PennDOT announces vehicle restrictions ahead of snowstorm
Jan. 24—In anticipation of a storm that could bring up to a half-foot of snow, PennDOT has issued vehicle restrictions on major roadways in the region.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm will move through Schuylkill County on Wednesday, bringing a mix of snow and rain.
Between 3 and 7 inches of snow is expected before 4 p.m., before changing to rain. The wind will also be a factor, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
PennDOT announced Tier 1 vehicle restrictions to begin at 6 a.m. Wednesday on Interstate 80 from I-79 to I-180, as well as at noon Wednesday on I-80 from I-180 to the New Jersey border; I-81 from I-78 to the New York border; and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension, I-476, from I-78 to I-81 Clarks Summit exit.
Under a Tier 1 restriction, the following vehicles are not permitted on those roadways: tractors without trailers; tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers, tank trailers or tandem trailers; enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a commercial motor vehicle; passenger vehicles towing trailers; recreational vehicles/motorhomes; school buses, commercial buses and motor coaches; and motorcycles.
Frackville notice
The Frackville Borough declared a snow emergency in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Parking will be prohibited along all snow emergency routes, which include North and South Lehigh Avenue, and East and West Oak Street.
Any vehicle remaining parked on the emergency route after 7 a.m. Wednesday may be ticketed or towed.
PennDOT restrictions are announced via the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps.
Motorists can sign up for personalized alerts on the website, www.penndot.pa.gov.
