Due to the weather conditions, PennDOT has temporarily reduced the speed limit on Interstate 80 in Clarion, Jefferson, Mercer and Venango counties.
“We’re getting pounded with snow right now,” said a representative with Mercer-based State Police.
PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on Interstate 80 in Venango and Mercer counties.
Although PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 770 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
The department also asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.
PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.
PennDOT also reminds citizens that downloadable materials, including home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, are available at www.ReadyPA.org or by downloading the free ReadyPA app for Apple or Android devices. Citizens can also find information about getting involved in local emergency response efforts and other volunteer opportunities through the ReadyPA website.
For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter.
Muli-Vehicle Accident Reported in Mercer County
The treacherous road conditions have resulted in at least one accident.
Interstate 80 westbound is closed between Exit 29 (Barkeyville, Route 8) in Venango County and Exit 19B (Interstate 79 interchange) in Mercer County due to a multi-vehicle accident.
The accident happened around 8:20 a.m., according to Mercer County 911.
The roadway is expected to be re-opened around 10:30 a.m.
Specific details surrounding the crash are not available at this time.
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