If you have time and don't mind a few extra miles I would take I-95 to Rocky Mount NC and then hit US 64 east there. US 64 east takes you all the way to the Outer Banks. When you hit the causeway you would bear right for Hatteras Island which is Hwy 12. That is more direct, very little heavy traffic, no tolls, and as of this writing no construction on US 64 from Rocky Mount to the Outer Banks. Personally I would stay away from coming down thru the Tidewater area. I lived in Chesapeake a few years and have travelled 13 to the Eastern Shore as well. That is my opinion. Actually the only traffic you would hit would be going thru Plymouth NC and that is a small town with minimal traffic.
