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Motorists Advised to Limit Travel, Watch for Changing Conditions
Vehicle Restrictions Anticipated for Sunday
HARRISBURG- In anticipation of winter weather throughout much of the state on Sunday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is advising motorists to avoid all unnecessary travel during the upcoming storm. PennDOT anticipates that it will implement travel restrictions on trucks and other vehicles on certain roadways around the state, which will remain in place until conditions warrant their removal.
Effective at noon on Sunday, January 31, vehicle restrictions are anticipated on the following roadways that align with Tier 1 of the commonwealth's weather event vehicle restriction plan:
Interstate 70 in both directions from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) to the Maryland state line;
The entire length of Interstate 78 in both directions;
Interstate 80 from Interstate 81 to the New Jersey state line;
The entire length of Interstate 81 in both directions;
The entire length of Interstate 83 in both directions;
The entire length of Interstate 84 in both directions; and
The entire length of Interstate 380 in both directions.
Additional speed and vehicle restrictions on these and other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.
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.
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511pa.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on www.511pa.com by clicking on "Personal Alerts" in the left-hand menu.
PennDOT urges motorists to avoid travel during the storm if possible. But if travel is necessary, use caution, reduce speeds and be aware of changing weather conditions. High winds and freezing temperatures are expected during this event, so motorists should be aware of blowing and drifting snow, which can cause icy areas on roadways, including overpasses and bridges. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.