Advice for driving north on Rt 81, Sunday or a Monday? (Roanoke: business, maps)

[Rickcin]

I need to take a trip later this month from Roanoke to Carlisle PA and I could either leave on a Sunday at around 11 am or on a Monday.

I’m wondering which day would have less traffic and perhaps there would be less truck traffic on a Sunday?

[ersatz]

I regularly travel I-81 north and south, though certainly not weekly. Based on what I have seen, I would say traffic problems tend to be more weather or holiday-travel related. I usually encounter less overall traffic slowdowns on the weekdays unless it is rush hour near larger towns or returning from a three-day weekend. Sunday traffic volume headed north tends to be worse in the late afternoon or evening.

I woulda thought that there would be less fully loaded big rigs on the road on the weekends but frankly, I hardly see a difference. Suggest you spot check I-81 traffic conditions with google maps for a couple of weeks around your intended departure time and see what it looks like.

[Serious Conversation]

I would do Sunday - no risk from business traffic and 81 is heavy truck traffic all the time.

[badger74]

It tends to lighten as you go farther north. Just have to be patient. Trucks will truck. Swap Meet??

[ersatz]

Originally Posted by badger74

It tends to lighten as you go farther north. Just have to be patient. Trucks will truck. Swap Meet??

Swap Meet? Cool! Are you willing to provide specifics??