Pennsylvania turnpike I-76 (Pittsburgh, Carlisle, Trooper: roughest, construction, restaurants)

[mich2fla]

Hello all-

Later this week we will make a road trip from Grand Rapids Michigan to Philly. From Cleveland, We will take I-80 to I-76. It wil be the farthest east by car for us.

We have driven I-80 to Cleveland many times...but I have a question on how the turnpike is set up. Is it similar to I-80 in Ohio, there are no tolls until you reach state line or get off an exit? Or is it similar to Chicago where there are toll booths every so many miles?

Do I need to follow the speed limit religiously or am I able to go 5-10 mph over?

Lastly, any known road constructions that might slow us down?

TIA for any replies!

[Craziaskowboi]

I think you have to pay a toll at the state line, and then grab a ticket at a toll plaza about 30 miles into the state.

From my experience, speed enforcement in Pennsylvania is pretty lax compared to Ohio.

Most of the road construction is in the western part of the state. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is reconstructing the entire main line in segments, and widening some segments as well. Construction is underway between the following mile markers:

- 31 and 38
- 48 and 49 (Allegheny River Bridge replacement)
- 67 and 75
- 123 and 129 (this segment might be finished)
- 199 and 226

[lititzman2003]

The only issue you may have is where the speed limit drops from 65 to 55. Troopers have been know to pull over vehicles at that point.

[ki0eh]

The 10 mile or so section just east of the eastern I-70 junction (i.e. Breezewood) is noted for heavy speed enforcement, especially at the bottom of. (It was a total relocation in the late 1960's away from the 1930's original road so is much friendlier to law enforcement U-turns. )

[Ohiogirl81]

Be prepared to hand over a big chunk of change! The tolls are excessive, to say the least.

Watch out for lots of trucks, narrow lanes, and rutted asphalt around the Bedford exit. The road is a disaster through there.

Cops in Pa. can use unmarked cars, unlike in Ohio. They also like to hide. Beware.

[Craziaskowboi]

In the Pittsburgh area, expect some delays with three different reconstruction projects from mile markers 31 to 75. It should be smooth sailing between the I-70 merge and the Allegheny Tunnel (mile markers 75 to 129). Between the Allegheny and Tuscarora Tunnels, the highway has yet to be reconstructed, so it might be a more challenging drive through that area (mile markers 129 to 187), especially considering that's where the terrain is roughest. Once you get past the Blue Mountain Tunnel (mile marker 200), however, the terrain becomes more manageable, and there's little if any construction once you get past I-81 near Carlisle.

[CHIP72]

When I've driven the PA Turnpike, and I've driven most parts of it at one time or another, especially most of the segment you'll be driving, my standard driving speed was between 70 MPH and 75 MPH. I was only ever pulled over once, and that was the result of total stupidity on my part.

As for the tolls, it sounds like it is similar to the Ohio Turnpike - you pay a toll at the state line, and you get a card that tells you what the cost is if you get off at a certain exit. Also, like the Ohio Turnpike, there are commercial rest areas (i.e. rest areas with restaurants) periodically along the highway so you don't need to leave the turnpike to eat or go to the restroom.

BTW, I'm guessing you know this, but I-76 and I-80 "switch" at their interchange, i.e. you can drive seamlessly from I-80 to I-76 or vice versa without leaving the main line roadway.

[pcity]

Is there a reason you're taking I-76 instead of I-80 to I-476? I-80 is free and only 20 miles more. You do have to pay a toll on I-476 but that toll is much less than the toll on I-76 across the state.

I wouldn't take the Turnpike across the state unless I was saving a lot of time. It's expensive and narrow. I-80 is a much more pleasant drive through the state and 20 extra miles isn't a lot.

[FlyerNation]

Originally Posted by pcity

Is there a reason you're taking I-76 instead of I-80 to I-476? I-80 is free and only 20 miles more. You do have to pay a toll on I-476 but that toll is much less than the toll on I-76 across the state.

I wouldn't take the Turnpike across the state unless I was saving a lot of time. It's expensive and narrow. I-80 is a much more pleasant drive through the state and 20 extra miles isn't a lot.

Agreed. Take 80 over to the NE Extension. You'll save $$$ this way for sure.

[BPP1999]

Originally Posted by pcity

I wouldn't take the Turnpike across the state unless I was saving a lot of time. It's expensive and narrow. I-80 is a much more pleasant drive through the state and 20 extra miles isn't a lot.

Huh, I though I-80 through PA was the worst drive in the nation, if not the world.