Best driving route between S. Charlotte and S. Cary (Raleigh: chapel, construction)

[astrix85in]

Hello everyone,

I drive from S. Charlotte (28209) to S. Cary (27513) every Friday afternoon and back Sunday afternoon.

I always use I85 and I40, but google maps suggests NC27 and NC24.
The other suggested route is NC49 and US64.

Should I stick to interstates for safety reasons?
Has anyone tried the above mentioned routes?

Thanks a lot for your time!

[ZeusAV]

I've traveled between Charlotte and Raleigh/Cary several times using the NC49/US64 route with no problems. After you pass Asheboro, it's a pretty calm and very rural 2-lane road. With all of the work and backups on 85 in Cabarrus County, I would say it's faster than using the interstates. NC24/NC27 seems too far out of the way coming from Cary, so I wouldn't take that one.

[astrix85in]

Thanks a lot ZeusAV
I had seen the 2-lane road on google street view.
My only concern was driving alone on a rural road like that when I don't know how safe or unsafe the area is (I'm 26 year old female).

[superk]

I've driven that route many times myself to get to Albemarle. I don't see many issues with that route.

[tarheellauren]

I've used the 24/27 (it hooks up to 15-501 and then highway 1, right?) several times. It's a lot less congested than 40-85, and faster now that 85 is under construction again. We travel from west raleigh (drive by Cary on the way down) and even during the holidays there are no delays. We are traveling to my parents who live in 28270 off the providence rd exit. Basically, we take 485 up to albemarle exit, and then work are way back from there. I know some people really like the 49/64 route, but 24/27 is definitely the easiest for us.

[NCDave]

I've been using 49/64 to get to Chapel Hill, Cary, and Raleigh about 15 times a year for almost 30 years. It only takes about 10 minutes longer for me and keeps my nerves calmer. I don't mind the few traffic lights.

I know someone who takes I-85 to Greensboro, US 421 from Greensboro to Siler City, and US 64 from Siler City to Cary. He likes limited access 4-lanes but avoids congestion through Durham and Burlington.

[paulosfm]

I drove to Raleigh every week for over 15 years and used all three routes. My choice and fav is the 27/24 through Albermarle to Troy, Biscoe and through Carthage to U.S. 1 North. Yes, there's two lane roads, which by definition are less safe that limited access interstate highways, but it's a pleasant and less stressful drive. Second choice is through Asheboro, even though there's plenty of two lane roads between CLT and Asheboro. If traveling at night, I would recommend that women travel the interstate where there is plenty of traffic and safe havens along the way.