PennDOT Restores Speed Limits On 5 Philadelpha-Area Highways

PHILADELPHIA — Speed limits on five highways in the Philadelphia area have been restored after PennDOT reduced them due to the severity of Tropical Storm Isaias.

The speed limit on the following highways is back to normal:

• Interstate 76 in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties;
• Interstate 95 in Philadelphia and Delaware counties;
• Interstate 476 in Philadelphia, Delaware and Montgomery counties;
• Interstate 676 in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties; and
• U.S. 422 in Montgomery County.

All speeds are restored to their usual posted limits.

PennDOT crews are working to clear drains, inlets, debris and downed trees until all state highways are clear.

Drivers, however, are urged to stay off roads unless absolutely necessary, PennDOT said.

Those who must travel, should slow down, turn on headlights and windshield wipers, and increase distance between vehicles. Drivers should also be aware of sudden downpours that could limit visibility.

PennDOT is also urging drivers to "Turn Around, Don't Drown."

"Even shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway," PennDOT said. "Also, the roadbed may not be intact under the water."

Drivers should not circumvent barricades set up to block flooded roads, with PennDOT saying fines for going around a barricade are $250. Additionally, if emergency responders need to perform a water rescue or have a vehicle towed, the fine increases to $500 plus two points on the driver's license.