At 11 a.m., PennDOT will lift most of the speed limit restrictions that have been in place on interstate highways and major expressways in south central Pennsylvania since 1 a.m. due to the winter storm impacting the region. These roads include the following:
- Interstate 81 in Franklin, Cumberland, Dauphin and Lebanon counties,
- Interstate 83 in York, Cumberland and Dauphin counties,
- Interstate 283 in Dauphin County,
- PA Route 283 in Dauphin and Lancaster counties,
- US 22/322 in Dauphin,
- PA Route 581 in Cumberland County,
- US 11 in Franklin and Cumberland counties,
- US 15 in Adams, York and Cumberland counties,
- US 11/15 in Cumberland,
- US Route 30 in Lancaster and York counties,
- US Route 222 in Lancaster County, between US Route 30 and the Berks County line.
At noon, PennDOT will lift the remaining speed limit restrictions on Interstate 78 in Lebanon County and on US Route 22/322 and US Route 11/15 in Perry County.
PennDOT is continuing to treat roadways in the area and will continue until roads are clear and dry.
Although PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check road conditions on more than 2,900 miles of state roads by calling 5-1-1 or visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, average traffic speeds on urban interstates and access to more than 670 traffic cameras. The 511 site also provides easy-to-use, color-coded winter road conditions for all interstates and other routes covered in the 511 reporting network. Regional Twitter alerts are also available on the 511PA website.
PennDOT asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.
In addition, PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.
PennDOT also reminds citizens that downloadable materials, including home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, are available at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA. Citizens can find information about getting involved in local emergency response efforts and other volunteer opportunities through the Web site or the toll-free line.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/winter.
Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAHarrisburg.