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    Speed Limit Reduction in Place on Interstates in the Northwest Region

    January 12, 2024

    Due to the severity of the winter storm, which has brought winds and a snow-rain mix into the area, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has temporarily reduced the speed on interstates throughout the Northwest Region.

    A speed limit reduction of 45-mph with commercial vehicles in the right lane only is now in place on the following roadways:

    • I-79 from Exit 113 (Route 208/Route 258, Grove City) in Mercer County to the ending point in the City of Erie, Erie County.
    • I-80 from the Ohio state border in Mercer County to Exit 42 (Route 38, Emlenton) in Venango County.
    • I-86 from the I-90 interchange to the New York state border in Erie County.
    • I-90 from the Ohio state border to the New York state border in Erie County.

    A Tier 2 vehicle restriction remains in place on the entire lengths of I-86 and I-90 in Erie County. 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 unless there are chains or another approved Alternate Traction Devices (ADTs).
    • 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 chains or ATDs.
    • Motorcycles.

    Drivers are reminded to continue to use caution while traveling during winter weather conditions and to avoid unnecessary travel whenever possible.

    Although PennDOT crews are 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.

    Motorists can check conditions on major roadways 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 smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

    Follow local PennDOT news on X and like the department on Facebook.


    Contact: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035 or jharry@pa.gov 

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