PennDOT issues major commercial vehicle travel restrictions for Thursday

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) have issued commercial vehicle travel restrictions for Thursday ahead of a winter storm.

*Please click here for a Thursday update from PennDOT on the vehicle travel restrictions.

With freezing rain and sleet forecasted for Wednesday night into Thursday morning, PennDOT and the PTC have issued commercial vehicle travel restrictions starting shortly after midnight on Thursday.

1:00 AM on Thursday, December 15:

Tier 1:
*I-79 from PA Turnpike (I-76) to I-80;
*I-80 from I-79 to Exit 173 (Lamar); and
*I-70 from Maryland to PA Turnpike (I-76) in Fulton County.

Tier 2:
*I-70 from I-79 to I-76

Tier 3:
*PA Turnpike (I-76) from the New Stanton to Breezewood exits
*I-99, entire length

6:00 AM on Thursday, December 15

Tier 1:
*I-81 from the Maryland border to I-80;
*I-83, entire length
*I-283, entire length

12:00 noon on Thursday, December 15

Tier 1:
*I-81 from I-380 to the New York border
*I-84, entire length
*I-380, entire length
*I-476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) from I-78 to I-81 Clarks Summit Exit 56-131

Under Tier 1 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 unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers; 
• 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; and 
• motorcycles. 

On roadways with Tier 2 restrictions in place, tractors towing loaded tandem trailers are not permitted unless there are chains or another approved Alternate Traction Device on board. 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.

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.

PennDOT asks drivers to avoid travel if possible. If you must drive, officials ask you to slow down, use caution, and be aware of changing weather conditions.

Visit www.511PA.com for the most up-to-date travel information from PennDOT.