Driving from Cincinnati to State College PA (Washington, Somerset: vs., safe)

[veegee13]

What is the best route to use from State College PA to Cincinnati.
I took the I-70 route on my way in but stretches if this road was narrow with 45/55 speed limit.
Is I-80 faster and smoother ride?
I have a 18 month old travelling with me so we will need to make some stops to give her a break.

[ki0eh]

The geometry of the PA Turnpike and the older I-70 stretch from New Stanton to (little) Washington is bothersome to folks used to more evolved forms of the interstate system. I-80 west from State College passes through some remote areas lacking reasonable services though, there is a virtue to the service plazas along the Turnpike. I-79 around the Ohio River bridge has some sharp curves too but I-80 does have more comfortable geometry and of course no toll. I-80 would be more problematic for the potty trained vs. the diaper kid.

[Ohiogirl81]

I-71 north to I-76 near Akron, to I-80. Accept no substitutes.

ETA: Oh, wait, you're going backwards. I-80 to I-76 past Youngstown (do not get on the Ohio Turnpike! It's a tricky interchange, so be alert! You're basically going straight ahead, but getting onto a different highway), to I-71 south.

I-80 is windy and hilly, but at least it's a somewhat modern interstate. Careful of the trucks! And have a safe trip.

[greg42]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

I-71 north to I-76 near Akron, to I-80. Accept no substitutes.

ETA: Oh, wait, you're going backwards. I-80 to I-76 past Youngstown (do not get on the Ohio Turnpike! It's a tricky interchange, so be alert! You're basically going straight ahead, but getting onto a different highway), to I-71 south.

I-80 is windy and hilly, but at least it's a somewhat modern interstate. Careful of the trucks! And have a safe trip.

This seems like the obvious way to me too. That's the way I would go.

[fisheye]

It is about twenty miles longer going over the top. Sometimes the snow feeder bands of the Great Lakes come down that far; but do not come down to the Turnpike. Just listen to your weather first. However; on clear, dry days, the lack of traffic could save time - except an accident in Akron could hold you up (both ways go through Columbus). In general; the traffic should be lighter on the northern route.

[villageidiot1]

Originally Posted by fisheye

It is about twenty miles longer going over the top. Sometimes the snow feeder bands of the Great Lakes come down that far; but do not come down to the Turnpike. Just listen to your weather first. However; on clear, dry days, the lack of traffic could save time - except an accident in Akron could hold you up (both ways go through Columbus). In general; the traffic should be lighter on the northern route.

The area on the PA Turnpike between New Stanton and Somerset can be treacherous in the snow. But you're more likely to have whiteout conditions on I-80 causing chain reaction accidents with lots of vehicles.