In preparation for an expected major winter storm this long holiday weekend, Pennsylvania plans to enact travel restrictions, including some for commercial vehicles.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Additionally, a statement from the two agencies said they "anticipate implementing various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm."
Elsewhere, states of emergency have been announced for Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
Pennsylvania's estrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website.
Effective at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, vehicle restrictions are planned for the following roadways at Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:
- All interstates south of Interstate 80, not including Interstate 80;
- PA Turnpike I-76 (Mainline) from the Ohio border to the New Jersey border, including all western extensions;
- PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476) from I-276 to I-80;
- The entire length of U.S. 22; and
- The entire length of Route 33.
Effective at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, vehicle restrictions are planned for the following roadways at Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:
- All interstates north of I-80, including I-80; and
- PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476) from I-80 to Clarks Summit.
Effective at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, vehicle restrictions are planned for the following roadways at Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:
- I-70 east of I-79; and I-99.
Effective at 11 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, vehicle restrictions are planned for the following roadways at Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:
- I-81 north of I-84;
- I-84; and
- I-380.
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 loaded tandem trailers unless there are chains or another approved Alternate Traction Device on board;
- Enclosed cargo delivery 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; and
- buses, commercial buses and motor coaches
- motorcycles.
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.
Follow the conversation by using #PAWinter on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
