PennDOT Implements Vehicle Restrictions in Anticipation of Weekend Winter Blast

On Saturday, PennDOT disclosed numerous forthcoming vehicle restrictions across Pennsylvania as meteorologists anticipate as much as 8 inches of snowfall and sub-zero wind chills in certain areas of the state.

First and foremost, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission along with PennDOT advises residents of Pennsylvania to refrain from driving during inclement weather and to proceed with caution if you opt to utilize the roads.

Various speed and vehicle limitations are set to commence throughout the state starting from Sunday morning. Speed limits and road closures can be verified on 511PA.com.

Effective at 6 a.m., a Tier 1 vehicle restriction will be implemented on the following roadways:

• PA Turnpike I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to Morgantown (Exit 298)
• I-81 from the Maryland boundary to I-78 (Exit 89)
• Entire length of I-83
• Entire length of I-283

Additionally, a Tier 1 restriction will also commence at 9 a.m. on I-81 (Exit 194) leading to the New York state line.

According to Tier 1 restrictions, the following types of vehicles are prohibited from operating on the designated roadways:

• Tractors without trailers
• Tractors towing empty or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers, or tank trailers
• Tractors pulling unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers
• Unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks defined as commercial motor vehicles
• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers
• Recreational vehicles/motorhomes
• School buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches
• Motorcycles

Starting at 6 a.m., Tier 3 restrictions will be enacted on the following roadways:

• I-76 from the PA Turnpike to the New Jersey border
• PA Turnpike I-76 from Morgantown (Exit 298) to the New Jersey boundary
• Entire length of I-95
• Entire length of PA Turnpike I-95
• Entire length of PA Turnpike I-276
• Entire length of I-295
• I-476 from PA Turnpike I-476 to I-95
• PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Mid-County (Exit 20) to Lehigh Valley (Exit 56)
• Entire length of I-676

Then, at 9 a.m., additional Tier 3 restrictions will come into effect on these roads:

• Entire length of I-78
• I-81 from I-78 to PA Turnpike 476
• I-80 from I-180 to the New Jersey border
• Entire length of I-84
• Entire length of I-380
• PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Lehigh Valley (Exit 56) to Clarks Summit (Exit 131)
• U.S. 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey border
• Entire length of Route 33

The following vehicles are restricted from using the roadways under Tier 3 restrictions:

• Commercial vehicles, aside from loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices
• School buses
• Commercial buses
• Motor coaches
• Motorcycles
• RVs/motorhomes
• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers

Forecasters indicated that the storm on Sunday may lead to snowfall rates of between 0.75″ and 1 inch per hour. PennDOT and associated teams will strive to keep the roads clear, yet they have warned that the roads might not be devoid of ice and snow during the storm.

Moreover, temperatures are projected to swiftly decline Sunday evening, which presents a risk of rapid freezing.

Although avoiding or postponing unnecessary travel amid winter storms is the wisest option, PennDOT provides advice for motorists who must travel and face snow squalls or blowing and drifting snow:

• Decelerate gradually and maintain a speed appropriate for 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
• Stay vigilant, continually look as far ahead as you can, and practice patience
• Avoid distractions while driving; full concentration is imperative
• Utilize your defroster and windshield wipers
• Ensure windows and mirrors are clear of snow and ice
• In whiteout conditions, only come to a complete stop when you can safely pull off the road
• Do not halt within the flow of traffic as this may cause a chain-reaction collision
• Avoid overtaking a vehicle moving slowly or accelerating to escape a closely following vehicle
• Always wear your seatbelt and never drive while impaired
• Keep an emergency kit readily available. Here are some recommendations for what you might include in your emergency kit

During winter weather, motorists should exercise heightened caution around active snow-removal machinery. Upon encountering a plow truck, drivers should:

• Maintain a minimum distance of six vehicle lengths behind an active plow truck and keep in mind that the main plow extends wider than the truck itself.
• Be vigilant as plow trucks typically move at significantly slower speeds than the rest of traffic.
• When a plow truck approaches you, steer as far away from the road’s center as safely possible, remembering that snow can hide the actual width of the snow plow.
• Never attempt to pass or position yourself between multiple trucks clearing snow side by side in a “plow train.” The force of snow ejected from the plow can swiftly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, which poses a danger to surrounding drivers.
• Avoid traveling alongside a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator cannot see, and they may occasionally veer sideways when encountering drifts or dense snowpack.
• Keep your headlights on to assist the operator in spotting your vehicle. Also, remember that under Pennsylvania state regulations, vehicle lights must be activated whenever the windshield wipers are in use due to poor weather conditions.

The Pennsylvania State Police provides the following guidance if you find yourself in a collision:

• First and foremost, steer your vehicle as far away from the travel lanes as possible if it is operable. Staying in the travel lanes with a drivable vehicle is exceedingly perilous.
• If your vehicle or another party’s vehicle is undrivable due to damage, or if anyone involved is injured, Pennsylvania law mandates that the accident be reported to law enforcement. Immediately call 911.
• If your vehicle is immobilized in the travel lane or stranded on the road due to snow or ice, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and your hazard lights on. If it’s unsafe to remain in your vehicle, evaluate the situation and have yourself and any passengers move to a secure location, such as behind a barrier or guardrail. When exiting, act swiftly and DO NOT linger in the travel lanes or near your vehicle.
• Upon approaching an accident site, the law necessitates that you move over if feasible and always reduce your speed. Emergency responders will be present and focused on assisting those involved and reopening the roadway.

Multiple counties — among them Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Perry, Lebanon, Adams, York, and Lancaster — have been issued a winter storm watch from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday, according to the NWS. As of 2:30 p.m. Saturday, the NWS elevated the advisory to a winter storm warning from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday.

By Sunday morning, snowfall is expected across southern Pennsylvania, with Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and Lancaster anticipated to accumulate between 4 and 6 inches by 7 p.m.

By Sunday afternoon, the weather agency indicated that the snowfall would be “rapid” and “potentially substantial,” with rates exceeding 1 inch per hour possible between noon and 5 p.m. in various parts of southern Pennsylvania.

Numerous events commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday have been called off due to the storm this weekend. If you plan on joining an event on Monday, verify that it is still taking place.