Pennsylvania DOT Enforces Travel Restrictions as Winter Storm Approaches

PENNSYLVANIA (WBNG) — In light of forecasted winter conditions, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation along with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission have altered the commencement times for travel restrictions on vehicles.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that the following vehicle restrictions are set to take effect on Jan. 5 at 8 p.m.:

• 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, full length.
• I-376 from Brighton (Exit 36) to PA Turnpike (Exit 85).
• I-579, full length.
• PA Turnpike (I-70/I-76) from Exit 28 (Cranberry) to Exit 161 (Breezewood).
• PA Turnpike 576 (full length).
• PA Turnpike 43 (full length).
• PA Turnpike 66 (full length).

The subsequent vehicle restrictions are expected to become effective on Jan. 6 at 12:01 a.m.:

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

The department has indicated that the following vehicles are not allowed on affected roads:

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

The DOT noted that the restrictions align with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s vehicle restriction plan for weather events.

For the latest information concerning the restrictions, please follow this link.

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