Cars driving slowly on snow-covered Philly street with speed limit sign and caution tape wrapped around tree

PennDOT Slashes Speed Limits on Major Roads

At a Glance

  • Speed limits cut to 45 m.p.h. on 13 major routes across the region
  • Commercial vehicles must stay in the right lane where restrictions apply
  • Plow crews will work through the day until roads are clear
  • Why it matters: Drivers face longer commutes and heightened crash risk as a winter storm lingers
Plow truck treating snow-covered roadway with salt and sand showing icy patches under moonlit sky

PennDOT officials announced early Sunday that a sweeping speed-limit reduction is now in effect on interstates, U.S. highways, and state roads across the Philadelphia region. The move comes as a winter storm is expected to keep snow and ice on the pavement for much of the day.

Routes Affected

The reduced 45 m.p.h. limit applies to:

Interstates

  • 76
  • 95
  • 295
  • 476
  • 676

U.S. Routes

  • 1
  • 30
  • 202
  • 422

State Routes

  • 63
  • 100 Spur
  • 309

Officials emphasize that even where only passenger-vehicle limits are lowered, commercial trucks not otherwise restricted must still keep to the right lane on these roadways.

Ongoing Response

PennDOT says plow teams have been treating roads since before daybreak. While crews will continue spreading salt and clearing lanes, the agency warns that pavement will not be completely free of ice and snow while precipitation continues. Trucks will remain on patrol until the storm ends and roads are deemed clear.

Safety Reminders

Motorists are urged to:

  • Leave extra space when driving near plow trucks
  • Never attempt to pass a vehicle that is plowing or spreading materials
  • Plan for longer travel times and reduced visibility

For additional winter-driving guidance and details on PennDOT storm protocols, drivers can visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. County-specific updates for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties are posted at www.penndot.pa.gov/District6.

Author

  • I’m Michael A. Turner, a Philadelphia-based journalist with a deep-rooted passion for local reporting, government accountability, and community storytelling.

    Michael A. Turner covers Philadelphia city government for Newsofphiladelphia.com, turning budgets, council votes, and municipal documents into clear stories about how decisions affect neighborhoods. A Temple journalism grad, he’s known for data-driven reporting that holds city hall accountable.

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