Tier 1 truck travel restrictions ahead for Pennsylvania Turnpike and multiple interstates

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) have announced travel restrictions for certain vehicles ahead of expected winter weather over the weekend.

PennDOT says that a winter storm is expected to start early Saturday morning in the northwest and move east throughout the day and into the evening.

“Snow will be initially light, but snowfall rates could reach ½ inch to 1 inch per hour in some areas in the northwest and southwest. Snow is expected to end Sunday morning, but winds could pick up after snow has ended, and a band of lake-effect snow is expected to follow in western portions of the state,” officials said.

Starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, Tier 1 travel restrictions will be in place on the following roadways:

• PA Turnpike Interstate 76 from Cranberry (Exit 28) to Breezewood (Exit 161)
• PA Turnpike Mon-Fayette Expressway (Route 43), entire length
• PA Turnpike Southern Beltway (I-576), entire length
• PA Turnpike Route 66, entire length
• PA Turnpike Beaver Valley Expressway (Route 60), entire length
• I-70 from the West Virginia border to PA Turnpike I-76
• I-79 from PA Turnpike I-76 to the West Virginia border
• I-279, full length
• I-376 from PA Turnpike I-376 to PA Turnpike I-76
• I-579, full length

Tier 1 travel restrictions apply to the following vehicle types:

• 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
• Motorcycles

In addition to the travel restrictions, speed limits will be restricted to 45 mp.h. on these roadways for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place, and commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.

PennDOT is also reminding drivers that they are legally required to remove snow from their vehicles prior to driving:

“The law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof within 24 hours after the storm has ended. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles. Drivers in violation of the law are subject to a fine of $50. Additionally, drivers can be cited up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury.“