PennDOT released several new features on www.511pa.com this year and additional ways to be notified of restrictions and closures. These are outlined below.

Please view PMTA’s November 19 Winter Weather Webinar with PennDOT here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko1rC6XVp_o&list=PLu1pc47nWerNjsERXndmbsvdAfJi84yPG&index=1

*To clarify something mentioned in the webinar, Winter Weather Restrictions apply to commercial motor vehicles, regardless of CDL status. For clarification on vehicles included in the restrictions, please view the tier chart posted on 511PA. https://www.511pa.com/vehiclerestrictions/definitions 

When are the restrictions applied?

The restrictions are applied during periods of inclement weather that affect Pennsylvania highways, regardless of whether the Governor has issued a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency.

Where can I find an explanation/description of PennDOT’s winter weather restrictions?

The 2024 Inclement Winter Weather Travel Restriction and Ban Framework is available on www.511pa.com by clicking on the Vehicle Restrictions dropdown in the upper right-hand corner and selecting “Travel Restriction and Ban Framework.” The Framework can be downloaded and saved.

The infographic displaying the Tiers is posted here: https://www.511pa.com/vehiclerestrictions/definitions

What types of restrictions are there? 

There are two types of restrictions in the Winter Weather Framework:

Speed Restrictions: Temporary reductions in speed limits during inclement weather to enhance safety on the road.

• Apply to all vehicles.
• Also include a right-lane-only restriction for CMVs and vehicles towing trailers.
• Can be enforced independently or in combination with tier restrictions/bans.
• Motorists are made aware of speed restrictions through variable message signs on the highways, 511PA, and in some areas, variable speed limit signs.

Tier Restrictions/Bans 

• Incremental prohibitions on certain types of vehicles based on severity of weather and road conditions, ranging from Tier 1, where vehicles are more likely to lose traction or become stranded due to their weight or configuration are banned, to Tier 5, where all non-emergency vehicles are banned from roadways.  Please see the Framework infographic here for more detail on the tiers: 

How does PennDOT decide which restrictions to put into place for a winter storm?

PennDOT coordinates with the PA Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), PA State Police (PSP), and the PA Turnpike Commission (PTC) on its response to winter weather and the specific tier restrictions to impose. Factors considered include current and projected weather (including snow and ice accumulation forecasts, flash freeze potential, and snowfall rates, timing, and intensity), roadway and travel conditions, manpower and equipment available, and conditions and restrictions in contiguous states.

Which highways could the restrictions impact?

Winter weather restrictions can be imposed only on limited access highways under the jurisdiction of PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission. Local roads are not affected.

How will I know when restrictions are planned?

Generally, PennDOT notifies the public 24-72 hours in advance when restrictions are planned. PMTA is often among the first notified of impending restrictions, and staff members send an email to members immediately, advising them to check 511PA for updates.

There are several ways you can access official notifications regarding winter weather events and restrictions, including:

1. Go directly to www.511pa.com. Restrictions and planned restrictions are posted quickly and are available by map and by downloadable list. 511PA is the best, most accurate, and up-to-date source of information about winter weather restrictions.

• In a list view – select “Vehicle Restrictions List” in the Vehicle Restrictions dropdown. Filters to sort by include Roadway, Start Time, and Turnpike Only. The list can be exported to excel or PDF. (Though keep in mind that you’ll need to rerun and export the list as listed restrictions change!) From the list view, you can click “View on Map” to see the specific section of highway affected on the map.

• On a map (www.511PA.com). The map has certain advantages, including:
  • Always up-to-date upon refreshing
  • Zoomable and searchable
  • Restrictions are color-coded
  • You can enter a specific route, and restrictions in effect on that route will be displayed
  • You can save your map view so that it displays the same location every time you open 511PA
  • Includes cameras noted on the map and in selected routes so that you can view traffic conditions in those locations
  • Planned restrictions are shown on the map in a dotted line (NEW this year), while restrictions in effect are a solid line

2. Subscribe to vehicle restriction notifications on 511PA here: https://www.511pa.com/my511/simplesignup. By providing your email or phone number, you can select to receive notifications when incidents, closures, construction, and/or restrictions are active on 511PA. The site allows you to receive notifications for specific counties or all counties.

3. Register to become a PA Business Emergency Operations Center (PA BEOC) Trusted Partner. The PA BEOC, managed by PEMA, promotes collaboration between businesses and state agencies for effective information sharing before, during, and after disasters.

Being a Trusted Partner provides a platform for two-way communication to assess incident impacts, access to training opportunities, and most importantly for winter weather, detailed email updates and dashboard alerts (when activated). Information provided on these updates include travel restrictions and maps, state and federal declarations, including hours-of-service waivers, and weather updates, power outage reports, and sector-specific insights. Sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Trusted-Partner

4. Subscribe to PennDOT’s press releases statewide or by district: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/penndot/news-and-media.html

5. The public is also notified of restrictions by:

• Variable message signs along affected highways
• Highway advisory radio systems
• State social media accounts (PennDOT, PEMA, PA Turnpike)

Will PMTA inform me every time a restriction is changed or lifted?

No. PMTA informs members when we become aware that a restriction is planned, and we direct members to 511PA. We often will periodically send updates throughout a storm if major changes are made.  

How often are restrictions reassessed?

The state continuously reassesses the need for restrictions every 2-4 hours during a weather event to minimize closure durations.

How will I know when restrictions have been lifted or changed?

When restrictions are lifted or changed, PennDOT and/or the PA Turnpike will communicate this through official channels and on variable message signs.

Please note that PMTA has urged PennDOT to be responsive to on-the-ground weather conditions during events, rather than implementing restrictions at set times regardless of conditions. This ensures that roadways are open if they can safely be open, and tiers are placed only when conditions warrant it. However, being responsive to changing weather conditions means that PennDOT’s restriction times and tiers may change suddenly during a weather event. As a result, restrictions may be placed or lifted both sooner or later than expected. The intent is to minimize the impact on commerce of weather restrictions while being responsive to safety concerns. 

Members are strongly encouraged to watch 511PA or other official channels for the most up-to-date information. 

What is an “empty” trailer?

For purposes of the tier restrictions, an empty or lightly loaded trailer is defined as a trailer that is less than 1/3 of its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which includes both the trailer’s weight and any cargo it’s carrying. A trailer with cargo that exceeds this threshold would not be considered “empty” and is subject to stricter tier restrictions. See: https://www.511pa.com/vehiclerestrictions/definitions

What is a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)? 

When determining your status in the tiers, you must remember a CMV is:

• Interstate - 10,001 lbs or more GVW
• Intrastate - 17,001 lbs or more GVW

CMV are restricted starting at Tier 1. 

Do tier restrictions/bans always have speed restrictions? 

No, though both are frequently in effect at the same time. Speed restrictions operate independently of tier restrictions. For example, a Tier 1 restriction may be implemented without reducing speed limits if road conditions allow for normal speed. Speed restrictions are often paired with higher-tier restrictions (e.g., Tier 2, 3) when road conditions are more hazardous. When speed restrictions are in place, CMVs are limited to the right lane only. 

Are there exemptions to the restrictions?

Yes, details are available in Appendix D of the Framework. These exemptions include the following:

Electric Utility Restoration Crews and Support Vehicles: Vehicles directly responsible for responding to emergencies involving downed electric utility lines and/or restoration of power. This includes power restoration crews passing through Pennsylvania to assist other impacted states.

Gas Utility Restoration Crews and Support Vehicles: Vehicles addressing gas outages or leaks to support critical utility restoration or mitigate life-threatening situations.

Water Utility Restoration Crews and Support Vehicles: Vehicles responding to significant water main breaks or other emergency situations posing life or safety risks.

Telecommunications Utility Restoration Crews and Support Vehicles: Vehicles restoring telecommunications (voice and data) to critical infrastructure, such as 911 centers, hospitals, and healthcare facilities.

Emergency Services/Public Safety Vehicles: Vehicles engaged in law enforcement, fire response, emergency medical services (EMS), and emergency management operations.

State, County, and Municipal Public Works Vehicles:
Vehicles engaged in snow removal, debris clearance, or emergency maintenance/repair operations, including contracted vehicles.

Liquid Fuels Delivery Vehicles:
Vehicles delivering propane, fuel oil, gasoline, or other fuels to individuals, businesses, or agencies experiencing dangerously low fuel supplies (defined as less than 36 hours remaining).

Tow Trucks and Commercial Recovery Vehicles:
Vehicles removing stranded or disabled passenger or commercial vehicles and reopening roadways.

Salt Delivery Vehicles:
Vehicles delivering road treatment materials to public works facilities.

Public Transportation and Public Transit Authorities:
Buses and passenger transport vehicles operating on established routes as part of a public transportation system or authority, unless otherwise restricted.

  Are there any other exemptions?

Under certain circumstances, specific local exemptions may be granted for operators needing to transit short sections of restricted or banned highways. These require:

Favorable road conditions for safe travel.

A compelling reason justifying the exemption.

Approval from the PennDOT Area Commander, in consultation with PSP, PEMA, and PTC.

Note: Additional exemptions may apply for restrictions lasting over 24 hours, such as delivering hospital supplies, medical gases, or bulk liquid fuels for critical infrastructure support.

Where can I request an exemption?

        Carriers needing to request approval for an exemption should contact their local PennDOT Area Commander.

District office contact information is available here: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/penndot/regional-offices.html

For general inquiries during winter weather events, call 1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623).

PMTA Tip

• When requesting an exemption, be prepared with details about your vehicle, cargo, and justification for the exemption (e.g., emergency fuel delivery, utility restoration).
• Provide exact travel routes and expected timing to expedite the approval process.

What are the requirements for tire chains and traction devices in the tier restrictions?

Certain trucks require tire chains or alternate traction devices on board in Tiers 2 and 3 to be permitted on the road (loaded doubles in Tier 2 and all other loaded trucks in Tier 3). When required by tier restrictions, all vehicles required to must carry tire chains or approved alternate traction devices (ATDs).

What are Alternate Traction Devices? 

Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs) are approved mechanisms used to improve a vehicle’s traction during inclement winter weather when traditional tire chains are not suitable or available (see Appendix E of the Framework). ATDs are considered an acceptable alternative to tire chains to carry on board under PA’s Framework. The following types of ATDs are approved for use in Pennsylvania by trucks:

1. Wheel Sanders: Vehicles must carry enough sand to get through restricted areas.

2. Pneumatically Driven Chains: Chains that spin under the drive wheels automatically as traction is lost, providing grip without the need for manual installation.

3. Emergency Dig-Out Chains (NEW this year): Temporary chains used to help a vehicle regain traction when stuck in snow or ice. These chains are for emergency use only and must be removed before continuous driving. They also are not substitutes for full traction devices in mandatory chain-up areas.

I’m seeing new Chain-Up Areas in the state. What are these?

Within the past few years, PennDOT has launched mandatory Chain-Up areas in the state. There are three that may be activated this winter:

1. US-322 Westbound in Mifflin County prior to Seven Mountains
2. SR-153 Northbound in Clearfield County prior to Boone Mountain
3. US-40 Westbound in Fayette County prior to Summit Mountain

In each of these designated locations, trucks must apply tire chains or cables during specific weather conditions to improve traction and prevent accidents and roadway blockages. Key details:

• Mandatory chain-up areas are identified by specific signage and flashing warning lights, which are activated when conditions warrant.
• Designated chain up and removal pull-off areas are provided so that drivers can stop and apply or remove chains without impeding traffic flow.
• Only full tire chains or cables are permitted for use in Chain-Up areas. Emergency dig-out chains are not a substitute.
• PennDOT will provide advance warning of chain-up requirements through signage and other official communication channels. Check 511PA for details.
• Enforcement is coordinated with the PA State Police and local law enforcement.