Storm Prompts Speed Reductions On Eastern PA Highways

PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the Philadelphia region due to the winter storm Wednesday.

PennDOT, which urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, said speeds are currently reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:

• Interstates 76, 95, 295, 476, 676;
• U.S. Routes 1, 30, 202, 422; and
• State Routes 63, 100 Spur and 309.

"Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear," PennDOT said in a press release.

Drivers should leave plenty of space when traveling near plow trucks. Motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading.

There are also vehicle restrictions associated with the winter storm.

PennDOT and the PA Turnpike will prohibit only empty, straight CDL-weighted trucks; all Large Combination Vehicles (double trailers); tractors hauling empty trailers; any trailers pulled by motorcycles, passenger vehicles, pickup trucks or SUVs; all motorcycles; and all recreational vehicles and RVs on the following roadways:

• PA Turnpike (I-76, I-276) from I-81 to I-95 (Exit 43);
• I-76 (Turnpike and non-Turnpike, New Stanton to Philadelphia);
• I-78 full length from I-81 to the New Jersey state line;
• I-80 from I-99 to the New Jersey state line;
• I-81 from the Maryland state line to the New York state line;
• I-83 from the Maryland state line to I-81;
• I-84 full length from I-81 to the New York state line;
• I-176;
• I-180 full length from Route 220/U.S. 15 to I-80;
• I-276; PA Turnpike
• I-283;
• I-295;
• I-380 full length from I-81 to I-80;
• I-476 (non-Turnpike, full length);
• I-476 (PA Turnpike, Northeast Ext.) from Mid County (exit 20) to Clarks Summit (exit 131);
• I-676;
• Route 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey state line; and
• Route 33 from I-78 to I-80.

At 6 a.m., a full commercial vehicle ban (including buses) was implemented on I-70 in Fulton County (from the Maryland state line to the Turnpike) and I-99 from I-80 to the Turnpike.

Image via Shutterstock