PennDOT Announces Road Restrictions Ahead of Winter Weather

With a period of snow, sleet and freezing rain expected across the state through Thursday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is imposing restrictions on certain trucks and other vehicles and limiting speed limits and urging motorists to prepare their vehicles for colder temperatures, potential black ice and inclement weather.


PennDOT is urging motorists to use caution during the icing event and generally reduce speeds and be aware of changing weather conditions.

The restrictions will be in place between 11 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday and will ban double trailers, empty trailers, non-commercial vehicles pulling trailers, recreational vehicles and motorcycles on these interstates:

• Interstate 80 east of the junction with Interstate 79 to the New Jersey border.
• Interstate 81 north of the junction with Interstate 78 to the New York border.
• Interstates 84, 180 and 380 in northeast and north-central Pennsylvania.
• Interstate 476, the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike north of the Lehigh Valley exit.

Speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these interstates while the vehicle restrictions are in place. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions. In response to the anticipated storm, PennDOT has applied anti icing materials to many roads across the state and is activating its statewide command center and regional command centers in areas most affected by the storm.

PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said that PennDOT recognizes this week as Winter Driving Awareness Week to encourage motorists to plan ahead for this season’s winter storms, such as the one forecast for Monday.

"Refreshing yourself on winter driving and preparations is just as important in the winter as it is the rest of the year," Richards said. "No matter whether they are taking short or long trips, it is important for drivers to ensure they are prepared for any type of weather and road condition."