Best route from Murphy, NC to Knoxsville, TN

Both the 74 east and 74 west will have you on single lane mtn roads for about 21 miles. 74 west however will have you on single lane road for about an additional 5 miles before you get back to dual lane roads. 74 west will be a harder drive since 74 east is follows mainly along the river so not nearly as much up/down. 74 east will mean a few more steep grades up/down between Franklin and Sylva. Even when you get to I40, you will still need to drive through the Pigeon River Gorge which adds some twist. Under normal circumstances, I would say the routes are about even with each other. However, I40 is still down to one lane in both directions until about May 1. This to me would make me choose 74 west and deal with 20 miles of more difficult road but then it would be clear sailing up I75. I40 could be a clear shot through or you could have 2 hour delay because of the reduced lane.