Community Forums

jim7489 · 09-26-2022, 08:27 AM

Going to stop in Rock Hill SC on our way to Florida this year.
Visiting a niece.
Coming down I77 and am wondering about going thru Charlotte or taking 485 around it. We should hit it about 10 to 11am on a Tuesday.

Cousin Ed · 09-26-2022, 12:13 PM

I just drive straight through sometimes it's a breeze sometimes it's not. I stay one lane from the right and keep up with the flow (it's usually faster than my normal 65)

wildtoad · 09-26-2022, 12:53 PM

I’ve been through Charlotte a bunch of times over the years. Except for the normal busy hours, going straight through is not a big deal, but stay alert.

Ben-Jo · 09-26-2022, 02:46 PM

Everyone has their experiences. I use to have to work out of South Charlotte and I avoided I-77 at all costs. Yes I have been on it and crusied right on through it, but many times I have been stuck in the stop and go. I was so happy when they put 485 in and I could get on it and avoid 77. We called it the road from He__. I would drive 20 minutes out of my way to avoid it, just my opinion.

KenZ71 · 09-26-2022, 03:44 PM

The construction zones outside of cities drive me more crazy than the city itself.

If you have a copilot that is good with Google Maps or Trip wizard you might be able to avoid traffic issues. Me, I just use my size to my advantage when I need to merge in traffic. That is put a blinker on 3 to 5 seconds after I start to move over and crowd them out. Using a blinker before usually leads to jerks trying to get in front of the slow moving RV.

BT3927 · 09-26-2022, 08:52 PM

I used to drive through Charlotte because it's shorter but, depending on the time of day, the traffic can be pretty intense. Also, an accident can back things up for quite a while. I now usually take 485 around. It's longer but seems to be an easier drive, at least for me.

2cyber71 · 09-28-2022, 04:49 PM

I have always drove straight thru on 77.
Usually I hit it on a Saturday or Sunday.

rfg9585 · 09-30-2022, 09:36 AM

I live 35miles NE and always drive 285 and hit 77 down at Carowinds. Its just so much less traffic no matter time of day. But if you choose to drive thru during the mid-am timeframe you should be OK, just check google to make sure its clear.

Ben-Jo · 10-01-2022, 09:40 AM

Just one more mention from me, I have been stuck in traffic so many times on I-77. Watching local news it is shut down many times even during the middle of the night because of wrecks. It is probably on 15 minutes longer to go around on 485, much easier drive and much wider lanes. Of course it is up to you.

Marine359 · 10-01-2022, 09:56 AM

485 can have way more traffic than 77. Driving straight through on 77 is faster. Just be aware of traffic merging onto freeway on short ramps when passing through downtown.

twogypsies · 10-01-2022, 10:08 PM

When are you leaving? The hurricane has done much damage and flooding. It's not going to be the same this season.

wimpy · 10-02-2022, 05:13 AM

Given your time frame, I-85 to I-77 S should be no issues, especially southbound. Avoid 485 on the N side access (6-12) as there is construction for toll lanes from US74 to I-77 S, with concrete barriers marking lanes changing day to day as well as lane shifts. (I'm still not able to figure out the "inner/outer" terms they're using.)

We live S of CLT now & I seldom use 485. You may encounter a slow-down on I-77 between MM 9-8 & ~MM 5-6 (to 40 mph or so). Traffic usually runs ~70 although posted @ 55. Typical I-485 speeds are 75-90.

jim7489 · 10-02-2022, 09:02 AM

Thanks for all the advice... we are heading South that way on the 17th of October, probably mid-morning. We are leaving Statesville and heading to Rock Hill for a stop to visit. My niece in Rock Hill says take I77 right thru.