PennDOT Reduces Speed Limits on Major Highways in South Central PA
Vehicle restrictions in place on Interstates 78, 81, 83
Harrisburg, PA – Due to current weather conditions, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on major highways in the south-central Pennsylvania region consisting of Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:
- Interstates 81, 83 and 283;
- Routes 15, 22, 30, 222, 283 and 581.
On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website.
The following vehicle restrictions went into effect this morning, in accordance with the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:
- Tier 2:
- I-78, entire length
- I-81 from Maryland line to I-80
- I-83, entire length
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 loaded tandem trailers unless there are chains or another approved Alternate Traction Device on board.
· 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.
· Motorcycles.
On roadways with Tier 2 restrictions in place, vehicles prohibited under Tier 1 are not permitted, as well as:
- Commercial vehicles towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs).
- All loaded or unloaded school buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches regardless of the availability of chains or ATDs.
Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
The department also asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.
PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should account for special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.
More information about how to prepare for any type of emergency, including free downloadable checklists of items to keep in your home, car, and at work, and specific information for people with access and functional needs or pets, is available on the Ready PA webpage.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at www.penndot.gov/District8.
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