Winter Storm Gail is expected to bring a widespread swath of heavy wet snow is likely from the central Appalachians and interior Mid-Atlantic into portions of the Northeast and southern New England. Freezing rain and ice are also likely in western North Carolina and southwest Virginia. Travel is not recommended.
The following states have some specific restrictions effective today – Dec. 16, 2020.
Pennsylvania
Attention Motorists: Due to impending Winter Storm Gail, effective on December 16th, 2020 beginning at 1:00 PM, PennDOT will enact the following Commercial Vehicle Restrictions:
- No tractors without trailers, tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers, tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers, enclosed cargo delivery trucks that meet the definition of a CMV, passenger vehicles towing trailers, recreational vehicles/motorhomes, school buses, commercial buses and motor coaches, and motorcycles on the following roadways: I-78, I-80 (I-99 to NJ), I-81, I-83, I-84, I-95, I-283, I-295, I-380, I-676, PA-33, I-76 (Breezewood to NJ including the PA Turnpike), I-476 (I-95 to Clark Summit including the PA Turnpike).
New York
- Empty and Tandem Tractor Trailers Banned on all MTA Bridges and Tunnels Beginning at 4:00 p.m.
- Beginning at 5:00 p.m., all empty tractor trailers and tandem vehicles will be banned on Interstate 84 from the Connecticut State Line to the Pennsylvania State Line, on Interstate 684 from Interstate 84 to Interstate 287 and on Route 17 from Interstate 84 to Interstate 81.
- Beginning at 5:00 p.m., all empty tractor trailers and tandem vehicles will be banned from the Thruway (I-87) south of exit 24 (Albany) to New York City (including the Berkshire Spur, Garden State Parkway extension, New England Thruway and the Cross Westchester Expressway).
New Jersey
- I-78, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
- I-80, from the Pennsylvania border to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
- I-195, from I-295 to NJ Route 138
- I-280, from I-80 to I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
- I-287, from NJ Route 440 to the New York State border
- I-295, from I-195 to the Scudders Falls Bridge (Pennsylvania border)
- NJ Route 440, from the Outerbridge Crossing to I-287
- The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:
- All tractor trailers (exceptions as listed in the Administrative Order)
- Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
- Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
- Recreational vehicles
- Motorcycles
- This restriction DOES NOT apply to:
- The New Jersey Turnpike
- The Garden State Parkway
- The Atlantic City Expressway
- Public safety vehicles, sworn and civilian public safety personnel; as well as other personnel directly supporting healthcare facilities or critical infrastructure such as providing fuel or food. For a complete list of operations or personnel that are exempt from the travel ban, see the Administrative Order.
Massachusetts
- Beginning at 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, Massachusetts is implementing a tractor trailer and tandem ban on all limited access highways in the state.
Rhode Island
- Beginning at 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, Massachusetts is implementing a tractor trailer and tandem ban on all limited access highways in the state.
WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is working with all state DOT’s to keep everyone as informed as possible on winter weather travel restrictions. Please check back here for updates.