Leaving next week from Ill. to Fla, and would like to miss Atlanta, GA so am wondering about this route. Either way we will take I-24 to Nashville then if a good route I-65 to Montgomery on I-65 instead of heading to Chattanooga. Wife always wants to take the fastest route, myself I just hate Atlanta and Chattanooga. From what I can see US 231 is four lane divided but not interstate, what kind of speed limit and small town stoplights and traffic are we looking at? I can live with some lower speeds and lights but the wife will not be happy if it is too slow. We only have around ten days so she is correct about not taking a lot of extra time. Any other advice and info about the route will be appreciated. Thanks, Jim.

I live south of Nashville, TN, and in the past I have used this route for doing business in the Florida Panhandle. Found it to be a good road. In a lot of our trips we purposely take the back roads as it is more relaxing not fighting the interstate traffic. And the scenery is usually better too.

As someone who lived in Montgomery 24 years I can tell you US231 is a four lane divided highway. Typical speed limit is 65 mph but there are a good bit of small towns with speed limit drops down to 35mph. Lots of small town speed traps so when the speed limit changes you better pay attention because small town sheriffs are waiting. It's a good route I have personally travelled that route more than 100 times. As a matter of fact I will be taking that route tomorrow when I go to Montgomery for the holidays from the panhandle of Florida where I currently live now.

I agree with you, I do all I can to miss Atlanta. Your route sounds fine to me though I have never taken 231. The secondary roads I have taken have not been all that much longer time wise and are much more enjoyable and less stressful than the interstate. Just because people think that they can do 70 on the interstate means it takes less time are sometimes mistaken due to construction or accidents. I am happy doing 55 on a secondary road and leave all the madness on the interstate behind me. Try it, you might like it.

What part of FL? 231 is OK but there are several towns and I don't love going through Dothan. If I am going to PC I take 79 down from Troy.

ken56 wrote:I agree with you, I do all I can to miss Atlanta. There is no GOOD reason to go out of your way to avoid Atlanta if......you plan ahead a little bit.Avoid the outer loop bypass at all cost (285) and don't go through at rush hour and you should be fine. Alternate routes add HOURS to the trip.....but might be a bit more relaxing.I too hate I-75 through Chatanooga because of all the hills and tight turns but the same advice applies there. It's really not that bad if you hit it mid-day. I don't like driving that stretch at night even in a car.

US 231 Montgomery,AL to I-10 in FL | Good Sam Community

Parrothead_Mike
Explorer
Dec 24, 2016
We just traveled US231 from Montgomery to I-10 at the end of November pulling our 5th wheel. I like the road and while there are a few small towns along the way they are not a problem. Dothan, AL can be busy, but there's a Camping World on the west side of the road (taking the west side route rather than the east side). Be sure to be in the right hand lane prior to turning south onto 231, it can catch you off-guard if you're not watching for the signs.

There is also a nice little campground about 6-8 miles north of Troy, AL on the west side of the road. We always stop on our way to FL. It's call Deer Run RV Park. FHUs and cable for about $33/night with Good Sam card.
FordDiesel250
Explorer
Dec 23, 2016
Just a word or caution. Dothan on 231 has camera's on their stop lights. I received a ticket when I went thru a yellow light so head's up on this. and they mail the ticket to your home
RoaminRichards
Explorer
Dec 23, 2016
Having just recently traveled this route heading north from Florida to Indiana I can tell you from my experience that US 231 is a nice 4 lane road as stated earlier. We had no problems using this route other than dealing with local traffic in Dothan, AL. I-65 on the other hand is questionable. We found this Interstate to be rough in places with heavy road contruction around Birmingham, AL. Some parts of the road are grooved for repaving so be aware! We also prefer the roads other than Interstates when we travel. Much more scenery to enjoy vs Interstate travel.
04fxsts
Explorer
Dec 23, 2016
It looks like we will evaluate things when we get neat Nashville. If we will be hitting Atlanta at one of the rush hours we plan to go down I-65 and US231 so don't know as of know. Thanks to all, Jim.
GoPackGo
Explorer
Dec 21, 2016
Coming south on I-65 from Nashville this fall to go to Florida, I faced the same dilemma - to do Atlanta or not. I decided to take 231 out of Montgomery and was glad I did. Real nice 4 lane road all the way. Just no reason NOT to go this way.

** And as was stated above - make sure to get on I-85 east at Montgomery and then take exit 9 onto Taylor Road south down to 231. This was recommended by the owner of a CG I was staying at. Less traffic that way.
djbogue
Explorer
Dec 21, 2016
We go this route when we go to Florida. It is a couple of hours longer but less traffic. It is all four lane. Dothan can be slow but doable.

If you decide to go this route, be sure and take I-85 east at Montgomery to exit 9 (Taylor Road) to route 231.
Alabama_Jim
Explorer
Dec 21, 2016
We live just outside of Montgomery and I can tell you 231 is fine. We have used it many times. I pray you have a fun and safe trip.
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Dec 21, 2016
ken56 wrote:
I agree with you, I do all I can to miss Atlanta.

There is no GOOD reason to go out of your way to avoid Atlanta if......you plan ahead a little bit.

Avoid the outer loop bypass at all cost (285) and don't go through at rush hour and you should be fine. Alternate routes add HOURS to the trip.....but might be a bit more relaxing.

I too hate I-75 through Chatanooga because of all the hills and tight turns but the same advice applies there. It's really not that bad if you hit it mid-day. I don't like driving that stretch at night even in a car.
Doss
Explorer
Dec 21, 2016
What part of FL?
231 is OK but there are several towns and I don't love going through Dothan.
If I am going to PC I take 79 down from Troy.
ken56
Explorer
Dec 21, 2016
I agree with you, I do all I can to miss Atlanta. Your route sounds fine to me though I have never taken 231. The secondary roads I have taken have not been all that much longer time wise and are much more enjoyable and less stressful than the interstate. Just because people think that they can do 70 on the interstate means it takes less time are sometimes mistaken due to construction or accidents. I am happy doing 55 on a secondary road and leave all the madness on the interstate behind me. Try it, you might like it.

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US 231 Montgomery,AL to I-10 in FL

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