I have family in Maryland and for years have taken the Ohio and PA turnpikes to Breezewood, and then I-70 into Maryland to my exit. Coming home has been the same in reverse. I have always passed by the I-68 split (at Hancock, MD) in the past but this time I took it. I went I-68 from Hancock, MD to Morgantown, WV and then I-79 north to the PA Turnpike. My pleasant surprise was that even though I still had several miles to go before the Ohio line, there was
NO TOLL! 
Unbelievable!
I didn't track things too closely but I think it added about half an hour to my trip (actual moving time) but for the most part the speed limits were higher and (IMO) the roads were better. Of course I enjoyed not having to pay the PA turnpike toll but, I really enjoyed the change in scenery and the ability to pull off where I wanted to without a penalty to gas up and eat was huge. I would strongly recommend this as an alternate route from the Washington DC area or from Maryland to Ohio (and west).
Caveat:
I took this trip in June, 2009. The weather was clear and warm. I understand that this road can be treacherous in bad weather - even with good maintenance. (But then so can the turnpikes.) So I also recommend paying close attention to road conditions when traveling in bad weather.
