PA Turnpike Reduces Speed Limits on Some Sections Due to Weather

Certain types of trucks, trailers also banned during weather emergency.

MIDDLETOWN, PA (Feb. 9, 2017) — Due to the severity of the winter storm, the PA Turnpike has temporarily lowered the speed limit on some parts of its system. Speeds are now reduced to 45 mph on these PA Turnpike sections:

• On the East-West Mainline from the Somerset Int. (#110) to the Bensalem Int. (#351).
• On the entire Northeastern Extension (I-476).

The PA Turnpike has also restricted certain classes of vehicles from traveling on the entire toll-road system. These vehicles are temporarily banned:

• commercial trucks towing multiple trailers (twins/doubles); and
• commercial trucks towing any empty trailers.

PA Turnpike officials urge motorists to travel only if necessary on any of these sections. PA 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 on the Turnpike in bad weather, motorists are advised to follow these vital protocols:

• 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.

Before heading out, motorists can check PA Turnpike conditions at www.paturnpike .com; look at the “Current Alerts” ticker at the top for restrictions. 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.

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.

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.

Follow the PA Turnpike on Twitter at: @PATurnpikeAlert.

Carl DeFebo
Mobile:717.645.2265
Twitter: @cdefebo

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