Route from Illinois to Key West?

[wilez]

I am driving from Illinois to Key West, FL in a couple of weeks. It will be a group of 6 females. I understand that the best route is I-24 to I-75, but I want to go through Palm Coast, FL on the way, taking I-10 towards Jacksonville, FL, then on to I-95. Leaving Palm Coast, I-95 and on to Florida's Turnpike to Key West. Does anyone know of any reason I would not want to take this route? Any nightmarish high traffic area's, bad roads or construction to consider? Any advice or concerns at all? Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give me!

[Cerberus_Kelpie]

Originally Posted by wilez

I am driving from Illinois to Key West, FL in a couple of weeks. It will be a group of 6 females. I understand that the best route is I-24 to I-75, but I want to go through Palm Coast, FL on the way, taking I-10 towards Jacksonville, FL, then on to I-95. Leaving Palm Coast, I-95 and on to Florida's Turnpike to Key West. Does anyone know of any reason I would not want to take this route? Any nightmarish high traffic area's, bad roads or construction to consider? Any advice or concerns at all? Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give me!

JacksonVILE has had or still has some construction miseries to contend with as do most larger cities everywhere.
75 through Hotlanta can be a real nightmare regardless of time of day/night. Taking the WEST Loop is no solution either most times and just adds to the misery offered of this city.
I-75 a little south of Atlanta has been and continues to be under construction and the road for about 50 miles (or less) is miserable unless in a Hovercraft.

Personally I would AVOID Jacksonville and stay on I-75 to exit 399 and go through the woods to Palm Coast.
Exit 399 is State Routes 24/441/20 and just stay on Rt. 20 which brings y'all out to just under Palm Coast. Just a suggestion for touring purposes only as it passes through some small cities/towns and is scenic.
It's seemingly quicker to take I-10 to I-295 to I-95 but depends upon time of day, which day, and weather AND be wary of truck traffic at exit 343 on I-10 (if you roll this way) because it's a popular route (301) and there are two trashy truck slops to the right.

I've been to Miami in an 18 wheeler yet not south of that strange shoot em up city nor have I been on Toll roads.
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I hope the BEst uv WELLness 2-u-n-urs-n ALL adventures!!

[wilez]

OMG! Thank you so much for that information. This is exactly the kind of things I wanted to know. I'd much rather take a little more time and stay away from the craziness. It's been a while since I've made a long road trip and I get a little more nervous than I used to. I lived in Denver for some years and got used to the traffic and crazy drivers ,,, kinda had to become one of them. But living among the cornfields now for so many years has slowed my pace down. I don't mind the high traffic as much as all the loops, turns and exits it takes to get around some cities, never knowing whether I need to be in the left lane or the right lane when traffic is flying all around me and it gets very confusing. I will heed all of your advice, start routing my trip out in advance, and avoid the trashy truck stops if at all possible :). Thanks again and I very much appreciate your help and the time you took to give it.

[Cerberus_Kelpie]

No problem. Glad to be of assistance.
By the way WELCOME TO TRUCKINGBOARDS!!
ANY other related or non related info regarding trips, routes, etc., WE are here to help.

IF you have the time, a visit to Coral Castle is worth it just for the grandeur and the How did he do it? question.
Coral Castle Museum-

[Cerberus_Kelpie]

ALL WOMEN ARE LADIES till they prove otherwise!!