PennDOT, PA Turnpike Urge Caution in Coming Winter Weather Event

HARRISBURG –Ahead of anticipated winter weather across much of Pennsylvania Sunday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to exercise caution when driving. Additionally, PennDOT and the PA Turnpike will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.

At points throughout the storm, snowfall rates could reach ¾” to one inch per hour. While PennDOT and PA Turnpike crews will be working to keep roads as clear as possible, roads will not be completely free of ice and snow while snow is falling. Please reduce speeds and exercise caution if you must travel during the storm. Temperatures are expected to drop quickly Sunday evening, creating a rapid freeze risk.

Pennsylvanians are reminded that dangerously cold weather is forecast for much of the Commonwealth after the storm. Yesterday, the Shapiro Administration shared information on cold-related health and travel concerns.

Restrictions are planned for certain vehicles during the storm, and will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website. Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions are safe. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways, and reports from first responders, law enforcement and PennDOT and PA Turnpike personnel.

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 6:00 AM on Sunday, January 19, in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.

• PA Turnpike I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to Morgantown (Exit 298).
• I-81 from the Maryland border to I-78 (Exit 89).
• I-83, entire length.
• I-283, entire length.

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 6:00 AM on Sunday, January 19, in accordance with Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.

• I-76 from the PA Turnpike to the New Jersey border.
• PA Turnpike I-76 from Morgantown (Exit 298) to the New Jersey border.
• I-95, entire length.
• PA Turnpike I-95, entire length.
• PA Turnpike I-276, entire length.
• I-295, entire length.
• I-476 from PA Turnpike I-476 to I-95.
• PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Mid-County (Exit 20) to Lehigh Valley (Exit 56).
• I-676, entire length.

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 9:00 AM on Sunday, January 19 in accordance with Tier 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.

• I-81 (Exit 194) to the New York border.

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 9:00 AM on Sunday, January 19, in accordance with Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.

• I-78, entire length.
• I-81 from I-78 to PA Turnpike 476.
• I-80 from I-180 to the New Jersey border.
• I-84, entire length.
• I-380, entire length.
• PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Lehigh Valley (Exit 56) to Clarks Summit (Exit 131)
• U.S. 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey border.
• Route 33, entire length.

Under Tier 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 unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box 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.

On roadways with Tier 3 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted EXCEPT loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.

On roadways where vehicles are not restricted, commercial vehicle drivers in particular are encouraged to exercise caution in high winds. Drivers should ensure their loads are secure, reduce speeds, increase following distance, and use flashers if necessary.

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:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
• Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
• Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
• Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
• Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
• Use your defroster and wipers
• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
• During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.
• Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
• Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
• Always buckle up and never drive impaired.
• Have an emergency kit handy. Here are some suggestions of what you could include in your emergency kit.

When winter weather occurs, drivers should be extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment. When encountering a plow truck, drivers should:

• Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck.
• Be alert since plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic.
• When a plow truck is traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible, and remember that snow can obscure the actual snow plow width.
• Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a “plow train.” The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, creating a hazard for nearby vehicles.
• Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator can’t see, and they can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack.
• Keep your lights on to help the operator better see your vehicle. Also remember that under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle’s wipers are on due to inclement weather.

Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 151 crashes resulting in three fatalities and 55 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.

The Pennsylvania State Police offers this advice if you are involved in a crash:

• First and foremost, move your vehicle as far as possible from the travel lanes if it’s able to be driven. Remaining in the lanes of travel when your vehicle can be driven is extremely dangerous.
• If your vehicle or another involved vehicle is not able to be driven due to damage, or if one of the involved parties is injured, PA law requires the crash be reported to police. Do this by dialing 911 right away.
• If your vehicle is disabled in the lane of travel or stuck in the travel lanes due to snow or ice, remain inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on and hazard lights activated. If it’s not safe to remain inside your vehicle, assess the situation and get yourself and passengers to a place of safety such as behind a barrier or guardrail. When exiting your vehicle, move as quickly as possible and DO NOT remain in the travel lanes or near your vehicle.
• When encountering a crash scene, the law requires you to move over if possible and always slow down. First responders will be active at the scene and focused on helping those involved in the crash and getting the road back open.

The law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof within 24 hours after the storm has ended. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles. Drivers in violation of the law are subject to a fine of $50. Additionally, drivers can be cited up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury.

Motorists should prepare for potential wintry weather by ensuring they have supplies in their cars before heading out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, cell phone charger, hand or foot warmers, windshield brush and scraper, and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies.

For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations including a video, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

To report an incident or other emergency on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 via mobile phone. To learn more about PA Turnpike conditions, use one of these resources:

511PA is also available through a free smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.

Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts or subscribe to news in a specific county or region. Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram. The PA Turnpike will provide updates on their social channels, on their roadway and at all service plazas.