HARRISBURG, PA — As a powerful snowstorm intensifies across Pennsylvania, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission have expanded vehicle restrictions statewide, with additional commercial bans taking effect at 6:00 PM Sunday, February 22.
At A Glance
- Roads Affected: I-76, I-78, I-80 (I-81 to NJ), I-81, I-83, I-84, I-95, I-99, I-283, I-295, I-380, I-476, I-676, Route 33, U.S. 22 (I-78 to NJ), PA Turnpike (I-76, I-276, I-476, I-95)
- Dates: Sunday, February 22 (restrictions began at 3:00 PM; expanded at 6:00 PM)
- Times: Until conditions improve
- Reason: Heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions
Tier 1 restrictions began at 3:00 PM Sunday, prohibiting tractors without trailers, lightly loaded tractor-trailers, vehicles towing trailers, RVs, motorcycles, and certain buses from traveling on major interstates and Turnpike segments.
At 6:00 PM, Tier 4 restrictions went into effect on several eastern-region corridors, including I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway), I-78, I-95, I-476, I-676, I-80 (from I-81 to New Jersey), Route 33, and multiple Turnpike sections. Under Tier 4, all commercial vehicles are prohibited, along with school buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs, and passenger vehicles towing trailers.
Speed limits may be reduced to 45 mph on impacted highways, and commercial vehicles still permitted under Tier 1 must remain in the right lane.
Snowfall rates of up to 1½ inches per hour are possible, particularly in eastern Pennsylvania. Officials urge motorists to avoid unnecessary travel. Expect deteriorating visibility, drifting snow, and rapid changes in road conditions.
If travel is unavoidable, slow down gradually, increase following distance, use headlights and hazard lights during squalls, and never stop in active travel lanes during whiteout conditions.
For the latest restriction updates and live roadway conditions, monitor 511PA and check the MyChesCo Traffic Center at https://www.mychesco.com/traffic/ before heading out.
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