Harrisburg to Roanoke

[Wandering_Storm]

We will be traveling from Harrisburg, Pa to Roanoke Va as part of a large trip in October. I've heard good and bad about route 81. Any comments about the route and road conditions will be appreciated. Thanks McD

[Passin_Thru]

I live in N Va and we run it all the time. Trucks usually run 63-65 MPH with a few slower. Maroons in autos try to go 90 and will not give any one the time of day. In the past month I was run into the median by a woman who decided I was going to let her pass on the right but didn't have room to get back in. 2 other people have swerved in and braked hard a NJ SUV drove a mile in the L lane after everyone had moved to the right and tried to hit my door because I didn't wait on him to get in front of me although I was halfway up the barrels which sat in the middle of his lane. BTW/I have 3 million miles safe driving in big trucks.

[fpresto]

I just came north through Roanoke I81 Friday. It is fine. A lot of traffic including many trucks but for the most part it was a simple drive.

[KD4UPL]

I-81 is a good road but it is full. 20 years ago it met the standard to warrant a third lane. Theres lots of trucks and traffic usually moves at the speed limit or better but one wreck, and they happen alot, and the back-up happens quickly. I'm on 81 around Harrisonbur and Staunton almost every day. I wouldn't hesitate to use it.

[chuckm99]

We traveled north on 81 two days ago, from Roanoke to I-66. Road is fine from a condition standpoint. As someone noted above, there is construction just on the north side of Roanoke but not that big a deal. Traffic was very heavy, but mostly due to the high percentage of trucks.

Someone mentioned Blue Ridge Parkway as an alternative. It is a VERY leisurely ride..... Also, they are paving the parkway which caused us to sit for 20-25 minutes at one point. We drove north on the parkway from I-77 to 220 (just outside of Roanoke). They are paving about 30-40 miles south of Roanoke. Unless you don't mind the new tar & gravel (not asphalt) and the lengthy wait, stay on 81. Wasn't a big deal to us, we wanted to take our time an enjoy the views from the parkway.

Regards.

Chuck

[CWDoc115]

I81 is a good route, busy, but good.
Lee Hi campground (and truck stop)in Lexington, Va. is a good place to stop for a meal, or overnight. The food is so good, I used to ride my motorcycle 90 miles just to eat lunch there. :B Safe travel my friend.

[mikebreeze]

The clearance at the Marys Rock tunnel just south of Thornton Gap US211 on Skyline Drive is only 12' 8". I wouldn't chance it with an RV. I have driven my rig on both I81 and US340 to get around the central section of SNP with no issues.

[Mike_Taverniti]

Road is good. Lots of trucks. Should be no problem.

[MountainAirMan]

I just made a trip from Harrisonburg to Roanoke last night pulling a trailer full of furniture for my son's new house there.

Roads were fine with the exception of construction at first Roanoke exit. Traffic was backed up some as everyone merged into left lane but it kept moving...slowly.

I make a 12 mile commute every day from south of Harrisonburg to Harrisonburg at 7:30 am and back again at 5 pm. JMU traffic is never a problem unless you use exit 247 or 245 during the typical drive home time. (4:30 - 7:00ish)

That construction should be done by October and something new started probably. I always check google maps or something before a trip to be forewarned of road work.

[kerrlakeRoo]

I-81 at Harrisonburg Va is a nuisance much of the time, morning and evening commutes and the University make it tight. Pass through there midday or evening if possible.
Most major traffic accidents seem to be from Troutville (US 460) to Roanoke.
Depending on your clearance and time constraints, You may want to travel some of Skyline Dr. or the Blue Ridge Pkwy.
Verify your heights and clearances first.

edit, changed to nuisance from nightmare. I live in the middle of nowhere and for people used to congestion, its likely not that bad.