Speed and vehicle restrictions have been announced for multiple local highways as Pennsylvania braces for winter weather over the weekend.
PennDOT and PA Turnpike crews will pre-treat roadways where necessary ahead of the winter storm, which is expected to bring several inches of snow.
Beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, these roadways will be restricted to a 45 mph speed limit and be under a Tier 1 vehicle restriction:
- PA Turnpike Interstate 76 from Cranberry (Exit 28) to Breezewood (Exit 161).
- PA Turnpike Mon-Fayette Expressway (Route 43), entire length.
- PA Turnpike Southern Beltway (I-576), entire length.
- PA Turnpike Route 66, entire length.
- PA Turnpike Beaver Valley Expressway (Route 60), entire length.
- I-70 from the West Virginia border to PA Turnpike I-76.
- I-79 from PA Turnpike I-76 to the West Virginia border.
- I-279, full length.
- I-376 from PA Turnpike I-376 to PA Turnpike I-76.
- I-579, full length.
A Tier 1 restriction forbids these vehicles from using the affected roadway:
- 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 unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box 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.
- Motorcycles
The restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions are safe, officials say. Road restrictions may be added or changed depending on changing conditions.
Drivers are advised to avoid or delay unnecessary travel during winter storms.
Drivers are required by law to remove ice or snow from their vehicles no later than 24 hours after a storm has ended, or else face a fine. That fine could increase if the snow or ice hits a vehicle or person, officials say.