HARRISBURG, Pa. \u2013 State transportation officials are significantly expanding vehicle restrictions across Pennsylvania\u2019s interstates and the PA Turnpike as a major winter storm impacts the region, particularly in the eastern counties.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
PennDOT is also temporarily reducing the speed limit of several roadways across the five-county Philadelphia area.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Speed limits are being reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Interstates 76, 95, 295, 476, 676.<\/p>\n
U.S. Routes 1, 30, 202, 422.<\/p>\n
State Routes 63, 100 Spur and 309.<\/p>\n
New Tier 4 Restrictions (Starting at 6:00 p.m.)<\/p>\n
Under Tier 4, no commercial vehicles are permitted on the following roadways:<\/p>\n
I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway section) and I-78 (entire length).<\/p>\n
I-80 (from I-81 to the New Jersey line) and I-84 (entire length).<\/p>\n
I-95, I-295, I-380, I-476, and I-676 (entire lengths).<\/p>\n
Route 33 (entire length) and U.S. 22 (from I-78 to New Jersey).<\/p>\n
PA Turnpike I-95, I-276, and the Northeast Extension (I-476).<\/p>\n
In addition to the commercial vehicle ban, Tier 4 also prohibits school buses, commercial buses, motorcycles, RVs, and passenger vehicles towing trailers.<\/p>\n
Ongoing Tier 1 Restrictions<\/p>\n
Other major roadways will remain under Tier 1 restrictions, which prohibit tractors without trailers, lightly loaded “empty” trailers, and recreational vehicles. These include:<\/p>\n
I-81, I-83, I-99, and I-283 (entire lengths).<\/p>\n
PA Turnpike I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to the Valley Forge\/I-276 interchange.<\/p>\n
Safety and Speed Limits<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n