Route 64 vs 158/168 (last 6 months)

Just wanted to see if anyone has driven to (or from) the Outer Banks on rt 64 in North Carolina vs. driving through the VA Beach area and down 168/158 in the last 6 months or so? We live in Central VA and we can either drive rt 460 to the VA Beach area and down 168/158 or go south down into the eastern part of the Raleigh area and travel east on rt 64. I know that parts of rt 64 are 4 lane highway %26amp; 65mph which would be really nice in comparison to the 2 lane mess that always ends up on 168/158. My husband and I have driven rt 64 back from the outer banks but that was nearly 5 years ago. At that time NCDOT were doing a lot of construction and it turned out to not only be a longer trip, but more stressful. We are looking for the way that would be less congested even if it does add 30 min or so to our trip. For us a smooth ride without a lot traffic and construction is more important than time. When plugging in the map directions on line they really don%26#39;t take into account the traffic so I figure it would take just about the same amount of time. Again if anyone has any input (especially from a recent trip) it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Route 64 vs 158/168 (last 6 months)

64 from I-95 is pretty clear from there to the Outer Banks. It is a BORING drive, though. We drove it 3 weeks ago, and it was a clean shot to and from the Raleigh area. Yes, it is stress free....just set the cruise control and go.........

We often take a longer route to OBX, just to see SOMETHING on the road.........64 to 17 to 158 in Elizabth City, then down 158 to OBX.