PennDOT Bringing Extra Plows, Snow Removal Equipment to Erie County

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is bringing extra plows and snow removal equipment to speed up the cleanup from the winter storm in northwestern Pennsylvania, according to an update provided Saturday.

PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll is in Erie County working with state and local officials to make sure roadways can be made safe and passable for emergency responders and other drivers.

Mobile Equipment Teams (MET), including at least 16 additional plow trucks and other heavy equipment, have been brought in from other PennDOT districts to shorten cycle times of plow routes, which traditionally can take between two and three hours.

While PennDOT crews have been treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, so they may not be completely free of ice and snow. PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until the precipitation stops and roads are clear.

“This storm presents a unique challenge to our staff, and everyone involved. With snow intensities ranging from two to four inches per hour for extended periods of time, we are working as hard as possible to make the roads safe and passable,” said PennDOT District 1 Executive Brian McNulty in a statement. “We are advising motorists to please stay home and avoid all non-essential travel to allow our team time to do their jobs.”

The entire length of I-90 and I-86, as well as Interstate 79 from Exit 147 (Meadville) to the end of I-79 in Erie County, are under a Tier 4 vehicle restriction, which prohibits all commercial vehicles.

All school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are also not permitted while the restrictions are in place.

Speed limits will be limited to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place.