Traffic Conditions on Southern I-95

[mickeys#1fan]

We've always found it helpful to know what traffic is like when planning a trip home. So here is what's happening on parts of I-95 and I-4.

We drive from NC and enter I-95 from I-26 in SC. Construction is finished in dowtown Jacksonville, so driving is pretty much hassle-free, even during the am rush. Then watch out. A long construction zone begins just south of Jacksonville and continues almost to Palm Coast. The posted speed limit is 55 mph. Truckers will make it even slower. The zone is patrolled by state troopers now, where it didn't used to be. Road conditions can be rough and lanes narrow at times.

I-295 is no longer a viable option for bypassing Jacksonville. It is under solid consruction, especially at access and egress.

We got off at Palm Coast for some things. Avoid this at all costs. What used to be a nice, easy stop is now a congested mess. It will easily take 20-30 minutes for a simple gas-up.

I-4 has several construction zones, which will slow significantly below the posted limit of 55. There is zone going from around Deland to almost Deltona. It really hoses up where there is bridge construction over the St. Johns River. Avoid taking 417 to get around this. There is alot of construction there, too. The last construction we encountered was around the Winter Park area (Lee Road, Par Ave. area). It should be smooth sailing once you get out of downtown Orlando.

 

[oshun]

Thanks for the update. Doing I-95 and I-4 in a few weeks and it is nice to know what construction is going on and what to avoid. Thanks again.

 

[NCRedding]

We live a few miles south of you on Highway 220. How long did this journey take you? Have you ever gone Hwy. 220 and catching 95 in Florence? If so, how did the I-26 compare? How did you get to I-26? Thanks for the info-trying to decide if we should drive or fly.

 

[mickeys#1fan]

Originally posted by NCRedding
We live a few miles south of you on Highway 220. How long did this journey take you? Have you ever gone Hwy. 220 and catching 95 in Florence? If so, how did the I-26 compare? How did you get to I-26? Thanks for the info-trying to decide if we should drive or fly.

We once took 220, and it was way too slow. You pass through all kinds of little towns where downtown traffic slows to 20 mph. There are lots of traffic lights, too. Our route is usually I-85 to I-77 in Charlotte. From there, we pick up I-26 in Columbia. It's usually clogged with boneheads who want to drive slow in the passing lane. During holiday times it can be bumper to bumper. From late spring until fall there are lots of people hauling boats and campers to the beach. That's frustrating for people like us, who don't like anything to get in our way of getting to WDW. That said, it's till faster than taking 220. We pick up I-95 around St. George (I think that's the name of the town. Depending on traffic conditions, it has taken us anywhere from 9 to 12 hours. We average about 10.

One last tip. We had been advised one time to take 601 from Salisbury. It bypasses Charlotte and Columbia and puts you out on I-26 about 30 min from the I-95 interchange. It was sold to us as a fantastic shortcut. NEVER EVER DO THIS!! The one time we did it ADDED three hours to the trip.

Flying is a tricky question. Rates out of PTI are almost always below $200. Flying really is a good deal. If you're going during a holiday and plan to rent a car, watch out. The gouging really begins, and taxes for rentals from OIA can make up 40% of the bill. Stick with the major companies. We went with a small one called Payless and were bait and switched with an internet rate. We paid almost double what we had budgeted for.

By the way, I know two doctors down your way named Redding. You wouldn't happen to know them would you?

 

[seashoreCM]

Get a road atlas and check a route that someone suggests before using it. Namely check to see whether it is a limited access highway.

If it is not limited access, chances are you will hit lots of red lights.

About Payless car rental, I have used them several times with no hassles (except the time I showed up early and they offered me a car that early only for a higher price, I decided to wait and got what I reserved.)

Did you print your ressie so you could show them what you reserved?

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[NCRedding]

mickeys#1fan: Thanks for the tips. We usually fly out of RDU since it is only a little further than PTI if you hit the traffic wrong on I-40, or on Bryan Blvd. Right now I am waiting for Southwest to release reservations through June. We'll see what happens with that.

I also PMed you off-topic on restaurants in Greensboro-lloking for recommendations other than our regulars: Southern Lights and Green Valley.

As to the docs, not only do we know them, we're related to them! Small world, isn't it.

 

[jimmytammy]

Thanks for those driving tips. As the airline prices are going up, we are strongly considering making the drive in March and Oct. Will definitely keep all these tips in mind. A friend of mine(and fellow DVCer) drives and gave this same info.

 

[SamR]

Construction is finished in dowtown Jacksonville, so driving is pretty much hassle-free, even during the am rush.

The part that I have always hated about driving through downtown Jacksonville is where the southbound I-95 traffic all has to funnel into one left lane to make a sharp left onto a ramp that merges in the traffic from I-10 east. Has that been fixed now? Or is it still a choke point?

We'll be making the drive down from the Raleigh area in just under three weeks, so your update is very appreciated.

 

[mickeys#1fan]

Originally posted by SamR
The part that I have always hated about driving through downtown Jacksonville is where the southbound I-95 traffic all has to funnel into one left lane to make a sharp left onto a ramp that merges in the traffic from I-10 east. Has that been fixed now? Or is it still a choke point?

We'll be making the drive down from the Raleigh area in just under three weeks, so your update is very appreciated.

It's still a precarious merge, but not as congested as it used to be.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Precarious is somewhat of an understatement--downright dangerous!!
IT's the main reason we always take the bypass!!
BUT now--who knows?? Here I always felt that the I-95 drive around DC was the worst part of the trip (which I'm sure it still is) but now all of Florida is giving it competition. Sad--would be nice to think that once you are IN Florida, the drive would be "downhill" and pleasant until you got to WDW!!!
I guess I hope that all the construction results in "better" traffic--but I wonder when it'll be done?? Seems like they've been at it for years now, and no progress whatsoever.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Mickey's #1 Fan,

We're leaving Dec. 5 from SE Greensboro. Thanks for the tips. I've already printed them to show DH.

Lori

 

[JudithM]

The last couple of drives from the JAX area to Orlando, we have used A1A (just south of the FL Welcome Center) to 301 to I75 to the FL Turnpike to US 27 to 192. Sure beat all the traffic on I95 & I4.

 

[Uncleromulus]

With all this construction, that route may now be even a better bet. I never tried it myself, as it seemd a bit too much out of the way.
BUt now---

 

[SamR]

...we have used A1A (just south of the FL Welcome Center) to 301 to I75 to the FL Turnpike...

Given the construction status on I95 and I4 as posted by mickeys#1fan, I'm seriously thinking about trying this route this time. Judith, where did you cut over to I75 from 301? Gainesville? Ocala?

...it seemd a bit too much out of the way.

Just taking a quick glance at it, it looks like it would add about 10 miles to the approximately 200 mile distance from the A1A exit to WDW. So, it is not much of an increase in distance, but of course you swap controlled access interstate for a fair amount of non-controlled access state highway. However, most of 301 is four-lane, and given the reduced speed limits on 95 (due to construction) and the possibility (probability?) of construction delays, the trade might well be worth it.

If nothing else, it would at least be a change of scene from the now-familiar I95/I4 route!

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by SamR
Given the construction status on I95 and I4 as posted by mickeys#1fan, I'm seriously thinking about trying this route this time. Judith, where did you cut over to I75 from 301? Gainesville? Ocala?Just taking a quick glance at it, it looks like it would add about 10 miles to the approximately 200 mile distance from the A1A exit to WDW. So, it is not much of an increase in distance, but of course you swap controlled access interstate for a fair amount of non-controlled access state highway. However, most of 301 is four-lane, and given the reduced speed limits on 95 (due to construction) and the possibility (probability?) of construction delays, the trade might well be worth it.

If nothing else, it would at least be a change of scene from the now-familiar I95/I4 route!

Sam, we have done both - picked up I75 in the Gainesville area & in the Ocala area. We have not done it enough to decide which route to I75 is better, easier, etc. We estimated that taking this route did not add a whole lot more time to our trip. Plus it was so much more pleasant than all the construction on I95 & I4. Also, when we drove this route last May we found several local produce stands, & we're able to buy some fresh fruit for our stay. Gas prices for FL were somewhat less expensive that along the interstates.