Speed Limit Reduced to 45 MPH on Interstate 78 in Berks County, Pennsylvania

Motorists Urged to Avoid Unnecessary Travel

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As of 9 p.m. today, state officials added Interstate 78 in Berks County to the interstates where the speed limit has been reduced to 45 miles per hour.

The action adds to reduced speed limits imposed on a number of interstates in northeastern Pennsylvania because of the ongoing snow storm.

The affected interstates are:

• Interstate 78 between Exits 10, Frystown, and 45, Lynnport/New Smithville;
• I-80 from the I-81/I-80 split to the New Jersey state line;
• I-81 from the I-81/I-78 split to the New York state line;
• All of I-84;
• All of I-380; and  
• The entire Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476) from the Mid-County interchange to Clark's Summit.

In addition, a ban on all commercial traffic, motorcycles and recreational vehicles is in effect for Interstates 80 in both directions between the New Jersey state line and the junction of Interstate 81; Interstate 84 in both directions; and Interstate 380 in both directions. The ban does not include school buses and tow trucks responding to incidents.

Motorists should not travel unless absolutely necessary.

Although PennDOT will have crews treating roadways around the clock, 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.

According to PennDOT, the best decision is to avoid traveling, but if you must go, be sure that your vehicle is prepared and that you have an emergency kit packed.

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.

Because weather and road conditions can deteriorate quickly, motorists should always check the weather forecast before traveling. Road conditions for interstates and some limited-access highways are available by visiting www.511pa.com before you leave home, or by calling 511 while stopped in a safe location.

PennDOT also reminds citizen that downloadable materials, including home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, are available at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency