In anticipation of winter storm conditions, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is advising motorists to avoid all unnecessary travel during the storm and are anticipating that restrictions on trucks and other vehicles will be imposed on certain roadways around the state, and will remain in place until conditions warrant their removal.
Effective 7 p.m. Christmas Eve, vehicle restrictions will be implemented reflecting Level 1 of the commonwealth's weather event vehicle restriction plan on Interstate 376 westbound from Interstate 279 (Fort Pitt Tunnel) to Interstate 79.
Under Level 1 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
· Enclosed cargo delivery 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
· Motorcycles
Effective 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, vehicle restrictions will be implemented reflecting Level 1 of the commonwealth's weather event vehicle restriction plan on the following roadways:
· The entire length of Interstate 90 and
· Interstate 79 from Interstate 80 to Interstate 90
Speed limits would be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while restrictions are in place, and commercial vehicles not affected by the restrictions must move to the right lane.
Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.