PennDOT Closes Roads Ahead of Winter Snowstorm

Truckers traveling through the Keystone State may want to take caution and plan ahead, as PennDOT is closing approximately 500 miles of road due to safety concerns resulting from nasty weather.

Tiers Causing Tears

PennDOT has a system it uses to determine how closed roads are due to freezing temperatures, rating closures on a scale of one to five.

The following roads have a Tier 4 closure starting February 13th, meaning no commercial vehicles are allowed on them unless they are life-saving/emergency vehicles (private passenger vehicles with proper equipment such as chains are still permitted):

• I-80 from milepost 173 (Lamar) to the New Jersey state line (~150 miles).
• I-81 from I-78 to the New York state line.
• I-84, entire length (~232 miles).
• I-180, entire length (~29 miles).
• I-380, entire length (~73 miles).
• PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476) from I-80 to Clarks Summit (Exit 130).

Additionally, the following roads have a Tier 2 closure, which only allows fully loaded big rigs on the road (chains or other methods of increased traction for these vehicles are not required at Tier 2, but we still recommend it, especially with any chance that the Tier 2 becomes a Tier 3):

• PA Turnpike (I-76) from New Stanton to Breezewood (Exits 75 to 161; ~95 miles).
• I-78, entire length (~144 miles).
• I-80 from I-79 to milepost 173 (Lamar).
• I-99, entire length (~88 miles).
• U.S. 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey state line.
• Route 33, entire length (~58 miles).
• PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476) from I-78 to I-80.

Conclusion

The slow season for trucking is also the snow season for trucking (that pun was terrible, we apologize). It is important when driving in high-risk areas to prepare your truck adequately, not only on the outside but maintaining warmth in the cabin as well.

The best advice we can give to you is the same that PennDOT is giving by instating these travel bans: if the road ahead looks so terrible that it seems like a bad idea to continue on, wait until the weather clears.

As of the time of writing, there is no clear indication of when these restrictions will clear, but considering it is because of snow, it is safe to assume the roads will be safe for travel again by at least July.

ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING

TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.

We’re not here for the short-term, we’re on the long-haul with you!

We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.

Learn more about Trailer Financing.

Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.