Several local interstates to see restrictions ahead of Sunday’s snowfall

PITTSBURGH — Several local interstates will have restrictions in place for Sunday’s predicted snowfall.

PennDOT crews will actively pre-treat roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm. More than 600 equipment operators and safety patrol personnel, as well as traffic operators, are ready to provide 24/7 staffing and roadway assistance on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

However, salt does not resolve all risks, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway, officials said.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike and PennDOT are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to exercise caution when driving.

PennDOT will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm, officials said.

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, in accordance with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:

Interstate 79 from the West Virginia border to Exit 77 (PA Turnpike).
I-70 from the West Virginia border to PA Turnpike Exit 57 (New Stanton).
I-279, entire length.
I-376 from Brighton (Exit 36) to PA Turnpike (Exit 85).
I-579, entire length.
PA Turnpike (I-70/I-76) from Exit 28 (Cranberry) to Exit 161 (Breezewood).
PA Turnpike 576 (entire length).
PA Turnpike 43 (entire length).
PA Turnpike 66 (entire length).

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 12:01 AM on Monday, Jan. 6, in accordance with Tier 2 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan:

I-81 from the Maryland border to I-78 (Exit 89).
I-83, entire length.
PA Turnpike (I-76) from Breezewood (Exit 161) to Harrisburg East (Exit 247).

Under Tier 2 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:

Tractors without trailers.
Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers.
Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers.
Tractors towing loaded tandem trailers without chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs).
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, regardless of the availability of trains or ATDs.
Motorcycles.

On roadways where vehicles are not restricted, commercial vehicle drivers in particular are encouraged to exercise caution in high winds. Drivers should ensure their loads are secure, reduce speeds, increase following distance and use flashers if necessary.

For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations including a video, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW