The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is warning motorists to prepare for hazardous conditions as a winter storm moves into northwest Pennsylvania starting Wednesday evening. Snowfall rates of up to one inch per hour are expected in Erie and Crawford counties, accompanied by wind gusts exceeding 30 mph.
PennDOT advises avoiding unnecessary travel and will implement speed and vehicle restrictions during the storm. Beginning 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, Tier 1 vehicle restrictions will apply on Interstate 86 and I-90, prohibiting certain vehicles such as motorcycles, RVs, buses, and lightly loaded commercial vehicles. Speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph on affected roadways.
Motorists can find real-time updates on 511PA.com or via the 511PA mobile app, including road conditions, restrictions, and traffic cameras.
Safety Tips for Drivers, slow down and drive for conditions, keep headlights and hazard lights on during snow squalls, maintain safe following distances and avoid distractions, never stop in traffic during whiteouts; pull off safely if needed, always buckle up and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
Drivers should also exercise caution around snowplows, maintain at least six car lengths behind, and never attempt to pass plow trains.
Last winter, Pennsylvania recorded 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and nearly 3,000 injuries on snowy or icy roads. PennDOT reminds drivers that removing snow and ice from vehicles is required by law, with fines up to $1,500 if dislodged ice causes injury or damage.
For more winter driving tips and PennDOT’s winter operations, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced temporary speed limit reductions and vehicle restrictions on major interstates in Erie County due to hazardous winter weather conditions.
Effective immediately, speed limits are reduced to 45 mph on the following highways, Interstate 79 from Exit 166 (Route 6N, Albion/Edinboro) to the end of I-79, Interstate 86 from the I-90 interchange to the New York state line, Interstate 90 from the Ohio state line to the New York state line.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel. For those who must drive, Tier 1 vehicle restrictions remain in effect on I-86 and I-90. Under these restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted:
Tractors without trailers
Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded trailers (enclosed, open, tank, or tandem)
Unloaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks classified as CMVs
Passenger vehicles towing trailers
Recreational vehicles/motorhomes
School buses, commercial buses, motor coaches
Motorcycles
Commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions must stay in the right lane on roads with speed limits reduced.
PennDOT crews continue to treat roadways, but officials warn that roads may remain snow- or ice-covered during the storm. The department’s goal is to keep roads passable, not completely clear, until precipitation ends.
Motorists can monitor real-time conditions on more than 40,000 miles of roadway via 511PA.com, which offers traffic delay alerts, weather forecasts, speed data, and access to over 1,200 traffic cameras. The service is free and available online, through a mobile app, by calling 511, or via regional alerts on X.
Stay updated on regional traffic alerts by subscribing at pa.gov/DOTDistrict1 or following PennDOT on social media.