TyRy Thanks for the information. I am already jumping for joy that we won't have to drive through or around Atlanta.
Disney grandma - found these notes while I was looking for something else...they may help. I got all of this from another Diser - just can't remember who at the moment...the thread is probably buried on here somewhere:
GOING AL, BUT CUTTING BACK TO GA
We are from Arkansas, but we also try to avoid Atlanta. Our route is 280 from Birmingham to Columbus, Georgia, then 22/96 from Columbus to I-75. This conects you to I-75 about 25 miles south of Macon, Georgia. 280 and 22/96 are both divided highways with higher rates of speed, and less stopping than going through Dothan.
Honestly, this is probably a better route. We were planning a variation on this (we would be hitting 280 in Alexander City) when we were going to drive for this trip. I can't speak for 22/96 (never been on those), but 280 is definitely much more wide open and driver friendly than 231, and the only point of staying off I-75 is to get around Atlanta, so it makes sense to get back on it ASAP.
All the way to I-10
Just stay on I 65 until you get to Montgomery - then take I85 get off on exit 9 - right turn - when the road ends turn left on US 231. You can stay on US 231 until it gets to I 10 in Florida. Stay on I 10 until it get to I75.
if AAA is telling you to take on I85 exit 6 - don't - go a little further take exit 9 (the next exit) - you will be happily surprised at the time saved.... (plus you won't get lost). (turn right - this roads ends at US 231 - turn left)
231 is very clearly marked. If you take the Exit 9 route off of I-85, that road will end at 231, hang a left, then you have to make a right turn in Dothan, but that is clearly marked as well.
As for traffic, the only traffic on I-65 around Montgomery is during morning rush hour. Afternoon might be a little heavy, but there should be no stopping unless there is an accident.
AL ADVICE
If you go Ala - be carefully of the Al state troopers - there are more along US 231 than the Interstates. (college students going to the beach) but unlike Ga they will let you go a few miles over the speed limit - they are looking for dangerous behavior. excess speeding (over 80 mph - remember college kids), going back and forth between the lanes, drunk driving - or being distracted while you are driving (college kids).
People on I 10 can be fast - so you might see more Florida state troopers - they don't seem to mind 75 mph and even 80 mph - it is cars going over a 100 mph that they seem to stop. Now we stay on I-65 to Montgomery, then get on Hwy 231 to Tallahassee, then get on I-10 until we hit I-75 to go down to Orlando. The drive is shorter and 30 to 45 minutes quicker.