Has anyone traveled on I-80 through Pennsylvania and Ohio?

[Clash City Rocker]

So, we’re considering driving from New Jersey to Chicago. No problem, I-80 goes all the way there, but I’m unfamiliar with the stretch through Pennsylvania and Ohio, which is the longest part of the drive. Just wondering if any of you have traveled that route. Any likely problems? Is it mountainous, is there a section that often shuts down due to bad weather, etc.? I’d appreciate your help, thanks.

[elleng]

1. Did it a few times, quite a while ago, tho.

Likely no problems, but highly trafficked, I think, prolly @ certain times of the year (holidays,) and winter weather may result in issues. DO consult with locals etc, and others who've done it recently.

IF you're a AAA member, their maps (and triptics) can give you relevant info.

[Clash City Rocker]

5. Thank you

[3Hotdogs]

2. Mountain regions on Pa, around 40 miles in, may have ice

during a storm. They are cleared pretty quickly, but a problem during a storm.

Plenty of rest stops and food stops along the way.

Good scenery if you get a clear day.

[Clash City Rocker]

6. Thanks, that's helpful

[Clash City Rocker]

4. Is it consistently at least 2 lanes in vey direction? Thanks.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. I don't think there's an interstate highway

that isn't at least two lanes each direction.

[elleng]

8. U.S. Interstate Highway, so YES, I think so;

have to check my maps.

[rickford66]

9. Just a few tips.

a couple extra cans of gas
two spare tires w/chains
enough food for three days
a signaling mirror and or a flare gun
bear repellent


HEY .... IT'S DAMN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY !!

[Cracklin Charlie]

10. Last time I did that road was just after Halloween last year.

I have never seen so many crashed deer in my life! I was worried the whole time.

I don’t how one would prepare for such a thing, but maybe since you’re about a month later, they’re not so active.

Happy trails!

[captain queeg]

11. It's been awhile but when I did it years ago at least part was turnpike

That means toll road for those who haven’t had the experience.

[Clash City Rocker]

20. Thankfully, it looks like our EZ Pass will work for the entire stretch

I wish all the states would coordinate, so the various devices like SmartPass, I Pass, EZ Pass, etc. worked everywhere.

[AJT]

12. The last time I drove that route I had to get off in PA because of ice.

[TreasonousBastard]

13. Everything gets shut down with snow eventually-- it's the chance you take. But if you're...

in Joisey, you already know that.

Last time I drove I-80, maybe 10 years ago, it was as good as any other interstate with no problems or anything interesting. I would suggest that if you have the time, though, swing north around Scranton and find your way up to Route 6 and meander across the state that way. I have no idea what it's like now, but on that trip it was a time warp. You'll find yourself going past the Grand Canyon of PA and other things you've never heard of before, like the railroad museums.

Might even be a few Burma-Shave signs left up-- it's just that kinda drive. Give yourself an extra day or two if you go that way. It's worth it, though.

[RGinNJ]

14. It's a great ride through PA but boring emptiness once you hit OH.

[badhair77]

15. We have a cabin near Lock Haven so we travel parts of it often.

But we’ve also gone from the Poconos (Stoudsburg) into Ohio. Too bad you’re missing the leaf season; that can be beautiful. There’s a ravine area before you hit the Lock Haven exit, that can be hairy with truck traffic. I’m always glad when we’re past that. It is scary in icy or foggy weather but the rest of the highway is normal to light traffic, especially toward the western part of your trip Not as many services in the west. If you have decent weather you should be in good shape. Any highway is busy with holiday traffic.

[safeinOhio]

16. If you have the time,

I70 is better, newer road, no tolls and nicer view. It'd be an extra hour south and another one north. You can cut across Ohio by taking 130 north west. If in a hurry 80 is best.

[Backseat Driver]

17. I believe those are the turnpikes of PA and OH

Ohio I-80 turnpike is a relatively easy drive unless you get heavy and/or windy winter weather because of blowing/drifting; the road is fairly well maintained but one needs to be ready for white-out conditions in squalls. Along Lake Erie, I-90 is worse.

I dislike the PA turnpike but not familiar with true winter weather in the mountainous areas. Every time I've been on that road it rains after dark, spring, summer, and late fall. The trucks kick up water on the curves and slow grades of western PA that make visibility tricky and a bit disorienting; the comment about deer in late fall is correct as late November is peak rutting season and the hormonally crazed deer run across roads quite often to their deaths. Think if you see one, there may be more; their eyes glow red if you see them at all. Have your navigator stay alert! The turnpike is probably slower when there's a lot of snow or if cold enough and snowing enough to make de-icing with the beet juice/salt melters ineffective; otherwise okay.

Going to DC for the Iraq protest in January (*43) from Dayton on I-70, a bit more south, it was minus 13 degrees crossing into the western Appalachians with dry conditions, so not too bad but cold (how low can you go, lol); nevertheless we misjudged the time the mountains would take and were too late for the march. I-90 is an entirely different experience I'd not recommend, unless you crave adventure, because of lake effect snows.

With all that, on dry winter days, it should be a great trip; Chicago's a fabulous city to visit and shop! Keep apprised of the forecast on your travel day(s). Prepare well for winter travel with a recommended winter kit and be sure to keep your thermos full of hot coffee/soup/tea or clearing windshields, LOL, (it came in handy on I-90 once when we got temporarily stopped so the road could be cleared for travel westbound from the snow belt area on Cleveland's east side into Cleveland) and be safe!

[ProudMNDemocrat]

18. IT takes at least 8 hours to drive across Pennsylvania.

On I-80. Reminds me of Nebraska. We drove it several times from Minnesota to New York state.

[MyOwnPeace]

19. I-70 / I-80

I-70 in PA is the turnpike - tolls.
I-80 in Ohio is the turnpike - tolls.

It's all the Northeast - there could be snow in December. You're never more than 20 miles from an exit. Much of I-80 in PA will be "hilly" - and you'll see plenty of trucks - they don't like tolls either!

[Clash City Rocker]

21. Thank you all! This has been very helpful