Large swathes of roadways in Pennsylvania are either closed or with lane and speed restrictions for commercial vehicles after a winter storm rolled through Wednesday night. Winter storm warnings continue until Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 a.m. Eastern.
This brings with it challenges for truckers who are now weighing options to either sit it out and wait or attempt to travel along the restricted routes, if legal to do so. Some areas require chains, while others are “Trucks in Right Lane Only” and limited to 45 mph.
Here’s a list of when and where road closure and restrictions will occur.
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:
*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
What do the road restrictions mean for drivers?
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.
Tier 2 restrictions are for 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.
Tier 3 restrictions mean 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, passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) and 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.
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