Columbia SC I-77 to I-81

[Rburian]

Will be traveling north on I-77 to I-81 to I-84, heard I-77 has major construction any one use this route lately?

[Steve Dou]

North of Charlotte lake Norman area is messy , we have been that way 8+ times in last 18 months. you may loose 1/2 - 1 hr. . Just avoid rush hour at all costs .

[Air Conditioned Gypsy]

I was through there 3 weeks ago going north from Charlotte, not Columbia. The construction a bit north of Charlotte is a mess. Lanes go from 3-4 down to 2 causing delays, then they have barrels and barriers for a couple of miles. If you have a hard time with barrels and barriers, might be tough on you, but I think most drivers will be OK. It is only bad for a short distance.

Regards.

Chuck

[twinboat]

Went north on I-77 from Columbia, up to I-81, late last week.

Don't recall any problems northbound but they were milling and paving the southbound lanes. BIG delays.

We took the east I-485 loop around Charlotte.

[palehorse89]

Just wondering about R. 321 to avoid this section of I 77........
Anyone ever run R 321? that parallels I 77?
I came up through there about a month ago, nighttime........no problems going north.......but I am heading down to Aiken,SC this Sunday.....and was wondering about avoiding the construction....Thank you.....

[doc]

321 from I-85 to I-40 at Hickory is a great 4 lane, limited access ride (beautiful) Then I-40 to Statesville and I-77. We go that way regularly if headed to 81. There was some construction at Statesville on 40 a while back, but most of that is finished.
Even with the Charlotte by-pass, traffic up around the lake is bad. I cannot imagine trying to go that way with construction going on.
not sure of a good route to get you to 321 however

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by doc

321 from I-85 to I-40 at Hickory is a great 4 lane, limited access ride (beautiful) Then I-40 to Statesville and I-77. We go that way regularly if headed to 81. There was some construction at Statesville on 40 a while back, but most of that is finished.
Even with the Charlotte by-pass, traffic up around the lake is bad. I cannot imagine trying to go that way with construction going on.
not sure of a good route to get you to 321 however

Hi Doc, I was thinking of taking 40w to 321 south..........adds 38 miles to the entire trip........I will be coming from the north and will have to return in 2 weeks.....
So, it would be 77 south to 40 west to 321 south..........to avoid that section of 77 and Charlotte........and run 321 right down to Columbia?
Loos like a nice road........maybe the "Old 77" ?

[Air Conditioned Gypsy]

Palehorse,

321 is a 4 lane with cloverleafs for access, so it should be fine as an alternate. I have driven it in a car a long time ago, maybe 20 years. But never in my coach. I am heading that way on May 8th and will give it a try. I am going north, so my route is 85N to 321N to 40E to 77N. Just checked google maps and that route adds 5 minutes over the 85N to 485 to 77N route. Might be a reasonable way to go while they are working on 77 north of Charlotte.

Please post back after you make the trip. I will also.

Regards.

Chuck

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by Air Conditioned Gypsy

Palehorse,

321 is a 4 lane with cloverleafs for access, so it should be fine as an alternate. I have driven it in a car a long time ago, maybe 20 years. But never in my coach. I am heading that way on May 8th and will give it a try. I am going north, so my route is 85N to 321N to 40E to 77N. Just checked google maps and that route adds 5 minutes over the 85N to 485 to 77N route. Might be a reasonable way to go while they are working on 77 north of Charlotte.

Please post back after you make the trip. I will also.

Regards.

Chuck

Will do Chuck, I will be doing it this coming Monday.......so after set up near Aiken, I will report back.

[palehorse89]

UPDATE: I 77 S to I 40 TO R321 S ..........really nice country road, some 4 lane........quite, no traffic, smooth.......Drove it from I40 TO I 20.........
I will go back the same way.........

[Air Conditioned Gypsy]

Thanks for the update. I will be going that way next week, in the opposite (south to north) direction. Can't wait til the construction on I77 gets finished!

Regards.

Chuck

[palehorse89]

Its a lot better than running the interstate Chuck........beautiful country drive.......
Retired now, I am taking the back road's a lot more .....enjoying the country side......Have a safe trip !

[Air Conditioned Gypsy]

Palehorse,

I have to agree with you. Today, I went from 85 north to 321 north to 40 east to 77 north. Am staying the night in Boonville NC. What I really like about 321 is the lack of trucks! 85 was covered up with rude truck drivers today. 321, hardly any. Traffic was very light.

Thanks for the idea. I will use this from now on.

Regards.

Chuck

[Forkyfork]

I live in Hickory, wave as you pass by. lol

Another option is 16 from Charlotte, they turned it into a larger highway years ago and it is 4 lanes most of the way. I will admit that the two lane 55 mph with no shoulder section is not for the faint of heart. It may be a butt clincher for those not accustomed to rural higher speed driving. There is no problem with slowing to 45, I think thats the limit for much of the two lane section but everyone here drives 9mph over. There is large rig traffic, there is a charter bus company on the route. Its my preferred way and way more scenic unless Im coming up 85 from Atlanta then I take 321.