Driving Cost from Blacksburg, Virginia to Salem, Virginia

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The Cost of a Road Trip Between Blacksburg and Salem, Virginia

Are you planning a trip between Blacksburg and Salem in Virginia and want to determine the cost of the travel? With fluctuating gas prices and multiple routes to choose from, determining the cost can be challenging. In this article, we will explore the various routes between Blacksburg and Salem, the distance covered, and the cost of driving through each. We will also recommend the best route, based on the cost and travel time, to help you make the most informed decision.

Routes between Blacksburg and Salem

There are three primary routes to consider when traveling between Blacksburg and Salem:

Route 1: Reesedale Road

One route that drivers can take when traveling between Blacksburg and Salem is through Reesedale Road. This route is the shortest, with drivers required to cover a distance of only 17.5 miles. The route comprises a combination of highways, interstates, and local roads. When driving through this route, drivers start on Prices Fork Road and head north for about 4.5 miles before joining Park Street Rd. They continue for several miles before joining VA-460E and then proceed for another six miles before joining Roanoke Boulevard. After two miles, the driver takes a right turn into US-460E for the final four miles into Salem.

Route 2: US-460E

Another option is to take US-460E from Blacksburg to Salem. This route is 21.4 miles long and cuts across most of the major highways. Starting on Prices Fork Road in Blacksburg, drivers proceed for 7.4 miles before joining US-460E. The driver continues straight for another 14 miles before arriving at Salem.

Route 3: I-81S

An alternative route that can be taken to travel between these two cities is to use I-81S. Unlike the other two routes, this road requires drivers to travel a longer distance. The distance between Blacksburg and Salem when taking this route is 27.1 miles. However, this route has the advantage of lesser traffic since it is mostly interstate and highway driving. The driver starts on Prices Fork Road in Blacksburg and proceeds west before joining I-81S. From there, they proceed for 23.8 miles before taking Exit 141 to Salem.

Cost of driving through each route

The cost of driving through each route depends on various factors such as gas prices and the type of car being used. Using the national average gas price of $3.07 per gallon, and assuming a car that averages 30 miles per gallon, we can estimate the cost of driving through each route based on the distance between the two cities.

Reesedale Road

The distance between Blacksburg and Salem through Reesedale Road is 17.5 miles. Therefore, the cost of a one-way trip is $1.81, while a round-trip journey costs $3.62.

US-460E

The distance between Blacksburg and Salem through US-460E is 21.4 miles. Therefore, a one-way trip costs $2.22, while a round-trip journey costs $4.44.

I-81S

The distance between Blacksburg and Salem through I-81S is 27.1 miles. Therefore, a one-way trip costs $2.80, while a round-trip journey costs $5.60.

Based on distance and cost, the Reesedale Road route costs the least, while the I-81S route costs the most. However, the difference in time taken and traffic congestion between the routes can also be significant factors when choosing between the different options.

The Reesedale Road route is the shortest and least expensive. However, the route has several sharp turns and intersections, which can be challenging, particularly for inexperienced drivers. The US-460E route, on the other hand, is longer but has fewer turns and red lights, and is, therefore, a more comfortable drive.

Ultimately, our recommended route is the US-460E route since it is the most convenient, with fewer turns and traffic, while still being reasonably cheap. With a distance of 21.4 miles, the cost of a one-way trip is only $2.22, making it a cost-effective option compared to the other routes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when planning to travel between Blacksburg and Salem, drivers can choose from three routes: Reesedale Road, US-460E, or I-81S. Each route has its unique features, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. Our recommended route is US-460E, which is both convenient and reasonably priced. With a distance of 21.4 miles, and an estimated cost of $2.22 per one-way trip, the trip between Blacksburg and Salem can be budget-friendly and comfortable.