With snow falling across a wide area of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation imposed a series of restrictions on most interstates, as well as lowered the speed limits as a precaution.

 

Truck ban

PennDOT imposed a ban on empty straight CDL-weighted trucks, tractors hauling double trailers, tractors hauling empty trailers, trailers pulled by passenger vehicles or pick-up trucks, motorcycles and recreational vehicles, or RVs, on:

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[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 76 across the state, which includes the Schuylkill Expressway and the East-West Turnpike mainline.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstates 276 and 476, a portion of the mainline Turnpike in southeastern Pennsylvania and the entire Northeastern Extension.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 476 between the Turnpike and Interstate 95.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 676 (entire length)[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 176 (entire length)[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 95 (entire length)[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 78 (entire length)[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 80 from the New Jersey line to the junction with Interstate 81.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 81 from the Maryland line to the junction with Interstate 80.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 99 (entire length)[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 79 from the Turnpike to Interstate 80.

In addition, also beginning at 8 PM, a full ban on commercial vehicles was imposed on:[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 70, from the Maryland line to the Turnpike.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 83 (entire length)[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 84 (entire length)[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 380 (entire length)[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]

A commercial vehicle is defined as a vehicle used for commerce and meets one of the following conditions:[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 17,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Is a school bus.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin-bottom:12.0pt; margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Is transporting hazardous materials which is required to be placarded in accordance with Department regulations.[/naviga:li]

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Restrictions will remain in place as long as conditions warrant. As conditions develop, speed restrictions will be considered on these routes. If the forecast changes, PennDOT will quickly review and possibly adjust or lift the restrictions.

Speed limits

PennDOT has temporarily reduced 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:

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[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 78 in Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties;[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County;[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="margin:0in 0in 0.0001pt"]US 22 in Lehigh and Northampton counties.[/naviga:li]

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Although PennDOT crews have been 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.

Tips

If traveling during severe winter weather, motorists should make sure their gas tank is full and they pack an emergency kit, which should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. Remember also any special needs, such as baby food, pet supplies or medications.

Motorists are reminded that roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning. Motorists should leave plenty of space – six car lengths --- when following a truck that is plowing or spreading winter materials. Also, reduced speeds are a must when traveling during snow events.