Rt 30 York to Pittsburgh Pa

lvnrdream wrote:
Has anyone traveled Rt 30. Our plan takes us on Rt 30 from York Pa to Pittsburgh. It looks like a nice road, we were just wandering about underpasses or any unusually steep grades.
Thanks

Westbound on US 30 through Chambersburg there is a rail line underpass that is 13' 5" if you trust those measurements; The height sign has been on the bridge forever and the road has been tore up and repaved several times. I wouldn't trust it if my height were close and the underpass is a radius so I'm not sure at what part the height was measured. Other underpasses in Chambersburg for the rail line are even lower so avoiding said Route 30 underpass requires quite a detour.

A few years back heading west from here we missed the exit off of I-81 to pick up the Turnpike, so we got on Rt. 30. Big mistake. In hindsight I should have just bitten the bullet and turned around - we will never do that stretch of Rt. 30 again.

To me, half the fun should be getting there. I had more fun on steep, curvy roads in other states. JMHO

We have gone from Pittsburgh to Philly many times. The turnpike is supposed to be faster, usually lots of construction, and one big wreck will tie up traffic for miles.
Rt. 30 is more scenic, steep hills. I haven't been to the Flight 93 Memorial, yet, but I hear incredible stories about it. York is a nice little city-check out Harley-Davidson.
So, if you have a little time, and not pulling a train-take Rt. 30.

It can be a nice drive with lots to see but only if you are in no hurry.

There are steep grades and sharp switchbacks on some parts but nothing impossible. Lots of traffic and slow in other places.

It is doable but work. Take the turnpike.

I drove it once while towing and the stretch between Breezewood and Mcconnellsburg was 1st gear steep with lots of turns. Not a fun or relaxing drive.

Steep Grades, lots of curves and lots of little towns, Take the Turnpike!!!! In a car it is a fun trip lots of scenery etc, in an RV Yuck!

There are signs that warn truckers about steep grades and sharp curves (as indicated above).

I also strongly recommend the Flight 93 memorial. It was way more emotionally moving than I ever expected. We were passing through the area from MD to Ohio and stopped in that area for the night.

I'd also recommend the turnpike.

As a former Chambersburg resident for 50 plus years, I cursed every time that I used US 30 from C-burg thru Gettysburg (PITA) to York. Chambersburg area is no picnic either. From C-burg going west thru St Thomas to Ft Loudon isn't bad. Then the climb to the top of mountain and drop down to a bypass of McConnellsburg (good thing) and then onto Breezewood where you are forced to go by all the fast food joints, restaurants, and truck stops.

If it were me, I'd take the turnpike.