Driving from Chicago area - question about driving through Montgomery/avoiding Chatt/ATL

[quagmire0]

Need to take our dogs on this trip, so flying isn't an option. We're planning on driving overnight down to Kissimmee from the Chicago burbs in June.

I know that Chattanooga and Atlanta can be hell with construction and traffic, and have seen locals suggest continuing on 65 to Montgomery, then taking 231 to I-10 to I-75. Seems like it would avoid a lot of traffic, and possibly construction as well.

Anyone have experience with this route? Google maps shows it being about an extra hour, but I know that doesn't factor in the traffic along Chattanooga and Atlanta. TIA!

 

[Smilelea]

Need to take our dogs on this trip, so flying isn't an option. We're planning on driving overnight down to Kissimmee from the Chicago burbs in June.

I know that Chattanooga and Atlanta can be hell with construction and traffic, and have seen locals suggest continuing on 65 to Montgomery, then taking 231 to I-10 to I-75. Seems like it would avoid a lot of traffic, and possibly construction as well.

Anyone have experience with this route? Google maps shows it being about an extra hour, but I know that doesn't factor in the traffic along Chattanooga and Atlanta. TIA!

We live in North Alabama and I would 100% recommend going down through Montgomery and Dothan and on to I-10 over going through Atlanta. The only caveat I would add is that is that during the summer traffic on 65 can get pretty thick with all the folks headed to the beach so if you can avoid going through there on the weekend it would make a big difference.