I75 Atlanta GA to Tampa FL

[TboneMan]

I'll be traveling from upstate NY to Tampa FL between Christmas and New Years. I've heard horror stories about the traffic on I95 from VA to FL during this period (VERY high volume).



It appears as though I'll be stopping in Charlotte NC to visit a friend (and avoid hotel charges). I'm thinking that from Charlotte, it might make sense to avoid I95 completely and take I85 to Atlanta where I'd pick up I75 for the rest of the trip to Tampa.



The alternative is taking I77 out of Charlotte to Columbia SC where I'd grap I26 and then pick up I95 north of the Charleston SC. This route is about 100 shorter, but, avoiding I95 is a primary goal.



Other than the obvious headaces around Atlanta, is there anything else I should worry about with this route? What is post holiday traffic like on I75? Anyone have horror stories?

 

[Carlsummers]

I85 to Atlanta then I75 is the best way. I95 (north of Jacksonville) is a nightmare any time of the year.

 

[Kernel]

Pretty boring long drive through GA, but not bad. Traffic through Atlanta is WOW at times. 8 lanes one way going through the little tunnels (really a series of overpasses if I remember right) at 80+ mph trying not to get ran over is something else. My brother-in-law used to fly back and forth to Atlanta for his job and told me about a wreck he saw on 75 through the tunnels. He was running 70ish with traffic when a car switched lanes ahead of him, clipped another car, shot into the side of the tunnel wall and shot back across into the wall on the other side. He said all he could see was smoke and cars skidding around. He said he put the hammer down and hoped for the best and came out of it. He said it was like a wreck scene from "Days of Thunder".



Scott

 

[Alan Reagan]

For daytime driving, take 285 and go around Atlanta. Stay out of downtown. The best time to get through Atlanta is at night anyway. Except at morning/evening rush hour, traffic will move pretty good around the 285 beltway.



Otherwise, it is pretty clear sailing down to Tifton, GA. From there to the border, of the 60 miles about 30-40 miles is in the construction mode. Only at Valdosta which is about 15 miles from the border will you get into the real construction that involves shifting lanes. In the 40 mile construction zone the speed limit is 55. DO NOT EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT AROUND TIFTON OR VALDOSTA. The radar is usually set up on the overpasses so you don't see the cop until you have passed under the bridge and he's clocked you. Those two cities are the worst because of the high fines for speeding in construction.

 

[TboneMan]

Thanks for all of the replies. It looks like I85-I75 is the way to go.



I'll try to time my departure from Charlotte to avoid rush hours in Atlanta. Given that it is the week between the holidays (traditionally lower commuting traffic up here anyway) I'm not too worried.



As for speeding, I'm not one to push the limits. I enjoy getting 21mpg with my 7200# truck.

 

[BigEasy]

The alternative is taking I77 out of Charlotte to Columbia SC where I'd grap I26 and then pick up I95 north of the Charleston SC. This route is about 100 shorter, but, avoiding I95 is a primary goal.

From your location, I'd take 81 to 77 in Wytheville VA, then head to Charlotte. Stay away from Atlanta... it's MUCH worse than 95! Follow the option I quoted, then take US301 from Jacksonville over to Ocala.



I drive this route at least twice a year... it'll be your best bet.

 

[Willys]

For daytime driving, take 285 and go around Atlanta. Stay out of downtown. The best time to get through Atlanta is at night anyway. Except at morning/evening rush hour, traffic will move pretty good around the 285 beltway.



Otherwise, it is pretty clear sailing down to Tifton, GA. From there to the border, of the 60 miles about 30-40 miles is in the construction mode. Only at Valdosta which is about 15 miles from the border will you get into the real construction that involves shifting lanes. In the 40 mile construction zone the speed limit is 55. DO NOT EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT AROUND TIFTON OR VALDOSTA. The radar is usually set up on the overpasses so you don't see the cop until you have passed under the bridge and he's clocked you. Those two cities are the worst because of the high fines for speeding in construction.

I'll try and add to this a little if I can- its a very accurate assessment of Valdosta- I got nailed there about 2 years ago. I was doing about 62 going into the reduced speed zone. The PO wrote me a ticket for 70 or 75 IIRC. He wouldn't let me watch as he 'calibrated' the radar. I explained that there was no way I could be travelling that fast- his reply was that I was traveling with no other cars- so I was speeding. You'll notice a few areas with the signs that read your speed as you go into construction zones. Every sign I have seen has registered my truck dead on. The signs in Valdosta consistently read my truck off 7+ mph. Be very careful in the construction zones, you DO NOT have to be speeding to get a speeding ticket there, thanks to corrupt LE and a likely corrupt judge. (note-I have high respect for MOST LEO's, but those in Valdosta have lost it. )



Macon has some areas that were registered as construction zones, with orange barrels scattered at random, but no apparent construction going on. Be careful here too, especially if you take the bypass.



Once you're in FL, the FHP is often out in force, but I haven't seen anyone pulled over that didn't deserve it(racing or 80+ mph) or folks that appeared suspicious.



I drive from Atlanta area(Griffin) to Sarasota 4-6 times per year.



Oh, and MOST of the time, GA fuel is much cheaper than FL fuel. Fill up before you cross the border. Only once have I seen it cheaper in FL, I never have figured out why(GA fuel tax is cheaper) Usually I can get diesel 30-60 cents cheaper/gallon in GA than in Sarasota.



Hope the trip works out for ya, that is a heckuva drive! Oo.

 

[RDupree]

ok,i make that trip at least 6 times per year,go 95 to florida exit 373,hyway A1A,go south to 301,follow 301 to waldo,then take 24 to gainesville,then turn right at the 2nd redlite on 39th av. go to I-75 and go south to tampa. . be careful in lawty and waldo on 301,then just south of gainesville on 75,speed traps!! randy