PennDOT, PA Turnpike issue updated vehicle restrictions for Sunday-Monday winter storm

The start times of planned vehicle restrictions on several interstates have now been updated.

Ahead of anticipated winter weather across much of Pennsylvania Sunday night and Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are updating the start times of planned vehicle restrictions on several interstates and the PA Turnpike, based on the updated weather forecast.The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, in accordance with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan, according to an update from Friday’s announcement.Interstate 79 from the West Virginia border to Exit 77 (PA Turnpike)I-70 from the West Virginia border to PA Turnpike Exit 57 (New Stanton)I-279 (entire length)I-376 from Brighton (Exit 36) to PA Turnpike (Exit 85)I-579 (entire length)PA Turnpike (I-70/I-76) from Exit 28 (Cranberry) to Exit 161 (Breezewood)PA Turnpike 576 (entire length)PA Turnpike 43 (entire length)PA Turnpike 66 (entire length)The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, in accordance with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan. I-81 from the Maryland border to I-78 (Exit 89)I-83 (entire length)PA Turnpike (I-76) from Breezewood (Exit 161) to Harrisburg East (Exit 247)Under Tier 2 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways: Tractors without trailersTractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailersTractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailersTractors towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or alternate traction devicesEnclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMVPassenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) and towing trailersRecreational vehicles/motorhomes.School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches, regardless of the availability of trains or alternate traction devicesMotorcyclesTire chains or alternate traction devices do not need to be installed under Tier 2 restrictions but need to be readily available should the vehicle become stuck and not be able to move because of poor traction.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.Restrictions 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.Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions are safe. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways and reports from first responders, law enforcement, and PennDOT and PA Turnpike personnel.

HARRISBURG, Pa. —

Ahead of anticipated winter weather across much of Pennsylvania Sunday night and Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are updating the start times of planned vehicle restrictions on several interstates and the PA Turnpike, based on the updated weather forecast.

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, in accordance with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan, according to an update from Friday’s announcement.

Interstate 79 from the West Virginia border to Exit 77 (PA Turnpike)I-70 from the West Virginia border to PA Turnpike Exit 57 (New Stanton)I-279 (entire length)I-376 from Brighton (Exit 36) to PA Turnpike (Exit 85)I-579 (entire length)PA Turnpike (I-70/I-76) from Exit 28 (Cranberry) to Exit 161 (Breezewood)PA Turnpike 576 (entire length)PA Turnpike 43 (entire length)PA Turnpike 66 (entire length)

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, in accordance with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.

I-81 from the Maryland border to I-78 (Exit 89)I-83 (entire length)PA Turnpike (I-76) from Breezewood (Exit 161) to Harrisburg East (Exit 247)

Under Tier 2 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:

Tractors without trailersTractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailersTractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailersTractors towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or alternate traction devicesEnclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMVPassenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) and towing trailersRecreational vehicles/motorhomes.School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches, regardless of the availability of trains or alternate traction devicesMotorcycles

Tire chains or alternate traction devices do not need to be installed under Tier 2 restrictions but need to be readily available should the vehicle become stuck and not be able to move because of poor traction.

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.

Restrictions 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.

Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions are safe. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways and reports from first responders, law enforcement, and PennDOT and PA Turnpike personnel.