OIL CITY, Pa. – Due to the severity of the winter storm, which has brought winds and a snow-rain mix into the area, PennDOT has temporarily reduced the speed on interstates throughout the Northwest Region.
UPDATE: Speed limits have been restored on I-79 and I-80 as of 8 p.m. on Jan. 12, 2024.
“Although PennDOT crews are treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow,” PennDOT said in a release. “PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.”
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.
A Tier 2 vehicle restriction remains in place on the entire lengths of I-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, 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.
Drivers are reminded to continue to use caution while traveling during winter weather conditions and to avoid unnecessary travel whenever possible.