driving from I-65 through alabama to I-10 any problems?

[dpcheercoach]

Hi again, we have decided to drive through Alabama are there any problems on I-65 or I-10 to I -75? Anyone with any information would be greatlly appreciated thanks.

 

[clkelley]

I-65 is fine, I-10 is fine, I-75 is fine, but the two lane roads past Montgomery and through Dothan and other small towns are terrible. I've tried that way before and hated it.

I now exclusively go I-65/I-20 to Atlanta, then I-75 South.

I time it to leave after work so that puts me through Birmingham about 7:00 pm CT, then Atlanta about 10pm ET. We stop in Macon, then smooth sailing all the way to Disney the next morning arriving about 1pm.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Montgomery to Dothan to I-10 at Cottondale are not two lane roads though. US 231 is 4-lanes all the way but it does have a lower speed limit, does go through smaller towns with stop lights, does have police enforcement and does feature the famous Dothan traffic circle (aka the Dothan Bypass) which gives new meaning to crawling traffic.

But in past threads some people prefer to come via the Alabama routing and it does work. Some people come south via the Georga route and head north via the Alabama route (or vice versa), just for variety. Some drivers who are adverse to mountain driving or would need to cross the Smokies overnight and want to avoid possible fog will take the Alabama routing and not have to drive I-24 between Nashville and Chattanooga.

BobK/Orlando

 

[SpecialK]

Just read in another thread that the smoke from the wild fires may be an issue. We're driving from IL in June and still debating our route. Does taking 65 through AL significantly increase your drive time? How does the scenery compare?

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Definitely keep your options open. If I-75 in Georgia is too smokey then I-65 through Alabama is a good alternate route.

Scenery-wise it's hard to beat the mountains of I-24 between Nashville and Chattanooga and Chattanooga itself is pretty scenic and has some great touristic things for those stopping over. It's not quite as pretty on I-65 south of Nashville although it has its share of hills. I-65 is also scenic around Birmingham because of mountains. South of Atlanta and south of Birmingham both roads are boring.....basically farms and pine forests and generally downhill as you make your way towards sea level. I-10 between Tallahassee and Lake City is 100 miles of pine trees!

The Alabama routing is probably about 2 hours longer driving time; not a big deal. But southbound you get to Florida earlier so it's seems that you've arrived even though you've got 5-6 hours longer to go. Northbound you leave Florida quicker via I-75 so it seems like more progress is being made.

BobK/Orlando

 

[SpecialK]

You've been very helpful, King Bob! Thank you very much!

 

[dpcheercoach]

Thanks for all of your input! I guess it is a wait and see issue. We will have to decide right before we leave or even on our way depending on the fires, construction, etc. We have actually driven both routes, through Alabama and Georgia and really prefer the Georgia route. But...I'd rather be driving and making progress taking a longer route than sitting still in traffic. Thanks again for your help. It is actually up to my husband since he will be doing the driving so we'll see what he decides.