
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
1. I-81
A major north-south interstate connecting Harrisburg with cities like New York and Washington D.C., offering convenient travel but also heavy traffic during rush hours.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Heavy traffic is common during morning and evening rush hours.
- Rest Areas: Rest areas are available for breaks along the highway.
- Toll Roads: There are no toll roads on I-81 within Harrisburg city limits.
2. I-76
Connects Harrisburg with Pittsburgh and the west via the Pennsylvania Turnpike, providing a direct route but requiring toll payments.
- Toll Costs: Expect to pay tolls when using the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
- Rest Stops: Rest areas with facilities are available along the highway.
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed limits to ensure safety and avoid fines.
3. I-83
A key east-west interstate connecting Harrisburg with Baltimore and points west, offering easy access but also dealing with regular construction work.
- Construction Zones: Construction zones are common, so be prepared for potential delays.
- Truck Traffic: Heavy truck traffic is frequent on I-83.
- Exits and Services: Exit services include restaurants, gas stations, and rest areas.
4. US-15
Runs north-south from Harrisburg to the Maryland border, offering an alternative route for travelers but with less traffic and fewer services.
- Road Conditions: US-15 may have rougher road conditions compared to interstates.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic on US-15, especially in urban areas.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Pennsylvania countryside along US-15.
5. Route 30
A historic east-west route connecting Harrisburg with Gettysburg and York, offering a scenic drive but also dealing with slower traffic.
- Historical Sites: Route 30 passes by many historical sites like Gettysburg Battlefield.
- Local Driving Conditions: Expect local driving conditions and slower traffic on Route 30.
- Restaurants and Shops: Stop at local restaurants and shops along Route 30 for a taste of Pennsylvania.
6. Capital Beltway (Route 233)
A loop around Harrisburg that connects I-83 and I-283, providing an easier way to navigate the city but dealing with heavy local traffic.
- Local Traffic: Expect heavy local traffic on the Capital Beltway.
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed limits to ensure safety and avoid fines.
- Exit Services: Exit services include shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations.
7. I-283
A short interstate connecting I-81 with the Capital Beltway (Route 233), offering a quick route but dealing with regular construction work.
- Construction Zones: Construction zones are common, so be prepared for potential delays.
- Truck Traffic: Heavy truck traffic is frequent on I-283.
- Exit Services: Exit services include gas stations and fast food restaurants.
8. PA-22
Runs east-west from Harrisburg to Carlisle, offering a scenic drive through countryside but also dealing with local traffic and slower speeds.
- Road Conditions: PA-22 may have rougher road conditions compared to interstates.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic on PA-22, especially in urban areas.
- Historical Sites: Pass by historical sites like the U.S. Army War College and Dickinson College.
9. US-11
Runs north-south from Harrisburg to the New York border, offering an alternative route for travelers but with less traffic and fewer services.
- Road Conditions: US-11 may have rougher road conditions compared to interstates.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic on US-11, especially in urban areas.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Pennsylvania countryside along US-11.
10. PA-743 (Union Deposit Road)
A local road connecting Harrisburg with Union Deposit, offering a quieter alternative route but dealing with slower traffic and occasional construction.
- Construction Zones: Occasional construction zones may cause delays.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic on Union Deposit Road.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Susquehanna River along Union Deposit Road.
11. PA-241 (Harrisburg Area Greenbelt)
A scenic road surrounding Harrisburg, offering beautiful views but dealing with slower traffic and occasional pedestrians.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Susquehanna River and local parks.
- Pedestrians: Watch out for pedestrians, especially in park areas.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic on the Harrisburg Area Greenbelt.
12. PA-634 (Carlisle Pike)
Runs east-west from Harrisburg to Carlisle, offering a scenic drive through countryside but also dealing with local traffic and slower speeds.
- Road Conditions: PA-634 may have rougher road conditions compared to interstates.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic on Carlisle Pike, especially in urban areas.
- Historical Sites: Pass by historical sites like Dickinson College and the U.S. Army War College.
13. PA-641 (Cumberland Highway)
Runs east-west from Harrisburg to Carlisle, offering a scenic drive through countryside but also dealing with local traffic and slower speeds.
- Road Conditions: PA-641 may have rougher road conditions compared to interstates.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic on Cumberland Highway, especially in urban areas.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Susquehanna River and local farms along Cumberland Highway.
14. PA-272 (Colonial Road)
A local road connecting Harrisburg with Colonial Park, offering a quieter alternative route but dealing with slower traffic and occasional construction.
- Construction Zones: Occasional construction zones may cause delays.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic on Colonial Road.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Susquehanna River and Colonial Park along Colonial Road.
15. PA-283 (Front Street)
A local road connecting Harrisburg with the Susquehanna River and several attractions, offering a scenic drive but dealing with slower traffic and occasional pedestrians.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy scenic views of the Susquehanna River and local attractions like City Island.
- Pedestrians: Watch out for pedestrians, especially in park areas.
- Local Traffic: Expect local traffic on Front Street.