Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways across the five-county Philadelphia region, including I-95/I-295 and PA Turnpike
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:
- Interstates 76, 95, 295, 476, 676.
- U.S. Routes 1, 30, 202, 422.
- State Routes 63, 100 Spur and 309.
In addition, the following vehicle restrictions went into effect at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 26, in accordance with Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- Interstate 81, south of I-83.
- ALL Pennsylvania interstates west of I-81 including:
- PA Turnpike I-76
- PA Turnpike I-70
- All western PA Turnpike extensions.
The following vehicle restrictions went into effect at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 26, in accordance with Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.
- I-81, north of I-83.
- Route 33, entire length.
- U.S. 22 between I-78 to Route 33.
- ALL Pennsylvania interstates east of I-81 including:
- PA Turnpike I-76
- All eastern PA Turnpike extensions.
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 towing trailers (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.
On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.
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 personnel.
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.
Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and 2,959 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways. Eleven of the people who died weren’t wearing a seat belt, and 17 of the fatalities were in crashes where a driver was going too fast for conditions and drove out of their lane.
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.