PENNSYLVANIA, USA — In response to the current winter storm, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike are implementing additional restrictions that will take effect as of 9 a.m. on Feb. 1.
These restrictions will remain in place until conditions improve. Motorists are urged to avoid travel if possible.
Effective at 9 a.m., vehicle restrictions are anticipated on the following roadways at Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:
- Interstate 76/276/95 (PA Turnpike mainline) from Interstate 81 (Carlisle Interchange, Exit 226) to the New Jersey border;
- Interstate 80 from Interstate 99 to Interstate 81;
- The entire length of Interstate 81 in both directions;
- The entire length of Interstate 83 in both directions;
- Interstate 283 in both directions;
- Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from Interstate 276 (PA Turnpike mainline) to Interstate 78 (Lehigh Valley Interchange, Exit 56); and
- Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from Interstate 80 (Pocono Interchange, Exit 95) to Interstate 81 (Clarks Summit Interchange, Exit 131).
"Tier 3" restrictions include no commercial vehicles being permitted on roadways with these restrictions in place except loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. Additionally, all all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes, and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place, according to a press release.
Effective at 9 a.m., vehicle restrictions are anticipated on the following roadways at Tier 4 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:
- Route 22 from Interstate 78 to the New Jersey border;
- The entire length of Route 33 in both directions;
- The entire length of Interstate 78 in both directions;
- Interstate 80 from Interstate 81 to the New Jersey border;
- The entire length of Interstate 84 in both directions;
- The entire length of Interstate 380 in both directions; and
- Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from Interstate 78 (Lehigh Valley Interchange, Exit 56) to Interstate 80 (Pocono Interchange, Exit 95).
"Tier 4" restrictions include no commercial vehicles being permitted on roadways with these restrictions in place. Additionally, the Tier 3 restrictions will still be in place under this classification.
Tier 1 restrictions remain in effect on the following roadways:
- Interstate 70 in both directions from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) to the Maryland state line;
- Interstate 76 (PA Turnpike mainline) from Breezewood Interchange, Exit 161, to Interstate 81 (Carlisle Interchange, Exit 226)
- Interstate 80 in both directions from Interstate 99 to Interstate 79; and
- The entire length of Interstate 99 in both directions.
Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
- Tractors without trailers;
- Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers;
- Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers;
- Enclosed cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of a CMV;
- Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers;
- Recreational vehicles/motorhomes;
- School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches not carrying chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATD’s); and
- Motorcycles.
Additional speed and vehicle restrictions on these and other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
The department also 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.
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.Ready.PA.gov or by downloading the free ReadyPA app for Apple or Android devices. Citizens can also find information about getting involved in local emergency response efforts and other volunteer opportunities through the ReadyPA website.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter.
Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAHarrisburg.
