We used to drive down at Easter every year but have flown for the past 5 or 6 years. Anyway, avoid the DC Beltway from 3 to 7:30PM. We used to leave at 1 PM on Thursday due to work so that would always get us there at the dreaded time. We found we saved time by taking 301 off 95 in DE, over Annapolis Bridge to 50-301 and then 301 down to VA where it joins 95(either north or south of Richmond again depending on time) There are lights on 301 but we'd do anything to avoid the Beltway at rush hour. If you can start earlier then 95 is the way to go,
A word of warning, if you intended to stop, make a reservation before you leave. One time we didn't and had an awful time trying to find a place to stay. There is heavy traffic going down at Easter and also returning the Saturday after Easter and EVERYONE seems to be lokking for a room in SC and GA.
If you have the time, we found the best way to go was the Cape May Lewes Ferry down 13, over the Bay Bridge Tunnel and then on to Emporia, Va. The ferry ride is nice and it cuts the driving time down but the total time is about the same. If you decide to go this way you definitely need a ferry reservation that weekend. It's obviously great for us but it might be too out of the way for you.