The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced temporary speed limit reductions across additional roadways in south-central Pennsylvania due to a severe winter storm impacting the area. Effective immediately, speed limits will be lowered to 45 mph on several major highways to enhance safety under adverse weather conditions.
Affected highways include:
- Interstate 81, from the Maryland state line to the Lebanon County line.
- The entire lengths of Interstate 83, Interstate 283, and PA 581.
- Route 22/322 from I-81 to Millerstown Borough in Perry County.
- US 15 from the Maryland state line to the Perry County line.
PennDOT has mandated that all commercial vehicles adhere to the right lane on these roadways. Motorists are strongly urged to avoid unnecessary travel. PennDOT crews are actively treating the roadways, aiming to keep them passable rather than completely free of ice and snow.
Motorists needing to travel can monitor real-time conditions for over 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. The site offers access to traffic cameras, delay warnings, and weather forecasts. The 511PA service is also available via a smartphone app for iPhone and Android, by calling 5-1-1, or through regional Twitter alerts.
Additionally, PennDOT advises drivers to maintain a safe distance from plow trucks and never attempt to pass these vehicles while they are plowing or spreading winter materials.
For those who must travel, PennDOT recommends carrying an emergency kit in their vehicles, including non-perishable food, water, a blanket, a small shovel, and warm clothes. Motorists should also consider any special needs of their passengers, such as baby food, pet supplies, or medications, and pack emergency kits accordingly.
Further details on emergency preparedness, including free downloadable checklists for home, vehicle, and workplace, are available on the Ready PA webpage.
