HARRISBURG, Pa. – State transportation officials are significantly expanding vehicle restrictions across Pennsylvania’s interstates and the PA Turnpike as a major winter storm impacts the region, particularly in the eastern counties.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission implemented Tier 1 restrictions at 3:00 p.m. Sunday. However, due to deteriorating conditions, officials announced that a more stringent Tier 4 restriction will take effect on several key eastern-region roadways starting at 6:00 p.m. Sunday.

PennDOT is also temporarily reducing the speed limit of several roadways across the five-county Philadelphia area. 

Speed limits are being reduced to 45 mph on the following highways: 

Interstates 76, 95, 295, 476, 676.

U.S. Routes 1, 30, 202, 422.

State Routes 63, 100 Spur and 309.

New Tier 4 Restrictions (Starting at 6:00 p.m.)

Under Tier 4, no commercial vehicles are permitted on the following roadways:

I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway section) and I-78 (entire length).

I-80 (from I-81 to the New Jersey line) and I-84 (entire length).

I-95, I-295, I-380, I-476, and I-676 (entire lengths).

Route 33 (entire length) and U.S. 22 (from I-78 to New Jersey).

PA Turnpike I-95, I-276, and the Northeast Extension (I-476).

In addition to the commercial vehicle ban, Tier 4 also prohibits school buses, commercial buses, motorcycles, RVs, and passenger vehicles towing trailers.

Ongoing Tier 1 Restrictions

Other major roadways will remain under Tier 1 restrictions, which prohibit tractors without trailers, lightly loaded “empty” trailers, and recreational vehicles. These include:

I-81, I-83, I-99, and I-283 (entire lengths).

PA Turnpike I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to the Valley Forge/I-276 interchange.

Safety and Speed Limits

Officials warned that speed limits may be restricted to 45 mph on all affected roadways. Commercial vehicles not subject to the bans are required to stay in the right-hand 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 be on the roads are urged to turn on headlights, increase following distances, and keep a winter emergency kit in their vehicle. For the most up-to-date traffic and weather conditions, drivers can visit 511PA.com.