Snow system tests PA Turnpike's new plans for keeping drivers safe, informed

PITTSBURGH — A snow system Monday left some drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike stuck for hours, but turnpike officials say new plans put in place after a similar situation last year helped minimize the wait.

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One year ago, on Jan. 23, 2016, drivers were trapped for more than 24 hours along the turnpike after a bad storm caused crashes between Somerset and Bedford.

"It occurred not only on the same day as (winter storm) Jonas last year, but it also occurred in the same general area with a similar type of an issue,” said Carl DeFebo, the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s spokesperson.

Lines of cars and trucks were stuck on the turnpike Monday for up to three hours in Somerset County after a truck crashed and blocked traffic.

"It was enough of a nuisance storm to really, you know, cause some issues with the roadway, and the rate at which it was falling and the temperature was falling sort of conspired against us,” DeFebo said.

Channel 11 News was

, including new forecasting that allowed officials to stay on top of fast-changing conditions.

“We started with a forecast of rain in the morning, and it wasn't until the afternoon that changed over to some freezing precipitation, so the weather service worked. It gave us the information that we needed,” DeFebo said.

One of the biggest changes, though, was communication. While last year drivers were left for hours with no information and no contact with officials, it was a very different situation Monday night.

A driver who was stuck in the traffic sent Channel 11 News a screen grab of a message that showed how turnpike officials targeted cars in the affected area to alert them to what was happening.

"We're able to deploy the 511 connects tool. We were actually able to reach out to the motorists who were stranded. We were communicating with about 207, 210 travelers last night,” DeFebo said.

Turnpike officials said nothing they do will were be able to completely eliminate slick conditions and crashes, and thy warned drivers to always be prepared for the elements.

Cox Media Group