Route help request. Gaffney SC to Ohio

[Big_Katuna]

Leaving Gaffney Friday headed north to Amish country. Berlin Ohio.

Looks like I85 to I77 or I85 to I26.

Last several years we’ve done 77 but after hours of delay and rough roads last year I said no more. Charlottes a mess.

Is the construction finished?

My preferences are smoother roads and less steep climbs. I remember a long climb near Asheville but if the roads are better.

[Lumpty]

A decent alternative to bypass Charlotte is using 321 in Gastonia from I-85 to I-40 to Statesville, then getting on I-77 there.

I believe the construction on I-77 north of 485 is complete, but since those added lanes are tolled, similar to the "Lexus Lanes" on I-85 through the NE Atlanta suburbs, there probably isn't much traffic relief at rush hours.