Harrisburg, PA – Commercial vehicles and certain trucks will face restrictions beginning at 3 a.m. Tuesday as freezing precipitation moves into Pennsylvania, creating slick interstates before the morning commute.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Tier 1 travel restrictions will take effect at 3 a.m. Tuesday on major interstates statewide ahead of anticipated ice. Speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph on affected roadways, and commercial vehicles will be restricted to the right lane only. Certain vehicles, including empty trailers, tandem trailers, RVs and other high-profile vehicles, are banned during the restriction period.
In the Harrisburg region, impacts will be felt along Interstate 81, Interstate 83 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). Restrictions will also extend to I-78, I-80 and other high-traffic corridors across the state. PennDOT and Pennsylvania State Police will actively enforce the limits.
Freezing rain may create a light glaze on bridges and overpasses, particularly before temperatures rise later Tuesday. Even a thin layer of ice can cause jackknifed trucks and multi-vehicle crashes, especially on elevated stretches of I-83 near the Susquehanna River and along I-81 north toward Carlisle.
Motorists should delay non-essential travel during the early morning hours, increase following distance and check 511PA for real-time updates. Truck drivers should adjust routes and plan for longer travel times.
Restrictions will remain in place until conditions improve Tuesday. Additional limitations could be added if ice accumulations increase during the day.
