Direction:

North/South

Southern Terminus:

Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) in Middletown

Northern Terminus:

Capital Beltway (I-83) in Harrisburg

Distance:

2.91 miles

Counties:

Dauphin

Signed:

Yes

I-283 is a short north/south highway connecting the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) to the Capital Beltway (I-83) east of Harrisburg. I-83 crosses the turnpike west of Harrisburg. It then turns east and runs parallel to the turnpike through the city before turning north again. I-283 hooks into I-83 at the point where it turns north again, providing a more direct route between Harrisburg and points east. Also, motorists coming from the west who wish to head northeast on I-81 or I-78 can remain on the turnpike for one additional exit and use I-283 to avoid passing through the heart of the city.

There is an extension of I-283 that is designated PA 283. It begins at the southernmost exit north of the turnpike and runs southeast to Lancaster. It is a somewhat unusual arrangement in that the state route begins at an exit from the interstate with the same number, rather the designation changing at some point along a single highway. PA 283 is significantly longer than I-283.