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    Restrictions Upgraded on Major Roadways in Southcentral PA

    January 26, 2026

    Tier 1 restrictions in place on interstates and other highways in the region

    Harrisburg, PA – PennDOT has upgraded restrictions on certain vehicles traveling on major roadways in the southcentral PennDOT District 8 region consisting of Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties to Tier 1 restrictions.

    Vehicle restrictions are in effect in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan on highways in the region. This includes:

    ·         Interstate 78

    ·         Interstate 81 from Maryland state line to the Schuylkill County line.

    ·         Interstate 283 entire length

    ·         Interstate 83, entire length

    ·         PA-581, 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.

    In addition to the vehicle restrictions, 45 mph speed limit restrictions remain in place on the following roadways:

    ·         Interstate 78

    ·         Interstate 81 from Maryland state line to the Schuylkill County line.

    ·         Interstate 283 entire length

    ·         Interstate 83, entire length

    ·         US-22/322 from I-81 to Millerstown

    ·         PA-581, entire length

    ·         US-15, entire length

    ·     PA-283, entire length

    ·         US-30 from PA-24 to PA-462

    ·         US-222, entire length

    On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.

    Speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.

    Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, and they will 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 1,200 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.

    Motorists should always 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.

    More information about how to prepare for any type of emergency, including free downloadable checklists of items to keep in your home, car, and at work, and specific information for people with access and functional needs or pets, is available on the Ready PA webpage.

    For more 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 Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at PennDOT District 8.

    Information about infrastructure in District 8, including completed work and significant projects, is available at District 8 Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at PennDOT Projects.

    Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

    PennDOT’s media center offers resources for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders. Social-media-sized graphics highlighting winter safety are among the available options.

    MEDIA CONTACT: Dave Thompson 717-418-5018, dmthompson@pa.gov

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