Pennsylvania restricts speed, closes some roads due to weather
According to several news releases, some roadways in Pennsylvania have restricted speeds or have been closed altogether due to weather impacts affecting the area.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issued the announcements on Monday, December 29, indicating that speeds on Interstate 79 from the Interstate 80 interchange to the end of I-79 would be reduced to 45 miles per hour.
As of 7 p.m., more roadways have been added to the list of areas restricting speeds.
Interstate 80 from the Ohio State line in Mercer County to Exit 42 in Emlenton in Venango County is now also restricting speeds to 45 miles per hour.
Furthermore, some roads in the Pennsylvania northwest region have been closed to traffic due to "flooding or downed trees and utility lines."
In Mercer County, Summit Road, also known as Route 4001, is closed in both directions from the intersection with Vernon Road to the intersection with Woods Road in West Salem Township.
The reason for the closure, according to the 511PA website, is due to downed utility.
An estimated time for the roadway to reopen is listed to be December 30 at 1 p.m.
According to one of the releases, the primary goal of PennDOT crews is to keep roads passable, but they may not be able to completely clear roadways of ice and snow. Efforts to treat roadways continue.
Roads closed due to debris or flooding will remain closed until water recedes or until any needed repairs can be made.
Motorists are encouraged to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks, and for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, are not encouraged to attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.
Updates on the status of roadways in the area can be found on the 511PA website.
