PennDOT Implements Additional Restrictions on Interstate 81, Interstate 78 and Other Roadways

On Monday morning, PennDOT announced that they would be implementing additional restrictions on Interstate 81 through Schuylkill County and other roadways.

In response to winter weather conditions through much of the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) are implementing additional restrictions on trucks and other vehicles on certain roadways around the state, which will begin at 9:00 AM and remain in place until conditions warrant their removal. Motorists are urged to avoid travel if possible.

Effective at 9:00 AM, vehicle restrictions are anticipated on the following roadways at Tier 3 of the commonwealth's weather event vehicle restriction plan:

• The entire length of Interstate 81 in both directions;

Other highways with the same restrictions include

• Interstate 76/276/95 (PA Turnpike mainline) from Interstate 81 (Carlisle Interchange, Exit 226) to the New Jersey border;
• Interstate 80 from Interstate 99 to Interstate 81;
• The entire length of Interstate 83 in both directions;
• Interstate 283 in both directions;
• Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from Interstate 276 (PA Turnpike mainline) to Interstate 78 (Lehigh Valley Interchange, Exit 56); and
• Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from Interstate 80 (Pocono Interchange, Exit 95) to Interstate 81 (Clarks Summit Interchange, Exit 131).

On roadways with Tier 3 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted EXCEPT loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. 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.

Effective at 9:00 AM, vehicle restrictions are anticipated on the following roadways at Tier 4 of the commonwealth's weather event vehicle restriction plan:

• The entire length of Interstate 78 in both directions;

Other roadways include

• Route 22 from Interstate 78 to the New Jersey border;
• The entire length of Route 33 in both directions;
• Interstate 80 from Interstate 81 to the New Jersey border;
• The entire length of Interstate 84 in both directions;
• The entire length of Interstate 380 in both directions; and
• Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from Interstate 78 (Lehigh Valley Interchange, Exit 56) to Interstate 80 (Pocono Interchange, Exit 95).

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.