Go to 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the most up-to-date information on weather impacts, vehicle restrictions, and PA Farm Show travel conditions.
Harrisburg, PA –Ahead of anticipated winter weather across much of Pennsylvania tonight and tomorrow, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) are updating the start times of planned vehicle restrictions on several interstates and the PA Turnpike announced Friday, based on the updated weather forecast.
The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 8:00 PM on Sunday, January 5, in accordance with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan, an update from Friday’s announcement.
- Interstate 79 from the West Virginia border to Exit 77 (PA Turnpike).
- I-70 from the West Virginia border to PA Turnpike Exit 57 (New Stanton).
- I-279, entire length.
- I-376 from Brighton (Exit 36) to PA Turnpike (Exit 85).
- I-579, entire length.
- PA Turnpike (I-70/I-76) from Exit 28 (Cranberry) to Exit 161 (Breezewood).
- PA Turnpike 576 (entire length).
- PA Turnpike 43 (entire length).
- PA Turnpike 66 (entire length).
The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 12:01 AM on Monday, January 6, in accordance with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- I-81 from the Maryland border to I-78 (Exit 89).
- I-83, entire length.
- PA Turnpike (I-76) from Breezewood (Exit 161) to Harrisburg East (Exit 247).
Under Tier 2 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.
- Tractors towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs).
- 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.
Tire chains or ATDs do not need to be installed under Tier 2 restrictions but need to be readily available for use should the vehicle become stuck and not be able to move because of poor traction.
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.
Restrictions will be 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.
PennDOT encourages motorists traveling to the PA Farm Show in Harrisburg to plan their trip using the enhanced real-time travel and alternate-route information available on a specialized web page at www.511PA.com/map/page/farm-show. Hosted through the department's www.511PA.com traveler information website, the page is dedicated to monitoring traffic conditions on the primary travel routes to the event. Travel times and alerts are provided for: I-81 north, US-22/322 east, I-81 south, I-283 north, and I-83 north. The page includes the average travel time for the primary route as well as an alternate route. Users can see traffic speeds, incidents, active roadwork, as well as weather forecasts and alerts on the map.
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.
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 free smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.
Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts or subscribe to news in a specific county or region. Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram. The PA Turnpike will provide updates on their social channels, on their roadway and at all service plazas.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alexis Campbell, PennDOT, 717-783-8800 or alecampbel@pa.gov
Marissa Orbanek, PA Turnpike, 267-408-5151 or morbanek@paturnpike.com
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