Compare traffic around Charlotte vs. DC-Virginia on a Saturday

[sharadoc]

Yep, me again

So a recent thread said there was a LOT of traffic through Charlotte. How does that compare to the traffic between Virginia and DC on a Saturday?

Is the Charlotte traffic bad on weekdays/business traffic or is it bad on the weekends too?

Just wanted to know what to expect.

 

[patclairesmom]

I would love to know the answer also. We'll be going through Charlotte on a Satuday morning week before Easter next year.

 

[dis-happy]

When are you going ....day of the week, month of the year, approx. time of day? Personally, I can't think of a single instance where Clt. traffic is going to be worse than DC traffic (have lived in both places, btw).

 

[luvthatdisney]

When are you going ....day of the week, month of the year, approx. time of day? Personally, I can't think of a single instance where Clt. traffic is going to be worse than DC traffic (have lived in both places, btw).

I agree! Grew up in CLT and now live just outside of it. Traffic is really never a problem, especially on interstates, unless their is an accident or it is rush hour. But even with rush hour (mainly AM) it still is not that bad.

I can't say anything about DC traffic - never been there, but have been to Los Angeles and it was way worse than CLT. Week-end mornings, no problem

 

[uva185]

Ummm, "traffic" in Charlotte is comparable to "open road" in DC

 

[sharadoc]

Ummm, "traffic" in Charlotte is comparable to "open road" in DC

Great

We'll be driving that way on a Saturday in June, which is absolutely murder on 95 between DC and Richmond. That's why we'll be taking the 81-77 route, but somebody a few days ago said that Charlotte traffic was awful so I just wanted to be prepared.

The drive is more of an adventure than Disney World this time! I know once we do it, it will be fine. We could do 95 with our eyes closed so I have a fear of the unknown this trip. There's so much more info available for 95 out there.

 

[NCRedding]

I-77 is inadequate for the traffic that travels it, and does have a tendency to bog down somewhat, but only for a short distance and for a short while, and usually on the weekday. The heaviest traffic will be south of Statesville to Fort Mill SC. I usually get into stop and go just south of the I-85 exit, and it usually lasts til the I-485 exit (which I think is no more that about 10 miles, but it seems longer when you are driving it.)

I will give you a warning about I-81. The police in Shenadoah County are serious about speeding. Anything over 80 is considered careless and reckless and will cost you time and money to take care of! (personal experience here, and I wasn't even going 80).

Traffic in Charlotte is NOTHING like DC, especially on a Saturday. I agree completely with uva185.

 

[ctjsowens]

You will sail right on thru on a Saturday! Weekday mornings up till around 9am are problems as well as afternoons after 4pm but weekends are always wide open.

 

[dis-happy]

I will give you a warning about I-81. The police in Shenadoah County are serious about speeding. Anything over 80 is considered careless and reckless and will cost you time and money to take care of! (personal experience here, and I wasn't even going 80).

So true, so true!!! They ticket heavily on I-81 all through the state of VA. 5 mph over is safe, but after that, watch out!

Another sneaky place is through Rock Hill (the area after you cross into SC and for about 20 miles until the road goes back to 2 lanes). They are always ticketing through here.