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PennDOT Removes All Speed Restrictions and Most Vehicle Restrictions on Major Highways in South Central PA

01/19/2024

Harrisburg, PA – PennDOT has lifted all speed restrictions and most vehicle restrictions placed on major highways in south central Pennsylvania District 8 region comprised of Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties.

Due to the winter storm impacting the region, speed limits were reduced to 45 mph on the following routes:

Interstates 81, 83 and 283; 
Routes 15, 22, 30, 222, 283 and 581.

All speeds are restored to their usual posted limits.

PennDOT temporarily restricted certain vehicles from using Interstates 78, 81, and 83 to help ensure the interstates remained open during the most challenging conditions of the winter storm. These restrictions have been lifted in Interstates 81 and 83.

A Tier 2 restriction remains in place in accordance with the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan on a section of I-78. This restriction will be lifted as soon as conditions warrant.

PennDOT is continuing to treat roadways in the area and will continue until roads are clear.

While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.

The department also asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials. 

PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should account for special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.

More information about how to prepare for any type of emergency, including free downloadable checklists of items to keep in your home, car, and at work, and specific information for people with access and functional needs or pets, is available on the Ready PA webpage.

For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter. 
 
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at www.penndot.gov/District8. and York counties at www.penndot.gov/District8. 

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