North Carolina I-77 to I-81 to I-84 upstate NY

I was up that route a couple of years ago, but not to New Paltz. Did a delivery to Rhode Island. I don't believe we traveled 81 all the way to 84 but cannot recall the route we did take. Traffic was typical rush hour morning and evening. That said, any route is better than 95. We took some bad advice and came back part of the way on 95. Terrible traffic!! Finally got back over to 81 after coming into NYC and thru N Jersey. NEVER AGAIN!

Horsedoc wrote:
I was up that route a couple of years ago, but not to New Paltz. Did a delivery to Rhode Island. I don't believe we traveled 81 all the way to 84 but cannot recall the route we did take. Traffic was typical rush hour morning and evening. That said, any route is better than 95. We took some bad advice and came back part of the way on 95. Terrible traffic!! Finally got back over to 81 after coming into NYC and thru N Jersey. NEVER AGAIN!

thanks...that's kinda what I thought.

Ron W.

YES, I wouldn't travel that stretch of 95 unless I had too.

It should be okay, definitely better than I-95 in my opinion.

From north of Harrisburg, a possible alternative might be to take I-78 to I-287 to I-87. That would at least miss the Wilkes Barre and Scranton area, which isn't the most enjoyable part of I-81 to drive through. Google maps suggests this is a wee bit quicker and shorter, but not really enough difference to worry about.

DrewE wrote:
It should be okay, definitely better than I-95 in my opinion.

From north of Harrisburg, a possible alternative might be to take I-78 to I-287 to I-87. That would at least miss the Wilkes Barre and Scranton area, which isn't the most enjoyable part of I-81 to drive through. Google maps suggests this is a wee bit quicker and shorter, but not really enough difference to worry about.

I'd go with the I-81 to I-84 route. I-78 through Pa is not very good road, and can be very congested around the Allentown area. Also I-87 can be very congested. Once you're through the Wilkes Barre-Scranton area, it's not bad.

I only know about I-81 and I-95 through Virginia, and yes, I-81 will be a better route due to traffic as well as convoluted interchanges in both Richmond and DC areas.

That being said, however, do be aware that the section of I-81 between Bristol and Lexington, VA has one of the highest accident rates in the country. It's not that there are dangerous spots -- those could be fixed once identified -- it is because of heavy truck traffic. It needs to be turned into 3 lanes each way instead of the current 2 lanes. But of course, there's no money for that expensive upgrade. You just need to stay on your toes.

Be aware of one long pull up a steep grade outside of Mt. Airy where 74 comes into 77.

One other concern is when you hit the I77 I 81 merge. If it is on a Saturday or Sunday during the summer then expect backups. All the beach traffic coming north gets clogged there and delays can be for miles. Also the ramp at this merge that keeps you on I77 north is under construction further adding to the delays.

I just came through there on Wednesday and did not encounter any delays but I learned my lesson the hard way about traveling on the weekend through there.

Dave

rjsurfer wrote:
Just curious about the drive from NC through I-77 to I-81 then I-84 to New Paltz NY.
I'm assuming its better than I-95:-)
Thanks
Ron W.

to
I'm not so sure I'd want to do I77 North of Charlotte with all the construction...once around that it's a great ride...C

To me it all depends on the time you will be driving. I drive at night so the direct route is what I always take. Including I95.