528 instead of I4?

[AaronInWI]

In three weeks, we will be driving from Wisconsin to Orlando, routing through South Carolina just to change things up a little bit. We will be heading down I95, and I am contemplating bypassing I4 and taking I95 all the way down towards Cape Canaveral, and then cutting across 407/528 to the Drury Inn we'll be spending the night at. Does anybody see any benefits or issues with this route? Traffic? Tolls? For reference, the first image below is the I4 route, and the second image is the route I'm contemplating taking. Thanks!

 

[grimley1968]

I-95/528 would certainly take longer than the more direct route, though traffic is usually quite light on it. 528 is a toll road, but I don't know how much you'd pay.

Since you're going to the Drury Inn that night, getting there at a certain time might not be as important to you, so it might be something of a diversion for you.

To be honest, though, I would only do this if I were wanting a quick beach viewing, since 528 where you get on at the 407 interchange is a very short trip to the Cape Canaveral/Jetty Park/Cocoa Beach area. Otherwise I'd probably just stick with I-4.

 

[shafke]

I think a lot depends on the time of day. The last couple of trip we have take the auto train to Sanford. Around we have our car at 10:30-11:00 the latest and have not had any problems with traffic through Orlando. If you are later in the day closer to rush hour you may run in to traffic. Unless you are planning on some sight seeing around the cape an alternate would be to take I4 to 417 to 528. This would bypass Orlando and most likely have less traffic. There would be tolls.

 

[DOOM1001]

If your object is to bypass the heaviest traffic on I-4 I would also suggest taking I-4 and getting on the 417 around Sanford and taking it to the 528,there will be tolls here,I think a bit more than there would be if you took 95 and got on the 528 close to Cape Canaveral as 95 is free and 528 has but you would be saving some time for sure.

 

[OKW Lover]

Agree with Doom1001 that the I-4>417 route would be the better compromise.

Time of day is very important on I-4. If you're going through mid-day (between 10 and 2 ish) you can stick it out. Before/after that can be a real mess.

 

[AaronInWI]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I should have mentioned in my initial post that we will be traveling on a Sunday afternoon, so traffic wasn't much of a concern for me. It was more of a scenic drive thing than anything else. Since there were no big red flags from you guys, this will probably be a last minute decision; do we feel like getting there quicker, or do we want to see some beaches and the ocean. Thanks again!