Ahead of a winter weather system expected to impact much of Pennsylvania beginning Friday morning, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are planning to implement vehicle restrictions across the state’s Interstate network.
Transportation officials are urging motorists to closely monitor weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel when possible, and exercise extreme caution if travel cannot be postponed.
According to PennDOT, precipitation is expected to begin as freezing rain in western Pennsylvania late Friday morning, with all areas of the state experiencing snow or ice by Friday evening. Central Pennsylvania is expected to see snow that will transition to sleet and freezing rain, while eastern portions of the state are forecast to receive mostly snow. Northeast Pennsylvania is expected to receive the highest totals, with 3 to 6 inches of snow and up to 8 inches in some areas.
After the storm moves out Saturday morning, temperatures across much of the state are expected to remain at or below freezing, increasing the risk of icy road conditions.
PennDOT and PA Turnpike crews will actively pre-treat roadways ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from bonding to the pavement during the early stages. However, officials caution that salt does not eliminate all hazards, and motorists may still encounter icy spots. Drivers are reminded that roadways appearing wet may actually be icy, particularly on bridges and highway ramps.
Vehicle Restrictions
Vehicle restrictions will be implemented in phases under Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan and will be communicated through variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and mobile apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts through 511PA. Restrictions may change based on roadway conditions and will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.
Effective 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 26:
Interstate 81 south of I-83
All Pennsylvania interstates west of I-81, including:
PA Turnpike I-76
PA Turnpike I-70
All western Pennsylvania Turnpike extensions
Effective 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 26:
Interstate 81 north of I-83
Route 33 (entire length)
U.S. Route 22 between I-78 and Route 33
All Pennsylvania interstates east of I-81, including:
PA Turnpike I-76
All eastern Pennsylvania Turnpike extensions
Under Tier 3 restrictions, no commercial vehicles are permitted except loaded single trailers equipped with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. In addition, the following vehicles are prohibited from affected roadways while restrictions are in place:
School buses
Commercial buses and motor coaches
Motorcycles
RVs and motorhomes
Passenger vehicles towing trailers
Speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph on affected roadways for all vehicles during the restrictions. Commercial vehicles not impacted by the restrictions must remain in the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates may be added if conditions worsen.
Motorists are encouraged to check conditions before traveling and to use 511PA for the latest roadway updates throughout the storm.