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Hi,
We are traveling from DC to western NC next week and would love to know the current state of the massive construction project on 85 around the Charlotte area. Can anyone provide an update? Should we try coming down 77, or is the junction of 85/77 also a major problem?
When we drive from NC to the DC area we almost always take 77 to 81 to either 66 or Rte 7 depending on who we are visiting in the DC area. We also sometimes take 85 to 29 if we don't feel like dealing with the tractor trailers on 81.
There is still major construction on 85 starting around exit 55 down to 46 or so. 77/85 isn't a problem construction wise. What time a day will you be arriving in NC?
It's been pretty bad around Salisbury / Concord / CLT the past few times I've driven into CLT from DC (about 4 times within the past six months). There is, as you know, very major construction going on for a giant swath of the interstate. Last time, I took 66/81/77 and had absolutely no problems.
If you have to get to 85 in CLT, I think 81/77 will be just fine transferring to 85 (the issues are north of CLT, which you'll bypass). But, like the poster above said, why not 77 to 40?
It's been pretty bad around Salisbury / Concord / CLT the past few times I've driven into CLT from DC (about 4 times within the past six months). There is, as you know, very major construction going on for a giant swath of the interstate. Last time, I took 66/81/77 and had absolutely no problems.
If you have to get to 85 in CLT, I think 81/77 will be just fine transferring to 85 (the issues are north of CLT, which you'll bypass). But, like the poster above said, why not 77 to 40?
Ah you dont travel it enough, I travel up to and from the Triad from Huntersville weekly.
The Spencer Salisbury has improved since the new bridge with extra lanes. However between Spencer to Hwy 150 it drips down to two lanes and speed limit drops to 55mph.
Do the speed limit or go with flow of traffic without being the lead car. It a speed trap area especially since it a work zone.
OP only bad spot and it crap shoot as some days it fine but others times it slow go between Polar tent and Mallard Creek.
DC Transplant, I am perplex, why are you traveling through Charlotte to Western NC?
Well I must be an unlucky traveler because it's been pretty heinous every time I've driven through. 77 was for sure a breeze, so I'm just passing that info along considering I am taking the same route as the OP and have had pretty consistent results. But it's good to hear it's not always that way!
Thanks for the responses! Our house is near the NC/SC border and we have found that I-40 to Asheville, then traveling down I-26 adds a hour + to the trip.
We will hit the Charlotte area around lunch time ... I assume traffic then will not be as bad as rush hour, but it always seems to back up for random events.
We will hit the Charlotte area around lunch time ... I assume traffic then will not be as bad as rush hour, but it always seems to back up for random events.
Like rain... which we've had a lot of this year. Check the forecast!
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I travel up to and from the Triad from Huntersville weekly. 
