Ahead Of The Storm: How the PA Turnpike Prepares For Winter Weather
Imagine clearing a path from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania all the way to Seattle, Washington. That’s the task in front of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s maintenance team each time winter weather comes to call.
It adds up to nearly 3,000 snow lane-miles (calculated by multiplying the distance or length of a highway by the number of travel lanes). Crews battle the elements to remain on top of snow, sleet, ice and drifting conditions because enabling safe travel is at the heart of what we do.
But, just like the highway, safe winter weather driving habits are a two-way street – and we need your help to get everyone home safely.
The PA Turnpike Prepares All Year For The Winter Season
Starting in about mid-November and continuing throughout the winter, our 23 maintenance facilities are staffed around the clock. That’s a 300% increase in roadway presence, all to support safety. When a storm strikes, crews begin treating roadways in continuous shifts to keep roads as snow and ice free as possible.
In all, it takes more than 425 trucks, plows and salt spreaders, operated by more than 450 licensed operators across our 565+ miles of roadway.
The PA Turnpike averages about 240,000 tons of pre-treatment and salt material per year to keep the PA Turnpike moving in bad weather. Inventory re-stocking begins as early as July, along with vehicle fleet inspections that keep them available for service when they’re needed most.
The PA Turnpike Is Getting Ready Before The First Snowflake Falls
When news of an approaching storm breaks, PA Turnpike staff consult with meteorologists for up-to-the-minute forecasts. These guide staffing levels in each location and whether vehicle restrictions are warranted.
The PA Turnpike, along with PennDOT, uses a tiered system based on winter weather event severity to decide if speed limit reductions, travel lane adjustments or vehicle restrictions are needed to keep customers safe.
The PA Turnpike communicates these updates to state and local media and posts them on our social media platforms so drivers can plan accordingly.
The PA Turnpike Is Always On Call During A Storm
As part of our safety commitment, the PA Turnpike operates:
- 24/7 traveler assistance through *11, our Traffic Operations Center.
- GEICO Safety Patrol, a fleet of safety patrol vehicles that actively surveils the roadway, responds to incidents, and communicates with the PA Turnpike Operations Center regarding needed responses.
- Changeable Message Signs: more than 200 boards along the PA Turnpike providing emergency information.
Our crews are in constant communication with their supervisors and the Traffic Operations Center about changing conditions and incidents. Restrictions may increase or decrease depending on the latest weather and roadway conditions.
Winter Safety Starts With Every Driver
If you don’t have to travel or you’re uncomfortable driving, don’t drive.
Motorists are encouraged to "Know Before You Go" by checking conditions on all Pennsylvania roadways at www.511PA.com or downloading the 511PA app. 511PA is free and available 24 hours a day; it 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.
If travel is necessary, follow these winter driving tips:
- Recognize that travel takes longer in bad weather
- Thoroughly remove snow and ice from your vehicle
- Keep your gas tank at least half full
- Always wear your seat belt
- Turn on your headlights during a storm
- Slow down and don’t tailgate
- Never pass an active snowplow
- Be prepared for fast-changing conditions
- Never leave a vehicle unattended
- Carry a winter emergency travel kit
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the PA Turnpike prepare for winter storms?
The PA Turnpike begins preparation months in advance by restocking salt supplies, inspecting plow fleets, and coordinating staffing across maintenance sites to ensure around-the-clock coverage once snow begins to fall.
How many snowplows and operators do the PA Turnpike use during winter?
Hundreds of trucks and plows, operated by trained drivers, are deployed to keep more than 500 miles of roadway safe and clear.
When does the PA Turnpike start its winter readiness operations?
Preparation begins as early as summer with salt stocking and vehicle inspections. Full winter operations typically start in mid-November and continue throughout the season.
What should drivers do before traveling on the PA Turnpike in bad weather?
Check conditions at 511PA.com or on the 511PA app, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow Turnpike alerts about speed restrictions and closures.
What safety tips should motorists follow during winter travel?
Always slow down, maintain distance, never pass a snowplow, keep your gas tank at least half full, and carry a winter emergency kit.