Parkway North HOV Lanes Opening In Both Directions

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA — For the first time in 17 months, the Parkway North's HOV lanes will be open to bi-directional traffic beginning Wednesday, PennDOT announced. The lanes closed in March 2020 for what the agency termed "public safety purposes" and have been open only for outbound travel since May.

The lanes will adhere to the following weekday schedule:

• Inbound: Weekdays, 6 a.m.-10 a.m. (HOV 2+)
• Outbound: Weekdays, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. (HOV 2+)
• Outbound: Weekdays, 7 p.m.-5 a.m. (Unrestricted)
• Outbound: Weekends, Friday, 7 p.m. through Monday at 5 a.m. (Unrestricted)
• Closed: Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

With the exception of motorcycles, all vehicles using the HOV lanes must have at least two people from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Commercial vehicles are not permitted to use the lanes.

Leading up to the reopening, PennDOT has reviewed HOV operations with staff members, repaired and tested gate controllers, tested all fast-acting gates, ensured communication systems are operational, redeployed HOV guards and performed dry runs for opening and closing procedures.

Additionally, training and certification on HOV operations will occur for new staff members over the next several weeks, necessitating mid-day closures from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Information will be provided in advance of all closures.

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