Roads may not be the friendliest place to be this weekend

Folks with last minute shopping to do or planning to travel over the next few days might want to consider the best options for being safe out on the roads. A wicked winter storm is expected to bring with it some heavy snow in places, frigid temperatures everywhere , high winds and the possibility of icy roadways.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has issued travel warnings and may impose vehicle restrictions if and when necessary. But mostly they want motorists to use caution and avoid traveling whenever possible during severe weather.

“Our preparations for the storm include plans to shift resources and crews as needed to handle the changing weather conditions throughout the region, which includes Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties,” said Doug Schofield, PennDOT Assistant District Executive - Maintenance. “Salt, anti-skid and other materials are in good supply and crews will work around the clock, even on the holidays, to keep the roads safe and passable.”

PennDOT is planning to place a Tier 1 vehicle restriction on the entire length of Interstate 90 in Erie County starting at 4 a.m. Friday. This is to help ensure the interstate remain open during the most challenging conditions of the winter storm. When conditions improve, PennDOT says they will remove the restrictions. 
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"Motorists are reminded that roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling. Although PennDOT crews will be treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow," a press release explained. "PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear."

They also emphasize that with freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy and bridges especially should be approached with caution.

​" Drivers should leave plenty of space – six car lengths – when following a truck that is plowing or spreading winter materials."

They also offer the following advice for traveling safely:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
• Turn on your headlights.
• Stay in your lane.
• Increase your following distance.
• Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
• Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required.
• Use defroster and wipers.
• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
• During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.
• Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could create a chain-reaction collision.
• Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
• Give ample room for plow truck drivers to treat the roadways and never pass between two trucks operating in a plow line. 
• Always buckle up and never drink and drive.

What vehicles are not permitted 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; and
• motorcycles.​

​Do you know about 511 or other ways to stay informed about roadway conditions?

Vehicle restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511PA.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on the website. 
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While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com.

511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.  

511PA is also available through a free smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.gov/District1.
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Follow PennDOT’s northwest region on Twitter or Facebook.
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