RV route guide
Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnels — RV clearance reference
Four tunnels remain on the modern PA Turnpike. 13'9" minimum. Most RVs OK.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76 + I-276) has four remaining tunnels: Blue Mountain, Tuscarora, Kittatinny + Tuscarora, and Allegheny. Modern tunnel clearances are 13 feet 9 inches at center, but edge clearances are lower. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission posts current clearances and any temporary reductions.
- Tier
- Clearance + restriction
- State
- Pennsylvania
- Sources
- Cited official (.gov / .org)
What is the height limit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike?
13 feet 9 inches at the tunnel centers. Most modern RVs (under 13'6") clear comfortably. Some Class A diesel motorhomes can be 13'8" — measure first. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission posts current clearance status. Vehicles exceeding tunnel clearance must use the surface-road alternatives (US-30, US-22).
- 13'9" tunnel clearance
- Most RVs accommodate
- Some Class A diesel may not
- PA Turnpike Commission posts current status
- Alternates: US-30, US-22
Tunnel-by-tunnel reference
Blue Mountain Tunnel (between Carlisle and Newville, MP 200): 13 feet 9 inches.
Kittatinny + Tuscarora Tunnels (eastbound near Fort Loudon, MP 190): 13 feet 9 inches.
Allegheny Tunnel (between Bedford and Somerset, MP 145): 13 feet 9 inches.
Lehigh Tunnel (Northeast Extension, MP A50): 13 feet 9 inches.
Note: edge clearances at tunnels are lower than center clearance. Travel center-lane in tunnels.
- PennDOT 511PAstate-dot
Real warnings
Travel center-lane in tunnels
Edge clearance reduces toward the walls.
Verify current PA Turnpike status
Maintenance reductions possible.
What PA Turnpike Commission doesn't tell you
The commission publishes clear clearance information. Easy reference for RV travelers.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is generally RV-friendly. The original 1940s construction included 7 tunnels; 4 have been bypassed via cut-and-cover or surface routes. Only 4 active tunnels remain.
- PA Turnpike Commission: Official site.[source]
Frequently asked questions
- Has anyone struck the PA Turnpike tunnels?
- Rare. The 13'9" clearance accommodates most vehicles. Most strikes are on surface bridges, not turnpike tunnels.
Authoritative sources
- PennDOT 511PA state-dot
- FHWA 511 traveler information — national index fhwa
Verify current conditions with state DOT 511 systems before departure. RV restrictions may change. Weather may close roads.
Planning an RV trip along Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnels?
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