Driving conditions I80 in NE (Grand Island, Kearney: hotels, vacations, car)

[alisbet]

I will be driving - a small car (no 4wd or anything) from Boise to the east coast (headed down south). I am planning the route From Boise going to either Rock Springs or Rawlins and wanted to know road conditions - passing through any mountains, any road closures, things to be aware of? I know it's now March and hoping 80 roads should be fine. Will be traveling with a pet too. Will be leaving the end of this week/weekend or this coming week.

Then from WY will be stopping somewhere in NE between Lexington and Grand Island. Assuming it's all flat but may be mistaken and also are road conditions okay? It's been warmer in general for the Boise area but not sure what is happening for WY/NE. Any help will be appreciated.

Now AWD or snow tires etc. Again, just a very small car.

[dober1]

Sounds like you will be stopping over in Kearney, you should be fine.

[itsMeFred]

Yes, if you stay on the interstate, it will be flat. (There's a reason engineers like to build roads in river valleys). I understand why you're going that route, but what a dull drive

There're currently no snow-packed roads anywhere in the state, so far as I know. Certainly, the interstate is clear all the way across.

[alisbet]

Thank you!

[Linda_d]

I think the only thing you'd have to worry about strong cross-winds or gusts. It's a hazard of driving a small car on any limited access highway over fairly open terrain.

Traveling with a pet, I'd plan my stops ahead and make reservations. Red Roofs and Motel 6s are pet friendly. I think LaQuintas and at least some Hampton Inns are as well.

Good sites for info on traveling with pets:
Pet Vacations
Dog Friendly

[Mangosan]

Be careful between mile markers 220 and 245 - I believe the altitude gain is pushing 2.5 ft.

You will have zero problems apart from a freak March snow storm - and even then I80 gets plowed pdq

[HuskerMedic]

Not the most exciting drive in the world, as others have already stated.

One of the few good things about driving I80 through Nebraska is the state was good about installing regular rest stops along the interstate, and is pretty good about keeping them clean and well maintained.

[iridiumIX]

I have a subcompact and I've driven from Wyoming to Chicago at least ten times, there and back. Wyoming's probably the most problematic, along with western Nebraska. I usually tried to plan my trips around decent weather, but I've been caught in snow a few times. Southern WY can be insanely windy from Rawlins east to just west of Cheyenne. The highest point, and only challenging incline east of Rawlins is Sherman's Summit just east of Laramie, the section thereafter can have nasty ground blizzards when there's snow on the ground. Overall it's not too bad, interstates get priority treatment in terms of snow removal.

[jmgg]

If you get bored driving across western Nebraska just keep saying to yourself, "I could be driving across western Kansas".

[alisbet]

Thanks all! Yes, I made it and the weather was really nice. Beat the rain and it was a warm spell. There were definitely some windy patches but not unmanageable. The only thing I didn't like and don't about Nebraska/Wyoming and midwest are all the slaughterhouse trucks. Managed to stay at all pet friendly hotels. Weather actually was perfect so it was good timing. And always filled up with gas.