Harrisburg to Ithaca -- I-81 or US-15?

[Wells5]

Originally Posted by Wallop the Spot

Should I continue on US-15 between I-80 and Williamsport, or should I hop over to I-180?

North of the US15 I-80 interchange, the road is mostly 3 lanes with a lot of hills and twists and turns and then there is the really big Bald Eagle hill between Montgomery and South Williamsport. Many vehicles avoid this stretch of 15 by using I-80 to I-180.


See video for a drivers eye view of this stretch but going south from Williamsport.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScHj...NZqEK4QJz3otbN

[briantroutman]

Originally Posted by Wallop the Spot

Should I continue on US-15 between I-80 and Williamsport, or should I hop over to I-180?

With rare exceptions, following US 15 straight through Allenwood will be faster than taking I-180 out and around. Under typical conditions, US 15 is a few minutes faster (and about 11 miles shorter) between New Columbia and Williamsport. It is hilly, and as was mentioned, there’s a fairly steep (6.5%) climb from PA 54 to the summit of Bald Eagle Mountain. But “twists and turns” is inaccurate; curves are fairly gradual and few, and the road is generally three lanes—with the uphill side having a second lane for passing.

The bonus of taking the US 15 route is the commanding view of the Williamsport area that you get just after cresting Bald Eagle Mountain.

[CookieSkoon]

Originally Posted by Wells5

Maybe I exaggerated a little but the section between Corning and Elmira is like a "miracle mile." There's the big Arnot Mall and lots of restaurants and "big box" retailers. Busy on Sundays too.


If you go the Rt 15 way, you can easily get stuck in traffic around the Shamokin Dam/Selinsgrove area. Rt. 15 from Shamokin Dam to Williamsport is heavily travelled and mostly 3 lanes. Then there is the big hill between Allenwood and South Williamsport, which can be scary especially if you are sandwiched between 2_ 18 wheelers.

Dude. I have NEVER once gotten stuck on 15 or 86 through Big Flats, ever. Not in thirty plus years.

There simply is not enough people to cause that kind of traffic.

Try driving through Boston or Baton Rouge someday, THAT is traffic.

All you are doing is discouraging a beautiful route and being negative.