I-84 in PA During Winter

[averity]

Starting to plan our winter trip to Florida from N Vermont the middle of January 2015 towing a 26' TT and would like to know experiences going across I-84 from the NYS Thruway at Newburgh,NY to Scranton, PA to then head south on I-81. Have been told there are some big hills on I-84 that could be a problem in January. Thanks for advice on this route and some alternatives.

[Drbolasky]

There are a couple of good grades on I-78 west - you'll be descending one right after you get off of Rt. 33. Then there's a short but steep pull over South Mountain, beginning where Rt. 309 joins I-78 and ending at the Lehigh Street interchange. Bigger hazards of this route in my mind are the sheer volume of truck traffic, lack of speed enforcement, and way too many impatient and distracted drivers. Good luck & stay safe.

On edit: The Hamilton Blvd. interchange just a bit further west can be dangerous. Most motorists merging on to I-78 west from the ramps refuse to yield, and this is compounded by I-78 traffic trying to exit to Hamilton. Your best bet is to get in the left-most lane (of the three) after Cedar Crest Blvd. and stay there until you pass Hamilton. Then get in the center lane so you'll be lined up correctly when I-78 & Rt. 309 split.

[Ed_C]

Not only does I/84 have hills but so does I/81. We travel that route often but, when there might be bad weather we:
Get off I/84 the first exit in PA (54?) take us 209 to I/80 in E. Strasbourg then 33 to I/78 to I/81 just north of Harrisburg. It's about the same distance.
Doing so you avoid almost all of PA's hills, ice, snow & fog.
Jonestown/Lickdale KOA is 1 exit north on I/81; they stay open all year and have a "Country Store" with good, reasonable food which the deliver to you.

[gbopp]

Check 511PA before you start your trip.

[K_Charles]

Sometimes we go 684 287 and 78 to 81, I have seen 78 and 84 closed because of bad weather but not often. Just look at the weather the day before you go.

[Doug156]

There are a few good sized hills on Rt.84 Some pretty good ones where 84 meets 81 and some good size hills on 81.

Watch the weather and plan accordingly.

Have a great trip