PennDOT, PA Turnpike Issue Additional Vehicle Restrictions in Response to Winter Storm
Check 511PA.com for the Most Up-to-Date Information
Harrisburg, PA – In response to winter weather conditions throughout the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) are implementing additional vehicle restrictions. Additional speed and vehicle restrictions on these and other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions. These are in addition to the restrictions announced earlier today.
Restrictions are being updated and strengthened based on conditions on the roadways, and reports from first responders, law enforcement and PennDOT and PA Turnpike personnel.
“Now that we are in the midst of this storm, it is critical that our partners in the commercial trucking industry are aware of and abide by these restrictions, for the sake of their own safety and that of their fellow motorists,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “The most up-to-date information on current restrictions and travel conditions can be found on our 511PA.com website and smartphone apps.”
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website.
PennDOT urges motorists to avoid travel during the storm if possible. But if travel is necessary, use caution, reduce speeds and be aware of changing weather conditions. Freezing temperatures are expected during this event, so motorists should be aware of blowing and drifting snow, which can cause icy areas on roadways, including overpasses and bridges. With freezing temperatures, roads that only look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.
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 1,000 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.