PennDOT restores speed limits on Pocono highways

Kathryne Rubright, Pocono Record
·2 min read

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Troop N of the Pennsylvania State Police are asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the upcoming winter storm.

The troop covers Carbon, Monroe and southern Luzerne counties, all of which will be under a winter storm watch on Thursday.

"Please reduce your travel during the storm and do not travel unless necessary," PSP urged in a press release. "If you must travel, please ensure your vehicle is properly equipped for travel by checking the vehicle’s tire pressure, tread, wipers, fuel amount and windshield washer fluid. If possible, carry an emergency kit with water, food, blankets and an extra phone charger in the event you become stopped in traffic for an extended period."

More:NWS: Poconos, northeastern Pa. under winter storm watch on Thursday

PennDOT lifts, reimposes restrictions on Pocono highways

By Friday morning, restrictions imposed on Pocono and northeast Pennsylvania highways had been lifted.

Then, as more snow fell, speed limits of 45 mph were introduced on I-380 in Monroe County and I-80 in Carbon and Monroe counties. As of 3:20 p.m., the limits were lifted.

Highway restrictions announced ahead of storm

PennDOT began announcing restrictions on Wednesday in advance of the storm. Current restrictions (as of 12:45 p.m. Thursday) on northeastern Pennsylvania highways include:

  • Tier 1 restrictions and a 45 mph speed limit on I-81 from I-78 to the New York border

  • Tier 1 restrictions the entire length of I-84

  • Tier 1 restrictions and a 45 mph speed limit on the entire length of I-380

  • Tier 1 restrictions and a 45 mph speed limit on I-476 (Pa. Turnpike Northeast Extension) from I-78 to I-81

  • A 45 mph speed limit on I-80 from I-81 to the New Jersey border (and a Tier 1 restriction west of I-81)

Traffic was light on I-380 around 12:40 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022. This PennDOT camera is located at Exit 3 (Pennsylvania Route 940).
Traffic was light on I-380 around 12:40 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022. This PennDOT camera is located at Exit 3 (Pennsylvania Route 940).

PennDOT lists the following types of vehicles as not being allowed on roadways under Tier 1 restrictions:

  • Tractors without trailers

  • Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers

  • Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers

  • Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV

  • Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers

  • Recreational vehicles/motorhomes

  • School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches

  • Motorcycles

PennDOT pre-treated the roads but reminds drivers that "salt is not a silver bullet, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning."

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: PennDOT restores speed limits on Pocono highways