PennDOT, Turnpike Commission announce road restrictions ahead of approaching winter storm

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are advising drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during a storm expected to bring frozen precipitation and potentially icy road conditions in most of the state Saturday night.

The agencies said they anticipate implementing various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.

Restrictions are scheduled to be implemented between 10 p.m. Saturday and 5 a.m. Sunday. They are defined by tiers.

Under “Tier 1” restrictions, vehicles not allowed on affected roadways are 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 towing trailers; recreational vehicles and motor homes; school buses, commercial buses and motor coaches; and motorcycles.

On roads with “Tier 3” restrictions, no commercial vehicles are permitted except loaded single trailers with chains or approved alternate traction devices. All school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, motor homes and passenger vehicles towing trailers are not allowed on affected roads while restrictions are in place.

Under “Tier 4” restrictions, no commercial vehicles are allowed.

Scheduled restrictions are:

• Beginning 10 p.m. Saturday, restrictions are planned at Tier 1 for Interstate 70 from the turnpike to the West Virginia border.

The same restriction applies to the entire length of Interstate 79.

• Beginning at 11 p.m. Saturday, a Tier 4 restriction is planned on the turnpike mainline in both directions from Cranberry, Exit 28, to Breezewood, Exit 161.

• Beginning at midnight, Tier 3 and 4 restrictions are planned for Interstate 70 from the Maryland border to the turnpike (Tier 3); the entire length of Interstate 99 (Tier 4); and Interstate 80 from Interstate 79 to Interstate 81 (Tier 4).

• Beginning at 2 a.m. Sunday, Tier 3 restrictions are planned for the entire lengths of interstates 83, 84, and 176; Route 22 from Interstate 78 to the New Jersey border; and Route 33 from Interstate 80 to Interstate 78.

Tier 4 restrictions are planned for all of interstates 78, 81, 180, and 380; Interstate 80 from Interstate 81 to the New Jersey border; and the turnpike in both directions from Breezewood, Exit 161, to Reading, Exit 286.

• Beginning at 5 a.m., Tier 4 restrictions are planned on the turnpike in both directions from Reading, Exit 286, to Bensalem, Exit 351, and the full length of Interstate 476 in both directions.

Restrictions will be announced on message boards, the 511 PA travelers information website and smartphone apps. Drivers can sign up for personalized alerts online.