What is the best way to the OBX from Pittsburgh avoiding I95 and as much congestion as possible (haha).
I asked AI - Recommended Route Breakdown (Via I-81/I-77/US-58 – Avoids I-95 entirely) Pittsburgh to Breezewood/Hagerstown area (~2-2.5 hours): Take the PA Turnpike (I-76) east to Exit 161 (Breezewood). Merge onto I-70 east toward Hagerstown, MD. This section is straightforward with moderate traffic. To I-81 South (~30-45 min from Breezewood): Continue on I-70 E briefly, then connect to I-81 South near Hagerstown/Winchester, VA. I-81 is a major north-south route with far less congestion than I-95. I-81 South to I-77 South (through VA, ~3-4 hours): Stay on I-81 S past Roanoke. Near Wytheville, VA, take I-77 South toward Charlotte (or follow signs for US-58 E alternatives). This keeps you west of the heavy I-95/DC-Richmond traffic. I-77 to US-58 East / US-13 / US-158 (into NC, ~3-4 hours): Exit I-77 onto US-58 East (near Hillsville or Galax, VA). Follow US-58 E through southern VA (rural, less congested). Continue east to US-13 South, then US-158 East toward the Outer Banks. Cross into NC and head to the Wright Memorial Bridge or continue south on NC-12 as needed. Alternative segments for less congestion or scenery (swap in as needed): From I-81, some drivers take I-66 E briefly then
Here's a short 4 minute youtube video I created that shows our trek from Ohio to OBX. It does hit 95 between Fredericksburg and Richmond but that's all (about 50 miles). It also bypasses route 64 from Richmond to Norfolk by using route 460 from route 295 to Suffolk Va (just watch your speed to avoid tickets). From Suffolk it bypasses the increasingly congested routes 168/158 by using rural roads though VA and NC. This is actually a very nice relaxing route that might add about 15 minutes to the total trip time. Also avoids the $9 toll on 168. Only tolls we hit are the PA turnpike. https://youtu.be/xkBq9Wt1oBI
@dandjw2 Wow! That's one of the coolest things I've ever seen! And the music was perfect.
Thanks for the recommendations all.