Harrisburg, PA – Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the southcentral Pennsylvania 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:
· Interstate 78 from Interstate 81 to just east of the Berks County line at Mile 9.7.
· Interstate 81 from the Maryland state line to the Schuylkill County line at Mile 96.8.
· Interstate 83 from the Maryland state line to Interstate 81 (entire length).
· Interstate 283 from Interstate 76 to Interstate 83 (entire length).
On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.
The following vehicle restrictions went into effect on area highways this morning, in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- PA Turnpike I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to Morgantown (Exit 298).
- I-81 from the Maryland border to
the Schuylkill County line. - I-83, entire length.
- I-283, 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.
The following vehicle restrictions went into effect this morning on area highways, in accordance with Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- I-78 in Lebanon County
- I-81 from I-78 in Lebanon County to the Schuylkill County line.
On roadways with Tier 3 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted EXCEPT loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.
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.
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.
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 also 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.
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.
Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACT: Dave Thompson, dmthompsonl@pa.gov or 717-418-5018
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