HARRISBURG, Pa. – State transportation officials are implementing major vehicle restrictions across Pennsylvania’s interstates and the PA Turnpike starting Sunday afternoon as a significant winter storm moves into the region.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced that Tier 1 vehicle restrictions will take effect at 3 p.m. Sunday. Forecasters expect snow to begin Saturday night, with accumulation rates reaching up to 1.5 inches per hour in some areas.
Under the Tier 1 restrictions, several types of vehicles will be prohibited from affected highways, including:
Tractors without trailers or those towing lightly loaded trailers.
Passenger vehicles towing trailers.
Recreational vehicles and motorhomes.
School buses, commercial buses, and motorcycles.
The restrictions apply to the entire lengths of I-76, I-78, I-81, I-83, I-84, I-95, I-283, I-295, I-380, I-476, and I-676. Portions of I-80, Route 33, and U.S. 22 are also included.
Officials warned that speed limits may be reduced to 45 mph on these roadways. Commercial vehicles not affected by the ban must move to the right lane.
“The agencies are advising drivers to watch weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel if possible and to exercise caution when driving,” officials said in a joint statement.
Motorists who must travel are urged to use headlights, increase following distances, and carry an emergency kit.