ALLENTOWN, Pa - Due to the severity of the storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the region.
Interstate 80 westbound is also closed with a detour in place on Route 93 from mile marker 247 to 256 (Conyngham/Nescopeck) in Columbia and Luzerne Counties due to a multi-tractor-trailer crash. The estimated time of reopening is to be determined.
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:
Interstate 78 in Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties.
Interstate 80 in Carbon and Monroe counties.
Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County.
Interstate 176 in Berks County.
Interstate 380 in Monroe County.
U.S. 22 in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
U.S. 222 in Berks County.
U.S. 422 in Berks County.
Route 33 in Monroe and Northampton counties.
On roadways with speed restrictions, commercial vehicles not affected by restrictions on these or other roadways must move to the right lane.
Motorists are also reminded the following vehicle restrictions are in effect in accordance with Tier 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:
Interstate 78 in Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties.
Interstate 80 in Carbon and Monroe counties.
Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County.
Interstate 380 in Monroe County.
U.S. 22 in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
Route 33 in Monroe and Northampton counties.
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 (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.
On roadways where vehicles are not restricted, commercial vehicle drivers in particular are encouraged to exercise caution in high winds. Drivers should ensure their loads are secure, reduce speeds, increase following distance, and use flashers if necessary.
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.
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
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.
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com.
511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
The department also asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.
PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should account for special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.
More information about how to prepare for any type of emergency, including free downloadable checklists of items to keep in your home, car, and at work, and specific information for people with access and functional needs or pets, is available on the Ready PA webpage.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter.
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