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Vehicle/speed restrictions to affect multiple interstates: PennDOT

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Vehicle/speed restrictions to affect multiple interstates: PennDOT


Update 8:40 p.m. — The eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90 are closed from Interstate 79 to the New York State line, according to PennDOT.

I-86 westbound lanes have also closed down from I-90 to the New York state line.

All commercial vehicles are banned along Interstate 90 in New York from the PA State line to Interstate 390


Erie, Pa (WJET/WFXP) — Ahead of winter weather impacting the region this weekend, PennDOT has announced new vehicle and speed restrictions.

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Tier 1 vehicle restrictions were in effect overnight, but have since been replaced by the more restrictive Tier 4 restrictions. This restriction change started at 5 a.m. and will last until further notice on the following roads:

  • Interstate 90 from the Ohio state line to the New York state line.
  • Interstate 86 from I-90 to the New York state line.
  • Interstate 79 from Exit 147 (Route 19/Route 322/Route 6/Meadville) to the end of I-79 in Erie County.

Under Tier 4 restrictions, ALL commercial vehicles are banned from traveling along these roadways. This includes school buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes, and passenger vehicle towing trailers.

Speed limits will be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place.

PennDOT states these restrictions are in place to help ensure the interstates remain open during the most challenging conditions of the winter storm. These restrictions will be removed once PennDOT confirms conditions have improved.

For the latest updates, check 511PA’s website. Drivers can also learn how to prep their cars for the winter season with some of 511PA’s tips.

These restrictions are subject to change based on road conditions, which will be

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What happens if you’re involved in a crash?

As bad winter weather can lead to accidents, drivers are asked to follow this advice from state police if they are involved in a crash:

  • Move your vehicle as far as possible from the travel lanes if it’s able to be driven. Remaining in the lanes of travel when your vehicle can be driven is extremely dangerous.
  • If your vehicle or another involved vehicle is not able to be driven due to damage, or if one of the involved parties is injured, PA law requires the crash be reported to police. Do this by dialing 911 right away.
  • If your vehicle is disabled in the lane of travel or stuck in the travel lanes due to snow or ice, remain inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on and hazard lights activated. If it’s not safe to remain inside your vehicle, assess the situation and get yourself and passengers to a place of safety such as behind a barrier or guardrail. When exiting your vehicle, move as quickly as possible and DO NOT remain in the travel lanes or near your vehicle.
  • When encountering a crash scene, the law requires you to move over if possible and always slow down. First responders will be active at the scene and focused on helping those involved in the crash and getting the road back open.

Laws to remember for winter weather driving

Pennsylvania law requires all drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof within 24 hours after the storm has ended.

Drivers in violation can receive a fine of $50. They can also be cited up to $1,500 if snow or ice is dislodged and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious injury.




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Pennsylvania

Update: Freeze warning for part of Pennsylvania until Sunday morning – temperatures to drop to 28

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Update: Freeze warning for part of Pennsylvania until Sunday morning – temperatures to drop to 28


On Saturday at 8:52 p.m. an updated freeze warning was released by the National Weather Service valid from 11 p.m. until Sunday 9 a.m. for Westmoreland Ridges, Fayette Ridges and Higher Elevations of Indiana as well as Mercer, Venango, Forest, Lawrence, Butler, Clarion, Jefferson, Beaver, Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, Greene, Westmoreland, Fayette and Indiana counties.



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Could a gas tax holiday be imposed in Pennsylvania as prices at the pump continue to rise?

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Could a gas tax holiday be imposed in Pennsylvania as prices at the pump continue to rise?


Discussion continues about potentially suspending the Pennsylvania gas tax, one of the highest state gas taxes in the country, as prices at the pump continue to jump.

Lawmakers in both chambers are considering a gas tax holiday that would remove Pennsylvania’s gas tax for a limited period. The Senate proposal would last 60 days, while the House version would run for six months. Supporters say the move would provide needed help for people across the state, while opponents argue it is not sustainable.

The proposals would save drivers about 57 cents per gallon on gasoline and about 75 cents per gallon on diesel from the state gas tax.

Representatives of the Democratic senator Lisa Boscola, who proposed the Senate bill and is from the Lehigh area, said they will continue pushing the measure they believe is needed by families around the state and are optimistic it will pass.

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In the House, the effort is mostly being pushed by Republicans, though local Republican Rep. Jim Rigby said he does not support it because it is “not a real solution.”

Democratic Rep. Paul Takac agrees, saying state police and PennDOT road work are funded through the gas tax, and that suspending it would essentially defund both, and they would have to find money to fill those voids. Takac added that he has not heard any serious intention to move the bill forward.

Democratic Rep. Frank Burns said he believes that if the proposal came to a vote, a gas tax holiday would pass with bipartisan support and would provide at least a small break to struggling families.

The debate continues as gas prices continue rising, with another jump in the last week.

Chief economist Gbenga Ajilore of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says prices are unlikely to fall soon.

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“It seems like gas prices are going to go up, and even if there’s some sort of resolution in say the next couple weeks, it’s going to be difficult to see prices go down anytime soon,” Ajilore said.

The Senate is back in session on Monday and for the next few days after that, but not again until June. If the gas tax holiday is going to move forward anytime soon, that is when it would likely happen.

In the House, the proposal would need to clear the Democratic-led Transportation Committee before it could go to a vote.



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Pennsylvania unemployment rate remains at 4.2% for March: Report

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Pennsylvania unemployment rate remains at 4.2% for March: Report


PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2% for March, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced in its preliminary report Friday.

According to L&I, the rate in Pennsylvania was one-tenth of a percentage point below the country’s unemployment rate, which fell to 4.3% compared to February.

The civilian labor force, consisting of residents working or looking for work, increased by 6,000 to 6,593,000, and employment increased by 9,000 while unemployment decreased by 3,000 from February.

Nonfarm jobs also rose in March, to 6,189,600, while jobs in six industry supersectors increased. Trade, transportation, and utilities were up 5,100 during March.

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For more information about L&I, visit its website here.



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