Pennsylvania DOT's road restrictions, including areas of I-70 and I-80, ahead of winter storm

A winter storm expected to impact much of the Eastern half of the United States Wednesday and Thursday has prompted the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to issue travel restrictions across many of its interstates and highways.

According to AccuWeather, ice accumulation is expected into Wednesday night along and between the I-70 and I-80 corridors in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Icing impacts are expected to expand into parts of the Appalachians, mid-Atlantic and Northeast later in the week.

The highest risk for a significant ice storm is in the central Appalachians north through Pennsylvania and southern New York, AccuWeather added. Up to a half-inch of ice buildup could occur.

PennDOT and PA Turnpike crews will actively pre-treat roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement. However, salt does not resolve all risks, PennDOT said, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form.

In anticipation of the storm, PennDOT has issued travel restrictions barring vehicles hauling tandem trailers -- both empty and loaded -- without chains or other alternative traction device (ATD) on board on certain routes, while banning all commercial vehicle traffic on other routes. The full list of restrictions can be found online here.

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PennDOT also reminded drivers that state law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood and roof (trunks for four-wheelers, too), within 24 hours after the storm has ended. This applies to all vehicles, including commercial vehicles. Drivers in violation of the law are subject to a fine of $50. Additionally, drivers can be cited up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury. 

[Related: Don’t risk personal safety to avoid fines for not removing snow/ice from trailer roofs]