Pa. road restrictions for winter storm: Some trucks, other vehicles prohibited

With a powerful nor’easter taking shape, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are announcing road restrictions ahead of the storm.

While snow will start overnight Saturday into Sunday in some parts of the state, the heaviest snow is expected Sunday evening. Snowfall rates of more than an inch per hour are possible, according to forecasters.

Starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Tier 1 road restrictions, which restrict some trucks and other vehicles, will be implemented on the following highways:

• I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to New Jersey
• I-78, entire length
• I-80 from I-81 to New Jersey
• I-81, entire length
• I-83, entire length
• I-84, entire length
• I-95, entire length
• I-276, entire length
• I-283, entire length
• I-295, entire length
• I-380, entire length
• I-476, entire length
• I-676, entire length
• Route 33, entire length
• Route 22 from I-78 to New Jersey

Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are prohibited:

• 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
• Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers
• Recreational vehicles/motorhomes
• School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches
• Motorcycles

Additional vehicle restrictions and reduced speed limits are expected as the storm progresses.

Snow covered roads along with reduced visibility from blowing snow will make travel difficult if not impossible across portions of the state. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute, and possibly the Monday evening commute in some areas, forecasters said.

As always, officials are warning motorists to avoid any unnecessary travel. Those who must travel are advised to use extreme caution and monitor weather forecasts and road conditions.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.