Officials urge caution amid upcoming storm, vehicle restrictions set

Officials urge caution amid upcoming storm, vehicle restrictions set

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are reminding drivers to be cautious ahead of this incoming winter storm.

According to PennDOT and the PA Turnpike Commission, the following vehicle restrictions will go into effect at 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb.13, in accordance with the state’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.

Tier 2:

• PA Turnpike (I-76) from New Stanton (Exit 75) to Breezewood (Exit 161).
• Interstate 78, entire length.
• I-80 from I-79 to milepost 173 (Lamar).
• I-99, entire length.
• U.S. 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey border.
• Route 33, entire length.
• PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476) from I-78 to I-80.

Tier 4 (no commercial vehicles):

• I-80 from milepost 173 (Lamar) to the New Jersey border.
• I-81 from I-78 to the New York border.
• I-84, entire length.
• I-180, entire length.
• I-380, entire length.
• PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476) from I-80 to Clarks Summit (Exit 130).

Under Tier 2 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.
• Tractors towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs).
• 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, regardless of the availability of trains or ATDs.
• Motorcycles.

Sorry, we couldn’t load this embedded content

Tire chains or ATDs do not need to be installed under Tier 2 restrictions but need to be readily available for use should the vehicle become stuck and not be able to move because of poor traction.

On roadways with Tier 4 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted. 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.

On roadways where vehicles are not restricted, commercial vehicle drivers in particular are encouraged to exercise caution in high winds. Drivers should ensure their loads are secure, reduce speeds, increase following distance, and use flashers if necessary.