King of Prussia, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the region.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:
- Interstates 76, 95, 295, 476, 676.
- U.S. Routes 1, 30, 202, 422.
- State Routes 63, 100 Spur and 309.
Restrictions are also in place for certain vehicles during the storm, and are being communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website.
Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions are safe. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways, and reports from first responders, law enforcement and PennDOT and PA Turnpike personnel.
The following vehicle restrictions went into effect at 6:00 AM on Sunday, January 19, in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- PA Turnpike I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to Morgantown (Exit 298).
- I-81 from the Maryland border to I-78 (Exit 89).
- I-83, entire length.
- I-283, entire length.
The following vehicle restrictions went into effect at 6:00 AM on Sunday, January 19, in accordance with Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- I-76 from the PA Turnpike to the New Jersey border.
- PA Turnpike I-76 from Morgantown (Exit 298) to the New Jersey border.
- I-95, entire length.
- PA Turnpike I-95, entire length.
- PA Turnpike I-276, entire length.
- I-295, entire length.
- I-476 from PA Turnpike I-476 to I-95.
- PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Mid-County (Exit 20) to Lehigh Valley (Exit 56).
- I-676, entire length.
The following vehicle restrictions went into effect at 9:00 AM on Sunday, January 19 in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- I-81 (Exit 194) to the New York border.
The following vehicle restrictions went into effect at 9:00 AM on Sunday, January 19, in accordance with Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- I-78, entire length.
- I-81 from I-78 to PA Turnpike 476.
- I-80 from I-180 to the New Jersey border.
- I-84, entire length.
- I-380, entire length.
- PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Lehigh Valley (Exit 56) to Clarks Summit (Exit 131)
- U.S. 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey border.
- Route 33, entire length.
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 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.
On roadways with Tier 3 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted EXCEPT loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. Additionally, 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.
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.
Although PennDOT crews will be treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
The department 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.
Motorists should prepare for potential wintry weather by ensuring they have supplies in their cars before heading out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, cell phone charger, hand or foot warmers, windshield brush and scraper, and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies.
For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations including a video, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brad Rudolph, bradrudolph@pa.gov
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