Tier 2 Restriction times have been modified by PennDOT (updated Sunday, 2 pm) Several local interstates will have restrictions in place for Sunday’s predicted snowfall. PennDOT crews will actively pre-treat roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm. More than 600 equipment operators and safety patrol personnel, as well as traffic operators, are ready to provide 24/7 staffing and roadway assistance on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The Pennsylvania Turnpike and PennDOT are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to exercise caution when driving. PennDOT will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm. The Commonwealth’s Weather Event Vehicle Restriction Plan Tier 2 restrictions will be in effect on the following revised time schedule:
Sunday, Jan. 5 at 8 pm:
* I-70 from West Virginia border to Exit 57 (PA Turnpike at New Stanton)
* I-79 from West Virginia border to Exit 77 (PA Turnpike at Cranberry)
* PA Turnpike (I-70/I-76 mainline) from Exit 28 (Cranberry) to Exit 161 (Breezewood)
* PA Turnpike 576 entire length
* PA Turnpike 43 entire length
* PA Turnpike 66 entire length
* I-279 entire length
* I-376 from Exit 36 (Brighton) to Exit 85 (PA Turnpike at Beaver Valley)
Monday, Jan. 6 at 12:01 am
* I-81 from Maryland border to Exit 89 (I-78)
* I-83 entire length
* PA Turnpike (mainline) from Exit 161 (Breezewood) to Exit 247 (Harrisburg East)
Under the Tier 2 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
* Tractors without trailers.
* Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailiers or tank trailers.
* Tractors towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATCs).
* 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, regardless of the availability of trains or ATDs.
* Motorcycles.
On roadways where vehicles are not restricted, commercial vehicle drivers in particular are encouraged to exercise caution in high winds. Drivers should ensure their loads are secure, reduce speeds, increase following distance and use flashers if necessary.
For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations, CLICK HERE. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available HERE.