Anyone know how to avoid all the OBX bound traffic from the northeast?

Question

We have not been there for four years on a Saturday arrival. Has it gotten worse? If we are staying in Southern Shores but our realtor (Resortquest) is in Duck about how long from the bridge will it take to reach the realtor? Also is Rt 13 the best way to come from NJ?

Outerbanks NC

Answer 1

Yes, it has gotten worse, and I regret to say this, but Saturdays are probably the most unforgiving. I have been to OBX since the mid-1980s and it grows every year, the traffic is the worst that I have ever seen it. If you are coming in from the north I would suggest taking 168 south from Chesapeake (accessed via I64) as it will take you directly to Currituck Sound and across the bridge to Southern Shores/Kitty Hawk.

From there, of course, take route 12 to Duck, which, although it is usually not too bad throughout the week typically bottlenecks during the weekends because of coming and going vacationers and the fact that it is not four lanes. Because of the weekend traffic I would guess from the bridge to Duck would take about 20 minutes to a half-hour. Aside from the weekend, however, 12 is usually a pleasant drive the rest of the time (about ten minutes or so to Southern Shores/Kitty Hawk). In any event, have a great trip!