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PennDOT has lifted the vehicle restrictions and speed limit reduction on Interstate 86 and Interstate 90 in Erie County.
Due to the winter storm impacting the region, PennDOT temporarily restricted certain vehicles from using the interstates earlier today to help ensure that the interstates remained open during the most challenging conditions of the winter storm.
PennDOT crews have been treating roadways since the storm’s start. The department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
Vehicle restrictions and speed reductions remain in place on other roads in the northwest region and throughout the state. To see up-to-date information on this information, go to www.511PA.com.
In the northwest region, a speed limit reduction to 45 mph remains on the following highways:
- I-79 from the starting point in Erie County to the West Virginia state line in Greene County;
- I-80 from the Ohio state in Mercer County to Exit 161 (Route 220, Bellefonte) in Centre County; and
- I-376 from the I-80 interchange to the ending point in Allegheny County.
On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by vehicle restrictions must move to the right lane.
A Tier 1 vehicle restriction is in place on the following interstates:
- I-79 from the starting point in Erie County to the West Virginia state line in Greene County;
- I-80 from the Ohio state line in Mercer County to the I-81 interchange in Luzerne County; and
- I-376 from the I-80 interchange in Mercer County to the ending point in Allegheny County.
- Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
- Tractors without trailers;
- Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers;
- Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers;
- Enclosed cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of a CMV;
- Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers;
- Recreational vehicles/motorhomes;
- School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches not carrying chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATD’s); and
- Motorcycles.
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.
The department also asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.
PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.
