I've made the trip several times. Sometimes I'll cut off in Emporia VA and take Rt 58 to the bay bridge tunnel and take Rt 13 up to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. May take a little longer but you usually don't have to deal with much traffic.
I always transfer the tape to reel that has a full slit in it (Teac plastic reels do) and then slice the tape with a razor blade knife. I use a putty knife to protect the other side of the reel so as not to mark it up. Just another idea.
A few years ago I got a set of belts for the CTF750 from WJOE and it came with great detailed instructions which made the replacement a breeze. Just another option.
I've have some belts that are 20 years old. They are from a VCR repair business I used to have. I still use them occasionally and they seem to still be in good shape.