PennDOT Issues Travel Restrictions Ahead of Sunday Storm

Tier 1 restrictions to be in place on major roadways as up to 9 inches of snow is expected.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced travel restrictions on major highways and interstates across the state ahead of a winter storm expected to bring up to 9 inches of snow to Lancaster County on Sunday. The Tier 1 restrictions will prohibit certain vehicles like tractors without trailers, RVs, and motorcycles from using the affected roadways.

Why it matters

Travel restrictions are a common precaution taken by transportation authorities to improve safety and reduce accidents during severe winter weather. With the potential for heavy snowfall, PennDOT is aiming to keep the roads clear for essential travel and emergency vehicles.

The details

Beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Tier 1 vehicle restrictions will be in place on a number of major roadways including Interstates 76, 78, 80, 81, 83, 84, 95, 283, 295, 380, and 476, as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Under these restrictions, tractors without trailers, RVs, motorhomes, buses, motorcycles, and unloaded box trucks will not be permitted on the affected roads. Speed limits may also be reduced to 45 mph during the restrictions.

  • The travel restrictions will go into effect at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The winter storm is expected to bring up to 9 inches of snow to Lancaster County on Sunday.

The players

PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining and overseeing the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure.

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What’s next

PennDOT officials say additional restrictions could be put in place on Sunday depending on the severity of the storm. Updates on travel conditions and restrictions will be announced via 511pa.com.

The takeaway

With a major winter storm on the way, PennDOT is taking proactive steps to improve safety and keep essential travel moving by restricting certain vehicles from the roads. Drivers should check 511pa.com for the latest updates and plan their travel accordingly.