yourdailylocal
ERIE – PennDOT has reduced the speed limit and put vehicle restrictions in place for portions of two Interstates in Erie County due to inclement weather.
Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily restricting certain vehicles on Interstates 86, and 90, and reducing the speed limit on I-79 in the northwest region.
Vehicle restrictions will reflect Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan (PDF) and will be in effect on the following roadways:
- I-86 from the start of I-86 to the New York state line.
- I-90 from the Ohio state line to the New York state line
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 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; and
- Motorcycles.
Speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways, in addition to I-79 from the beginning of I-79 in Erie County to Exit 166 (Route 6N / Edinboro/ Albion). For all vehicles, while the vehicle restrictions are in place, commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.
The purpose of the restriction is to help ensure the interstates remain open during the most challenging conditions of the winter storm. When conditions improve, PennDOT will remove the travel restrictions.
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511PA.com, and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on the website.
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 continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
