February 15, 2021 Travel Advisory

PA Turnpike to Implement Vehicle Restrictions Statewide

Motorists Urged to Plan Ahead and Travel with Caution


Harrisburg, PA – The PA Turnpike is advising motorists of complete, systemwide vehicle restrictions slated to go into effect at 6 p.m. this evening.

As of 6 p.m., Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan will be in effect the entire length of Interstate 76 (PA Turnpike’s mainline) and all extensions. In the west those include Turnpike 43 (Mon-Fayette Expressway), Turnpike 66 (Greensburg Bypass), Turnpike 576 (Southern Beltway), Toll 376 (Beaver Valley Expressway). In the east that includes Interstate 276, Interstate 95 and Interstate 476 (Northeastern Extension).

Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted:

  • 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.

As conditions warrant, further regional speed restrictions may be ordered as this latest storm progresses. 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 www.511pa.com by clicking on “Personal Alerts” in the left-hand menu.

CONTACT:
Carl DeFebo, PTC, cdefebo@paturnpike.com, or 717-645-2265
Rosanne Placey, PTC, rplacey@paturnpike.com, or 717-675-4362