That’s the problem with Northern Virginia: there are no back roads. If you think of DC as the center of a circle, I-66 is about 270 degrees W; I-95/US-1 are about 210 degrees SW... There is not a single road heading in-and-out between those two roads. Imagine having to take I-95 from New York to New London, or else go up by way of I-87 to I-90 to I-290/I-395. That’s what it’s like.
First time ever this past Thursday I had to drive from downtown Alexandria to Manassas at rush hour.
30 miles and it took me 80 minutes
KMA
Rt 50 or even Rt 29 were overlooked and often the best option. That was 20 years ago, so maybe not any more.