Icy Roads Threaten Commuters

Snow-covered roads and black ice are major concerns as commuters hit roadways on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service is advising drivers to be cautious, as many roads in the area are icy and snow-covered. NWS said some roads that were cleared after the snow storm developed black ice overnight. Extra travel time is advised.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation lifted speed limit restrictions in five counties in the Eastern portion of the state on Monday afternoon.

Although PennDOT urged motorists to drive carefully, it lifted restrictions on the following highways:

• Interstate 76 in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties
• Interstate 95 in Philadelphia and Bucks Counties
• Interstate 676 in Philadelphia
• Interstate 476 in Delaware and Montgomery counties
• US 422 in Chester and Montgomery Counties
• US 202 in Chester and Delaware Counties
• US 322 in Delaware County
• US 1 Bypass in Chester County
• US 30 Bypass in Chester County

Speed limits on those highways were restored to 55 mph, after they were reduced to 45 mph on Sunday evening as the winter storm impacted the region, PennDOT said in a news release.

The department said its primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow. The agency said it would continue to treat roadways until they clear.

PennDOT said it recommends motorists not travel during winter storms and check road conditions by calling 511 or by visiting www.511PA.com.