Pennsylvania transportation officials are advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel during upcoming winter weather, and they will have speed and vehicle restrictions in place throughout the forecast storm.
Among the interstate highways that will have travel restrictions imposed are Interstate 70, I-79, I-279, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, including the 43 and 66 extensions.
The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook early Friday evening calling for widespread accumulating snow late Sunday night into Monday, in concurrence with a low pressure system whose path is still being tracked.
Beginning Sunday at 5 p.m., PennDOT will implement its Tier 2 weather restrictions for the following vehicles: Tractors without trailers; tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trucks; tractors towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or an alternate traction device; enclosed or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks and box trucks that are considered commercial motor vehicles; passenger vehicles towing trailers; recreational motor homes; school, commercial and motor coach buses; and motorcycles.
Tier 2 restrictions will go into effect at the following days and roads:
• Sunday at 5 p.m.: I-79 and I-70 from the West Virginia border to the Pennsylvania Turnpike; all of I-279 and I-57; and I-376 from Exit 36 to Exit 85
• Sunday at 8 p.m.: Pennsylvania Turnpike from Cranberry (Exit 28) to Breezewood (Exit 161); and the entire length of the Turnpike’s 576, 43 and 66 extensions.
• Monday at 12:01 a.m.: Pennsylvania Turnpike from Breezewood (Exit 161) to Harrisburg (Exit 247); I-81 from the Maryland border to Exit 89; and all of I-83.
More than 600 PennDOT equipment operators and safety personnel will pre-treat roads where necessary to prevent ice from forming during the early stages of snow.
PennDOT officials said tire chains do not need to be installed under Tier 2 restrictions, but must be readily available should a vehicle become stuck.
On roads without restrictions, commercial drivers are encouraged to exercise caution in high winds, ensure their loads are secured, reduce their speed and use flashers if necessary.
Farm show travelers
For those traveling to the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, PennDOT officials advise using a special website at 511pa.com/map/page/farm-show. The page will provide travel times, road alerts and alternate routes for I-81, Route 22 and 322, I-283 north and I-83 north.
Clean off your car
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof within 24 hours after the storm has ended. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles.
Drivers in violation of the law are subject to a fine of $50. Additionally, drivers can be cited up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury.
Prepping for the weather
Motorists should prepare for potential wintry weather by ensuring they have supplies in their cars before heading out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, cell phone charger, hand or foot warmers, windshield brush and scraper, and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies.
Accidents happen
The state police offer this advice if involved in a crash:
• First and foremost, move your vehicle as far as possible from the travel lanes if it’s able to be driven. Remaining in the lanes of travel when your vehicle can be driven is extremely dangerous.
• If your vehicle or another involved vehicle is not able to be driven due to damage, or if one of the involved parties is injured, state law requires the crash be reported to police by calling 911 immediately.
• If your vehicle is disabled in the lane of travel or stuck in the travel lanes due to snow or ice, remain inside the vehicle with your seat belt on and hazard lights activated. If it’s not safe to remain inside your vehicle, assess the situation and get yourself and passengers to a place of safety such as behind a barrier or guardrail. When exiting your vehicle, move as quickly as possible and DO NOT remain in the travel lanes or near your vehicle.
• When encountering a crash scene, the law requires you to move over if possible and always slow down. First responders will be active at the scene and focused on helping those involved in the crash and getting the road back open.