PA Turnpike Extends Lower Speed Limit West to Blue/Kittatinny Tunnels

A 45 mph restriction is now in place for the South Central PA Region.

Due to the winter storm, the PA Turnpike has extended the temporary 45 mph speed limit to include the South Central PA region. The speed limit has been lowered on the section of Interstate 76 from the Blue Mountain/Kittatinny Mountain tunnels around milepost 200 east to the Lebanon/Lancaster Interchange.

PA Turnpike speeds REMAIN at 45 mph on these Southeastern PA sections:

• from the Lebanon-Lancaster Interchange (#266) to the Delaware River Bridge (#359) on I-76/I-276; and

• from the Mid-County Interchange (#20) to the Lehigh Valley Interchange (#56) on I-476/Northeastern Extension.

At this time, the Turnpike has NOT restricted commercial vehicles or trailers; it may do so depending on conditions. Turnpike maintenance crews continue to treat the roadway. During a weather emergency, the objective is to keep roads passable, not totally free of snow or ice. Turnpike crews will continue to treat until precipitation ends and roads are clear.

While driving in bad weather, motorists are advised to follow these life-saving practices:

• always travel at a safe speed for conditions, no matter what the posted limit is;

• allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks; and

• never pass a truck that is actively plowing or spreading salt.

The PA Turnpike reminds motorists to pack a winter emergency kit. A basic kit includes non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should consider passenger necessities like baby food, pet supplies or medications.

In case of an accident, breakdown or other emergency, PA Turnpike motorists should dial *11 on a mobile phone or deploy one of the yellow callboxes on the shoulder. Be prepared to give the milepost location and direction of travel, and move vehicles out of active travel lanes if possible.

During a weather emergency, all vehicles abandoned on the PA Turnpike system —shoulders, medians, ramps etc. — will be towed to accommodate snow removal.

Before heading out, motorists can check PA Turnpike conditions at www.paturnpike.com; look at the “Active Travel Advisories” ticker at the top. While traveling, motorists can use the Turnpike’s smartphone app, TRIP Talk, available for Android and iPhone users. The app senses your direction of travel and location and plays audio advisories to alert you of stoppages or delays ahead. Travelers can also call the toll-free TRIP line at 866-976-TRIP (8747) for the latest travel and toll information.

To get tweets about roadway conditions, restrictions or closures, follow the PA Turnpike on Twitter at: @PA_Turnpike.

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