Fresh round of incoming snow brings truck restrictions from PennDOT, Turnpike commission

Following a National Weather Service winter weather advisory of more snow making its way toward Pittsburgh, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will implement truck restrictions in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The NWS issued the advisory shortly before 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

It will last through 7 a.m. Friday morning, with 3 to 5 inches of snow in the forecast for southwest Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

Snow is expected to begin falling around midnight, according to NWS meteorologists.

Beginning at 1 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18 the restrictions will affect the Pennsylvania Turnpike between the Cranberry (Exit 161) and Valley Forge (Exit 326) exits; Interstate 70 from the Maryland border to the Turnpike; the Turnpike’s 66 extension (Greensburg Bypass) from Route 119 to Route 22; Interstate 81 from the Maryland border to I-78; as well as the full length of these Interstates: 83, 99 and 283.

Already in effect restrictions are effect for Interstate 80 from I-99 to the New Jersey border; Route 22 between I-78 and the New Jersey border; the entire length of Route 33; the Turnpike and I-276 between Valley Forge and the I-95 connector; I-81 from I-78 to I-84; the Turnpike Northeast Extension from Exit 20 to Exit 131; and the entire length of these Interstates: 78, 84, 176 and 380.

Under the state’s “Tier 1” restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted:

• Tractors without trailers;

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

• Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers;

• Enclosed cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of a commercial motor vehicle;

• Recreational vehicles/motor homes;

• School or commercial buses and motor coaches not carrying chains or an alternate traction device;

• Motorcycles.

Based on changing conditions, speed and additional vehicles may be announced, the agencies said in a news release.