is a nice 4 lane state road for sure from Parkersburg over to Clarksburg....but I don't know how it is beyond Clarksburg.

Second part:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=e...87549&z=8&om=1

 

Just compared the 2 options. Supposedly according to Google Maps, the US 50 option all the way through would only save about 45 minutes - assuming Google estimates it right. The unknown though like I said is, how "fast" is that US 50 normally and is it 4 lanes all the way through? If it's 4 lanes, I have a feeling it may be worth it to take that as opposed to the interstate route from Clarksburg WV.

 

East of Bridgeport, US50 is one lane in each direction. If you go that way, wave hi to my Dad and Grandma as you pass their farm about 20 minutes east of Bridgeport. (When you see the White Front bar, look left and wave)

 

Well over on this side (from DC) 50 is four lane divided to Winchester VA.

I bet that 50 is mostly two lane from Clarksburg WV to Winchester VA with many small towns (read traffic lights) in between.

As I recall the four lane does extend past Winchester to Capon Bridge in WV but, it was some years ago I was up that way.

You need a West Virginian to fill in the unknown.

 

You say your coming to Herndon/Reston? Maybe i will see your truck around then

 

Hmmm....sounds like I better stick to the highway then like I planned. I have a time I have to be in Herndon so I can't take any risks. I'll just go ahead and stick to the "safe" route. Too bad there isn't a highway from Clarkburg, WV over to the Herndon, VA area because that would make it more of a straight shot for me. Oh well.

I'll only be in Herndon Thursday afternoon/evening and then leaving in the morning. I have to remove/pick up the phone/network equipment from an office we're closing.

Thanks for the replies!

 

You could always take 50 on the return trip if the clock isn't a factor.

 

dave, where in illinois are you from?

 

Hmm...that's true. I might check into that. I'll take a look at the difference in milage and so on and make up my mind before I make the return

 

Crap! I was afraid of this. Snow! Not that I care, but it slowed me down just a little and now my once shiny truck (I just washed it) looks like a big salt lick!

I made it in 8 hours flat from the Cincinnati area to Herndon, VA. I took the original route I mentioned in the first post. I drove for 6 hours straight and then stopped - only stop I made. At that point I had a little over 1/4 tank left (35.7 gallon tank). It said I averaged 15.1 MPG for the whole trip. Lariat 4x4 5.4L with 3.73 rear end.