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OIL CITY, Pa. – Due to the severity of the winter storm, which continues to hit the area with wind and snow, PennDOT has temporarily reduced the speed on interstates throughout the Northwest Region.
A speed limit reduction of 45 mph with commercial vehicles in the right lane only is now in place on the following roadways:
- I-79 from Exit 113 (Route 208/Route 258, Grove City) in Mercer County to the ending point in the City of Erie, Erie County.
- I-80 from the Ohio state border in Mercer County to Exit 42 (Route 38, Emlenton) in Venango County.
- I-86 from the I-90 interchange to the New York state border in Erie County.
- I-90 from the Ohio state border to the New York state border in Erie County.
Drivers are reminded to use caution while traveling during winter weather conditions and to avoid unnecessary travel whenever possible.
Although PennDOT crews are treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
A Tier 2 vehicle restriction remains in place on Interstate 90 from the Interstate 79 interchange to the New York State line and the entire length of Interstate 86 and I-90 in Erie County. Under Tier 2 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.
- Tractors towing loaded tandem trailers unless there are chains or another approved Alternate Traction Devices (ADTs).
- Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box 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 regardless of the availability of chains or ATDs.
- Motorcycles.
Drivers are reminded that the New York State Thruway Authority has announced a full travel ban in Erie County, New York, and a ban on all commercial vehicles on Interstate 90 starting at the Pennsylvania border. Vehicles heading to New York on I-90 in Pennsylvania are advised to detour at the I-86 interchange, though empty and tandem trailers are restricted from I-86 in New York as well.
