MB/MI to 95N (Myrtle Beach, Socastee: construction, live, beach)

[tmozer]

We just completed our latest (of many) drives between Murrells Inlet and Lakewood NJ. My GPS has taken us on at least 6 or more routes to 95 N. Today (well, actually yesterday) it took us up 17 Bypass to Grissom N onto 31 (?) and all the way to Wilson NC to pickup 95N! Since I know in the past that the Winston Cigerette tower (or whatever it is) just South of Richmond is our halfway point, I was able to estimate that the above route added about 20 miles to our trip.

I'd love to hear what the fastest/shortest/most efficient route you can suggest from Murrells Inlet to 95 North.......

[engine12]

When we return back to PA after a visit to MB, I go a kind of round about way but it doesn't slow us down at all.... 21st to Robert Grissom to 31N to 9 to 701 to 410 to 74 to 95. It cuts out a lot of traffic on 95 below 74 (Lumberton). We can do the 530 mile drive in about 7 1/2 - 8 1/2 hrs depending on traffic and wrecks on 95.... And we always go around Richmond on 295 (less traffic) .

[caco54]

We take 31N to 17N to I40 and then RT117 at Mt Olive and hit I95 a few exits south of Rocky Mount. Always take the bypass around Richmond, adds 2 miles but saves 20 minutes. That has been one of the "fastest roads in America" but lately tons of cops. That RT 117 is soon to be I140 it is half way done.

[tmozer]

The Richmond bypass only adds two miles??? I usually do not take it figuring that staying on 95 was a lot more direct.... Now I will reconsider (and follow the advise of my GPS).

I must admit that this trip was one of the few without any accidents slowing traffic and no construction slow downs. Traveling on a Sunday and leaving SC at or before noon seems to work well. We seem to hit the Northern VA and Washington area at a better time that way. I believe that this was the first time that we traveled the Balt-Wash Parkway at full speed!

[chilibeany]

When heading to 95N, this is what I do. Keep in mind though, I have a negative sense of direction, so I have no idea if this is the best way. I go 544 to Conway, make a left on 501, go thru Conway and out past Galivants Ferry, Aynor, etc and eventually you see signs for 95. There's a gas station, I think it's called SParkys, and I think shortly after that is a turnoff. It takes you to about 10 miles south of the SC/NC border. Of course, I'm always open to new ideas.

[tmozer]

I guess to compare routes we need to establish a marker: Maybe how long and how many miles does it take to reach the Route 64/Rocky Mt exit of 95N?

[caco54]

We should use a starting point of Myrtle Beach "city center". Now we turn to the computer and web site experts among us to find the definitive answer to this travel question. Suppose we need to look at miles and speed of each route. Tall task but there must be someone on board to take this one on.

[cb at sea]

295 around Richmond has a higher speed limit, better road surface and more lanes! Yes, it's a tad longer, but much faster!

[chilibeany]

Left for the drive to NY this morning. From Surfside Beach, right next to the pier, to 95 is 68 miles. It's where Rt 38 meets 95, and I think it's exit 181.

[tmozer]

Originally Posted by chilibeany

Left for the drive to NY this morning. From Surfside Beach, right next to the pier, to 95 is 68 miles. It's where Rt 38 meets 95, and I think it's exit 181.

OK. Benchmark # 1. I believe that is the way my GPS routes me if I leave Murrells Inlet on 707 through Socastee.