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March 03, 2019 News Release

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions Updated for Sunday Storm, Drivers Urged to Use Caution and Monitor Forecast


Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and PA Turnpike are encouraging motorists to monitor forecasts and also provided an update on vehicle restrictions expected to be in effect during a storm expected to impact the state on Sunday.

At 3:00 PM Sunday, the agencies will implement a full commercial ban (including buses) on the following roadways:

  • I-78 full length from I-81 to the New Jersey state line;
  • I-80 from I-81 to the New Jersey state line;
  • I-81 from I-83 to I-80;
  • I-83 from the Maryland state line to I-81;
  • I-283;
  • Route 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey state line; and
  • Route 33 from I-78 to I-80.

Also at 3:00 PM Sunday, the agencies will prohibit only empty, straight CDL-weighted trucks; all Large Combination Vehicles (double trailers); tractors hauling empty trailers; tractors without trailers (bobtails); any trailers pulled by motorcycles, passenger vehicles, pickup trucks or SUVs; all motorcycles; and all recreational vehicles and RVs on the following roadways:

  • PA Turnpike (I-76, I-276) from Harrisburg East to Mid-County;
  • I-176;
  • I-476 (PA Turnpike, Northeast Ext.) from Mid-County to I-80

Empties and doubles restrictions have been postponed until 6:00 PM in the Scranton Area:

  • I-81 from I-80 to the New York state line;
  • I-84 full length from I-81 to the New York state line and
  • I-380 full length from I-81 to I-80.

The agencies adjusted planned restrictions based on forecast changes since yesterday and will make additional changes if necessary moving forward. As of noon on Sunday, the agencies prohibited only empty, straight CDL-weighted trucks; all Large Combination Vehicles (double trailers); tractors hauling empty trailers; tractors without trailers (bobtails); any trailers pulled by motorcycles, passenger vehicles, pickup trucks or SUVs; all motorcycles; and all recreational vehicles and RVs on the following roadways:

  • I-70 full length in Fulton County;
  • I-80 (I-99 to I-81);
  • I-81 from the Maryland state line to I-83;
  • I-99 full length; and
  • I-180 full length from Route 220/U.S. 15 to I-80
  • I-476 (PA Turnpike, Northeast Ext.) from Mid-County to I-80.

To help make decisions regarding winter travel, motorists are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by checking 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 860 traffic cameras. Users can also see plow truck statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the “Check My Route” tool.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

A vehicle emergency kit should be prepared or restocked containing items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. Motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families have such as baby supplies, extra medication and pet supplies.

To report an accident or other emergencies on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 on your mobile phone. If there is an accident, move the car out of travel lane and onto shoulder, if possible, and stay in the vehicle. For more information about PA Turnpike conditions follow the conversation by using https://www.paturnpike.com/travel/twitter.aspx. You may also see advisories by clicking on the travel ticker on www.PATurnpike.com.

When restrictions are effective, they can be viewed at www.511PA.com under “Weather Restrictions” or in the “Alerts” section.

CONTACT:
Erin Waters-Trasatt,
PennDOT,
717-783-8800 (Mobile, 717-364-7787)
Carl DeFebo,
PA Turnpike,
(Mobile, 717-645-2265)