Best driving route between S. Cary and S. Charlotte (Asheboro: construction, college)

[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!

[twingles]

We came back from Charlotte last summer on NC 49/64 - it's definitely the most direct route but we got stuck behind a UHaul and his "pace car" on the 2 lane stretch. Frustrating??? Wow. And then when it hit 4 lanes for a short stretch they would not get out of the way. It's probably great if you don't encounter this type of situation!

[evaofnc]

Originally Posted by twingles

We came back from Charlotte last summer on NC 49/64 - it's definitely the most direct route but we got stuck behind a UHaul and his "pace car" on the 2 lane stretch. Frustrating??? Wow. And then when it hit 4 lanes for a short stretch they would not get out of the way. It's probably great if you don't encounter this type of situation!

hah yeah that happens sometimes on that stretch. I've found that this route and going the highway takes about the same amount of time but at least 49/64 is more scenic

[astrix85in]

Thanks for replying

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).

[caspian65]

I go to Charlotte a couple times a year and almost always do the 64/49 route. It's peaceful getting on those 2 lane country roads. Sure, sometimes there are some slow cars, but not a big deal to pass.

[guest12]

I've taken 64/49 for 15 years (since college) - never feared for safety. It is a nicer drive than the interstate, I think. Just be sure to pay attention in Asheboro - it's hard to adjust to the heavy traffic and stoplights if you hit it at the wrong time of day! Have a nice trip.

[Sherifftruman]

I have to travel from Charlotte to Apex occasionally and the 49/64 route is good. There are definitely sections of two lane, but there are enough 4 lane that you can get by unless someone intentionally blocks you. Going 85/40 from those two destinations just takes you too far out of the way on both ends to make the interstate travel worth it IMO.

[meanieme]

what's the average time it takes going from 49/64 vs. 85/40?

[astrix85in]

Thanks guys
I guess today is the day I try 49/64

[astrix85in]

85/40: time is VERY dependent on traffic (and the current construction).
Non-traffic hours.. 2h40m