Uploaded March 2015 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This is a video I shot in August of 2014, showing a drive on I-70 Westbound from just before the intersection with US Route 30, to driving onto the WB Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-70/76). This is one of the few sections of Interstate highway that has a traffic light (in this case multiple). A direct connection from I-70 to the Turnpike has never been built, so drivers heading from the turnpike to I-70 or vice-versa must briefly drive on US 30 and go through a few traffic lights before continuing onto the highway. It is frequently congested (as can be seen in the latter half of the video) and can be a pain to navigate around the holidays or the busy half of summer, but it allows for businesses to do very well on this short stretch of Route 30. I don't see a direct interchange being built any time soon. Another interesting fact is the exit ramp from the mainline Turnpike to US 30 (which we travel on towards the end of the video) is actually part of the original Turnpike, which was bypassed over 40 years ago. The bypassed section is not used beyond US 30, however bicyclists are free to travel on the abandoned section at their own risk. The 13-mile abandoned section goes through two tunnels, and passes the remains of a travel plaza. PTC used it sometimes to test construction vehicles and reflectors, so you will find random painted lines and rumble strips in some spots. The PA State Police also used it as a shooting range, and the abandoned section was used in filming several parts of "The Road". Maybe someday I will bring my camera and a bike to show you guys this abandoned section.
Alright, enough rambling, just thought I'd show you these two interesting parts of Pennsylvania's highways.
Some information about the Breezewood intersection and the Abandoned PA Turnpike can be found on this page: briantroutman.com/land/the-abandoned-pennsylvania-turnpike-%E2%80%94-brief-history
This is a video I shot in August of 2014, showing a drive on I-70 Westbound from just before the intersection with US Route 30, to driving onto the WB Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-70/76). This is one of the few sections of Interstate highway that has a traffic light (in this case multiple). A direct connection from I-70 to the Turnpike has never been built, so drivers heading from the turnpike to I-70 or vice-versa must briefly drive on US 30 and go through a few traffic lights before continuing onto the highway. It is frequently congested (as can be seen in the latter half of the video) and can be a pain to navigate around the holidays or the busy half of summer, but it allows for businesses to do very well on this short stretch of Route 30. I don't see a direct interchange being built any time soon. Another interesting fact is the exit ramp from the mainline Turnpike to US 30 (which we travel on towards the end of the video) is actually part of the original Turnpike, which was bypassed over 40 years ago. The bypassed section is not used beyond US 30, however bicyclists are free to travel on the abandoned section at their own risk. The 13-mile abandoned section goes through two tunnels, and passes the remains of a travel plaza. PTC used it sometimes to test construction vehicles and reflectors, so you will find random painted lines and rumble strips in some spots. The PA State Police also used it as a shooting range, and the abandoned section was used in filming several parts of "The Road". Maybe someday I will bring my camera and a bike to show you guys this abandoned section.
Alright, enough rambling, just thought I'd show you these two interesting parts of Pennsylvania's highways.
Some information about the Breezewood intersection and the Abandoned PA Turnpike can be found on this page: briantroutman.com/land/the-abandoned-pennsylvania-turnpike-%E2%80%94-brief-history
