Driving from Cary to Chicago - best route/things to avoid? (Lexington: home, construction)

[RDUBiker]

I'm driving a buddy's car that he sold to a guy near Chicago. I plan to leave tonight and fly back home tomorrow. Google has me going the fastest route, and it looks fairly straightforward, but I'm not familiar with those roads and was curious if anyone here was, and if so, what things to watch out for, or avoid, or detours to take if there are known trouble spots.

The point is to get there as fast as possible, not sight-see, so whatever's fastest is what I'd like.

[zthatzmanz28]

Having gone north too many times, and many ways, I find I-77 to I 64 to Huntinton WV to I 65 out of Louisville.

CHECK the weather for snow in the mountains--any route without snow will be the obvious choice over a snow covered route.

[RDUBiker]

Originally Posted by zthatzmanz28

Having gone north too many times, and many ways, I find I-77 to I 64 to Huntinton WV to I 85 out of Louisville.

CHECK the weather for snow in the mountains--any route without snow will be the obvious choice over a snow covered route.

Thank you. It looks like Google defaults to using I-77 so I'll make sure Waze does also.

[cncsmomndad]

I now always take 77 up to 64 in Charleston. Then catch 35 through Ohio to 70 to 65. It's actually been quicker for me to take this route than 64 all the way to Louisville to catch 65.

[caspian65]

There was a lot of construction around Indianapolis last year, depending what time of day you drive through there, might be some backups.

Is this Michael's M5?

[RDUBiker]

Originally Posted by cncsmomndad

I now always take 77 up to 64 in Charleston. Then catch 35 through Ohio to 70 to 65. It's actually been quicker for me to take this route than 64 all the way to Louisville to catch 65.

Cool - Google agrees with that route

Originally Posted by caspian65

There was a lot of construction around Indianapolis last year, depending what time of day you drive through there, might be some backups.

Is this Michael's M5?

Yup

[caspian65]

Originally Posted by RDUBiker

Cool - Google agrees with that route
Yup

Should be a sweet ride up there then. Surprised that he let it go so quickly, must have been an offer he couldn't refuse.

[h2ohzrd]

Near Chicago means where exactly? Getting north of the city could be a challenge depending on the time of day. Where 294 meets with I-80 also can suck.

[mcfamilyof4]

yes i have driven this many times and the fastest is Charleston to Lexington to Louisville to Chicago. Its about 14 hours if you dont stop much. good luck!

[CK in NC]

I now always take 77 up to 64 in Charleston. Then catch 35 through Ohio to 70 to 65. It's actually been quicker for me to take this route than 64 all the way to Louisville to catch 65.

Same here. 35 is much improved than what it was long ago. Makes that drive almost enjoyable.