We are long-term at Aberdeen Proving Ground just north of Baltimore off I-95. We always take I-695 west around the west side of Baltimore... it increases our travel time by 20 minutes vs. the other routes. US-1 and US-40 are a maze of stop lights (especially 40 - though we use it for local travel all the time). That would add a lot more time than going around the west loop.
Rob
Thank you for your service. Total of five weeks. Leaving from SC then heading to Missouri for the eclipse. After Missouri, onto Hot Springs, AR for a few days then to: Monument Valley > Sedona > Petrified Forest NP > Arches > Mesa Verde NP > then heading home. The trip is already baked regarding reservations for camping and any of the national parks that needed reservations such as Arches entry.
I agree seems like an odd trip plan, zing-zagging around. Maybe look at a map and plan a more direct route. Roads are generally good but in that section of the country expect steep grades.
Reserve Mesa Verde tours online well ahead of arrival or you will be disappointed. Arches will be very crowded and hotter than Hades. Get there as early as you can to avoid the heat and take twice as much water as you think you need. They lock the gates at Arches when the max number passes thru.