Major Highways & Driving Tips in Akron, Ohio, United States
1. Interstate 77 (I-77)
A major north-south highway connecting Akron to other cities like Cleveland and Charleston, West Virginia. It offers travelers easy access to various attractions.
- Multiple Exits: I-77 has numerous exits that make it easier for travelers to find their destinations.
- Toll Road: A section of I-77 near Cleveland is a toll road, so drivers should have change or an electronic pass.
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones and potential traffic delays.
2. Interstate 76 (I-76)
This east-west highway connects Akron to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It offers a direct route for travelers heading towards the east.
- Rush Hours: I-76 experiences rush hours, especially around Akron and Cleveland.
- Rest Areas: Well-maintained rest areas are available for breaks during long drives on I-76.
- Truck Traffic: I-76 carries a significant amount of truck traffic, so be cautious and patient.
3. Interstate 80 (I-80)
Running east-west, I-80 connects Akron to cities like Cleveland and Youngstown, before heading towards Pennsylvania and other eastern states.
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones on I-80 near Akron.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits vary on I-80, so drivers should always watch for posted signs.
- Toll Roads: A section of I-80 near Youngstown is a toll road, so drivers should have change or an electronic pass.
4. Interstate 480 (I-480)
This loop around Akron connects I-76 and I-77, providing easy access to various city destinations.
- Loop Route: I-480 forms a loop around Akron, making it convenient for traveling within the city.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on I-480 can change quickly, so drivers should be attentive.
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones along the I-480 loop.
5. Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90)
This toll road connects Akron to Cleveland and other cities in Ohio and nearby states.
- Toll Cost: The cost of tolls on the Ohio Turnpike can add up, so drivers should be prepared.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits vary on the Ohio Turnpike, so drivers should always watch for posted signs.
- Rest Areas: Well-maintained rest areas are available along the Ohio Turnpike for breaks during long drives.
6. Interstate 480 Innerbelt Bridge
This bridge connects I-480 westbound with I-76 and I-77 in downtown Akron.
- Limited Access: The Innerbelt Bridge has limited access points, so drivers should plan their routes accordingly.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on the bridge can change quickly, so drivers should be attentive.
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones on the Innerbelt Bridge.
7. Route 8 (State Route 8)
This highway connects Akron to the north, heading towards Cleveland.
- Urban Sections: Some sections of State Route 8 are urban, so drivers should be aware of heavy traffic and pedestrians.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on State Route 8 can change quickly, so drivers should be attentive.
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones along State Route 8.
8. Route 303 (State Route 303)
This highway connects Akron to Kent and the Kent State University area.
- Campus Traffic: During university hours, there is often heavier traffic on State Route 303 due to students.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on State Route 303 can change quickly, so drivers should be attentive.
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones along State Route 303.
9. Route 241 (State Route 241)
This highway connects Akron to the University of Akron and other destinations to the west.
- Campus Traffic: During university hours, there is often heavier traffic on State Route 241 due to students.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on State Route 241 can change quickly, so drivers should be attentive.
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones along State Route 241.
10. Route 59 (State Route 59)
This highway connects Akron to Medina and other destinations to the west.
- Rural Sections: Some sections of State Route 59 are rural, so drivers should be aware of potential wildlife encounters.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on State Route 59 can vary, so drivers should always watch for posted signs.
- Rest Areas: Rest areas are less frequent on State Route 59, so drivers should plan rest stops accordingly.
11. Route 3 (State Route 3)
This highway connects Akron to Youngstown and other destinations to the southeast.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on State Route 3 can change quickly, so drivers should be attentive.
- Truck Traffic: State Route 3 carries a significant amount of truck traffic, so be cautious and patient.
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones along State Route 3.
13. Route 21 (State Route 21)
This highway connects Akron to Wooster and other destinations to the west.
- Rural Sections: Some sections of State Route 21 are rural, so drivers should be aware of potential wildlife encounters.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on State Route 21 can vary, so drivers should always watch for posted signs.
- Rest Areas: Rest areas are less frequent on State Route 21, so drivers should plan rest stops accordingly.
14. Route 91 (State Route 91)
This highway connects Akron to Ravenna and other destinations to the east.
- Rural Sections: Some sections of State Route 91 are rural, so drivers should be aware of potential wildlife encounters.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on State Route 91 can change quickly, so drivers should be attentive.
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones along State Route 91.
15. Route 261 (State Route 261)
This highway connects Akron to Barberton and other destinations to the southeast.
- Urban Sections: Some sections of State Route 261 are urban, so drivers should be aware of heavy traffic and pedestrians.
- Speed Limits: Speed limits on State Route 261 can change quickly, so drivers should be attentive.
- Construction Zones: Expect occasional construction zones along State Route 261.