Is DE 2 and the MD 279 combo a better Toll Bypass in Delaware?

[roadman65]

I was on another forum that let travlers talk about their experiences along I-95. One topic was the rip off and congested Delaware Turnpike Toll near the DE- MD line.  One post was one tourist who said that the best way he thought to avoid this traffic nightmare and extortion  was to exit I-95 at DE 896 and head north into Newark,DE and then west on DE 2/ MD 279 and rejoin I-95 later.  Alpsroads.net says US 40 is the way to go to get around this, but I heard from other sources that development along US 40 from Elkton, MD and State Road, DE has caused a lot of stop and go conditions.  Where there were only three stoplights back in the 80's (DE 896, DE 72, and DE 7) are now more!  Then it was said that DE 2 is a good meal stop as there are plenty of eateries for those seeking a meal or snack.

What is the best way?

[Alex]

I wrote this on another forum during the holidays last year:

Heading south on Interstate 95, take Exit 1B (DE 896 north), turn left onto Welsh Tract Road (first traffic light), take it to its end and turn right (Otts Chapel Road), take Otts Chapel Road north to Elkton Road (Delaware 2), turn left (west). Take Delaware 2/Elkton Road into Maryland and rejoin Interstate 95.

Heading north on Interstate 95, take Exit 109B (MD 279 north), a loop ramp onto Elkton Road. Take Elkton Road east into Delaware to Otts Chapel Road, turn right (south). Cross over the AMTRAK line and I-95 and turn left onto Welsh Tract Road (east), take it to Delaware 896 (South College Avenue), turn right (south) and rejoin Interstate 95.

If the back-ups for Interstate 95 south stretch well beyond Exit 1 for southbound (and they often do), take Exit 3 and follow Delaware 273 west to Delaware 4 west to Elkton Road (Delaware 2) and turn left (west) to Maryland and rejoin Interstate 95.

I usually take that detour a bit differently though, opting for Chestnut Hill Road to Iron Hill Road, avoiding the lights at DE 2/Otts Chapel Road, the industrial park light (McIntire Drive) and MD 277/MD 279. Then I chose either Chestnut Hill Road (lower speed limit) all the way or use Welsh Tract Road (lower development).

Drove back and forth from Newark to Elkton for years and years, would only opt for the southern detour if I needed to end up on US 40 in Elkton. Old Baltimore Pike can be used as an alternate between DE 896 and Otts Chapel Road as well.

[WillWeaverRVA]

If you have no problem with traffic lights, the DE 2/MD 279 route is pretty good, but I have no experience with any of the others - I'll defer to Alex there.

[Alps]

I say many things over the years. If you're on the I-95 corridor, take 896 to 2/279. If you want something different, take 40, but yes, it's slow.

[Edit: Where exactly do I say that? I say 40 is a good alternative to the Susquehanna bridge, which it is when it has both lanes open each way. I don't see anything about the border on any of the 40 or 95 pages.]

[roadman65]

I say many things over the years. If you're on the I-95 corridor, take 896 to 2/279. If you want something different, take 40, but yes, it's slow.

[Edit: Where exactly do I say that? I say 40 is a good alternative to the Susquehanna bridge, which it is when it has both lanes open each way. I don't see anything about the border on any of the 40 or 95 pages.]

My mistake.  I did not check out my sources very well. 

[froggie]

I say 40 is a good alternative to the Susquehanna bridge, which it is when it has both lanes open each way.

Which it isn't these days.  Bridge rehab.

[Alps]

I say 40 is a good alternative to the Susquehanna bridge, which it is when it has both lanes open each way.

Which it isn't these days.  Bridge rehab.

That's been taking longer than a Massachusetts pothole patch. Has it been 8 years now?

[froggie]

3 and change.  Supposedly will wrap up this summer.

[tollboothrob]

Even with the lights, I have never found the 2/279 route to be that bad. I usually use that route to avoid the toll, especially when I used to live in North East, MD, and would take 279 all the way to its end at US 40, then 40 WB to North East.

For northbound, I exit I-95 at either Exit 85 or 89, and take US 40 East all the way to DE 896, or even all the way to the US 13/40 duplex and catch the Delaware Memorial Bridge from there. It's not a bad ride depending on the time of day. This way works much better because I usually have the AVI decal for the Hatem Bridge, allowing unlimited crossings for a year. They used to let you have it for just the $5 toll when you cross, but now you have to pay the toll plus an additional $5 to get the sticker.

[Michael in Philly]

My preference, southbound, is Del. 896 north, to Del. 4 west, to Del. 2/Md. 279.  Thereby avoiding the middle of Newark.  Northbound, unless I'm in a hurry, I'll avoid the Susquehanna toll as well by using US 1.