Motorists on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County will encounter vehicle restrictions and reduced speed limits starting at 2 p.m. Friday as state officials prepare for a winter storm expected to dump significant snow and ice on the region.
Schuylkill County is currently under a Winter Storm Watch that goes into effect at 1 a.m. Friday and expires at 1 a.m. Saturday. Snow accumulation of 3-5 inches is expected along with ice accumulation of up to two-tenths of an inch.
PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced the implementation of Tier 3 restrictions Wednesday afternoon. Under these rules, speed limits will be reduced to 45 mph on affected roadways, and strict prohibitions will be placed on commercial and towing vehicles.
Starting at 2 p.m. Friday, the restrictions apply to I-81, north of I-83, covering the entirety of the interstate through Schuylkill County, as well as all interstates east of I-81 and the entire length of Route 33.
Under Tier 3 restrictions, no commercial vehicles are permitted on the highway unless they are loaded single trailers equipped with chains or approved alternate traction devices.
The state has also banned the following vehicles from the roadway during the restriction period:
- School buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches.
- RVs and motorhomes.
- Motorcycles.
- Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks) towing trailers.
Commercial vehicles not banned by the order must remain in the right lane.
For residents traveling outside the county, restrictions begin earlier in western and southern Pennsylvania. Starting at 10 a.m. Friday, Tier 3 restrictions will take effect on I-81 south of I-83, as well as all interstates west of I-81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike I-70 and I-76 corridors in the west.
Mahanoy City Announces Snow Ban
Mahanoy City has announced a snow ban ahead of Friday’s anticipated winter storm. The Snow Ban goes into effect at noon Friday and expires at 4 p.m. Saturday.
During this period, parking will be banned on Centre, Main, Liberty Hill, and South streets in the borough.
Vehicles parked in the prohibited area will be ticketed and towed, police in Mahanoy City say.
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