Pa. Turnpike Lifts Speed and Trailer Restrictions from Carlisle Int. West

Restrictions remain in other areas due to ponding water, whiteout conditions.

Due to improving road and weather conditions in the south-central and southwest regions, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) has recently lifted the 45 mph speed limit and the ban on empty and double trailers from New Stanton (Exit 75) to Carlisle (Exit #226). Trailers being pulled by passenger vehicles are also now permitted on this section.

However, because of areas of roadway ponding (standing water) on the Turnpike in the Southeast and low-visibility and whiteouts on the Northeastern Extension (I-476), the 45 mph speed limit remains in place on all sections of the Pa. Turnpike system east of the Carlisle Interchange, including the Extension.

The empty/double trailer ban – including the ban of any trailer pulled by a passenger vehicle – is now in effect on the Pa. Turnpike only on the Northeastern Extension from the Lehigh Valley Exit (#56) to the northern terminus of I-476 at Clarks Summit (Exit 131).

Snow continues to fall and is heaviest at this time on the Northeastern Extension north of the Lehigh Tunnel and in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Plow trucks continue treating the roadway but motorists could encounter drifting and snow-covered roadways so drive accordingly. Drivers are urged to travel with caution, expect changing conditions, and travel only if necessary. Maintenance crews and State Police will be monitoring the roadway throughout the storm’s duration.

For up-to-the-minute turnpike conditions, check the live Travel Conditions Map online at www.paturnpike.com/webmap or call 866-976-TRIP (8747) for restrictions and closures. The turnpike’s free smartphone app, “trip talk,” provides iPhone and Droid users with audio alerts for their specific location and direction of travel. Visit www.paturnpike.com/triptalk to learn more.

###