Commute time on 55 (near hwy 1) to 540 (Durham, Apex: extended stay, hotels, construction)

[Mark836]

Hi. I am trying to find a temporary hotel stay. All the reasonable extended stay hotels are near hwy 1 off 55. How long does it take to get from hwy 1 to hwy 540 on 55 during rush hour?

I know 55 is a definite issue. But it will help me determine the best course of action by knowing how long the commute is.

Thanks in advance

[bekindtoanimals]

Half hour tops

[Mark836]

Are you sure? I was told that it was 50 minutes or longer. The traffic is stop and go all the way. Perhaps it just seems that way while you are in it.

[adlnc07]

Originally Posted by Mark836

Are you sure? I was told that it was 50 minutes or longer. The traffic is stop and go all the way. Perhaps it just seems that way while you are in it.

A half hour seems a little optimistic to me. Traffic backs up through Apex during non-rush hour, so I can't picture it only taking 30 minutes to get to 540 during peak times. Personally, I would look for something closer - Durham, Morrisville, etc. Are you actually working at the intersection of 55/540, or are you driving further on 540 from there?

[Mark836]

55/540 is somewhat the junction point. Ii would pick something closer like Morrisville but the hotel stay would be much more expensive. But I also do not want to worry about car or person if I pick a cheaper place like parts of Durham. This is where having little knowledge of the area kind be quite the detriment.

[adlnc07]

Originally Posted by Mark836

55/540 is somewhat the junction point. Ii would pick something closer like Morrisville but the hotel stay would be much more expensive. But I also do not want to worry about car or person if I pick a cheaper place like parts of Durham. This is where having little knowledge of the area kind be quite the detriment.

Well, mileage-wise it's not too bad - I guess it just depends on your patience for stop and go traffic (it drives me crazy, but others are okay with it). Mornings will probably be better than evenings, for what it's worth.

[Bmateo]

If you're worried about traffic on 55, just go north on US 1 and West on 40. About 6 miles on US1, then about 10 miles on 40. Even with the construction, it flows pretty well. Less than 30 minutes in Rush Hour, unless there is a wreck (and that is probably a pessimistic view too).

Likewise, there are tons of cheap hotels near the airport, or near 54/55 intersection in RTP, or near Miami and I-40, and, and and.......

[kesco]

Originally Posted by Mark836

Hi. I am trying to find a temporary hotel stay. All the reasonable extended stay hotels are near hwy 1 off 55. How long does it take to get from hwy 1 to hwy 540 on 55 during rush hour?

I know 55 is a definite issue. But it will help me determine the best course of action by knowing how long the commute is.

Thanks in advance

Forgetting about the 55 issue for a second, I don't understand the comment on the hotel. There's a Crossland Economy Studios about 1mi from the intersection of I40 & 55 in Durham.

Crossland Economy Studios - Durham - Research Triangle Park

5008 NC Hwy. 55
Durham, NC 27713 | See Map

There are also a bunch of Extended Stay America's.

[Mark836]

Thanks to all for the comments.

The hotels near 1 looked decent and the price is excellent. The $15 dollar difference becomes a factor when you need to stay several days. But the commute...

The extended stays are close and convenient near the airport. But I know enough that travelers come and go at all hours of the night. Makes it hard to sleep.

Being a newbie, Durham may not be a choice I want to risk. I am sure that Durham is safe and quiet in most areas but do I want to take the chance?

Decisions, decisions.