(Harrisburg,PA,January 17,2026) – The Pennsylvania Department of transportation (PennDOT) has lifted temporary speed restrictions on Interstate 79 and Interstate 80 in the northwest region of the state.
Speed limits had been reduced to 45 mph due to hazardous winter conditions, but have now been restored to their usual posted limits.
The speed reductions were implemented as a safety precaution in response to snow squalls impacting the region, according to PennDOT. All roadways are now returning to their regularly posted speed limits. The restrictions began earlier Wednesday,January 17,2026,as intense snow squalls created near-zero visibility and icy road surfaces,posing a critically important risk to motorists.PennDOT acted swiftly to reduce speeds,aiming to mitigate accidents and ensure driver safety during the hazardous conditions.
PennDOT crews continue to treat roadways in the area to ensure they are clear of ice and snow, the agency stated. Motorists are advised to exercise caution while driving.
How to Stay Informed on Pennsylvania Road Conditions
Motorists can check conditions on more then 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. The 511PA service is free and available 24 hours a day,providing traffic delay warnings,weather forecasts,and access to over 1,200 traffic cameras.
511PA is also accessible through a smartphone request for both iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts at https://www.511pa.com/twitter.
Individuals can subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts for Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at http://www.pa.gov/DOTDistrict1. Updates for the northwest region are also available on PAErie or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/northwestregionpenndo.
MEDIA CONTACT: Saxon Daugherty, [email protected] or 814-678-7095
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