UPDATE: Speed Limits Restored on Roadways in the Region
Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the north central Pennsylvania region.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on Interstate 80 and Interstate 180.
With wintry winds and snow in the forecast today through late afternoon, PennDOT is reminding motorists in north central Pennsylvania to slow down, pay attention and use caution on area roadways, especially during snow squalls that may occur.
Motorists always should be alert for sudden squalls which can strike with little or no warning and quickly cause roads to become snow covered. Heavy squalls also can cause whiteout conditions, virtually eliminating a driver’s visibility.
If motorists do encounter snow squalls while traveling, PennDOT offers this advice:
10:30 p.m. update: Route 42 is now open.
Motorists in Columbia County are advised that Route 42 is closed between Eyersgrove Road in Greenwood Township and Black Run Road in Madison Township due to a vehicle crash.
A detour is in place using Black Run Road, Route 44 and Route 254.
The crash scene is expected to take several hours to clear.
PennDOT has lifted the speed limit restrictions that were in place on roadways in the region.
Due to the winter storm impacting the region, speed limits were reduced yesterday to 45 mph on Interstate 80 and Interstate 180. All speeds are restored to their usual posted limits.
Motorists should drive with caution due to freezing conditions that continue to exist throughout the region.
Update: PennDOT has restored speed limits on affected roadways
Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the region.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on Interstate 80 and Interstate 180.
PennDOT is advising motorists in north central Pennsylvania to take extra care when driving in winter weather.
The department currently is treating roads in the region and will continue to do so in preparation for snow, sleet and freezing rain forecast for tonight into tomorrow morning.
Drivers still could encounter slick spots on the roadway, especially on bridges and overpasses. PennDOT reminds motorists to slow down and drive according to the conditions they encounter when winter storms hit.
As the winter season continues, Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) are urging motorists to prepare their vehicles and take time to familiarize themselves with winter safety laws as part of Winter Driving Awareness Week, running through January 14.
"You can take just a few simple steps to be prepared and help keep you and others safe," Governor Wolf said. "I urge all Pennsylvanians to prepare for winter driving and upcoming inclement weather."
Motorists in north central Pennsylvania are advised that PennDOT is pre-treating roads today in advance of the potential winter weather forecast to begin this evening.
Anti-icing, as it is called, involves wetting the highway with salt brine before a storm’s arrival. The solution lowers the freezing point of water and slows or prevents ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm.
Motorists in Columbia County are advised there is a lane closure on Interstate 80 westbound at mile 233 in Hemlock Township due to a crash involving multiple vehicles.
Both lanes were closed temporarily so there is a backlog of traffic moving through the area. Motorists should be alert and watch for slow-moving traffic.
Crews are cleaning up the crash site and both lanes are expected to be open within two hours.
Update: All lanes are now open on I-80 eastbound at mile 249 in Luzerne County.
Update 18:25: The right lane is now open on I-80 eastbound at mile 249 in Luzerne County. The left lane remains closed for cleanup.
Motorists are advised that Interstate 80 eastbound is closed at the Mifflinville exit in Columbia County due to a vehicle crash at mile 249 in Luzerne County.
A detour is in place using Exit 242 (Mifflinville) and Route 93.
