As winter weather conditions across the north central region improve, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is lifting some restrictions across the area.
Tier 1 restrictions have been lifted on the following roads:
· I-99 in Centre County—both directions;
· I-80 from mile-marker 97/Falls Creek to mile-marker 161/Bellefonte—both directions.
Speed limits on these routes have also been restored and the restriction for commercial vehicles to use only the right lane has also been lifted.
Drivers are reminded that Tier 4 vehicle restrictions remain in place on Interstate 80 from I-99 at the 161/Bellefonte interchange in Centre County through Clinton County at mile-marker 192.
On roadways with Tier 4 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted. 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.
Drivers are also reminded that speed limits have been restricted to 45 mph and commercial vehicles must move to the right lane remain in place on U.S. Route 22/322 in Juniata, Mifflin, and Centre counties.
The purpose of the restriction is to help ensure the interstates remain open during the most challenging conditions of the winter storm. When conditions improve, PennDOT will remove the travel restrictions.
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511PA.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on www.511PA.com by clicking on “Personal Alerts” in the left-hand menu.
Although PennDOT crews are 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 Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.penndot.gov/winter.
Follow local PennDOT information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAStateColl.