Stay Alert: PennDOT and PA Turnpike’s Warning for the Upcoming Winter Storm

PennDOT, PA Turnpike
Advise Caution During Upcoming Winter Weather Event

Snow is anticipated across a large portion of the state
from Sunday into Monday, with vehicle restrictions set to be implemented during the storm

Access 511PA.com
or download the 511PA mobile application for the latest information on weather
effects, vehicle restrictions, and travel conditions for the PA Farm Show

Harrisburg, PA –As winter weather is forecasted to affect much of Pennsylvania on Sunday into Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) recommend that drivers postpone unnecessary travel during the storm and should exercise extreme caution while operating their vehicles. Furthermore, PennDOT will be enforcing various speed and vehicle limitations throughout the duration of the storm.

PennDOT personnel will be actively pre-treating roadways as needed ahead of the storm to mitigate the formation of ice bonding to the pavement during the initial phases of the storm. Over 600 equipment operators and safety patrol staff, along with traffic operators, are prepared to deliver around-the-clock support and roadway assistance on the PA Turnpike. Nonetheless, salt alone cannot eliminate all hazards, and motorists may come across icy patches on the roads. Given the freezing temperatures, roads that appear wet may actually be icy, so heightened vigilance is critical when nearing bridges and highway ramps where ice is likely to develop.

Planned restrictions for certain vehicles will be announced during the storm via message boards, the 511PA traveler information portal and mobile apps. Drivers can also register for personalized notifications on this site. Limitations will be repealed as soon as conditions allow for safe travel. Additionally, restrictions may be modified based on roadway conditions and reports from emergency responders, law enforcement, and personnel from PennDOT and the PA Turnpike.

The following vehicle restrictions are expected to commence at 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 5, per Tier 2 of the state’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.

• 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 span.
• I-376 from Brighton (Exit 36) to PA Turnpike (Exit 85).
• I-579, entire span.

The following vehicle restrictions are scheduled to take effect at 8:00 PM on Sunday, January 5, in compliance with Tier 2 of the state’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.

• PA Turnpike (I-70/I-76) from Exit 28 (Cranberry) to Exit 161 (Breezewood).
• PA Turnpike 576, entire span.
• PA Turnpike 43, entire span.
• PA Turnpike 66, entire span.

The following vehicle restrictions are set to take effect at 12:01 AM on Monday, January 6, according to Tier 2 of the state’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.

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

Under Tier 2 restrictions, the following types of vehicles are not allowed on impacted roadways:

• Tractors without trailers.
• Tractors towing empty or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers, or tank trailers.
• Tractors towing empty or lightly loaded tandem trailers.
• Tractors towing loaded tandem trailers absent chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs).
• Enclosed empty or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks classified as CMVs.
• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) pulling trailers.
• Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.
• School buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches, regardless of the availability of chains or ATDs.
• Motorcycles.

Tire chains or ATDs need not be fitted under Tier 2 restrictions but must be available for use should the vehicle become immobilized due to inadequate traction.

On roadways without restrictions, commercial vehicle operators are particularly urged to maintain caution in strong winds. Drivers should secure their loads, lower speeds, extend following distances, and use flashers if necessary.

PennDOT recommends that motorists traveling to the PA Farm Show in Harrisburg organize their journey using the enhanced real-time travel and alternative routing information available on a special webpage at www.511PA.com/map/page/farm-show. This page, hosted on the department’s www.511PA.com traveler information portal, is dedicated to tracking traffic conditions on the primary access routes to the event. It provides travel times and alerts for: I-81 north, US-22/322 east, I-81 south, I-283 north, and I-83 north. The page displays the average travel time for the main route alongside an alternative route. Users can monitor traffic speeds, incidents, ongoing roadwork, and weather forecasts and alerts on the map.

While it is safest to avoid or delay unnecessary travel during winter storms, PennDOT offers these guidelines if drivers must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing/drifting snow:

• Gradually reduce speed and adapt to the conditions.
• Activate your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, switch on your hazard lights.
• Remain in your lane.and extend your following distance.
• Remain vigilant, continue scanning as far ahead as feasible and exercise patience.
• Avoid distractions while driving; total focus is essential.
• Utilize your defroster and windshield wipers
• Ensure windows and mirrors are clear of snow and ice.
• During whiteout conditions, halt completely only when it is safe to pull off the roadway.
• Refrain from stopping in traffic flow as this might instigate a chain-reaction collision.
• Avoid overtaking a vehicle that is moving slowly, and do not accelerate to evade a vehicle that is tailgating.
• Always wear your seatbelt and never drive while impaired.

When winter conditions arise, drivers should exercise additional caution around snow-removal machinery. Upon encountering a plow truck, drivers should:

• Maintain a distance of at least six car lengths behind an operational plow truck and be aware that the primary plow extends wider than the truck itself.
• Remain alert, as plow trucks typically move at much slower speeds compared to other traffic.
• When a plow truck approaches, steer as far away from the road’s center as safely possible, keeping in mind that snow may hide the actual width of the plow.
• Never attempt to pass or maneuver between multiple trucks working side by side in a “plow train.” The mass of snow displaced by the plow can rapidly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, posing a risk to nearby units.
• Do not drive alongside a plow truck as there are blind spots where the operator cannot see, and they may sometimes shift sideways when encountering drifts or thick snowpack.
• Keep your lights activated to aid the operator in seeing your vehicle better. Also, note that according to Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be turned on whenever a vehicle’s wipers are in use due to adverse weather.

Last winter in Pennsylvania, initial statistics indicate that there were 151 collisions resulting in three fatalities and 55 injuries on snowy, slushy, or ice-laden roads where aggressive driving behaviors such as excessive speeding or hasty lane changes contributed.

The Pennsylvania State Police provides the following recommendations if you are part of an accident:

• First and foremost, move your vehicle as far from the travel lanes as possible if it can still be driven. Staying in travel lanes when your vehicle is operable presents significant danger.
• If your vehicle or another involved vehicle is inoperable due to damage, or if one of the parties is injured, Pennsylvania law mandates that the accident be reported to police. Contact them by calling 911 immediately.
• If your vehicle is inoperable in the travel lane or immobilized due to snow or ice, stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened and hazard lights on. If it isn’t safe to remain inside, evaluate the situation and move yourself and your passengers to a secure place, such as behind a barrier or guardrail. When exiting your vehicle, act quickly and DO NOT remain in the travel lanes or near your vehicle.
• Upon approaching a crash scene, the law obliges you to move over if it is feasible and always reduce your speed. Emergency responders will be present and focused on assisting those involved in the accident and reopening the roadway.

The law mandates that drivers clear accumulated ice or snow from their vehicles, including the hood, trunk, and roof, within 24 hours after the storm subsides. This rule applies to all vehicles, including commercial units. Drivers violating this law may face a fine of $50. Furthermore, if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian, resulting in death or serious injury, drivers may be fined up to $1,500.

Motorists should prepare for potential winter weather by ensuring they have necessary supplies in their vehicles before setting out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, a cellphone charger, hand or foot warmers, a windshield brush and scraper, and any specific items like medications or supplies for infants and pets.

For more details on safe winter driving, an emergency kit checklist, and insights into PennDOT’s winter operations, including a video, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional information on winter driving and other roadway safety topics can be found at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

Motorists can assess conditions on over 40,000 miles of roadway, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is complimentary and accessible 24/7, provides traffic delay alerts, weather forecasts, traffic speed data, and access to over 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available via a free mobile app for both iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local announcements on X.

Subscribe to statewide PennDOT updates and traffic alerts or opt for news in a specific county or region. Discover PennDOT updates on X, Facebook, and Instagram. The PA Turnpike will post updates on their social media channels, on their roadway, and at all service plazas.

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MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Alexis Campbell, PennDOT, 717-783-8800 or [email protected]

Marissa Orbanek, PA Turnpike, 267-408-5151 or [email protected]