PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are planning vehicle restrictions on interstates and other high-traffic roadways across Pennsylvania as a winter storm is forecast to arrive Friday, one of the busiest travel days of the holiday season.
The agencies urged drivers to monitor weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel if possible and use caution if they must be on the roads. Travelers are encouraged to check 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the most up-to-date information on weather impacts and vehicle restrictions.
PennDOT and PA Turnpike crews will pre-treat roadways ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from bonding to pavement, though officials warned salt does not eliminate all hazards.
Drivers may encounter icy spots, particularly on bridges and highway ramps, and roads that appear wet could be icy due to freezing temperatures.
Vehicle restrictions will be implemented in phases under Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, restrictions are planned for Interstate 81 south of I-83 and all Pennsylvania interstates west of I-81, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s I-76 and I-70 and all western turnpike extensions.
Additional restrictions are planned to take effect at 2 p.m. Friday for I-81 north of I-83, Route 33, U.S. 22 between I-78 and Route 33, and all Pennsylvania interstates east of I-81, including the eastern turnpike extensions.
Under Tier 3 restrictions, commercial vehicles are prohibited except for loaded single trailers with chains or approved alternate traction devices.
School buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs and motorhomes, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are also not permitted on affected roadways.
Speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph for all vehicles where restrictions are in place, and unaffected commercial vehicles must remain in the right lane.
Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as conditions allow and may change based on roadway conditions and reports from first responders, law enforcement and PennDOT personnel.
The storm coincides with heavy holiday travel. AAA projects nearly 1.4 million Philadelphia-area residents will travel during the year-end holiday period from Dec. 20 through Jan. 1, a 2.3% increase over last year. More than 1.2 million travelers, about 90%, are expected to drive.
AAA says Friday is expected to be one of the busiest travel days of the season, with snow, sleet and freezing rain likely to impact road and air travel later in the day.
Motorists are advised to slow down, increase following distance, use headlights and hazard lights when necessary, avoid distracted driving and carry emergency supplies.
PennDOT data from last winter shows 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities and 2,959 injuries occurred on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways, with many deaths linked to speeding for conditions or failure to wear a seat belt.
Drivers can find a full list of impacted roadways and real-time updates through PennDOT resources and traveler information systems as conditions evolve.
For the latest conditions on area highways, check 6abc.com/Traffic.
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