Storm prompts vehicle, speed restrictions on northern interstates

Predictions of ice-coated roadways late Monday and early Tuesday have prompted officials to reduce the speed limit and temporarily ban motorcycles and some trucks on interstates in Pennsylvania’s northern tier.

Between 11 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday, traffic restrictions will be in place on:

• Interstate 80, east of the junction with Interstate 79 to the New Jersey border;
• Interstate 81, north of the junction with Interstate 78 to the New York border;
• Interstates 84, 180 and 380 in northeast and north-central Pennsylvania;
• Interstate 476, the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, north of the Lehigh Valley exit.

In addition to motorcycles, double trailers, empty trailers, non-commercial vehicles pulling trailers and recreational vehicles will be banned in those areas.

The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph on the listed interstates while the ban is in effect. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates may be considered, depending on travel conditions.

PennDOT has applied anti-icing material to many roads and is activating its statewide and regional command centers to prepare for a winter storm that is expected to bring snow, sleet and freezing rain to sections of the state.

Officials urged drivers to plan trips accordingly and to use caution and reduce speeds during the storm. Motorists can visit 511pa.com to check on traffic warnings and weather forecasts.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff at 724-836-6622, jhimler@tribweb.com or via Twitter @jhimler_news.