Tips on travel 81 south, VA, 40 to 75

Ferndale – Yes, I grew up in southern WV. I remember before the original turnpike was completed in the 1950’s. Those early roads must have followed buffalo paths or Indian trails. I also remember what a horrible road the original turnpike was – 3 lanes, with the middle lane for passing in both directions. Lots of head-on collisions in the middle lane! Yes, I-64 is an improvement, but to me that is faint praise.

I avoid that stretch of I-64 when at all possible. When I head west, I can take I-64 as far as Charleston, or I can take the 2-lane US-219 to WV-55 to US-19 to I-79 to Charleston. I will choose the 2-lane road every time unless I’m forced to travel in bad winter weather. (I don’t like crossing Kennison Mountain in bad weather.)

Wayne

I don't guess Empty ever travelled from Charleston to Beckley before the Turnpike was built.....I travel this road often and never saw a problem with it towing a 32ft enclosed trailer........nothing on there as steep or long as Fancy Gap on I-77 going North

The OPs original plan is a no sweat, easy drive and I have never witnessed these traffic problems mentioned. Of coarse having lived in the Baltimore--Washington area half my life may be what made me not notice.

I have no idea how these people got to WV when the op was going south.
Being from Va I have driven these roads many times and there is little to be concerned about. The traffic gets a little thick between Staunton and Wytheville but that's about it. Knoxville and Chattanooga a little thick but nothing you haven't seen.

P.S. Don't use I-64 it doesn't go to Alabama.

Oops!

US 64 sounds like a few highways I could name here in WV.

Wayne

Uh, I said US 64 not I 64. Big difference. I am sure I 64 is fine easy drive compared to US 64 in NC. Two lane not quite 12 foot wide and cliffs up on one side and dropoffs on the other. Definitely NOT Interstate :)

In my experience, I-64 is a mixed bag. From Beckley to Charleston, WV, it is the interstate from hell. For that stretch I-77 runs over the same 4-lane roadway and the traffic density is usually a nightmare. Also, I’m sure the feds must have waived some standards on maximum grade and maximum curvature to allow this road to be built as an Interstate. A real white knuckle experience. And this part of WV (southern coalfields) is largely an exception to the state’s otherwise remarkable beauty.

From Charleston to Huntington is usually congested, but at least it is level and straight by WV standards and much of it is 6 lanes. But the congestion is probably no more than what I’ve experienced on I-81 through the Shenandoah Valley.

From Huntington west to Louisville, KY, you could hardly want a nicer road. Very light traffic, gentle rolling hills, and scenic countryside.

East of Beckley, at least so far as I-81 in Virginia, I-64 is not too bad, although it includes several long steep hills. Again, pretty countryside.

I don’t have enough recent experience with I-64 east of I-81 or west of Louisville to render an opinion.

Wayne

LOL@ US 64. Wow. Avoid I agree!

Nope, just usual badly maintained Interstates. Just stay off US 64, don't ask, its not on your route anyhow but just thought I would mention it :)