PA Turnpike Could Ban Certain Rigs during Snowstorm if Conditions Warrant

HARRISBURG, PA (02/09/2010)(readMedia)-- Pennsylvania Turnpike officials alert motorists that a winter-weather ban could be issued for some or all of the state's toll roads if conditions warrant. The ban would mean that certain passenger vehicles and tractor-trailer rigs would be prohibited from driving on the Turnpike, including:

• Class-9 vehicles (overweight and over-dimensional trucks)

• Large Combination Vehicles (tandem trailers and doubles)

• motorcycles

• recreational vehicles

• tractors hauling empty trailers

• trailers pulled by passenger vehicles (cars, pick-ups, SUVs and vans)

Any of the prohibited vehicles could be pulled over and cited once the ban is in place, according to Pennsylvania State Police Troop T. Any such ban would continue until road and weather conditions improve.

Motorists can get information on vehicle restrictions via the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Variable Message Signs, Highway Advisory Radio 1640AM, the Turnpike web site, www.paturnpike.com or the travel advisory hotline, 1-866-976-8747.

For now, the Pennsylvania Turnpike remains open with no major incidents, and snow-plowing crews are doing their best to keep the road clear. To facilitate plowing, motorists are warned that any unattended or abandoned vehicles on the Turnpike during the storm are subject to be towed at the owner's expense.

Remember to use extreme caution when traveling in inclement weather.