When you’re on a long drive, rest areas become essential. They’re not just a place to stretch your legs and use the restroom; they’re vital for driver safety and comfort, helping prevent accidents caused by fatigue. If you’re traveling across Pennsylvania, the rest areas on the PA Turnpike are key to a smooth and safe journey.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the rest areas along the Pennsylvania Turnpike, highlighting what you can expect to find at each one. You’ll find information about parking, restroom facilities, and other amenities to help you plan your stops.
It’s worth remembering that the Pennsylvania Turnpike is actually made up of sections of several Interstate highways, including I-70, I-76, I-276, and I-476. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, knowing where to find a reliable rest area on the PA Turnpike can make all the difference.
Understanding Pennsylvania Rest Areas: Types and Services
When you’re driving the Pennsylvania Turnpike, it’s good to know what to expect when you pull into a rest area. Here’s an overview of the different types of rest areas and the services they offer.
Types of Rest Areas
There are three main kinds of rest stops along the PA Turnpike:
- Basic Rest Areas: These offer the necessities: restrooms and parking. Many also have picnic areas where you can stretch your legs and eat.
- Service Plazas: These are the big ones, with a range of amenities like fast food restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores. You’ll find these spaced out along the Turnpike.
- Welcome Centers: Usually near state lines, these offer travel information, maps, and staff to answer your questions as you enter Pennsylvania.
Services Available at Rest Areas
No matter which type of rest area you stop at, you can usually count on these services:
- Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained restrooms are a priority.
- Parking: Plenty of parking for cars, trucks, and buses.
- Accessibility: Rest areas are designed to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Rest Areas Along the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76 and I-276)
The Pennsylvania Turnpike, including its mainline (I-76) and Delaware Extension (I-276), has a number of rest areas where you can pull off the road for a bit. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect to find.
I-76 (Mainline Turnpike) Rest Areas
- Allegheny Mountain (Eastbound, mile marker 123): This basic rest area has restrooms and parking and is a convenient stopping point if you’re headed east.
- Sideling Hill (Westbound, mile marker 146): Similar to Allegheny Mountain, this rest area offers restrooms and parking for travelers headed west. It’s always a good idea to have an alternate rest stop in mind in case of maintenance issues.
- North Midway (Eastbound, mile marker 171): You’ll find restrooms and parking at this rest area.
- South Midway (Westbound, mile marker 171): This rest area offers restrooms and parking for those traveling west.
- New Stanton Service Plaza (Eastbound and Westbound, mile marker 77): If you’re looking for a more extensive break, this full-service plaza has gas, food, and shopping options.
- South Somerset Service Plaza (Eastbound and Westbound, mile marker 110): Located in Somerset County, this service plaza also has gas, food, and shopping options.
I-276 (Delaware Extension) Rest Areas
The Delaware Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276) is a fairly short stretch of road, and there are no designated rest areas on this section. If you need to stop, you may want to look for rest areas on connecting interstates such as I-95.
Rest Areas Along the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-70 and I-476)
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a long toll road, so it’s good to know where you can stop to stretch your legs, grab a bite, or fill up the gas tank.
I-70 (part of PA Turnpike) Rest Areas
There’s one rest area listed on I-70 Eastbound, at mile marker 5. It’s a good idea to plan your rest stops as you map out your road trip, so you’re not caught short when you need a break.
I-476 (Northeast Extension) Rest Areas
The Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike, also known as I-476, has two main rest areas, both of which are full-service plazas offering gas, food, and shopping. These are major stops for travelers using the Northeast Extension.
- Hickory Run Service Plaza (Northbound and Southbound, mile marker 95)
- Bowmansville Service Plaza (Northbound and Southbound, mile marker 298)
Be sure to check the PA Turnpike website for any alerts or closures that may affect your travel plans.
Tips for using Pennsylvania Turnpike rest areas
To make the most of your stops, consider these tips:
- Plan ahead: Look at your route and note the mile markers where rest areas are located. Pay attention to the distance between them so you can plan bathroom breaks and other stops accordingly.
- Check for closures: Rest areas sometimes close temporarily for maintenance. Check the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission website or app to ensure your planned stop is open.
- Take advantage of service plazas: Service plazas offer gas, food, and shopping, so you can fuel up your car and yourself.
- Stay safe: Always be aware of your surroundings and protect your belongings. Report anything suspicious to the authorities.
In Summary
On a long drive, you need to stop sometimes. And when you’re driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the rest areas provide a safe and convenient place to take a break, stretch your legs, and take care of essential needs.
The Turnpike offers a range of rest area options. You’ll find basic rest stops with restrooms and picnic areas, as well as more comprehensive service plazas with food vendors, travel stores, and even gas stations.
To make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible, plan your stops in advance. Check the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s website or app to find rest areas along your route and learn about the amenities they offer. A little planning can go a long way in ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.