Route
From DTW Airport: I 94 West, M 52 North, I 96 West, US 127 North to East Lansing MI
M 43 East, Grand River Avenue, I 96 East (Brighton), Local Roads, I 94 East, I 75 North, Local Roads, M 53 West, Local Roads, I 696 West, I 96 East to Livonia
Local Roads, Grand River Avenue, I 96 West (Kent Lake), US 127 North to East Lansing
US 127 South, I 96 East, US 23 South, M 17 West to Ann Arbor
Local Roads, I 94 West to DTW Airport
Notes
Reacquaint self with some old roads: M 52 through Dexter MI and Stockbridge; Grand River Avenue through Williamston, Fowlerville, Howell, Novi, Milford.
Visited Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum, which has been in the same locale for at least twenty five years. I first visited it when it was part of Tally Hall, a shopping area designed after Boston's Faneuill Hall. Tally Hall is entirely gone, the buildings are not standard strip malls, but Marvin's still lives on.
Results
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Sunday, April 24, 2005
GA Tech April 2005
Route
NC 86 North, I 40 West, I 85 South, OH 140 West to Atlanta GA.
OH 141 South, I 285 East, I 85 South to GA Tech.
US 78 West, US 18 North, GA 13 North, I 85 North, US 23 North, GA 140 West.
GA 141 South, I 285 East, I 85 North, SC 11 East, SC 18 North, I 85 North, I 40 East, NC 86 South to Chapel Hill NC.
Notes
SC 11 is the "Cherokees Foothills National Scenic Highway" from the welcome center on North I 85 to I 85 in Gaffney SC. There is a great car themed restaurant in Chesnee SC on US 221 a few blocks south of SC 11 called the Bantam Chef. The place is decorated to mimic a 50s diner with road memorabilia covering the walls. It has a beautiful old Studebaker in a museum display like you see at the Henry Ford in Dearborn MI.
Results
Clinch SC 11.
One county for a total of 881.
NC 86 North, I 40 West, I 85 South, OH 140 West to Atlanta GA.
OH 141 South, I 285 East, I 85 South to GA Tech.
US 78 West, US 18 North, GA 13 North, I 85 North, US 23 North, GA 140 West.
GA 141 South, I 285 East, I 85 North, SC 11 East, SC 18 North, I 85 North, I 40 East, NC 86 South to Chapel Hill NC.
Notes
SC 11 is the "Cherokees Foothills National Scenic Highway" from the welcome center on North I 85 to I 85 in Gaffney SC. There is a great car themed restaurant in Chesnee SC on US 221 a few blocks south of SC 11 called the Bantam Chef. The place is decorated to mimic a 50s diner with road memorabilia covering the walls. It has a beautiful old Studebaker in a museum display like you see at the Henry Ford in Dearborn MI.
Results
Clinch SC 11.
One county for a total of 881.
Lansing MI April 2005
Route
Day 1. NC 86 North, I 40 West, Local Road, US 70 West, NC 87 North, US 29 North, NC 14 North, NC 87 North, VA 87 North, US 220 North, I 581 North, I 81 South, VA 419 South, US 460 West, US 11 South, VA 311 North, WV 311 North, VA 311 North, WV 311 North, I 64 West, US 60 West to Warm Springs VA, US 60 East, I 64 East to Covington VA, US 60 West, I 64 West, I 77 North to Mineral Wells WV
Day 2. I 77 North, OH 80 North, OH 37 West, OH 13 North, I 70 West, I 294 South, US 23 North, I 294 West, OH 315 North, US 23 North, OH 15 West, I 75 North, Ohio Turnpike West, OH 96 North, US 127 North to East Lansing MI
Local Roads around Lansing/East Lansing including Bus 69, MI 43, US 127
Day 3. US 127 South, I 96 East to Livonia MI
Day 4. I 275 South, US 24 South, I 75 South, I 475 West, I 75 South, US 15 East, US 23 South, US 30 East, I 71 South, OH 36 East, OH 83 South, I 70 East, I 77 South, US 460 West to Princeton WV
Day 5. US 460 West to Bluefield VA, US 19 East, US 460 West, US 52 South, Blue Ridge Parkway North, US 58 East, NC 86 South to Chapel Hill
Notes
On VA 311 there is a odd double tunnel with one span stone and one span corrugated steel culvert.
In Blufield VA, US 19 through town is signed both US 19 and US 460 with old cutout shields. In Blufield WV, the US 460 designation is dropped and the shields become modern shields. VA also uses old cutouts along US 52 in several small towns.
The I-73 corridor is signed along US 220 south of Roanoke VA and along US 460 between Princeton and Bluefield WV.
OH 83 and OH 37 run through oil country with working wells right next to the road.
In downtown Columbus, there are multiple signs to OH 315 from US 23, even one that looks like OH 315 is multiplexed with US 30, but OH 315 parallels US 23 and they never cross.
Results
Seventeen counties for a total of 880.
In Virginia, clinch VA 311, US 52 and I 581.
In West Virginia, clinch US 460 and WV 311.
In Ohio, clinch US 23 and OH 315.
In Michigan, clinch US 24 and US 127.
Day 1. NC 86 North, I 40 West, Local Road, US 70 West, NC 87 North, US 29 North, NC 14 North, NC 87 North, VA 87 North, US 220 North, I 581 North, I 81 South, VA 419 South, US 460 West, US 11 South, VA 311 North, WV 311 North, VA 311 North, WV 311 North, I 64 West, US 60 West to Warm Springs VA, US 60 East, I 64 East to Covington VA, US 60 West, I 64 West, I 77 North to Mineral Wells WV
Day 2. I 77 North, OH 80 North, OH 37 West, OH 13 North, I 70 West, I 294 South, US 23 North, I 294 West, OH 315 North, US 23 North, OH 15 West, I 75 North, Ohio Turnpike West, OH 96 North, US 127 North to East Lansing MI
Local Roads around Lansing/East Lansing including Bus 69, MI 43, US 127
Day 3. US 127 South, I 96 East to Livonia MI
Day 4. I 275 South, US 24 South, I 75 South, I 475 West, I 75 South, US 15 East, US 23 South, US 30 East, I 71 South, OH 36 East, OH 83 South, I 70 East, I 77 South, US 460 West to Princeton WV
Day 5. US 460 West to Bluefield VA, US 19 East, US 460 West, US 52 South, Blue Ridge Parkway North, US 58 East, NC 86 South to Chapel Hill
Notes
On VA 311 there is a odd double tunnel with one span stone and one span corrugated steel culvert.
In Blufield VA, US 19 through town is signed both US 19 and US 460 with old cutout shields. In Blufield WV, the US 460 designation is dropped and the shields become modern shields. VA also uses old cutouts along US 52 in several small towns.
The I-73 corridor is signed along US 220 south of Roanoke VA and along US 460 between Princeton and Bluefield WV.
OH 83 and OH 37 run through oil country with working wells right next to the road.
In downtown Columbus, there are multiple signs to OH 315 from US 23, even one that looks like OH 315 is multiplexed with US 30, but OH 315 parallels US 23 and they never cross.
Results
Seventeen counties for a total of 880.
In Virginia, clinch VA 311, US 52 and I 581.
In West Virginia, clinch US 460 and WV 311.
In Ohio, clinch US 23 and OH 315.
In Michigan, clinch US 24 and US 127.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Clinching NC 62 and US 311
Route
NC 86 North, I 40 West, Future I 840 North, US 70 West, US 220 North, Local Roads
US 220 South, NC 62 West, NC 109 North, Business I 85 South, US 52 North, NC 8 South, Business I 85 North, NC 109 North, US 311 South, Business I 85 North, I 85 North, NC 54 East
Notes
The I 85 Bypass of Greensboro is open again.
There are detour signs for US 29 North and US 70 West from I 40/85 onto Future I 840. This has been for construction at the NC 6 and US 29 North interchange. Since I was headed into Greensboro, I followed them. However, I did not notice any more detour signs on Future I 840 or on US 70 West.
US 311 South has Future I 74 Corridor signs south of I 40. There are none on the new bypass of High Point, which definitely is meant to be I 74.
Since the bypass was built, I no longer had US 311 clinched.
Results
Clinch NC 62 and reclinch US 311.
NC 86 North, I 40 West, Future I 840 North, US 70 West, US 220 North, Local Roads
US 220 South, NC 62 West, NC 109 North, Business I 85 South, US 52 North, NC 8 South, Business I 85 North, NC 109 North, US 311 South, Business I 85 North, I 85 North, NC 54 East
Notes
The I 85 Bypass of Greensboro is open again.
There are detour signs for US 29 North and US 70 West from I 40/85 onto Future I 840. This has been for construction at the NC 6 and US 29 North interchange. Since I was headed into Greensboro, I followed them. However, I did not notice any more detour signs on Future I 840 or on US 70 West.
US 311 South has Future I 74 Corridor signs south of I 40. There are none on the new bypass of High Point, which definitely is meant to be I 74.
Since the bypass was built, I no longer had US 311 clinched.
Results
Clinch NC 62 and reclinch US 311.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Augusta GA - A family funeral
Route
I 40 West, Bus I 85 South, I 85 South, I 77 South, SC 277 South, I 20 West to Augusta
GA 28, GA 104, Local Roads
I 20 East, SC 277 North, I 77 North, I 485 East, I 85 North, Bus I 85 North, I 40 West to Chapel Hill
Notes
Exit 149 on I 85 is now open as University Drive to Elon. Elon has been removed from the exit 141 signs. This may cause a problem with truckers who have notes regarding the Elon exit on I 85/I 40.
I 485 West is still marked on the GBS on I 77 South and North as Future I 485.
There is the 44 Motel at exit 44 on I 20 in SC. There are businesses named after highways. How many are named after exit numbers?
The rest area at mile 63 on I 77 in SC used to have payphones with large signs saying "Chester" because they were served by the Chester Telephone Company. Now they just say "Sprint". A bit of local color has disappeared.
Results
I 40 West, Bus I 85 South, I 85 South, I 77 South, SC 277 South, I 20 West to Augusta
GA 28, GA 104, Local Roads
I 20 East, SC 277 North, I 77 North, I 485 East, I 85 North, Bus I 85 North, I 40 West to Chapel Hill
Notes
Exit 149 on I 85 is now open as University Drive to Elon. Elon has been removed from the exit 141 signs. This may cause a problem with truckers who have notes regarding the Elon exit on I 85/I 40.
I 485 West is still marked on the GBS on I 77 South and North as Future I 485.
There is the 44 Motel at exit 44 on I 20 in SC. There are businesses named after highways. How many are named after exit numbers?
The rest area at mile 63 on I 77 in SC used to have payphones with large signs saying "Chester" because they were served by the Chester Telephone Company. Now they just say "Sprint". A bit of local color has disappeared.
Results
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Lansing MI
Route
NC 86 North, I 40 West, Bus 40 West, US 52 North, I 74 West, I 77 North, Ohio Turnpike West, US 23 North, I 96 West
Side Trip - I 96 West, I 69 South, Bus 69 South (Charlotte) and return
Local Roads - I 496, Bus 69 (Lansing), Bus 96, M 43
Return - I 96 East, US 23 South, I 75 South, OH 15 East, US 23 South, I 270 West, OH 315 South, I 71 South, I 270 East, US 23 South, US 35 East, I 64 East, I 77 South, I 74 East, US 52 South, Bus 40 East, I 40 East, NC 86 South
Notes
I 85 is blocked with barricades on the ramp from I 40/I 85 West east of Greensboro. Construction through Canton OH is done.
The turnpike plazas just east of Toledo OH look about ready to open.
There is no weather info in the turnpike plazas. My brother the trucker talked to another trucker to get info about conditions farther up into the snow storm.
Took the new US 35 freeway from US 50 to Richmond Dale OH. There are stubs of pavement from the old US 35 carriageway.
Results
Clinched I 69 completely.
NC 86 North, I 40 West, Bus 40 West, US 52 North, I 74 West, I 77 North, Ohio Turnpike West, US 23 North, I 96 West
Side Trip - I 96 West, I 69 South, Bus 69 South (Charlotte) and return
Local Roads - I 496, Bus 69 (Lansing), Bus 96, M 43
Return - I 96 East, US 23 South, I 75 South, OH 15 East, US 23 South, I 270 West, OH 315 South, I 71 South, I 270 East, US 23 South, US 35 East, I 64 East, I 77 South, I 74 East, US 52 South, Bus 40 East, I 40 East, NC 86 South
Notes
I 85 is blocked with barricades on the ramp from I 40/I 85 West east of Greensboro. Construction through Canton OH is done.
The turnpike plazas just east of Toledo OH look about ready to open.
There is no weather info in the turnpike plazas. My brother the trucker talked to another trucker to get info about conditions farther up into the snow storm.
Took the new US 35 freeway from US 50 to Richmond Dale OH. There are stubs of pavement from the old US 35 carriageway.
Results
Clinched I 69 completely.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Chatham County Trip
Route
Old Greensboro Highway West, NC 49 South, local road, US 421 South, US 64 West, Old US 421 South, NC 902 West, Local Roads, NC 42 East, US 421 West, NC 902 East, Local Road, US 64 East, US 15/501 North
Notes
My trips crisscrossing central North Carolina have covered many of the counties. I have clinched the state and US highways in Orange, Durham, Person and Granville counties. The only highways in Chatham county that I had not clinched (in the county) were US 421 and NC 42. My travels tend to cross these roads, but not travel along them. Since business took me to southwest Chatham county, I turned it into a roadtrip to cover those roads, at least in southwest Chatham county.
US 421 is being upgraded to four lane divided from Sanford to Goldston. The bypass around Goldston is a Super-2, but not for long.
Results
The only state highway left to clinch Chatham county is NC 42 from Corinth east.
Old Greensboro Highway West, NC 49 South, local road, US 421 South, US 64 West, Old US 421 South, NC 902 West, Local Roads, NC 42 East, US 421 West, NC 902 East, Local Road, US 64 East, US 15/501 North
Notes
My trips crisscrossing central North Carolina have covered many of the counties. I have clinched the state and US highways in Orange, Durham, Person and Granville counties. The only highways in Chatham county that I had not clinched (in the county) were US 421 and NC 42. My travels tend to cross these roads, but not travel along them. Since business took me to southwest Chatham county, I turned it into a roadtrip to cover those roads, at least in southwest Chatham county.
US 421 is being upgraded to four lane divided from Sanford to Goldston. The bypass around Goldston is a Super-2, but not for long.
Results
The only state highway left to clinch Chatham county is NC 42 from Corinth east.
Monday, December 27, 2004
Xmas in Georgia; Visit to GA Tech
Route
I 40 West, I 85 South, I 77 South, US 1 South, I 20 West to Augusta
GA 28, GA 104, I 520, GA 383, Local Roads
I 20 West, I 75/85 North to GA Tech
Local Roads, I 75 South, I 285 East, I 20 West to Augusta
I 20 East, SC 144 North, US 25 North, US 378 East, SC 39 North, SC 56 North, SC 72 East, I 26 West, I 85 North, I 40 West to Chapel Hill
Notes
Exit 149 on I 85 is now open as University Drive to Elon. Elon has been removed from the exit 141 signs.
When the HOV lane on I 77 South ends, the lane ends and you have to merge right.
I 485 West is still marked on the GBS on I 77 South as Future I 485
I 485 South has Rock Hill as its control city from I 85 South and Pineville as its control city from I 85 North.
Results
One County (Saluda SC), for a total of 863
I 40 West, I 85 South, I 77 South, US 1 South, I 20 West to Augusta
GA 28, GA 104, I 520, GA 383, Local Roads
I 20 West, I 75/85 North to GA Tech
Local Roads, I 75 South, I 285 East, I 20 West to Augusta
I 20 East, SC 144 North, US 25 North, US 378 East, SC 39 North, SC 56 North, SC 72 East, I 26 West, I 85 North, I 40 West to Chapel Hill
Notes
Exit 149 on I 85 is now open as University Drive to Elon. Elon has been removed from the exit 141 signs.
When the HOV lane on I 77 South ends, the lane ends and you have to merge right.
I 485 West is still marked on the GBS on I 77 South as Future I 485
I 485 South has Rock Hill as its control city from I 85 South and Pineville as its control city from I 85 North.
Results
One County (Saluda SC), for a total of 863
Monday, December 06, 2004
Mount Rogers
Route
I 40 West, Bus I 40 West, US 52 North, I 74 West, I 77 North, US 52 West, VA 600 North
Notes
Previously, we went to Mount Rogers by way of Sparta NC, but this way is faster.
All lanes are open on I 85/I 40 at the bridge construction at Mile 140 west of Burlington NC, eliminating a bottle neck.
All lanes are open on Business I 40 from Kernersville NC to US 52.
Galax VA is one of smallest Independant Cities in Virginia. I had both of the counties that Galax is between, but not Galax.
In Greensboro NC, the BGSs on Eastbound I 40/Bus 85/US 421 at US 220 and Bus 85 do not mention I 85 at all now. You have to know that to get to I-85 South, you take Bus 85 South or go all the way to the I 40/I 85 split east of Greensboro.
Results
Picked up mileage on US 58. One county (Galax VA) for a total of 861.
I 40 West, Bus I 40 West, US 52 North, I 74 West, I 77 North, US 52 West, VA 600 North
Notes
Previously, we went to Mount Rogers by way of Sparta NC, but this way is faster.
All lanes are open on I 85/I 40 at the bridge construction at Mile 140 west of Burlington NC, eliminating a bottle neck.
All lanes are open on Business I 40 from Kernersville NC to US 52.
Galax VA is one of smallest Independant Cities in Virginia. I had both of the counties that Galax is between, but not Galax.
In Greensboro NC, the BGSs on Eastbound I 40/Bus 85/US 421 at US 220 and Bus 85 do not mention I 85 at all now. You have to know that to get to I-85 South, you take Bus 85 South or go all the way to the I 40/I 85 split east of Greensboro.
Results
Picked up mileage on US 58. One county (Galax VA) for a total of 861.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Clinch US 220 in NC
Route
I 40 West, NC 87 North, US 158 West, US 220 North, US 220 Business, NC 135 East, US 220 North, VA 87 South, NC 87 South, US 158 East, US 29 Bypass South, NC 150 East, US 158 East, NC 86 South
Notes
My NC State Highway Map shows US 311 going through Madison on US 220 Business and NC 135 East to Eden. I took the detour to see for myself. There is an End sign at US 311 and US 220 Business as before. The new route has not been signed.
US 220 is signed as Future I 73 Corridor in both North Carolina and Virginia.
US 28 Bypass has had its mileposts renumbered. The exits show the old exit numbers and new exit numbers, differing only by a mile or two. What was the point?
Results
Clinch US 220 in NC, VA 87
I 40 West, NC 87 North, US 158 West, US 220 North, US 220 Business, NC 135 East, US 220 North, VA 87 South, NC 87 South, US 158 East, US 29 Bypass South, NC 150 East, US 158 East, NC 86 South
Notes
My NC State Highway Map shows US 311 going through Madison on US 220 Business and NC 135 East to Eden. I took the detour to see for myself. There is an End sign at US 311 and US 220 Business as before. The new route has not been signed.
US 220 is signed as Future I 73 Corridor in both North Carolina and Virginia.
US 28 Bypass has had its mileposts renumbered. The exits show the old exit numbers and new exit numbers, differing only by a mile or two. What was the point?
Results
Clinch US 220 in NC, VA 87
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Sandhills
Route
US 15/501 South, US 1 South, US 15/501 South, US 15/401 South, SC 381 West, NC 381 West, NC 79, NC 381 West, US 74 Business West, NC 38 South, Local Roads, US 1 N to NC 177
US 1 South, US 220 North, US 220 Alt North, NC 705, US 220 Alt North, NC 159 North, Local Roads, NC 42 East, NC 22 North, NC 62 East, US 421 North, I 40 East, I 840 North, US 70 East, I 40 East
Notes
Construction continues at a snail's pace on US 15/501 from Chapel Hill to Pittsboro and the US 1 Vass Bypass.
Crossed the South Carolina border on US 15, NC 75 and US 1. On each there are several dead Video Poker parlors. They look pathetic.
Lots of construction south of Candor on the US 220/I 73/I 74 extension to Rockingham. Nice view of bridge construction west of US 220.
The only exit on Future I 840 is numbered 19, which should count around the future loop from the other end at current I 40.
Results
Clinched US 1, US 15, NC 381, NC 38, NC 705, NC 159, NC 22. Almost clinched US 220, need the northern end.
Photographed NC 79 Southern Terminus and NC 177 Northern Terminus
US 15/501 South, US 1 South, US 15/501 South, US 15/401 South, SC 381 West, NC 381 West, NC 79, NC 381 West, US 74 Business West, NC 38 South, Local Roads, US 1 N to NC 177
US 1 South, US 220 North, US 220 Alt North, NC 705, US 220 Alt North, NC 159 North, Local Roads, NC 42 East, NC 22 North, NC 62 East, US 421 North, I 40 East, I 840 North, US 70 East, I 40 East
Notes
Construction continues at a snail's pace on US 15/501 from Chapel Hill to Pittsboro and the US 1 Vass Bypass.
Crossed the South Carolina border on US 15, NC 75 and US 1. On each there are several dead Video Poker parlors. They look pathetic.
Lots of construction south of Candor on the US 220/I 73/I 74 extension to Rockingham. Nice view of bridge construction west of US 220.
The only exit on Future I 840 is numbered 19, which should count around the future loop from the other end at current I 40.
Results
Clinched US 1, US 15, NC 381, NC 38, NC 705, NC 159, NC 22. Almost clinched US 220, need the northern end.
Photographed NC 79 Southern Terminus and NC 177 Northern Terminus
Saturday, October 23, 2004
College Visit to JHU
Route
US 15/501 North, I 85 North, I 95 North, I 295 (Md/DC) North, DC 295 North, Baltimore-Washington Parkway North, MD 295, Local Roads to JHU
Local Roads, I 83 South, Local Roads, I 395 South, I 95 South, VA 7100 South, US 1 South to Stafford, I 95 South, I 85 South, US 15/501 South to Chapel Hill
Notes
Going north, no delays at Springfield or the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Night construction is going on the Virginia approach to the bridge.
The Balitmore-Washington Parkway is a strange duck. It is signed like the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Jamestown/Yorktown Parkway , but appears just to be a highway connecting government complexes and the cities.
Going south, significant delays at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge from both directions. However, once you hit the bridge, traffic went to highway speed.
The BGS north of Richmond illustrating that I-295 goes around Richmond has got to be the stupidest BGS in the southeast.
Results
Clinch I 95, I 295, DC 295, I 495 in DC
Clinch I 295, Baltimore-Washington Parkway, MD 295, I 395 in MD
5 counties in MD, total now 858
US 15/501 North, I 85 North, I 95 North, I 295 (Md/DC) North, DC 295 North, Baltimore-Washington Parkway North, MD 295, Local Roads to JHU
Local Roads, I 83 South, Local Roads, I 395 South, I 95 South, VA 7100 South, US 1 South to Stafford, I 95 South, I 85 South, US 15/501 South to Chapel Hill
Notes
Going north, no delays at Springfield or the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Night construction is going on the Virginia approach to the bridge.
The Balitmore-Washington Parkway is a strange duck. It is signed like the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Jamestown/Yorktown Parkway , but appears just to be a highway connecting government complexes and the cities.
Going south, significant delays at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge from both directions. However, once you hit the bridge, traffic went to highway speed.
The BGS north of Richmond illustrating that I-295 goes around Richmond has got to be the stupidest BGS in the southeast.
Results
Clinch I 95, I 295, DC 295, I 495 in DC
Clinch I 295, Baltimore-Washington Parkway, MD 295, I 395 in MD
5 counties in MD, total now 858
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Shenandoah National Park
Route
NC 86 North, I 29 North, VA 6 West, VA 151 North, US 250 West to the Skyline Drive
Notes
There is construction of the Sweetbrier interchange at the south end of Amherst bypass, US 29 reduced to both directions on one carriageway. This is the north end of the US 29 bypass of Lynchburg from the existing US 460 freeway.
US 29 has two names, "Seminole Trail", which hearkens back to when roads were named, and "The 29th Infantry Division Memorial Highway".
There is a very tall water spout on the James River west of the US 29 bridge. The US-29 freeway through Lynchburg is awful. Someday I am going to figure out how to get through Lynchburg without hitting the section of US 29 in front of Walmart. Supposedly, taking US 460 to US 501 is better.
A new entrance to the National Park is being built a little south of the current one. The road, curbing and foundation is in. There is parking in both driections, making getting backcountry permits a little easier, if they move the backcountry permit box to the new entry way.
On some bridge north of Lynchburg, I saw little signs "Lift Blade at Joint". It took a little thinking to realize that these were for snowplows to lift their blades over the bridge joints.
Virginia's secondary roads (round signs) appear to number up into the 1000's. I did see one in the 9000's and one which was numbered "F287", which I assume is a farm road.
Shenandoah National Park is beautiful in October. On our way out, there was a line of cars at the entranceway.
There is a small green "Future I 785 Corridor" sign on US 29 S/US 58 W just west of the interchange with US 58 E. This indicates that I 785 will extend around Danville, at least to US 58 W. Continuing around on the US 29 Bypass would make sense.
Results
Picked up mileage on VA 6, VA 151 and US 250.
NC 86 North, I 29 North, VA 6 West, VA 151 North, US 250 West to the Skyline Drive
Notes
There is construction of the Sweetbrier interchange at the south end of Amherst bypass, US 29 reduced to both directions on one carriageway. This is the north end of the US 29 bypass of Lynchburg from the existing US 460 freeway.
US 29 has two names, "Seminole Trail", which hearkens back to when roads were named, and "The 29th Infantry Division Memorial Highway".
There is a very tall water spout on the James River west of the US 29 bridge. The US-29 freeway through Lynchburg is awful. Someday I am going to figure out how to get through Lynchburg without hitting the section of US 29 in front of Walmart. Supposedly, taking US 460 to US 501 is better.
A new entrance to the National Park is being built a little south of the current one. The road, curbing and foundation is in. There is parking in both driections, making getting backcountry permits a little easier, if they move the backcountry permit box to the new entry way.
On some bridge north of Lynchburg, I saw little signs "Lift Blade at Joint". It took a little thinking to realize that these were for snowplows to lift their blades over the bridge joints.
Virginia's secondary roads (round signs) appear to number up into the 1000's. I did see one in the 9000's and one which was numbered "F287", which I assume is a farm road.
Shenandoah National Park is beautiful in October. On our way out, there was a line of cars at the entranceway.
There is a small green "Future I 785 Corridor" sign on US 29 S/US 58 W just west of the interchange with US 58 E. This indicates that I 785 will extend around Danville, at least to US 58 W. Continuing around on the US 29 Bypass would make sense.
Results
Picked up mileage on VA 6, VA 151 and US 250.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Clinch NC 96
Route
I 40 East, US 70 East, US 70 Bus East, NC 96 South, NC 55 East, I 40 West, I 95 North, US 70 Bus West, NC 96 North, US 158 West, I 85 South to Durham NC
Notes
Due to misreading a map, I started out heading for Smithfield to explore the various US 70's there and then head north on NC 96, which I thought ended at US 301 in Selma. When I got to the intersection of US 70 Bus and US 301, I was surprised to see the NC-96 was multiplexed with US 301. Looking at the map, NC 96 continued to NC 55. Oops. I should have taken I 40 to NC 55 in the first place. The US 70's will have to wait.
NC 96 runs through a lot of cotton fields from NC 55 to Zebulon.
Results
Clinched NC 96.
Extended the central section of US 158 around Oxford. I need to connect US 158 from I 85 to the exit north of Henderson to have US 158 continuous from Merchant Millpond to Reidsville.
I 40 East, US 70 East, US 70 Bus East, NC 96 South, NC 55 East, I 40 West, I 95 North, US 70 Bus West, NC 96 North, US 158 West, I 85 South to Durham NC
Notes
Due to misreading a map, I started out heading for Smithfield to explore the various US 70's there and then head north on NC 96, which I thought ended at US 301 in Selma. When I got to the intersection of US 70 Bus and US 301, I was surprised to see the NC-96 was multiplexed with US 301. Looking at the map, NC 96 continued to NC 55. Oops. I should have taken I 40 to NC 55 in the first place. The US 70's will have to wait.
NC 96 runs through a lot of cotton fields from NC 55 to Zebulon.
Results
Clinched NC 96.
Extended the central section of US 158 around Oxford. I need to connect US 158 from I 85 to the exit north of Henderson to have US 158 continuous from Merchant Millpond to Reidsville.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Drive the U-Haul from Dearborn MI to Chapel Hill NC
Route
US 24 South, I 94 West, I 275 South, I 75 South, I 280 South, I 80/90/Ohio Turnpike East, I 77 South, I 74 East, US 52 South, I 40 Bus East, I 40 East, NC 86 South to Chapel Hill NC
Notes
In a truck, stick to Interstates.
The interchange between US 24 and I 94 is under reconstruction into a SPUI. The unusual left exits from I 94 are gone and the bridges that carried them across US 24 are gone. Currently there is a detour for both exits.
The southern approaches to the new I 280 bridge look complete.
In the new Ohio Turnpike service areas, the diesel pumps are before the truck parking area. You have to fuel first.
Ohio Turnpike treats the truck as a car. West Virginia calls it a Class 5 vehicle with a $2.00 toll per plaza.
Results
US 24 South, I 94 West, I 275 South, I 75 South, I 280 South, I 80/90/Ohio Turnpike East, I 77 South, I 74 East, US 52 South, I 40 Bus East, I 40 East, NC 86 South to Chapel Hill NC
Notes
In a truck, stick to Interstates.
The interchange between US 24 and I 94 is under reconstruction into a SPUI. The unusual left exits from I 94 are gone and the bridges that carried them across US 24 are gone. Currently there is a detour for both exits.
The southern approaches to the new I 280 bridge look complete.
In the new Ohio Turnpike service areas, the diesel pumps are before the truck parking area. You have to fuel first.
Ohio Turnpike treats the truck as a car. West Virginia calls it a Class 5 vehicle with a $2.00 toll per plaza.
Results
Thursday, July 22, 2004
College Visit to VPI and CMU
Route
NC 86 North, US 58 West, VA 8 North, I 81 North, US 460 West to VA Tech
US 460 West, I 77 North, US 19 North, I 79 North, I 279 North, I 376 East to Carnegie-Mellon
I 579 North, I 279 South. I 79 South, US 19 South, I 77 South, I 74 East, US 52 South, I 40 East, US 220 South, I 85 East, I 40 East, NC 86 South to Chapel Hill NC
Notes
The 2004-6 Virginia map still shows the Danville and Stuart bypasses as being under construction. I know that the Danville bypass opened this spring, but the Stuart bypass has been done for a while.
On US-460 between Christiansburg and Blacksburg are BGS’s and exits for Smart Road support facilities.
US 460 is in the I 73 corridor. It would not take too much to upgrade it to Interstate.
US-19 is signed as the “Robert C. Byrd Appalachian Highway System”. It appears to be interstate grade except between Summersville and the New River Gorge.
The mess of construction on the I-279 bridge over the Mon is almost all complete.
When leaving the Pitt campus area, there are ramps for both I 279 and I 579. The ramp for I 579 is over the other following the river, when it takes a right turn downtown and becomes the interstate proper.
There is no ramp from I 579 N onto I 279 S. You have to find an exit and make a U-turn.
US-52 is marked “Future I-74 Corridor” into Winston-Salem, even past where the I-74 bypass is supposed to leave US-52.
I-74 and I-73 are signed as such on I-74 and US-220 where the road is interstate grade. If the road is not interstate grade, the route is sighed with a “Future I-7X Corridor” or with Future I-7X shields. Is there a reason for the two different signages?
US-220 between I-40 and I-85 is sighed with Future I-73 shields, even though I-73 is now to be routed along the to be built new I-40.
On I-85 just east of US-220, there is a I-40/I-85 shield pair. Not “TO I-40”. This is jumping the gun by years.
Results
Clinched I-279, I-579 in Pennsylvania
10 counties, 2 in VA, 2 in PA, 6 in WV, total now 853
NC 86 North, US 58 West, VA 8 North, I 81 North, US 460 West to VA Tech
US 460 West, I 77 North, US 19 North, I 79 North, I 279 North, I 376 East to Carnegie-Mellon
I 579 North, I 279 South. I 79 South, US 19 South, I 77 South, I 74 East, US 52 South, I 40 East, US 220 South, I 85 East, I 40 East, NC 86 South to Chapel Hill NC
Notes
The 2004-6 Virginia map still shows the Danville and Stuart bypasses as being under construction. I know that the Danville bypass opened this spring, but the Stuart bypass has been done for a while.
On US-460 between Christiansburg and Blacksburg are BGS’s and exits for Smart Road support facilities.
US 460 is in the I 73 corridor. It would not take too much to upgrade it to Interstate.
US-19 is signed as the “Robert C. Byrd Appalachian Highway System”. It appears to be interstate grade except between Summersville and the New River Gorge.
The mess of construction on the I-279 bridge over the Mon is almost all complete.
When leaving the Pitt campus area, there are ramps for both I 279 and I 579. The ramp for I 579 is over the other following the river, when it takes a right turn downtown and becomes the interstate proper.
There is no ramp from I 579 N onto I 279 S. You have to find an exit and make a U-turn.
US-52 is marked “Future I-74 Corridor” into Winston-Salem, even past where the I-74 bypass is supposed to leave US-52.
I-74 and I-73 are signed as such on I-74 and US-220 where the road is interstate grade. If the road is not interstate grade, the route is sighed with a “Future I-7X Corridor” or with Future I-7X shields. Is there a reason for the two different signages?
US-220 between I-40 and I-85 is sighed with Future I-73 shields, even though I-73 is now to be routed along the to be built new I-40.
On I-85 just east of US-220, there is a I-40/I-85 shield pair. Not “TO I-40”. This is jumping the gun by years.
Results
Clinched I-279, I-579 in Pennsylvania
10 counties, 2 in VA, 2 in PA, 6 in WV, total now 853
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
NC Beach Trip
Route
Chapel Hill to Oak Island: I 40 East, NC 133 South, NC 87 South, NC 133 South
Day Trip to Fort Fisher: NC 133 North, NC 210 South, Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry, US 412 North, River Road, US 117 North, US 421 North, US 17 South, NC 133 South
Day Trip to Myrtle Beach and Calabash: NC 133 North, NC 210 North, US 17 South, US 17 Business South, Ocean Boulevard, SC 73 East, US 17 Business North, US 17 North, SC 179 East, NC 179 East, NC 179 Business East, NC 179 East, US 17 Business North, US 17 North, NC 210 South, NC 133 South
Oak Island to Chapel Hill: NC 133 North, NC 87 North, NC 133 North, I 40 West
Notes
Getting There - Chapel Hill to Oak Island
There is a blank BGS on I 40 at Exit 414. There appear to be fewer signs on the route through Castle Hayne for the North Carolina Battleship Memorial. The battleship is supposed to be going to Norfolk for a refit. Perhaps they are taking signs down now.
US 117 and NC 133 used to go right at a Y in Castle Hayne, with NC-132 going left. Now US 117 goes left with NC 132. This is part of the 2002 rerouting of US 117. There is major construction on NC 133 for the I 140 bridge. NC 133 is widened to four lanes with at at least a half cloverleaf with the I 140 bridge which is starting to elevate there. There is a factory exit running into the interchange from the northwest. There are stoplights hung for both sets of ramps. The bridge is a long way from being complete. Perhaps the road from I 40 to NC 133 will be done before the bridge. Where NC 133 crosses the Cape Fear ( and US 117 continued into downtown ) , NC 133 has been rerouted onto a new bridge at right angles to the bank and intersecting with the old bridge at a forty degree angle. The roadway turns onto the north two lanes of the old bridge and crosses. The south two lanes and the entire bridge to the left of the new bridge is under construction. The new bridge aligns with the path of the Smith Creek Parkway, which will eventually connect from the east. It is not clear what the final configuration of the bridge will be.
Day Trip to Fort Fisher
Checked out the end of Independance Boulevard at River Road, which is where the new toll bridge is going to be built. This area is very low, so the bridge is going to have to be very high to get over the State Port Ship traffic and the approaches are going to be miles long. There are reassurance signs for US 117 at the entrance to State Port, but I did not see Begin or End signs.
Next to US 17/74/76 bridge over NC 133 South is a Begin NC 133 South sign. This is an error, because NC-133 starts at NC 120 north of Castle Hayne. NC 133 South exits from US 17/74/76 there and turns left under the bridge. They must have meant that this was the start of this nonmultiplexed section of NC 133 South. The Visitor Center at Brunswick Town State Historic Site has an new walkthrough display similar to one at Fort Fisher.
Day Trip to Myrtle Beach and Calabash
The Visitor Center on US 17 is under construction. There is a trailer in front for travel info.
NC 179 has been rerouted from Calabash to Sunset Beach. The old NC-179 to the Sunset Beach Bridge is now NC 179 Business. NC 179 proper multiplexes with NC-905 for a few miles more now and meets NC 179 Business at the intersection where the true business section of Sunset Beach is. NC 179 Business must be only Business Route that does not serve any significant business. There are a couple of businesses at the Sunset Beach bridge, but there isn’t much. At least that hard left turn that will take you into the Intercoastal if you miss the turn is on the Business route instead of the main road.
Results
Clinched NC 179 Business
Chapel Hill to Oak Island: I 40 East, NC 133 South, NC 87 South, NC 133 South
Day Trip to Fort Fisher: NC 133 North, NC 210 South, Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry, US 412 North, River Road, US 117 North, US 421 North, US 17 South, NC 133 South
Day Trip to Myrtle Beach and Calabash: NC 133 North, NC 210 North, US 17 South, US 17 Business South, Ocean Boulevard, SC 73 East, US 17 Business North, US 17 North, SC 179 East, NC 179 East, NC 179 Business East, NC 179 East, US 17 Business North, US 17 North, NC 210 South, NC 133 South
Oak Island to Chapel Hill: NC 133 North, NC 87 North, NC 133 North, I 40 West
Notes
Getting There - Chapel Hill to Oak Island
There is a blank BGS on I 40 at Exit 414. There appear to be fewer signs on the route through Castle Hayne for the North Carolina Battleship Memorial. The battleship is supposed to be going to Norfolk for a refit. Perhaps they are taking signs down now.
US 117 and NC 133 used to go right at a Y in Castle Hayne, with NC-132 going left. Now US 117 goes left with NC 132. This is part of the 2002 rerouting of US 117. There is major construction on NC 133 for the I 140 bridge. NC 133 is widened to four lanes with at at least a half cloverleaf with the I 140 bridge which is starting to elevate there. There is a factory exit running into the interchange from the northwest. There are stoplights hung for both sets of ramps. The bridge is a long way from being complete. Perhaps the road from I 40 to NC 133 will be done before the bridge. Where NC 133 crosses the Cape Fear ( and US 117 continued into downtown ) , NC 133 has been rerouted onto a new bridge at right angles to the bank and intersecting with the old bridge at a forty degree angle. The roadway turns onto the north two lanes of the old bridge and crosses. The south two lanes and the entire bridge to the left of the new bridge is under construction. The new bridge aligns with the path of the Smith Creek Parkway, which will eventually connect from the east. It is not clear what the final configuration of the bridge will be.
Day Trip to Fort Fisher
Checked out the end of Independance Boulevard at River Road, which is where the new toll bridge is going to be built. This area is very low, so the bridge is going to have to be very high to get over the State Port Ship traffic and the approaches are going to be miles long. There are reassurance signs for US 117 at the entrance to State Port, but I did not see Begin or End signs.
Next to US 17/74/76 bridge over NC 133 South is a Begin NC 133 South sign. This is an error, because NC-133 starts at NC 120 north of Castle Hayne. NC 133 South exits from US 17/74/76 there and turns left under the bridge. They must have meant that this was the start of this nonmultiplexed section of NC 133 South. The Visitor Center at Brunswick Town State Historic Site has an new walkthrough display similar to one at Fort Fisher.
Day Trip to Myrtle Beach and Calabash
The Visitor Center on US 17 is under construction. There is a trailer in front for travel info.
NC 179 has been rerouted from Calabash to Sunset Beach. The old NC-179 to the Sunset Beach Bridge is now NC 179 Business. NC 179 proper multiplexes with NC-905 for a few miles more now and meets NC 179 Business at the intersection where the true business section of Sunset Beach is. NC 179 Business must be only Business Route that does not serve any significant business. There are a couple of businesses at the Sunset Beach bridge, but there isn’t much. At least that hard left turn that will take you into the Intercoastal if you miss the turn is on the Business route instead of the main road.
Results
Clinched NC 179 Business
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)