EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced they are reinstating vehicle restrictions on certain roads Thursday night into Friday morning.
Due to the winter storm, PennDOT announced they are temporarily restricting certain vehicles on the full length of Interstate 81 and Interstate 380, and Interstate 81 to Interstate 380 to the New York state line.
The following roadways are under Tier 1 vehicle restrictions at this time:
Interstate 81 in Luzerne and Susquehanna Counties
Interstate 84 in Lackawanna, Pike, and Wayne Counties
Interstate 380 in Lackawanna, Monroe, and Wayne Counties
Tier 1 restrictions include the following:
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
Recreational vehicles/motorhomes
Motorcycles
School buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches
Cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks towing trailers
On Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County, PennDOT also has a speed restriction, reducing the speed from 65 miles per hour to 55 miles per hour.
Speeds were also reduced on Interstates 84, 81, and 380 to 45 miles per hour.
PennDOT explained speed limits have also been restricted to 45 miles per hour on the listed roadways for all vehicles while the restrictions are in place.
All commercial vehicles not impacted by the restrictions must move to the right lane, according to PennDOT.
How much snow will Pennsylvania see Thursday into Friday?
PennDOT advises avoiding any unnecessary travel and being cautious when driving during the storm.
PennDOT reminds drivers to be extra careful when driving near a plow truck. They advise staying at least six car lengths behind a plow truck and to remember the main plow is wider than the actual truck.
PennDOT says they will have crews pre-treating the roads, but that salt does not remove all risk and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway.
For updated information on road restrictions and closures visit 511PA.
