Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
So here in a couple of weeks I am planning to make a trip from Winston-Salem, NC to Morristown, NJ. This is my first time going out of state in a car, so I am a bit worried about the 9ish hour drive. I also have a bit of experience with interstates, but not comfortable with them (but who is?).
I was talking to some family members who suggested that I take I-95 as opposed to the US-220 to I-81 route, due to that it would be much easier. However, I keep reading that I-95 is filled with traffic and should be avoided. Also, I'd want to avoid tolls on the way up, where possible.
I planned to leave at 5am on a Friday, just to give a gauge on the time-frame I'm working with.
+ Another for the I-81 route vs I-95...
We did that run a hundred times while building our mtn home in western NC.
I-81 is not 'empty' and there can be lots of traffic in sections, esp trucks, but it is less troublesome than I-95.
The only heads up is if the weather is snowy/very cold on your departure: sections of I-81 are higher elevation and colder than your start in W-S, and in some conditions during winter it makes for a fun ride.
And, keep your speed on I-81 in VA to what is posted, (60 to 70 depending on section), or maybe 5 over max: the VA speed cops can be devious and ubiquitous.
GL, mD
I third or fourth the comment about 81 and State Troopers. We were on that road a few times, several years ago and we always comment on it. I have never seen a road so full of active troopers. So many cars/trucks being pulled over.
Just be mindful of your speed on 81.
And as I recall it was mostly in Va.
I make the drive from New York to Atlanta once a year or so. I did I-95 before I knew any better, know I always go I-81.
On I-81 you don't really pass through any large cities and it's much more rural and scenic. There's also no tolls, as opposed to I-95 which passes through major cities, and there's a toll about every 20 feet between NYC and Washington DC.
Thanks for all your comments and suggestions; I'll take I-81 for sure.
One final question: I'm only used to NC traffic and driving. Does it get more aggressive up in the north? That's what I keep hearing, but this is just word of mouth.
The closer you get to NYC the more aggressive it will get,
But in Morristown, you should not have any issues.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
