West Virginia Turnpike

[wnytaxman]

I remember that Dave provided a warning about the narrow toll booths in Ohio and damaging his mirror. I can add another toll booth warning, but this time it is in West Virginia. Coming up I-77 I got blocked into the left hand lane so I opted to go to the lane on the far left which would still accept my EZPass. I carefully watched my mirrors and make sure that my mirrors would not hit. Well, they didn't hit but I managed to knock off the lug nut covers on my passenger side front wheel. There is a concrete step that sticks out just far enough to take out the lug nut covers and dent up the hub cover. Not a big deal dollar wise, but one of those bone headed moves that others may want to avoid.

Bottom line is that if you are on the WV Turnpike stay to the right on the toll booths. The lug nut covers you save may be your own!

[brobox]

I agree 200% wide load lane or scenic highway. That ladder being my first choice

[smlranger]

Learned that lesson on my first trip on I77 with my first DP. Mirrors cleared but a damaged guard rail did $3K damage to right rear of coach. Far right lane for me.

[Saltydog44]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

I remember that Dave provided a warning about the narrow toll booths in Ohio and damaging his mirror. I can add another toll booth warning, but this time it is in West Virginia. Coming up I-77 I got blocked into the left hand lane so I opted to go to the lane on the far left which would still accept my EZPass. I carefully watched my mirrors and make sure that my mirrors would not hit. Well, they didn't hit but I managed to knock off the lug nut covers on my passenger side front wheel. There is a concrete step that sticks out just far enough to take out the lug nut covers and dent up the hub cover. Not a big deal dollar wise, but one of those bone headed moves that others may want to avoid.

Bottom line is that if you are on the WV Turnpike stay to the right on the toll booths. The lug nut covers you save may be your own!

X2 or 3. Don't ask....

[Gasman 2]

Ed,
Wash I knew you were headed down the Wva Turnpike I could have gave you a heads up the toll booth lanes.
We traveled it at least twice a year for the last 20 years or so.
If you traveled down I 77 in Ohio into Wva you went by where we live. Exit 25.
Richard

[gtsum2]

I go through that a couple times a year and always use the far right lanes...they r indeed right

[Gasman 2]

I think the far right lane is the fastest anyway. The 4 wheelers all want to jam into the other lanes and don't want to be behind a truck or motor coach.
After they exit the toll booth they drive like they are in race.[emoji3]

[wnytaxman]

Originally Posted by Gasman 2

Ed,
Wash I knew you were headed down the Wva Turnpike I could have gave you a heads up the toll booth lanes.
We traveled it at least twice a year for the last 20 years or so.
If you traveled down I 77 in Ohio into Wva you went by where we live. Exit 25.
Richard

I have done I-77 down all the way from Cleveland before. It's about an hour longer than I-79/US 19 through Erie and Pittsburgh. It's a much flatter and straighter route than 79 but you do have several tool booths that way if memory serves me correctly.

You are right about the traffic coming out of the tolls. It's like the start of a Formula 1 race.

[TinCanTee]

I've never liked driving the turnpike in the car nor have I ever done it in the coach. I will note here that they are raising the toll to $4.00 per toll station.

[Jtrving]

Even in the far right lane, they have a step between the narrow lane and the right side - it might be 4 inches but you can definitely feel it when you try and stay to the right within the lane itself..

[Gasman 2]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

I have done I-77 down all the way from Cleveland before. It's about an hour longer than I-79/US 19 through Erie and Pittsburgh. It's a much flatter and straighter route than 79 but you do have several tool booths that way if memory serves me correctly.



You are right about the traffic coming out of the tolls. It's like the start of a Formula 1 race.

Ed,
Our son and family live in Albany NY. The best route IMO from where we live here in Ohio is I 77 north to Akron I 76 east to I 80 east to I 79 north up to I 90 at Erie and 90 into NY. No tolls until you hit the NY state line as you know.
That way you miss Cleveland and I 90 in Ohio used to be terrible.
It's 300 miles to Buffalo and that's approximately half way to Albany.

From where we live it's 100 miles to Charlestown Wva via I 77.

Concerning the Wva Turnpike I must be the exception that I enjoy driving it. I don't mind the hills and turns as long as the surface is smooth. Toll booths have never been a problem. The oversize loads go thru the right lane so a 102" coach shouldn't have a problem.

The pike is much improved over recent years. It used to be two lanes with a suicide third lane on the grades and a narrow 2 lane tunnel throw in the mix. The Turnpike Commission uses the tunnel for storage now.

Enjoy the ride on I 77 thru SE Ohio,
The Wild and Wonderful Wva, The Commonwealth of Virginia, The Tarheel, and The Palmetto State.
Lots of beautiful scenery on this route.

Safe travels,
Richard