For 2,000+ mile round-trip drivers only!

[marius97]

For anyone who happens to live in the Detroit area I know they are doing some major construction along I-75 and just after we cross the border from the Ambassador Bridge into the United States there is a detour onto I-75 South that goes threw Mexicantown. So I am just wondering has there been any improvements in the costruction in those area's since August 2008, because this August when we drive down we know that construction will still be happening.

What a coincidence...is this what you were talking about? I'm an ex-Detroiter that just can't give it up. It sounds like I75 reopens this week.

Monday, June 29, 2009
Mexican Town cheers Thursday's reopening of I-75
Tom Greenwood / The Detroit News
Detroit -- At today's ribbon-cutting ceremony, it was hard to tell who was happier about the early reopening of Interstate 75 this Thursday: MDOT officials or the business owners of southwest Detroit, who have taken an economic bashing during the 17 months that the freeway had been closed.

According to MDOT, southbound I-75 should be completely reopened by about 1 p.m. on Thursday, with northbound I-75 reopening four hours later, at about 5 p.m.

Rosella Schrandt, co-owner of the Mexican Village Restaurant, was beaming over the news.

Advertisement

"Our business took a significant hit, especially in the beginning," Schrandt said. "It used to be that we had people standing in line to get into our restaurant, but after a while, it got to the point where customers could just walk in and be immediately seated.

"Luckily for us, our most loyal customers learned to put up with the construction and the inconvenience and learned the best way to come to the restaurant."

Schrandt said she, along with many patrons of southwest Detroit, also was anticipating the opening of the graceful pedestrian bridge that will reconnect the east and west sides of Mexican Town.

"We're all really looking forward to that," she said.

"We've been waiting for it for over a year now."

MDOT closed a 1.5-mile stretch of I-75 between Rosa Parks and Clark as part of the massive $170 million Ambassador Bridge Gateway Project.

The project included the realignment/reconstruction of sections of I-75/96, new bridges and the installation of new entry/exit ramps in an effort to remove truck traffic from surface streets in the Mexican Town area.

"We're very proud that the freeway will reopen five months ahead of schedule," said MDOT metro region engineer Tony Kratofil.

"The project is about 85 percent completed, and we have about another year of work ahead of us. Occasionally, it will be necessary to close down a lane or two during off-peak hours (9 p.m.-5 a.m.), but the freeway itself will remain open from now on."

Work will also continue on the still unnamed pedestrian bridge, which is scheduled to be completed in November.

tgreenwood@detnews.com (313) 222-2023

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

What a coincidence...is this what you were talking about? I'm an ex-Detroiter that just can't give it up. It sounds like I75 reopens this week.

Monday, June 29, 2009
Mexican Town cheers Thursday's reopening of I-75
Tom Greenwood / The Detroit News
Detroit -- At today's ribbon-cutting ceremony, it was hard to tell who was happier about the early reopening of Interstate 75 this Thursday: MDOT officials or the business owners of southwest Detroit, who have taken an economic bashing during the 17 months that the freeway had been closed.

According to MDOT, southbound I-75 should be completely reopened by about 1 p.m. on Thursday, with northbound I-75 reopening four hours later, at about 5 p.m.

Rosella Schrandt, co-owner of the Mexican Village Restaurant, was beaming over the news.

Advertisement

"Our business took a significant hit, especially in the beginning," Schrandt said. "It used to be that we had people standing in line to get into our restaurant, but after a while, it got to the point where customers could just walk in and be immediately seated.

"Luckily for us, our most loyal customers learned to put up with the construction and the inconvenience and learned the best way to come to the restaurant."

Schrandt said she, along with many patrons of southwest Detroit, also was anticipating the opening of the graceful pedestrian bridge that will reconnect the east and west sides of Mexican Town.

"We're all really looking forward to that," she said.

"We've been waiting for it for over a year now."

MDOT closed a 1.5-mile stretch of I-75 between Rosa Parks and Clark as part of the massive $170 million Ambassador Bridge Gateway Project.

The project included the realignment/reconstruction of sections of I-75/96, new bridges and the installation of new entry/exit ramps in an effort to remove truck traffic from surface streets in the Mexican Town area.

"We're very proud that the freeway will reopen five months ahead of schedule," said MDOT metro region engineer Tony Kratofil.

"The project is about 85 percent completed, and we have about another year of work ahead of us. Occasionally, it will be necessary to close down a lane or two during off-peak hours (9 p.m.-5 a.m.), but the freeway itself will remain open from now on."

Work will also continue on the still unnamed pedestrian bridge, which is scheduled to be completed in November.

tgreenwood@detnews.com (313) 222-2023

Thank you so much for posting that information and yes it is what I was talking about.

 

[Flyerfan]

How long should it take? My co-worker says to go up into PA and then drive south rather than taking I-95. She says it's prettier and has less traffic. Do you agree or know what she's talking about?

We are from Eastern PA and take the 81-77-26-95 route to Florida then I-4 to WDW. If this is what your co-worker means then yes, it is more scenic and less traffic. You travel through the mountains of VA and NC and it's very pretty. We love this route. It takes us 17-18 total hours with stops.

 

[BC1836]

So what would you all suggest for a newbie?

DH and I go to WDW 1-2 times a year, but we always fly. Well, we're looking to buy a new Diesel Jetta in July and are looking forward to some car trips. It's just DH and I and we love driving around and singing musicals at the top of our lungs. (Are you picturing Tim Robbins from the Sure Thing? )

So I really want to try driving to WDW from Boston. What would you suggest/what are your tips?

How long should it take? My co-worker says to go up into PA and then drive south rather than taking I-95. She says it's prettier and has less traffic. Do you agree or know what she's talking about?

What stops along the way should we take? I would love to sample some good southern pie and BBQ along the way.

What is South of the Border?


OH! This sounds like so much fun!!! What month should we do it?

Take your WDW journey whenever you want but check the official WDW site for the various seasonal room rates.

The driving route you take should avoid all major metro areas around rush hour. However, leaving very, very early on a weekend morning (pre 3:30 a.m.) will make your drive somewhat more bearable. What you have to possibly deal with is NYC, southern MD and DC traffic later in your drive.

In any event, you will enjoy the absence of so many airline-related hassles.

South of the Border: the ultimate kitchy, low brow stop just over the SC border after exiting NC on I-95 South. The expression "Vote For Pedro" will remain with you forever!

The number of just-off-the-highway BBQ stops increase the further south you travel once you enter southern VA.

All the best.

 

[awaldo]

18 days from our second driving trip. Around 2300 miles round-trip from North Central Indiana to WDW. First time with our second child - she's just a shade over 1 so we will see how it goes. Glad to see/hear that we're not the only crazy ones! I just get tired of the fiasco that is airtravel these days. Plus, factor in the time it takes to get to and sit at the airport, not to mention the cost, driving is a much better option. This time, we are planning on driving straight through, leaving after work around 4 and arriving early afternoon at POFQ!

 

[caitlinsdad]

Part of our trip from CT will take us down I95 from Richmond Va to savannah ga

How long based on known road conditions will this take. Any quesses.

Trips and Streets puts this at 487 miles.
Figuring on two pits stops and a lunch break

Does 8 1/2 hrs sound right, or can I cut down on the time a little.

 

[BC1836]

Part of our trip from CT will take us down I95 from Richmond Va to savannah ga

How long based on known road conditions will this take. Any quesses.

Trips and Streets puts this at 487 miles.
Figuring on two pits stops and a lunch break

Does 8 1/2 hrs sound right, or can I cut down on the time a little.

We have driven this section of I-95 15 times since 2002. The times we have traveled from the VA/NC border to the GA border has ranged from 7:25 to 8:07. So 8 1/2 hours for you is a bit long even if you have a "lunch break." Pre-made sandwiches consumed during the drive will save you at least a half hour. Richmond is only about 45 minutes from the NC border. The time of your departure and the weather also need to be factored in.

We entered VA on June 20 at 6:58 a.m./we crossed into NC at 9:48 a.m./we crossed into SC at 12:45 p.m./we crossed into GA at 3:59 p.m.

[We entered FL at 5:49 p.m. and made it to EXIT #67 on I-4 at 8:48 p.m.]

All the best.

 

[SpecialK]

We're planning a drive to Orlando this upcoming August coming from the Chicago area. Last year we drove also. I actually enjoyed the ride more than I thought. It was nice to see the scenery, and just take it easy. Lately flying just seems to be such a difficult way to travel, expecially with kids. What with weighing luggage, charging for each peice of luggage, security hassels, tacked on charges, etc. That said, if we found really cheap airfare I may reconsider, but so far it looks like driving is it, especially since we need the car when we are in Orlando.

Anyway, last year we took 65 down through Indiana. Lots of construction around northern Indiana then, but was ok. I hear there is more this year. We will be travelling on the weekends both ways... Anyone from the midwest have any opinions on using 57 vs 65. It just seems like 57 is going to be further distance wise. Does it really save that much time than going through Indiana on 65. Anyone who made the drive on either road have any opinions to share?

Just got back yesterday. We took 65 on the way there, 57 on the way back. Time-wise it was a wash, though there were a lot of areas on 57 with a construction speed limit posted (though no construction in sight) and a lot of police. There was also construction in Atlanta but it kept moving, if slowly.

We made the mistake of trying the 65-231-10 route that someone on theses boards suggested. What a nightmare! That route added so much time to our trip we thought we'd never get there.

Have a good trip!

 

[awaldo]

Just got back yesterday. We took 65 on the way there, 57 on the way back. Time-wise it was a wash, though there were a lot of areas on 57 with a construction speed limit posted (though no construction in sight) and a lot of police. There was also construction in Atlanta but it kept moving, if slowly.

We made the mistake of trying the 65-231-10 route that someone on theses boards suggested. What a nightmare! That route added so much time to our trip we thought we'd never get there.

Have a good trip!

Thanks for that. My mother, who is tagging along with us, heard that the fabled 65-231-10 saves so much because you don't have Atlanta to contend with. Looked like a bad idea to me. Now I know it is.

 

[ekball]

Wondering if anyone can recommend a hotel near Savannah for us? Looking for something reasonable (so probably NOT in the historic district), CLEAN, and safe! Somewhere to stop on our drive from CT to Ft. Myers where we feel comfy and safe. TIA for any help you can give!

 

[rotlex]

Wondering if anyone can recommend a hotel near Savannah for us? Looking for something reasonable (so probably NOT in the historic district), CLEAN, and safe! Somewhere to stop on our drive from CT to Ft. Myers where we feel comfy and safe. TIA for any help you can give!

There are a number of hotels right off of 95 in Savannah, but we recently stayed here http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/savab-fairfield-inn-and-suites-savannah-i-95-south/ down and back. Very nice, clean, good location hotel, with an indoor pool, and a Cracker Barrel in the parking lot.

We drove from Easter PA to Savannah on our first day, and arrived there around 5pm. Staff was great, rooms a good size, clean, and really easy on\off to 95. Rate was $94 per night plus tax. There are cheaper right around there, but I liked the look, newness and cleanliness of this one.

 

[Flyerfan]

There are a number of hotels right off of 95 in Savannah, but we recently stayed here http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/savab-fairfield-inn-and-suites-savannah-i-95-south/ down and back. Very nice, clean, good location hotel, with an indoor pool, and a Cracker Barrel in the parking lot.

We drove from Easter PA to Savannah on our first day, and arrived there around 5pm. Staff was great, rooms a good size, clean, and really easy on\off to 95. Rate was $94 per night plus tax. There are cheaper right around there, but I liked the look, newness and cleanliness of this one.

What time did you leave in the morning to make it there around 5pm? We have stopped in Walterboro,SC the last two times but are thinking about driving a little further and was looking at the Savannah area. This hotel looks very nice and the price isn't bad either.

 

[rotlex]

What time did you leave in the morning to make it there around 5pm? We have stopped in Walterboro,SC the last two times but are thinking about driving a little further and was looking at the Savannah area. This hotel looks very nice and the price isn't bad either.

We left around 4am. We were travelling with young children, so the time included a few stops to eat, as well as bathroom breaks. All in all, we got there a lot sooner than I had thought. Very smooth drive, and very nice to have only a 4 hour drive to WDW the next day!

 

[dismom2-3]

We left around 4am. We were travelling with young children, so the time included a few stops to eat, as well as bathroom breaks. All in all, we got there a lot sooner than I had thought. Very smooth drive, and very nice to have only a 4 hour drive to WDW the next day!

Rotlex- did you take 95 or did you head out to 81? Thanks!

 

[rotlex]

Rotlex- did you take 95 or did you head out to 81? Thanks!

We took 81-77-26-95 to I4. VERY pleasent, and uneventful drive!

 

[dismom2-3]

After reading through this thread, we had been planning your exact route, but with so many people from our area who post on here taking 95,(friends from home too) we were questioning ourselves. It is nice to know someone with a similar situation was able to make it to Savannah at a decent time. We are leaving from Bucks County on a Friday, and were concerned about the rush hour along the east coast. Now we can move on from the decision and pack away!

Again, thanks and enjoy planning your next trip!

 

[rotlex]

After reading through this thread, we had been planning your exact route, but with so many people from our area who post on here taking 95,(friends from home too) we were questioning ourselves. It is nice to know someone with a similar situation was able to make it to Savannah at a decent time. We are leaving from Bucks County on a Friday, and were concerned about the rush hour along the east coast. Now we can move on from the decision and pack away!

Again, thanks and enjoy planning your next trip!

We had originally planned on doing 95 as well, as it seem so much more direct. (It is also the only route I had ever taken on my business drives years ago).

I'll tell you this, after traveling the 81 route, I will never, ever do 95 again. It is really no more direct, and dealing with the traffic, big city area's, and crazy drivers, just makes it very unpleasant, IMO. Even my wife, who normally abhors driving, enjoyed this past trip!

Have a great trip, and enjoy the planning!

 

[dantedisney]

I was looking for hotels along I-95 in Georgia and found this site. I thought it might be helpful for others:

www i95exitguide com/lodging/georgia.php (sorry... I can't post links since I have < 10 posts)

We are leaving for FL in 2 weeks and I'm trying to make a few reservations Saturday night July 18.

What's a better/safer location to stay at for the night?

Savannah (exit 94)
Brunswick (exit 38)
Kingsland (exit 3)

We will be leaving MA Friday night around 9pm and driving overnight to GA (Is this doable with 2 drivers?)...

We plan on taking I-95.

 

[Flyerfan]

We had originally planned on doing 95 as well, as it seem so much more direct. (It is also the only route I had ever taken on my business drives years ago).

I'll tell you this, after traveling the 81 route, I will never, ever do 95 again. It is really no more direct, and dealing with the traffic, big city area's, and crazy drivers, just makes it very unpleasant, IMO. Even my wife, who normally abhors driving, enjoyed this past trip!

Have a great trip, and enjoy the planning!

I was going to ask you if you did 95 or 81. We love the 81 route. It's so much nicer than 95.

 

[chellewashere]

After reading through this thread, we had been planning your exact route, but with so many people from our area who post on here taking 95,(friends from home too) we were questioning ourselves. It is nice to know someone with a similar situation was able to make it to Savannah at a decent time. We are leaving from Bucks County on a Friday, and were concerned about the rush hour along the east coast. Now we can move on from the decision and pack away!

Again, thanks and enjoy planning your next trip!

Ok think I missed soemhing we are going down next month and we are from lower bucks and going to be staying overnight in kingsland ga...what is the 81 route?? i only know how to do 95