update for I-81 travel 7/19/09

[Robert P]

Just completed the trek from Mass. to NC, taking the 'inland' route. My update for I-81 from PA to I-77 in lower VA:

PA - numerous construction zones from Harrisburg, PA down to the PA/MD line. Also, most of these zones had an automated speed display on the side, sending a radar detector into constant frenzy, even when on city mode. Speed limit in the zones is listed at 55 mph.

MD - nothing to note

WV - road resurfacing (left lane) for several miles mid state. Right lane had been repaved already, but left lane was rough and loud.

VA - in case anyone hasn't seen it in the news, VA is closing between 18 to 21 of its interstate rest areas to save money. Several of these are along the 81 corridor. I noticed at least 3 (possibly 4) large info displays noting that particular rest area would be closing, all on July 21st.

Coming off I-81 onto 77 South, one small work zone (a few miles after getting onto 77). Nothing else down to the VA/NC line.

Overall, weekend traffic moved well, with no major slowdowns. The PA work zones caused speed ups and slow downs, but traffic flow didn't bog down too badly.

Hope that helps.
Travel safe!

 

[StregaNona]

Thank you for the road info.

Does anyone know anything about I81 north of Harrisburg to the NYS line? Thank you.

 

[Momof2]

How about the early part of your trip? We'll be driving Boston to Winston-Salem next month for the first time. Can you share details about the timing of your trip? We're thinking we'll hit the road about 3:30am on a Friday so we can do most of our driving in daylight. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

 

[Robert P]

Oddly enough, our trip was from outside of Winston-Salem to Fall River, MA and back. I have detailed notes on the trip miles and timing, if you would like. Just PM me.

The absolute worst part of that drive (for us) is usually the I-95 stretch in mid/lower CT approaching NY. To avoid the major cities, I take 95, hook upward to the Tappanzee, then 287 down to 78. Across PA on 78 via Allentown, then hit 81 South above Harrisburg. Pretty straight shot from there, hitting 77 into NC.

If you plan to take 95-85-40, you will hit some major cities and traffic. If you stay inland, once you clear 95 and get onto 78, it's pretty smooth driving. I can't offer much advice on the 95-85-40 route, except to say that when compared to the inland route, it is 40 miles shorter but took us longer to drive b/c of the cities and the stops for tolls. Also, the only tolls we hit 'inland' are the Tappanzee when headed North ($5), and the PA line when headed South ($.75, I think). When last we drove the 95 route, we spent $16 in tolls (that was several, several years ago), and were constantly stopping at toll booths.

PM me if you would like any of the trip info I have compiled. Glad to help.

 

[rgf207]

Welcome to PA, my home state.

We have 4 seasons here...Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter and Construction

 

[Moomduck1]

Thank you for the road info.

Does anyone know anything about I81 north of Harrisburg to the NYS line? Thank you.

Yes, there is construction on that part. DH got stuck in some between Hershey and Wilkes-Barre, not sure where. He said about 20 min worth.

I hate to say it, but there always is. My neck of the woods is around Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

 

[rgf207]

I've lived in Maryland Since 2002 and traveled back to Scranton, PA every couple months since then. I also travel to our place in Canada and use I-81 all the way to the Canadian border. There has never been a time where there wasn't some part of I-81 under construction.

 

[StregaNona]

Thank you!

There has never been a time where there wasn't some part of I-81 under construction.

ditto that ... for the last 28 years !!

 

[bittersk]

yea im from the wilkes barre area too. Im 22 and for as long as i can remeber I 81 has been a HUGE mess. And i do know that they are starting a 20 mile repair project from i think Nanticoke to Scranton. The bank that i work for is located outside of Scranton and most of thier banks are south of them on 81 so they emailed us to let us know of all the road work.

Good luck to anyone driving on I 81 north or south in the state of PA it's a wreck for the most part.