Originally Posted by
klevin99
The problem with leaving earlier is that it may not save much time. I66 inside the beltway is the big problem, as is getting across the river. Once you're in the downtown zone, things are much easier, especially since their destination is so close to the river. Capitol Hill would be a different story.
Depends on when you go. I did an experiment for about 3 months of commuting downtown with a neighbor. Gave it up.
If you leave before about 8:30 I-66 inside the Beltway is not bad. Main choke point is the merge of I-66 and the Dulles Access Road. This is often back up to at least Lee Highway and usually to Sycamore Street.
The backup starts in DC on the TR Bridge.
I've spent many day where it took longer to go the 2.5 miles from the DC border to my office than it does to dive the 14 miles from my home to the DC border.