The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has modified the speed restrictions in place in the northwest region.
The 45-mph restriction has been lifted on Interstate 80 from the Ohio state line to Exit 42 (Route 38, Emlenton) in Venango County. It remains in place from Ext 45 (Route 487, St. Petersburg/Emlenton) in Clarion County to Exit 90 (Route 830, DuBois) in Jefferson County.
The restriction on Interstate 79 has been extended. It is now in place from Exit 147 (Route 6, Meadville) in Crawford County to the ending point in Erie County.
A 45-mph speed reduction also remains in place on Interstate 86 from the New York state line to the I-90 interchange, and Interstate 90 from the Ohio state line to the New York state line in Erie County.
While the speed restriction is in place, commercial vehicles are limited to travel in the right lane only.
Restrictions are communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511PA.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on the website.
For real-time travel information throughout New York State, visit www.511NY.org.
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.
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, 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 smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
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.
PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should account for special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.
For winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/winter.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.
Find PennDOT news for the northwest region on X or Facebook.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, jharry@pa.gov or 814-678-5035