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.
The speed restriction placed on Interstate 80 in north central Pennsylvania has been lifted. On Monday, PennDOT temporarily reduced the speed limit on Interstate 80 in Union, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties to 45 miles per hour.
PennDOT crews will continue treating roadways in the region until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
PennDOT asks motorists to give plow trucks plenty of room to operate. Increase traveling distance when following plow trucks and do not attempt to pass them.
PennDOT crews continue to treat roads throughout north central Pennsylvania.
Although there will be winter services on all state roads in the region, PennDOT reminds motorists that freezing rain is causing icy areas on roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Motorists are asked to slow down, be alert and drive with caution. Give PennDOT plow truck drivers plenty of room to operate.
Due to continuing winter road conditions, a speed restriction placed on Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania remains in effect. PennDOT yesterday temporarily reduced the speed limit on Interstate 80 to 45 miles per hour.
Motorists should drive with caution.
Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
Due to extreme winter road conditions, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on Interstate 80 to 45 miles per hour in north central Pennsylvania. Motorists should drive with caution.
Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
Motorists in north central Pennsylvania are advised to drive with care and be alert for unexpected icy conditions on area roadways this weekend.
With snow squalls in the forecast and a cold front moving into the region, there is a potential for whiteout conditions and drifting snow which can decrease visibility and create slick pavement surfaces. Although PennDOT will be treating roads in the region, extreme cold temperatures limit the effectiveness of salt and slippery areas still may exist.
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania officials are urging everyone to take extra precautions in the coming days to prevent serious health issues as an arctic front is poised to bring frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills of up to -30 degrees to some areas of the commonwealth beginning Friday and lasting throughout the weekend.
