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PennDOT, Ohio Turnpike plan travel restrictions for windy conditions

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 Ahead of an expected winter storm with high winds and snow, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and PennDOT have issued travel restrictions.

A restriction will be imposed across the entire 241-mile Ohio Turnpike for all high-profile vehicles from midnight EST, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, to 6 p.m. EST, Jan. 13, 2024.

High-profile vehicles are defined as heights exceeding 7 feet and 6 inches.

The following types of vehicles will be banned from traveling on the Ohio Turnpike until the travel restriction expires or is canceled:

 

 

The following types of vehicles will be permitted to travel on the Ohio Turnpike:

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is also planning for the windy and snowy conditions forecast for parts of the Northwest Region this weekend.

“The forecast on Friday evening starts with winds and moves to snow on Saturday through Monday. That means our crews, especially in Erie County, must be ready for different roadway needs,” said Aaron Fox, Assistant District 1 Executive – Maintenance.

As part of those safety efforts and based on the forecasted winds, PennDOT is planning to implement Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan (PDF) for the entire length of Interstate 86 and Interstate 90 in Erie County. The restrictions are planned to go in place at 4:00 PM on Friday, January 12, but the start time could be changed based on weather conditions.                              

Under Tier 2 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:

The purpose of the restriction is to help ensure the interstates remain open during the most challenging conditions of the winter storm. When conditions improve, PennDOT will remove the travel restrictions.

Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511PA.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on the website.

While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers this advice if motorists must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow:?


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