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Winter Weather

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🚨 PMTA Members 👉 PMTA notifies members when restrictions are planned but does not issue updates for every change or lifting. Always monitor 511PA for real-time info.

➡️ Where to Find Information

PennDOT’s 2025 Inclement Winter Weather Travel Restriction and Ban Framework is available on 511PA.com:

Note: Restrictions apply to all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), regardless of CDL status.

➡️ When and Where Restrictions Apply

  • Restrictions are used during inclement weather that impacts Pennsylvania highways (even without a disaster declaration).
  • They apply only to limited-access highways under PennDOT or Turnpike Commission jurisdiction—not local roads.

➡️ Types of Restrictions

  1. Speed Restrictions
    • Temporary reduced speed limits for safety.
    • Apply to all vehicles.
    • CMVs and vehicles towing trailers must use the right lane only.
    • Announced through digital signs, 511PA, and variable speed limit signs.
  1. Tier Restrictions/Bans
    • Limit or ban certain vehicle types as weather worsens (Tiers 1–5).
    • Tier 1 affects the most traction-prone vehicles; Tier 5 bans all non-emergency vehicles.
    • See the tier chart on 511PA.com/vehiclerestrictions/definitions.

➡️ How PennDOT Decides on Restrictions

PennDOT works with PEMA, PA State Police, and the PA Turnpike Commission to determine restrictions based on:

  • Weather forecasts (snow, ice, flash freeze risk)
  • Road conditions and traffic flow
  • Equipment and manpower availability
  • Conditions in neighboring states

➡️ How to Stay Informed

  1. Check 511PA.com – The most accurate, up-to-date source.
    • List View: Under “Vehicle Restrictions List,” filter by roadway or time, and export to Excel or PDF.
    • Map View: Color-coded, searchable, and includes cameras. Planned restrictions show as dotted lines; active ones are solid.
  1. Get Notifications – Subscribe to 511PA Alerts by email or text.
  2. Become a PA BEOC Trusted Partner – Sign up here for detailed emergency updates and dashboard alerts.
  3. Follow PennDOT News Releases – Subscribe here.
  4. Watch for Public Updates:
    • Highway message signs
    • Advisory radio
    • PennDOT, PEMA, and Turnpike social media

🚨 PMTA Members: PMTA notifies members when restrictions are planned but does not issue updates for every change or lifting. Always monitor 511PA for real-time info.

➡️ Additional Details

  • Reassessment: Restrictions are reviewed every 2–4 hours during storms.
  • “Empty” Trailers: Defined as less than one-third of the GVWR (trailer plus cargo).
  • Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV):
    • Interstate: 10,001 lbs+ GVW
    • Intrastate: 17,001 lbs+ GVW
  • Speed vs. Tier Restrictions:
    They can occur separately. Speed restrictions may exist without tier bans and vice versa.

➡️ Exemptions

Certain vehicles are exempt (see Appendix D of the Framework), including:

  • Utility restoration crews (electric, gas, water, telecom)
  • Emergency services and public works
  • Fuel, salt, and tow/recovery vehicles
  • Public transit buses

Additional local exemptions may be approved by PennDOT’s Area Commander when road conditions allow.

To Request an Exemption:
Contact your local PennDOT District Office (Directory) or call 1-800-FIX-ROAD.
Be ready to provide vehicle details, cargo info, travel route, and timing.

➡️ Chains & Traction Devices

Certain trucks must carry tire chains or approved alternate traction devices (ATDs) in Tiers 2 and 3.

Approved ATDs include:

  1. Wheel sanders
  2. Automatic (pneumatic) chains
  3. Emergency dig-out chains (for short-term use only – new in 2025)

➡️ Mandatory Chain-Up Areas

Activated during severe conditions at:

  1. US-322 WB (Mifflin County – Seven Mountains)
  2. SR-153 NB (Clearfield County – Boone Mountain)
  3. US-40 WB (Fayette County – Summit Mountain)

When activated, trucks must chain up before proceeding. Only full chains or cables are allowed (no emergency dig-out chains).

Key Takeaways

✅ Check 511PA.com first — it’s the most reliable source.
✅ PMTA will alert members when restrictions are planned.
✅ Restrictions can change quickly; monitor conditions throughout the storm.
✅ Be prepared with tire chains or ATDs if you’ll be operating during winter weather

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