PennDOT rolls out new truck restriction program

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is looking ahead to winter weather and rolling out a pilot program that will restrict travel lanes for commercial vehicle drivers.

The new PennDOT program will restrict semi trucks to the right lane any time that the weather is bad enough to lower the speed limit to 45 m.p.h., according to local news outlet WNEP.

The new lane restriction for trucks will be put into place during the next winter weather event that results in a reduced speed limit.

The new truck restriction is intended to prevent traffic backups during winter weather events.

PennDOT’s James May said, “We’re hoping it’s a good compromise where they can still keep moving. They can still be out there and make a living and keep the commerce going but also do so that is safe for the public.”

Last winter, PennDOT issued multiple truck travel bans due to inclement weather that completely restricted commercial vehicle travel on certain roadways. During these truck bans, Pennsylvania troopers aggressively patrolled restricted roadways and handed out hundreds of $300 citations for violating the ban.

Take a look at the report below for more information.