PennDOT is putting several speed and vehicle restrictions in place for expected snowfall.
Steady snow is expected to fall in the Western Pennsylvania area early Sunday.
Click here for LIVE RADAR to track the snow.
The restrictions will reduce roads to a 55 mph or 45 mph speed limit. Commercial vehicles will only be allowed to travel in the right lane.
Several restrictions are planned to go into effect to keep the roads safe during the snowfall. The restrictions are based on a 5 tier system.
Tier 1 guidelines begin at 6 a.m. on Jan. 19. for:
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PA Turnpike I-76 from Carlisle (Exit 226) to Morgantown (Exit 298).
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I-81 from the Maryland border to I-78 (Exit 89).
Under Tier 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
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Tractors without trailers.
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Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.
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Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.
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Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV.
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Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers.
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Recreational vehicles/motorhomes.
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School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches.
Tier 3 guidelines begin at 6 a.m. on Jan. 19 for:
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I-76 from the PA Turnpike to the New Jersey border.
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PA Turnpike I-76 from Morgantown (Exit 298) to the New Jersey border.
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PA Turnpike I-95, entire length.
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PA Turnpike I-276, entire length.
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I-476 from PA Turnpike I-476 to I-95.
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PA Turnpike I-476 Northeast Extension from Mid-County (Exit 20) to Lehigh Valley (Exit 56).
Under Tier 3, no commercial vehicles are allowed except for loaded single trailers with chains or approved alternate traction devices. 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.
PennDOT encouraged all drivers to practice the following travel tips to stay safe while roads are icy or snow covered:
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Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
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Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
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Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
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Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
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Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
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Use your defroster and wipers
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Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
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During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.
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Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
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Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
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Always buckle up and never drive impaired.
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Have an emergency kit handy.
Anyone involved in a crash is reminded to get out of travel lanes if possible. If that is not possible, drivers should turn on their hazard lights and head to a safe place. If anyone is injured, Pennsylvania law requires drivers to call 911.
Before heading out, all vehicles should have snow cleared off of them. Drivers who do not could receive a fine.
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