Dear Customer,
After extensive developing and testing, the all-new Indiana Oversize/Overweight Permitting System is scheduled to go live on Feb. 8.
To facilitate the transition to the new system, DOR’s Motor Carrier Services (MCS) will stop taking applications for new OSW permits at 4 p.m. EST on Monday, Feb. 1.
Carriers may travel on permits previously applied for as long as permit applications are completed by 4 p.m. EST on Feb. 1 and paid for by 4 p.m. EST on Feb. 4. Due to increased volume, we ask that you submit your requests as early as possible.
MCS is asking our customers to carefully review the detailed information on osw.in.gov now to prepare for the temporary disruption in permitting services.
Online access to the current system will be limited to viewing, payments and downloads of permits in process until 4 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 4. From the afternoon of Feb. 4, until the new system goes online on Feb. 8, there will be no online permitting functions available. (See the graphic below for more details). Procedures are in place for OSW permits in case of an emergency (as defined by INDOT).
Also, you may review the user guide to learn how the new system works. It is recommended to have it readily available when you use the new system for the first time.
The new Indiana Oversize/Overweight Permitting System, will have a new look and several new features. While, you’ll be able to access the system in the same way, the new system will be easier to use. Additionally permits will be more accurate and processing times will be reduced. Customers will be able to enter specific destinations, rather than just city names, choose among up to four pre-approved routes (where available) and immediately download permits without waiting up to 24 hours for a manual review (for most permits). You will not need to create a new account when using the new system for the first time.
Funding for the new Indiana Oversize/Overweight Permitting System, developed by ProMiles Inc., was provided by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).
Sincerely,
Motor Carrier Services Indiana Department of Revenue
Bernard A. Brown, the visionary behind National Freight, Inc., one of the oldest trucking companies in the United States and the predecessor to the third-party logistics leader NFI, died Thursday, at the age of 96, at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Mr. Brown was formerly from Philadelphia and Vineland, New Jersey.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a family that fled Europe from religious persecution, Mr. Brown embodied the American dream. At the age of nine, Bernie, as he was affectionately known, and his family moved to Vineland, New Jersey. He graduated from Vineland High School in 1942 and went on to attend Temple University, but left prior to graduating to help his father run his business. At an early age, Mr. Brown was enamored with the trucking business that his father started. Following the untimely death of his father, at age twenty-six he had the vision and courage to take a small company operating a few dump trucks and turn it into one of the most respected trucking companies in the country.
Mr. Brown embodied all of the attributes of a self-made businessman. He quickly figured out that business was all about relationships. In the early part of his career, he created contracts with the government, hauling supplies and goods that supported the military through World War II. He formed partnerships with local glass manufacturers in South Jersey which ultimately led to contracts with the largest companies in the United States. Mr. Brown was a trailblazer in the trucking industry and was at the forefront of federal transportation regulations in the 1980's. His work led to the acceptance of high-cube trailers and the expansion from traditional 48 foot trailers to 53, 55, and eventually 57 foot trailers. In 1988, he was honored as the Man of the Year by the New Jersey Motor Truck Association. He knew the importance of hard work and perseverance as he led his company through wars, recessions, natural disasters, and deregulation. Most importantly, he knew that his employees were his company's most important asset, and he continued his relationships with many of his colleagues and veteran drivers following his retirement.
His vision and spirit led to what ultimately became one of the largest and most successful, family-owned and operated, third-party logistics companies in North America, NFI. Today, that company employs more than 14,000 employees, operates over 250 locations in the United States and Canada, and serves the largest and most sophisticated shippers in the world. To this day, his son's continue to own and operate the legacy freight business that was started in 1932.
Mr. Brown's entrepreneurial spirit did not start and end in the trucking business. He was a real estate investor, founder of two banks, and an owner of a professional hockey team. Mr. Brown saw the natural extension of his transportation business and invested in warehousing and real estate. His real estate company, Vineland Construction Company, of which he was the Chairman of the Board until his death, is led by his daughter Anne and continues to own and operate commercial and retail properties throughout the United States. He was the Chairman of the Board Emeritus of NFI, Sun Bancorp, and Citizens United Bank. In 1960, Mr. Brown was a founder of Citizens United Bank, which was later sold in 1983. In 1986, he was a founder in Sun Bancorp, a small, regional bank that operated more than 50 branches and was ultimately listed on the NASDAQ. Bernie loved sports, and although it was short lived, he was the owner of the Philadelphia Blazers, a World Hockey Association franchise, in 1971. He was the first owner to give a million dollar contract to a professional hockey player. Mr. Brown even owned a horse farm in Vineland where he bred and raced horses under the stable name of Redwood Acres.
Business was a huge part of Mr. Brown's life, but it was not the only thing that defined him. He was a man who cared deeply about his family and his community. Bernie is survived by his wife Shirlee, whom he loved and admired. She was the solid foundation that allowed him to pursue his dreams. They would have been married 70 years this coming February. Mr. and Mrs. Brown believed in giving back to the community and never forgot their roots.
Over the years, Mr. and Mrs. Brown supported numerous local and national organizations with their time and philanthropy. In the mid-1960's, Mr. Brown was instrumental in founding the Cumberland County Community College, where he believed that quality, affordable education, should be accessible to all. As an original founding member and Trustee of Cumberland County Community College he served as Chairman of the Board from 1972 through 1975. In 1991, he was awarded an honorary Associate of Arts degree from Cumberland County Community College. In 2008, the Shirlee and Bernard Brown University Center opened on the campus to support student life. Mr. Brown also served on the Board of Trustees at the former Newcomb Hospital and was a director and member of the Vineland YMCA. He was a Director of the Arthritis Foundation at Hahnemann University Medical Center in Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were also active supporters of the Vineland United Way and Jewish Federation of Cumberland County. In 2004 they joined the Department of Ophthalmology Advisory Board of the Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia University. They endowed a glaucoma research laboratory at Columbia University in 2005, and in 2007, they established the Shirlee and Bernard Brown Professorship of Glaucoma at Columbia. Later, in 2018 they established the Shirlee and Bernard Brown Glaucoma Genetics Initiative Fund at Columbia University. Mr. and Mrs. Brown established the Edward Viner Intensive Care Unit at Cooper Hospital, donated to the Humanism Center at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, and endowed a scholarship fund for the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. In 2006 Mr. and Mrs. Brown established scholarships at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. He was the President of Beth Israel Congregation in Vineland serving two non-consecutive terms and a supporter of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Mr. Brown was a thirty-second degree mason.
Bernie Brown was larger than life and an icon in the trucking industry. He was able to impact the lives of many through his hard work and generous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bernard A. Brown was preceded in death by his parents, Israel and Anna Brown; brother Sidney Brown; and sister Reba Shuman. He is lovingly survived by his wife Shirlee (nee. Greenblatt); children Anne Koons, Ike (Candy) Brown, Sid (Sandy) Brown, Jeff (Tracy) Brown; ten grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and niece Barbara Weinstein.
Private services were held at Beth El Synagogue in Voorhees, New Jersey and he was buried at Alliance Cemetery in Norma, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in the honor of Bernard A. Brown can be donated to the Cooper Foundation at Cooper Hospital, 3 Cooper Plaza, Suite 500, Camden, New Jersey, 08103 or The Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, 401 South Broadway, Camden, New Jersey, 08103.
ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360
To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com
Go to Inspection-Bulletin-2021-02-Vaccine-Transport.pdf (wildapricot.org) to view Bulletin.
FMCSA is proposing to revise the regulatory guidance concerning recording time operating a commercial motor vehicle as a ``yard move.'' This guidance applies to all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers required to record their hours of service. The Agency requests public comments on the proposed guidance, which includes examples of properties that are and are not ``yards.'' Movements of CMVs in ``yards'' would be considered ``yard moves'' and could be recorded as on-duty not driving time rather than driving time.
View PDF
PA Turnpike Reminds Motorists of Weekend Toll Increases
New TOLL BY PLATE rates now include discount for pre-registered drivers.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) reminds drivers that toll increases announced earlier this year are set to take effect Sunday Jan. 3 just after midnight. In July, the PTC approved a 6 percent toll increase for all E-ZPass rates systemwide and for the PA Turnpike TOLL BY PLATE rates that had been established before the March 2020 conversion to All-Electronic Tolling (AET) at these six locations:
Like previous annual toll-rate increases, this measure was primarily driven by the PA Turnpike’s annual transit payments of $450 million to PennDOT as mandated by Acts 44 of 2007 and 89 of 2013. Since 2007, the Commission has transferred $7 billion in funding to PennDOT.
Additional Increase for TOLL BY PLATE Rates
The Commission in July also approved new TOLL BY PLATE rates at all other toll facilities that were converted to AET in March. These new rates, which also take effect Jan. 3, include the 6% increase along with an additional 45% increase over the 2020 cash rate for TOLL BY PLATE motorists. The rates — which reflect the higher cost of collecting this way — will not be applied at the six toll facilities listed above.
“The new TOLL BY PLATE rates offset the higher costs the Commission incurs to process the toll, mail the invoices and collect payment — a pricing approach used by tolling agencies across the nation to cover the cost of administering AET systems,” PTC CEO Mark Compton explained. “This balanced approach allows us to maintain a lower rate for those choosing a payment method that is less costly to administer, while those who choose a pricier payment option absorb those costs.”
PTC Toll App Discount
The PTC also announced an upgrade to its tolling smartphone app. In addition to E-ZPass account management, non-E-ZPass customers will be able to use the smartphone app to create an autopay account and receive 15% savings on their monthly TOLL BY PLATE invoices. The enhanced app — called “PA Toll Pay” — will be available for Turnpike travelers Jan. 3, 2021.
“Given the significantly higher rates now associated with the TOLL BY PLATE option, we wanted to offer an alternative that would provide a measure of relief for travelers,” Compton explained.
With the PA Turnpike TOLL BY PLATE option, high-speed cameras capture license-plate images as vehicles pass by. The registered owner receives an invoice for trips made through the tolling point. Invoices can be paid online, by phone or by mail. Upon receipt of a TOLL BY PLATE invoice, recipients also have an option to open an E-ZPass account and pay the lowest rate.
E-ZPass Offers Lowest Rate
“E-ZPass drivers will continue to receive the lowest toll rates across the PA Turnpike,” Compton said, “with some customers saving nearly 60% in 2021.”
Starting Jan. 3, the most common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase from $1.50 to $1.60 for E-ZPass customers and from $2.50 to $3.90 for those choosing TOLL BY PLATE. The most common toll for a Class-5 tractor trailer will increase from $12.20 to $13 for E-ZPass and from $17.30 to $26.60 for TOLL BY PLATE customers.
Compton strongly encouraged PA Turnpike travelers to switch to E-ZPass, since it is the most convenient, economical way to travel and is accepted in all neighboring states and across the eastern United States.
“Currently, 86 percent of our customers have chosen E-ZPass, with more switching every day. Now that hundreds of grocery stores in the Commonwealth offer E-ZPass, chances are you pass by at least one of them,” Compton said. “Because of our low administration and enrollment fees, and the ability to set up an automatically replenished or cash-funded E-ZPass account, there’s no reason not to get it.”
Most of PA’s top grocery chains offer E-ZPass GoPaks, including Giant Eagle, Acme, Giant Food Stores and Wegmans. In addition, travelers can pick up an E-ZPass GoPak — which includes a transponder that must be registered before it is used — at all 17 Turnpike service plazas and Pennsylvania AAA offices. To find a location nearby, visit https://www.paturnpike.com/toll/sales.aspx.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced a final rule to streamline the process for men and women interested in entering the trucking workforce. The new rule will allow states to permit a third-party skills test examiner to administer the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) skills test to applicants to whom the examiner has also provided skills training.
“During the COVID-19 public health emergency truckers have been American heroes—and the Department is committed to helping our economy by reducing unnecessary barriers for those interested in obtaining jobs in the trucking industry,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.
Federal rules previously prohibited a third-party CDL skills instructor who is also authorized by the state to administer the CDL skills test from performing both the instruction and the qualifying testing for the same CDL applicant. The final rule announced today eliminates that restriction and permits states, at their discretion, to allow qualified third-party skills trainers to also conduct the skills testing for the same individual. This new rule is designed to alleviate testing delays and eliminate needless inconvenience and expense to the CDL applicant—without compromising safety.
“Under Secretary Chao’s leadership, the Trump Administration has continued to examine ways to provide common-sense regulatory reform and help individuals seeking to enter the commercial driver industry. This new rule will provide states more flexibility during the ongoing public health emergency to test CDL applicants and allow more drivers to safely enter the industry,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Wiley Deck.
FMCSA has been focused on reducing regulatory barriers for CDL applicants. In March 2019, the agency authored a final rule streamlining the process and reducing costs to upgrade from a Class B to Class A CDL— a deregulatory action that will save eligible driver trainees and motor carriers $18 million annually.
The rule change is effective 60 days from publication in the Federal Register.
To view a copy of the final rule, visit: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/third-party-commercial-drivers-license-testers
More than 50,000 North American Standard Level I, II, III and V Inspections were conducted throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S. during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) three-day International Roadcheck commercial motor vehicle and driver inspection and enforcement initiative. The overall vehicle out-of-service rate in North America, for Level I, II and V Inspections combined, was 20.9%.
This year’s International Roadcheck took place Sept. 9-11, 2020. It was originally scheduled for May 5-7, 2020, but was postponed to September due to the coronavirus pandemic. Law enforcement personnel conducted inspections following their departments’ health and safety protocols in order to protect inspectors and the drivers with whom they came into contact.
International Roadcheck is an annual 72-hour inspection and enforcement event that identifies and removes unsafe commercial motor vehicles and drivers from roadways. It highlights the daily work of the more than 13,000 commercial motor vehicle inspectors throughout North America and acknowledges the safety compliance of motor carriers and professional drivers through the issuance of the CVSA decal on eligible vehicles.
During 2020 International Roadcheck, CVSA-certified inspectors primarily conducted the 37-step North American Standard Level I Inspection; however, the Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection and Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection were also acceptable.
This year, 26,451 Level I Inspections, 11,224 Level II Inspections, 11,364 Level III Inspections and 1,112 Level V Inspections were conducted. In total, 50,151 inspections were conducted throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
Vehicles without critical vehicle inspection item violations, after a Level I or Level V Inspection was completed, were eligible for a CVSA decal. Decals were applied to 9,303 power units, 3,662 trailers and 123 passenger carrier vehicles. That’s a total of 13,088 decals issued throughout North America. The CVSA decal is a visual marker that signifies a vehicle has been inspected by a CVSA-certified inspector and no critical vehicle inspection item violations were detected. Generally, vehicles with recently issued decals, which are valid for up to three months, are not re-inspected. Inspection programs typically focus efforts on vehicles that have not yet been inspected and issued a decal.
If an inspector identifies critical vehicle inspection item out-of-service violations, using the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria which outlines such conditions, he or she will render the vehicle out of service, which means the identified out-of-service violations must be corrected before the vehicle will be permitted to proceed.
Vehicles inspected during 2020 International Roadcheck included large trucks/combinations, cargo tanks/combinations transporting hazardous materials (hazmat), non-hazmat cargo tanks/combinations and passenger carrier vehicles.
Top Five Vehicle Out-of-Service (OOS) Violations – North America
The total number of out-of-service vehicle violations from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. combined was 12,254.
Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a category of violations. The 2020 focus was on the driver requirements category of a roadside inspection. A driver may be placed out of service for violations related to the driver’s age; commercial driver’s license or operator’s/chauffeur’s license or permit; medical/physical requirements; record of duty status; sickness or fatigue; or intoxicating beverages, drugs and other substances.
Overall, the top driver out-of-service violation category during 2020 International Roadcheck was for hours of service, accounting for 34.7% of all driver out-of-service violations. The total number of driver out-of-service violations was 3,247.
Top Five Driver OOS Violations – North America
Inspectors also checked safety belt usage during International Roadcheck. A total of 768 seatbelt violations were issued. Seven were issued in Canada, eight in Mexico and 753 in the U.S.
U.S. During this year’s International Roadcheck, 45,046 Level I, II and III Inspections were conducted in the U.S. In total, 7,256 vehicles and 2,365 drivers were removed from roadways due to the discovery of critical vehicle inspection item out-of-service violations or unsafe out-of-service driver conditions during the three days of International Roadcheck.
Top Five Vehicle OOS Violations – U.S.
The total U.S. number of out-of-service vehicle violations identified by inspectors was 10,676.
Top Five Driver OOS Violations – U.S.
The total U.S. number of out-of-service driver violations discovered was 3,072.
The Level I Inspection is the most thorough inspection level, consisting of an in-depth inspection of both the vehicle and the driver. Of the 22,629 Level I Inspections conducted in the U.S. for International Roadcheck, the vehicle out-of-service rate was 22.2% and the driver out-of-service rate was 5.3%. That’s 5,023 vehicles and 1,203 drivers removed from roadways due to out-of-service violations.
In addition to the Level I Inspections performed, 11,085 Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspections and 11,332 Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspections were also conducted in the U.S.
During 2020 International Roadcheck, CVSA decals were applied to 7,515 power units, 2,745 trailers and 118 passenger carrier vehicles in the U.S. That’s a total of 10,378 decals.
U.S. – Hazmat In addition to the driver and vehicle categories of a Level I or Level II Inspection, a third category, hazardous materials/dangerous goods, may also be part of a Level I or Level II Inspection. If hazardous materials are detected, inspectors may check shipping papers, markings, labels and placards, and check for any leaking material or unsecured cargo.
Of the 33,714 Level I and Level II Inspections conducted in the U.S., 2,288 were conducted on hazmat vehicles. The hazmat vehicle out-of-service rate was 12.0% and the driver out-of-service rate was 1.4%.
Top Five HM OOS Violations – U.S.
The total number of hazmat out-of-service violations in the U.S. was 173.
Canada For this year’s International Roadcheck, 3,993 Level I, II and III Inspections were conducted in Canada. In total, 817 vehicles and 135 drivers were removed from roadways after the discovery of out-of-service violations by inspectors.
Top Five Vehicle OOS Violations – Canada
The total number of out-of-service vehicle violations in Canada identified by inspectors was 1,214.
Top Five Driver OOS Violations – Canada
The total number of out-of-service driver violations in Canada was 175.
Of the 3,822 Level I Inspections conducted in Canada during this year’s International Roadcheck, the vehicle out-of-service rate was 20.4% and the driver out-of-service rate was 3.2%. That’s 780 vehicles and 121 drivers removed from roadways due to out-of-service violations.
In addition to the Level I Inspections performed, 139 Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspections and 32 Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspections were also conducted in Canada.
During 2020 International Roadcheck, CVSA decals were applied to 1,788 power units, 917 trailers and five passenger carrier vehicles in Canada, for a total of 2,710.
Canada – Dangerous Goods Of the 3,961 Level I and Level II Inspections conducted in Canada, 194 inspections were conducted on dangerous goods vehicles. The dangerous goods vehicle out-of-service rate was 19.6% and the driver out-of-service rate was 4.1%.
Top Five DG OOS Violations – Canada
The total number of dangerous goods out-of-service violations in Canada was 29.
Mexico Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation (Secretariat of Communications and Transportation) and the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) participated in this year’s International Roadcheck. The officers of both agencies conducted 1,112 Level V Inspections in 37 weight and dimension verification centers. Level V Inspections are vehicle-only inspections which include each of the vehicle inspection items specified under the North American Standard Inspection Procedure.
The vehicle out-of-service rate was 10.8%. That’s 120 vehicles that were placed out of service.
Top Five Vehicle OOS Violations – Mexico
The total number of vehicle out-of-service violations in Mexico was 364.
Since its inception in 1988, more than 1.7 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck campaigns. International Roadcheck is a CVSA program with participation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada and Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation and its National Guard.
The next International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 4-6, 2021.
NJDOT issues commercial vehicle restrictions on multiple Interstate highways beginning on Wednesday at 1 p.m.
Restrictions do not apply to New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway or Atlantic City Expressway
(Trenton) – New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti has issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction on multiple Interstate highways in New Jersey starting at 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 16 based on the forecast for heavy snow.
Winter weather is expected to begin in the southern region of the state around midday and move northward, resulting in difficult driving conditions. The travel restrictions are being coordinated with neighboring states. In addition to the commercial restrictions, all motorists are strongly encouraging to stay off the roads. The safest place to be is at home.
The commercial vehicle travel restriction will begin at 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 16 and will be in place for the length of the following highways in both directions:
The commercial vehicle travel restriction applies to:
This restriction DOES NOT apply to:
Trucks that are already in New Jersey when the travel restrictions go into place are encouraged to pull off in truck stops to wait out the storm – DO NOT PARK ON SHOULDERS.
NJDOT’s first priority is ensuring public safety. The storm is expected to begin intensify Wednesday evening, making it challenging for plow crews to keep pace with the storm. The Department is fully activated with more than 3,000 plows and salt spreaders ready to clear state highways.
NJDOT is coordinating with all state and regional transportation agencies to ensure the most effective response to the impending weather. NJDOT and other plow crews are the first, first responders. In the case of emergencies, emergency teams cannot respond unless the roads are passable.
Residents and motorists should avoid driving unless you are an essential employee needed for emergency response. If you do not have to be on the roads during the storm, stay home. The safety of motorists and work crews is the Department’s top priority. If you must drive, do so carefully and plan your trips accordingly, road conditions can change in an instant.
If you see crews on the roads, please stay back and do not pass them. They are clearing the roadways for your safety. If you have to drive, NJDOT advises motorists to:
NJDOT will provide appropriate winter driving alerts through Variable Message Signs, www.511nj.org and Twitter - @NJDOT_Info.
In preparation for a major winter storm event, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) are advising motorists to avoid all unnecessary travel during the storm, and are anticipating that restrictions on trucks and other vehicles will be imposed on certain roadways around the state.
“We have been preparing for winter since the last one ended, and we're calling on the public to be our partners in safe travel,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Please, avoid traveling and if you must travel, be sure to check travel conditions and give plow operators plenty of space so they can do their jobs safely and effectively.”
“While overall traffic on the PA Turnpike is down by about 30 percent due to the pandemic, we do know that critical commercial traffic continues during this time even during severe weather,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “If you must travel, before heading out, be sure to download the 511PA Smartphone App for real-time, hands-free PA traffic advisories. Speed restrictions and vehicle bans will be used extensively during this storm and you will want to be fully apprised of any changes.”
Effective 1:00 PM on Wednesday, December 16, PennDOT and PTC anticipate that vehicle restrictions will begin to be phased in reflecting Level 1 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan on the following roadways:
· All northbound and southbound miles of Route 33;
· Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) from the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Interstate 95;
· All eastbound and westbound miles of Interstate 78;
· Interstate 80 from Interstate 99 to the New Jersey border;
· All northbound and southbound miles of Interstate 81;
· All northbound and southbound miles of Interstate 83;
· All eastbound and westbound miles of Interstate 84;
· Interstate 95 from the Delaware border to the New Jersey border;
· All eastbound and westbound miles of Interstate 283;
· All northbound and southbound miles of Interstate 380;
· Interstate 476 from the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Interstate 95;
· All eastbound and westbound miles of Interstate 676;
· All northbound and southbound miles of Interstate 295;
· All eastbound and westbound miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike from the Breezewood interchange to the New Jersey border; and
· All northbound and southbound miles on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension (Interstate 476) from Interstate 76 to the Clark Summit interchange.
Under Level 1 restrictions, the following vehicles are not permitted on affected roadways:
· 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 (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers;
· Recreational vehicles/motorhomes;
· School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches; and
· motorcycles.
Effective 4:00 PM on Wednesday, December 16, PennDOT and PTC anticipate that vehicle restrictions will begin to be phased in reflecting Level 3 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan will on the following roadways:
On roadways with Level 3 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted EXCEPT loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. Additionally, all school buses, commercial buses, motor coaches, motorcycles, RVs/motorhomes and passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers are not permitted on affected roadways while restrictions are in place.
Speed limits would be restricted to 45 mph on these roadways for all vehicles while the vehicle restrictions are in place, and commercial vehicles not affected by the bans must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.
Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511pa.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on www.511pa.com by clicking on “Personal Alerts” in the left-hand menu.
PennDOT is urging motorists to use caution during the event and generally reduce speeds and be aware of changing weather conditions. Heavy winds and blowing/drifting snow is expected with this storm, and motorists always should be alert for sudden squalls which can strike with little or no warning and quickly cause roads to become snow covered. Heavy squalls also can cause whiteout conditions, virtually eliminating a driver’s visibility.
If motorists do encounter snow squalls while traveling, PennDOT offers this advice:
· Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
· Turn on your headlights.
· Stay in your lane and increase your following distance.
· Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
· Do not drive distracted; your full attention is required.
· Use your defroster and wipers.
· Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
· During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely pull off the roadway.
· Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could cause a chain-reaction collision.
· Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
· Always buckle up and never drive impaired.
Motorists are reminded that roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.
To help make decisions regarding winter travel, motorists are encouraged to "Know Before You Go" by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. Users can also see plow truck statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the "Check My Route" tool.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
Drivers should prepare or restock their emergency kits with items such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel. Motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families have such as baby supplies, extra medication and pet supplies.
When winter weather occurs, drivers should extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment. When encountering a plow truck, drivers should:
· Stay at least six car lengths behind an operating plow truck and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck.
· Be alert since plow trucks generally travel much more slowly than other traffic.
· When a plow truck is traveling toward you, move as far away from the center of the road as is safely possible, and remember that snow can obscure the actual snow plow width.
· Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a "plow train." The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, creating a hazard for nearby vehicles.
· Never travel next to a plow truck since there are blind spots where the operator can't see, and they can occasionally be moved sideways when hitting drifts or heavy snowpack.
· Keep your lights on to help the operator better see your vehicle. Also remember that under Pennsylvania state law, vehicle lights must be on every time a vehicle's wipers are on due to inclement weather.
In addition to driving safely around plows, motorists are urged to drive according to conditions. If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 151 crashes resulting in three fatalities and 81 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.
For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations including a video, visit www.PennDOT.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.gov/safety.
Follow the conversation by using #PAWinter on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews and visit the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Alexis Campbell, PennDOT, alecampbel@pa.gov or 717-783-8800
Carl DeFebo, PTC, cdefebo@paturnpike.com or 717-645-2265
Rosanne Placey, PTC, rplacey@paturnpike.com or 717-675-4362
NJ DOT ISSUES ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
Commercial Vehicle Travel Restrictions
Effective today 1:00m pm
Drivers delivering Vaccines or PPE
Per the DOT Commissioner should any driver get stuck enroute to deliver Vaccine or PPE have them contact me at gtoth@njmta.org and I will advise the commissioner. She will send out the State Police and plows to get the driver to their destination.
View notice at 87b60f1a-ab19-454a-a564-9b346348a741.pdf (constantcontact.com)
New Jersey Motor Truck Association | 160 Tices Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 | 732-254-5000
!["The Voice of the New Jersey Trucking Industry... Dedicated to Safety and Service"](/Content/ArtText/570f9.png?text=%22The%20Voice%20of%20the%20New%20Jersey%20Trucking%20Industry...%0ADedicated%20to%20Safety%20and%20Service%22&style=Site%20title%201&styleGroup=100&fn=Linux%20Libertine%20Bold%20Italic&fs=22&sid=10484216653216046 ""The Voice of the New Jersey Trucking Industry... Dedicated to Safety and Service"")
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