I-81 from Scranton to Harrisburg

[neparker]

I am planning a (towing) trip south in the next few weeks and was looking at 81 Scranton to Harrisburg as a possible option. I have been on that stretch in the past when the potholes were the size of bathtubs. I would not want to repeat that experience! Anyone have recent experience?

The overall trip will be from Hartford to N VA. on a Sunday. I was thinking 84 -> 81. Other ideas welcome.

Thanks.

[bobzdar]

Originally Posted by neparker

I am planning a (towing) trip south in the next few weeks and was looking at 81 Scranton to Harrisburg as a possible option. I have been on that stretch in the past when the potholes were the size of bathtubs. I would not want to repeat that experience! Anyone have recent experience?

The overall trip will be from Hartford to N VA. on a Sunday. I was thinking 84 -> 81. Other ideas welcome.

Thanks.

I towed through there at the beginning of August - it's mostly fixed tbh. There's a little bit of expansion joint bouncing right around Scranton due to the pavement choice in that area, but mostly in good shape through the rest of PA (which is pretty rare, also very little construction, it's like they almost finally have their act together). I'm sure a winter or two and they'll have to start re-paving it all again, but right now it's not bad. The worst areas are actually north of Scranton, from there to NY there are a few bad spots but nothing too concerning.

If you're making your way back to NC, I'd highly suggest going 81 all the way into VA and then taking 17 to 95 and avoiding the whole DC mess. It takes around 15 minutes longer than going through DC if there's no traffic, but it's a much nicer, lower stress drive and very little traffic. Some of the drive through Delaplane and Paris in northern VA is beautiful, and a bunch of wineries in that area, which is so much nicer than battling the 495 loop.

[Jackstincan]

You can take 15 south at Harrisburg. When you get to Fredrick MD you can take either 70/270 or stay on 15 to Leesburg. Time of day would and where in Nova you are going to help make your choice. 15 though PA is a 4 lane road with very few lights and light traffic till you get to Fredrick.

[neparker]

Thanks very much for the information. 84 to 81 to 15 to Leesburg then Dulles toll road to McLean is the plan.

Does anyone know where to find online information about road conditions? I found construction info, but not where construction was needed!