COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Turnpike travelers should call 866-976-TRIP (8747) for travel updates.

December 29, 2012

Winter Weather Prompts 45 mph Speed Limit on PA Turnpike

Lower speed in place from Ohio Line to Blue Mountain/Kittatinny Tunnels

As of 7:30 a.m. today, the speed limit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike from the Ohio Line to the Blue Mountain/Kittatinny Tunnels has been reduced to 45 mph due to snow accumulations across the region. Motorists on the Pennsylvania Turnpike from milepost 0 to 200 should not exceed the 45 mph restriction.

No truck or trailer restrictions have been implemented on the PA Turnpike at this time.

Turnpike motorists should be aware that tow plows (a large plow being pulled behind a truck) and plow trains (several plow trucks in a row) are being used by maintenance crews in impacted areas. Stay back at a safe distance behind all working plow trucks as visibility can be hampered by swirling snows.

Snow is now falling on the Turnpike in the South-Central region of the state east of the Blue Mountain Tunnel; lower speeds could be implemented in this area later today if conditions warrant.

Pennsylvania Turnpike motorists will be alerted about any restrictions via Variable Message Signs, Highway Advisory Radio station 1640AM, and the Turnpike web site, www.paturnpike.com.

Please use caution when traveling in inclement weather. If traveling in this area, please visit www.paturnpike.com (select the "Traveler Info" menu on the left) or call or the Turnpike travel advisory hotline, 1-866-976-8747, to check conditions before you leave. Dial *11 to report an emergency on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

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