Maryland’s transportation authority has clarified its alternate routing after the wipeout of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. RVs carrying propane should follow this Key Bridge alternate route.
RVs carrying propane should follow this Key Bridge alternate route—allow more time
“Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie,” says the Maryland Department of Transportation.
The Google Maps-generated alternate route, shown above, will add “significant” time to the trip, compared to before the bridge’s destruction. See our initial story on the Key Bridge loss here.
Note: This is an update, 3/27/2024 at 4:02 PDT. The previous map was incorrect. Thanks to our sharp-eyed-and-familiar-with-Baltimore readers for the tip-off.
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I think you should double check the embedded picture, as it doesn’t accurately show the I-695 bypass and shows a route along I-95 that I believe includes one of the restricted tunnels. We’ve use I-695 for years heading both North and South, and it runs much further to the northwest than the graphic shows.
This map is wrong. It’s marking the Harbor Tunnel as impassable (I-895) but directing folks to the I-95 tunnel. There should also be a big red X where the route shows orange just north of the red X you have. The I-695 route recommended by MDOT circles Baltimore proper on the west, north and east sides. Please revise your map.
Alternate is southbound; before Maryland line take the DE 8x x to US 301 south to Anapolis and continue rejoining I95 about exit 104. One toll southbound at the Potomac River Bridge. One toll northbound at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Possibly a touch longer route but Wash/ Baltimore is completely avoided. And you have the Maryland tolls on I95.
Going either into New Engand I use I95 through Philadelphia then NJ 31 to US 206 or 2 to I287 to I87 to I84. Avoids toll on the NJP and NYC crossings.
Not a bad drive if you avoid the rush hours.
When going to Conn. from Phila. we use I78 to I 287 to I 87 to I84 also. Avoid 95 at all cost- traffic and physical road conditions.
Thanks Bill! I doubt if we’ll take the RV into that part of the country; too much traffic, too many people. But, if we do, I’ll have your directions to follow. Thank you and safe travels! 🙂
Bill, where exactly is 8x x? I see US 301 but not sure of the connector road you’re referring to.
He’s talking about Delaware 896 which is the last exit before crossing the tollbooths into MD from DE. If you’re coming from the northeast, you can follow 301 from there to Richmond and bypass Baltimore and DC. I’d probably take the Rt 1 South exit by Christiana Mall instead, if Google Maps indicates it’s clear. Rt 301 branches directly off of Delaware 1. It is tolled through Delaware (at least- I’m not sure if the tolls continue into MD).
Be aware that you’ll be crossing the Bay Bridge at Annapolis, so if bridges are an issue, consider other routes.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 I’m glad that y’all got help from RVers familiar with that area. 🙂 We could not have helped. We weren’t there much and, when we were, we were in a passenger car (usually a Grand Cherokee). Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
You can carry up to 10 pounds of propane per container (max 10 containers) thru the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. I used to avoid the BHT and did the I695 roundabout which adds at least a half hour and exposes you to some of the worse driving the east coast has to offer. I81 is the better access route to and from the northeast and is more scenic and toll free. Worth any additional time spent. You can also take US 40 thru downtown Baltimore if you’re brave enough.
We use I-81 all the time- easy drive and no tolls with plenty of rest stops and local CG’s. Also when going North to Conn. stay off I-95 at all costs. Lousy road conditions and New York area. I-87,I-287. I-91 and I-84 are the way to go. Been doing this for 23 years.
Southbound exit I95 to DE 896, follow signage to US 301. Stay on 301 until intersection with I 95 in Ruthers Glen, Exit 104. Northbound exit at 104 onto US 301. Two tolls each way . Which still less than 3 or 4 depending N or S on I 95 north of Baltimore.
Alternatively take US 17, Fredericksburg, to I 66 to I 81 just south of Front Royal. Choice in PA either continue north on I 81 to I84 or I 78 Allentown then PA 33 to I 80, three exits, to US 209 to I 84. Reversing route for southbound