With more snow on way, Pa. Turnpike, PennDOT put truck restrictions in place

UPDATE: These restrictions were lifted as of 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning, per PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission. Stay updated on the latest traffic advisories at 511PA.com.

With more winter snow making its way toward Pittsburgh en route to the East Coast, PennDOT and and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission have implemented truck restrictions that started at noon Saturday.

The restrictions affect the entire length of the PA Turnpike and its Northeast Extension, as well as the following Interstate: 76, 78, 81, 83, 95, 176, 283, 295, 476 (non-tolled portion), and 676.

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

• Tractors without trailers;

• Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosure 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.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for the region on Saturday afternoon, with snow accumulating as much as 6 to 9 inches in some places.

Heavy snow is expected to begin late Sunday evening. The watch remains in effect until 1 p.m. on Tuesday.