Due to winter weather conditions, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has temporarily reduced the speed limits on Interstate 80 and I-99 in the north central region.
PennDOT urges motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, but those who must drive should expect reduced speed limits of 45 miles per hour on I-80 in Clearfield, Centre and Clinton counties and on I-99 in Centre County.
These speed restrictions will be in place until further notice. PennDOT will issue an update when the restrictions are lifted.
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 who need to travel are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com.
511PA is free and available 24 hours a day, providing traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 850 traffic cameras.
Users can also see the status of plow trucks and travel alerts along a specific route using the “Check My Route” tool.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA Web site.
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 take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter.
For regional updates on Twitter, follow www.twiiter.com\511PAStateCOLL.