I80 and I70

[spindrift]

Will be leaving for southeast WY in two weeks from Central Jersey. We had been planning to take the "southerly" route (I70) because I was on I80 two winters ago and it was a mess. Now I'm hearing that I70 is to be avoided like the plague. Apparently, the interstate between Indianapolis and Columbus is especially rough. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[spindrift]

Where in the ADKs? I spent a few years at Paul Smith's many, many years ago. Some of the best times of my life. I take my boys up in the winter and we do a hard core backpacking trip up one of the peaks. I have to be able to say to myself that I really do go camping.

[JimFromJersey]

spindrift wrote:
Hey Jim, very nice blog (if that's what you call it). Would love to be able to do something like that for our memory banks.

Thanks. Yeah, it's nice to be able to look back on it and remember. We're headed up into the Adirondacks in August for a two-week'er, covering mid-Vermont to the Falls and then Rochester and south home.

[spindrift]

Hey Jim, very nice blog (if that's what you call it). Would love to be able to do something like that for our memory banks.

[JimFromJersey]

Here's our run from London, Ohio to Atlantic, Iowa two years ago. I-70 to I-74 to the Quad Cities and then I-80..

http://www.jmhare.com/Vacation2012/Vacation_Day2.htm

[camperforlife]

Spindrift, I drive the Columbus to Indy on I70 almost weekly. Home is halfway between the two. While 70 is rough, I would not avoid it. There is some construction between Columbus, Springfield and Dayton and again at Brookville but it only takes 3 lanes down to 2 and does not create back ups. If you are traveling through the area on the weekend they are doing construction nights and weekend from the Ohio line mile mark 156 to Centerville Indiana mile mark 145 which can back up. If you hit the state line and it is backed up you can take the first Indiana exit 156 (40 west)and follow US 40 to route 1 and go north back to I70. There is some construction near Mt Comfort Rd just outside Indy and it generally does not create back ups.

Indy is always slow at rush hour but the fastest route on 70 is always straight through town on 70. 465 North will always back up worse than 465 South if you decide to not go straight through Indy. west of Indy I don't travel often and cannot help you.

[spindrift]

We have friends who just this past week came from the Indy area on I70 and took an absolute beating on that road all the way to points just east of Columbus. I think it might be best to spend a few extra hours on the overall trip just to avoid the wear and tear on the equipment, not to mention the personal discomfort.

One thing is for sure, improvements to our infrastructure have been delayed for far too long and now we're paying the consequences.

[trailertraveler]

JimFromJersey wrote:

spindrift wrote:
TT...is the stretch of your route that runs through western Maryland, WV and Kentucky fairly hilly?

Spin, we did this from South Jersey two years ago - Del Mem Bridge to I-95 to I-695 to I-70 to I-68 to I-79 then up in to PA for I-70 at Washington,PA...

If you are still planning to go to St. Louis, in my opinion, I-79 South to I-64 is the better route. We have done both several times. I think we did one going East and the other going West last fall. I-70 in Indiana has been terrible the past couple of years.

[JimFromJersey]

spindrift wrote:
TT...is the stretch of your route that runs through western Maryland, WV and Kentucky fairly hilly?

Spin, we did this from South Jersey two years ago - Del Mem Bridge to I-95 to I-695 to I-70 to I-68 to I-79 then up in to PA for I-70 at Washington,PA. We were headed, ultimately, for Salt Lake, but took I-70 on to Indianapolis, then I-74 up to the Quad Cities for I-80 all the rest of the way. It is a LITTLE bit hilly out between Cumberland and Morgantown but certainly not anything to be concerned about. If we can do it in our creaky old Bounder, anyone can. Once past Wheeling, there really isn't much excitement until about Laramie, WY.

I can't speak for the road conditions NOW, but in 2012 there were only a few places were we shunted back and forth to the other lanes for a couple of miles, and no absolute "traffic jams" except where I-77 and I-70 crossed in Cambridge, OH. 3 hours=4 miles. But that was two years ago, so I'd hope they've got it squared away by now...

[john_bet]

We are going east from Cheyenne Wed. May try to avoid Omaha and St. Louis. We are from Ind. just north of US -50 so hate going north just to go south. Time is not an issue with us so State and US roads will be used at our descreation. Have safe trip.

[brooks379]

As bumpy as I 70 is in IN I would still take it. If you're not in any hurry and just want to sight see then by all means go any way you like. By going to Cincinnati you will be driving a lot of extra miles. There is construction all over the country right now and bumpy roads too. I 70 to Denver I 25 N to WY... or get on I 80 in NJ and stay on it to WY. Once you get out of PA both routes are pancake flat all the way to WY. On I 80 you won't be going thru Chicago you will be well below it and that section of interstate is about 10 lanes wide....Go through there early am or after 7pm.....
If you do take I 70 don't take it through St. Louis take I 270 west at Troy, IL back to I 70. Good luck.

[spindrift]

Will do. Thanks everyone. It's going to be an awesome trip. Work this week is going to go sooooooooooooooooooo slowly.

[Dandy_Dan]

Spindrift, If you do happen to get on 70 entering the St. Louis area, the Casino Queen in E. St. Louis, Ill is a good place to stop. We have stayed there 3 times. They have pull thrus and full hookups and also have a valet service that will take you from the camping area to the casino for food and gambling. Also if you are in the camping area they also will take you to the hotel on premise and you can use to indoor pool for free. Have a good trip and Safe Travels.

[lenr]

Just did I-70 from Indianapolis to Cambridge Ohio and do it to the OH line all the time. From OH line to Indianapolis is just terrible rough pulling a trailer. We traveled Rt 40 from Richmond to Knightstown on Rt. 40. The towns are small and the 40 is 4 lane with 60 MPH speed limit and way smoother than I-70. I would take interstate through Indianapolis but not at rush hour. There is construction on the South side on I-465 that is OK any time except rush hour. Time lost on 40 would be way less than going through Cinci and back up to Indy.

[spindrift]

Thanks much.