Anticipating winter weather in much of the state on Sunday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is advising drivers to avoid unnecessary travel during the approaching storm.
PennDOT anticipates that it will implement travel restrictions on trucks and other vehicles on certain roads around the state, which will remain in place until conditions warrant their removal.
Authorities say that as of noon on Sunday, January 31, vehicle restrictions are planned on the following roads that align with Level 1 of the vehicle restriction plan for community weather events:
• Interstate 70 in both directions from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) to the Maryland state line;
• The entire length of Interstate 78 in both directions;
• Interstate 80 from Interstate 81 for the New Jersey state currency;
• The entire length of Interstate 81 in both directions;
• The entire length of Interstate 83 in both directions;
• The entire length of Interstate 84 in both directions; and
• The entire length of Interstate 380 in both directions.
Additional speed and vehicle restrictions on these and other interstates can be added depending on changing conditions.
Under Level 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not allowed on the affected roads:
• Tractors without trailers;
• Tractors that tow unloaded or lightly loaded closed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers;
• Tractors that tow unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers;
• Closed cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of a CMV;
• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pick-ups, etc.) towing trailers;
• Recreational vehicles / motorhomes;
• School buses, commercial buses and motorized buses that do not carry chains or Alternative Traction Devices (ATD’s); and
• Motorcycles.
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511pa.com and smartphone applications. Drivers can also sign up to receive alerts at www.511pa.com by clicking on “Personal Alerts” in the menu on the left.
PennDOT recommends that drivers avoid traveling during the storm if possible. But if you need to travel, be careful, slow down and be aware of changing weather conditions.
Authorities say strong winds and freezing temperatures are expected during this event, so drivers should be aware of gusts and snow currents, which can cause frozen areas on roads, including overpasses and bridges. With freezing temperatures, roads that appear wet may actually be freezing, and extra care is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.
To help make winter travel decisions, drivers are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions over 40,000 road miles, including color-coded winter conditions at 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA .with. The 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to over 1,000 traffic cameras. Users can also view the status of the plow truck and travel alerts along a specific route using the “Check My Route” tool.
The 511PA is also available through a smartphone app for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1 or by following the regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
Authorities warn that drivers must prepare or refill their emergency kits with items such as non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, warm clothing, blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. Drivers should adapt their kits to any specific needs they or their families may have, such as baby supplies, extra medication and pet supplies.
When winter occurs, drivers must be extremely cautious when operating snow removal equipment. When finding a plow truck, drivers should:
• Stand at least six car lengths behind a plowed truck in operation and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck.
• Be alert, as plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic.
• When a plowed truck is moving towards you, move as far away from the center of the road as possible and remember that snow can obscure the actual width of the plow.
• Never try to pass or stand between several trucks that plow side by side on a “plow train”. The weight of snow thrown by the plow can cause smaller vehicles to lose control quickly, creating a danger to nearby vehicles.
• Never travel near a plow truck, as there are blind spots where the operator cannot see and they can occasionally be moved to the side when hitting snow or heavy snow.
• Keep the lights on to help the operator see the vehicle better. Also remember that under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on whenever vehicle wipers are turned on due to bad weather.
Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 151 accidents resulting in three deaths and 81 injuries on snowy, muddy or icy roads, where aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding or careless lane changes were factors.
For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations, including a video, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter. Additional winter driving information and other road safety information is available at www.PennDOT.gov/safety.