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February 05, 2025 Travel Advisory

PA Turnpike Updates Road Restrictions Ahead of Incoming Ice Storm


PA Turnpike Updates Road Restrictions Ahead of Incoming Ice Storm

Drivers should be prepared for significant sleet and freezing rain Wednesday into Thursday.

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — As we get closer to an anticipated winter weather across the state Wednesday into Thursday, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) has updated speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm. 

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, in accordance with Tier 4 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:

  • Interstate 70/76: New Stanton (Exit 75) to Breezewood (Exit 161) 

On roadways with Tier 4 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place. 

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, in accordance with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:

  • Interstate 76: Breezewood (Exit 161) to Harrisburg East (Exit 247) 

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 12:01 AM on Thursday, February 6, in accordance with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:

  • Interstate 476 (Northeast Extension): Lehigh Valey (Exit 56) to Clark Summit Ramp (Exit 131) 

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 without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs).
  • 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, regardless of the availability of trains or ATDs.
  • Motorcycles.   

Freezing rain creates dangerous driving conditions, regardless of road treatment. The best advice is to avoid driving. If motorists must travel:

  • Reduce speed.
  • Avoid sudden movements.
  • Keep both hands on the wheel.
  • Turn on your headlights.
  • Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
  • Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
  • Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
  • Use your defroster and wipers.
  • Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
  • Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
  • Do noy pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
  • Always buckle up and never drive impaired.
  • Have an emergency kit handy. Here are some suggestions of what you can include in your kit. 

When winter weather occurs, drivers should be extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment. When encountering a plow truck, drivers should:

  • Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck.
  • Be alert since plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic.
  • When a plow truck is traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible, and remember that snow can obscure the actual snow plow width.
  • Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a "plow train." The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, creating a hazard for nearby vehicles.
  • Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator can't see, and they can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack.
  • Keep your lights on to help the operator better see your vehicle. Also remember that under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle's wipers are on due to inclement weather. 

To report an incident or other emergency on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 via mobile phone. To learn more about PA Turnpike conditions, use one of these resources: 

ON THE TURNPIKE

511PA Smartphone App: real-time, hands-free PA traffic advisories

Digital Message Signs: more than 200 boards along the PA Turnpike

ON THE WEB

511/511pa.com: live, interactive map

X/Twitter: @PATurnpikeAlert

BY PHONE

511: dial from any PA roadway for local travel information

Pennsylvania Turnpike Customer Assistance Center: 877-736-6727, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.

 

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Media Contacts:

Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: (267) 408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com 

Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: (717) 870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com