PennDOT is making use of their variable speed limit signs due to the weather conditions on the Interstate 81.
As of 3:15pm, Friday, the speed limits on Interstate 81 northbound and southbound between the interchanges at Interstate 80 in Luzerne County to Interstate 78 in Lebanon County have been reduced to 55 miles per hour.
This is the first time PennDOT is using the signs after being installed last month. When speed limits are reduced, a yellow light at the top and bottom of the VSL will be flashing to ensure motorists are aware of the change.
As the rain picked up midday Friday, the crashes began. Around 1:00pm, 3 crashes including one in Schuylkill County, at mile markers 104, 95, and 89.
Further south, conditions were not any better. The Pennsylvania State Police announced just after 3:00pm that the Interstate was being closed between mile markers 80 & 85 due to cleanup from the crash.