The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel as a strong winter storm continues to impact the region. Hazardous conditions have led to multiple interstate closures and ongoing speed limit reductions across northwestern Pennsylvania.
Due to heavy snow, reduced visibility, and multiple incidents, the following interstates remain closed:
- Interstate 79 – Both directions from the I-80 interchange to Exit 130 (Route 358, Greenville/Sandy Lake) in Mercer County.
- Interstate 86 – Westbound from Exit 3 (Route 89, Wattsburg/North East) to the I‑90 interchange.
- Interstate 90 – Westbound from Exit 41 (Route 89, North East) to Exit 32 (Route 290/430, Wesleyville/Bayfront Connector) in Erie County.
PennDOT reports that the scene on I‑79 northbound near Exit 174 (McKean) was cleared earlier this afternoon. All remaining closures will stay in effect until conditions improve and crews can safely reopen the roadways.
As the storm intensified, PennDOT temporarily lowered speed limits to 45 mph on several major routes, including:
- Interstate 79 from I‑80 to its northern endpoint in Erie County
- Interstate 80 from the Ohio state line to Exit 97 (Route 219, Dubois/Brockway)
- Interstate 86 from the I‑90 interchange to the New York state line
- Interstate 90 from the Ohio state line to the New York state line
- Interstate 376 from the I‑80 interchange to Exit 13A (Route 224, Poland) in Lawrence County
Commercial vehicles unaffected by restrictions must remain in the right lane while these limits are in place…