Mar 20, 2018 3 min read

The Pennsylvania Turnpike will impose a ban on certain types of trucks, RVs and trailers today starting at 8 p.m. because of the incoming winter storm.

The vehicles will be prohibited from traveling on the turnpike’s east-west mainline from Ohio to New Jersey and on the entire Northeastern Extension. Restrictions will remain in place throughout the storm. 

Vehicle types covered by the restriction are:

• empty straight CDL-weighted trucks;
• Large Combination Vehicles (double trailers);
• tractors hauling empty trailers;
• any trailers pulled by motorcycles, passenger vehicles, pickup trucks or SUVs;
• all motorcycles;
• and all recreational vehicles, or RVs.

The Turnpike also announced reduced speeds in some areas. Speeds are now reduced to 45 mph on the east-west mainline (I-70/76) from the New Stanton Interchange (#75) to the Breezewood Interchange (#161).

In anticipation of the storm, PennDOT has also issued a series of restrictions beginning at 8 p.m which includes a ban on empty straight CDL-weighted trucks, tractors hauling double trailers, tractors hauling empty trailers, trailers pulled by passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks, motorcycles and recreational vehicles on these interstates:

• Interstate 76 across the state, which includes the Schuylkill Expressway and the East-West Turnpike mainline.
• Interstates 276 and 476, a portion of the mainline Turnpike in southeastern Pennsylvania and the entire Northeastern Extension.
• Interstate 176 (entire length)
• Interstate 95 (entire length)
• Interstate 78 (entire length)
• Interstate 80 from the New Jersey line to the junction with Interstate 81.
• Interstate 81 from the Maryland line to the junction with Interstate 80.
• Interstate 99 (entire length)
• Interstate 79 from the Turnpike to Interstate 80.

In addition, PennDOT announced a full ban on commercial vehicles will be imposed on:

• Interstate 70, from the Maryland line to the Turnpike.
• Interstate 83 (entire length)
• Interstate 84 (entire length)
• Interstate 380 (entire length)

Also, PennDOT said the eastbound lane of Route 40 is closed between Hopwood and Jumonville roads, Fayette County. The closure is due to multiple tractor trailers stuck on the steep grade of the road. Pennsylvania State Police have closed the roadway until the trucks can be cleared.