(Graphic Courtesy of PennDot)

Pittsburgh, PA – Due to the winter storm, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has temporarily reduced the speed limit on several roadways in the region.

PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:

Allegheny County

• Interstates 79, 279 (Parkway North), 376 (Parkways East and West), and 579
• Routed 28 and 65

Beaver County

• Interstate 376 (Beaver Valley Expressway)

Lawrence County

• Interstate 79
• Interstate 376

Additional speed restrictions on interstates and expressways may be implemented as the storm progresses.

As a reminder, the following vehicle restrictions were implemented, in accordance with Tier 4 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan on area interstates and Route 28.

Under Tier 4 restrictions, no commercial vehicles are permitted. 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.

While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check 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 1,200 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.

Motorists should always allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.

PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should account for special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.

More information about how to prepare for any type of emergency, including free downloadable checklists of items to keep in your home, car, and at work, and specific information for people with access and functional needs or pets, is available on the Ready PA webpage.

For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter.

Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

January 25th, 2026

(File Photo)

Harrisburg – In advance of the impending winter storm, and to ensure the safety of customers and employees, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) announced that all Fine Wine & Good Spirits locations across the commonwealth will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.

Stores remain open today, and store hours and locations can be found at FWGS.com.

The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores statewide, and licenses more than 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees. For more information about the PLCB, visit pa.gov/lcb.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits is Pennsylvania’s go-to destination for wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink cocktails, as well as in-store tastings and events. With more than 560 stores, 13 licensee service centers and a robust online shopping experience at FWGS.com, Fine Wine & Good Spirits offers a wide selection of products for customers to discover new favorites, find trusted classics, and explore exclusive, limited-release selections. Fine Wine & Good Spirits and the PLCB contribute to the state’s economy by returning taxes and profits – nearly $23.5 billion since the agency’s inception – to Pennsylvania’s General Fund, financing Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety and community initiatives. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, other state agencies, and local municipalities across the state.

Every purchase made at a Fine Wine & Good Spirits store or at FWGS.com helps strengthen Pennsylvania, supporting nearly 6,000 employees and more than 2,500 communities across the commonwealth.

January 24th, 2026

(Photo of Pa State Rep Josh Kail )

(BEAVER, Pa.) State Rep. Josh Kail today announced he would seek another term
representing the 15 th State House District, which comprises portions of Beaver and
Washington counties.
Kail, 39, emerged as a leader in the general assembly on issues that have the most impact on his district.
He has pledged to continue a push to hold down taxes while promoting western
Pennsylvania’s energy industry, which has ushered in an era of new economic growth in both his district and the surrounding counties.
“We have so many opportunities to excel in Western Pennsylvania but mismanagement, leftist policies and runaway spending are threatening that progress,” Kail said. He has pledged to focus on reduced government interference in both business and the private lives of citizens.
“My goal is to give power back to people and families to chart their own course. I’m
running again to continue the fight on behalf of the people of Beaver and Washington
counties,” he said. A leader in the General Assembly on issues ranging from energy and growth policy to matters relating to education and law and order, Kail will go to Harrisburg to shake up the status quo. He has consistently advocated for tax cuts, less government, fiscal sanity, protecting the unborn, and defending Second Amendment rights. “Democrats and Governor Shapiro want to bankrupt the commonwealth with dangerous energy policy and government over spending. It’s time now in Pennsylvania to leverage our resources to the max so we can enjoy affordable energy and an increase in jobs,” Kail said. “If democrats get their way, we will continue to see massive increases in costs and higher taxes. We have too much on the line not to stand up to their reckless policies.”
An attorney and a father of 8, Kail has also been a stanch supporter of pro-family
legislation, supporting legislation to keep biological men out of women’s sports, and
pushing back on the political left’s attempts to indoctrinate children. “We cannot allow crazy ideological policies to infiltrate our schools. Local teachers and administrators are focused on the critical building blocks of education: math, science,
reading and writing,” Kail said. “We need to make sure they have the tools necessary to succeed in teaching our children and keep the nonsense out of the classroom.”
Currently serving House District 15, Kail represents parts of Beaver and Washington
counties. He is a small business owner who resides in Brighton Township with his wife,
Abby, and their eight children.

(File Photo taken by Matt Drzik)

PennDOT, PA Turnpike Restrict All Commercial Vehicles on PA Interstates, Other High Traffic Roadways Ahead of This Weekend’s Winter Storm

Drivers urged to watch weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel.

Go to 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the most up-to-date information on weather impacts and vehicle restrictions.

Harrisburg, PA – Ahead of heavy snow expected across Pennsylvania starting Saturday night, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) are planning to implement vehicle restrictions across Pennsylvania’s Interstate network. The agencies are also advising drivers to watch weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel if possible and to exercise caution when driving.

Heavy snow is expected across the Commonwealth starting Saturday night, with snowfall rates of 1” to 2” per hour by the afternoon on Sunday. Temperatures will be very cold and are expected to remain below freezing across the state throughout next week.

Restrictions are planned for certain vehicles during the storm, and will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Drivers can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website. Restrictions will be lifted as quickly as possible when conditions permit. Restrictions can be changed based on conditions on the roadways, and reports from first responders, law enforcement and PennDOT personnel.

The following vehicle restrictions are planned to go into effect at 12:01 AM on Sunday, January 25 in accordance with Tier 4 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.

• ALL Pennsylvania interstates including:
  • PA Turnpike I-76
  • PA Turnpike I-70
  • All PA Turnpike extensions.
• U.S. 15 from I-180 to the New York border.
• U.S. 22 from Route 66 to I-99.
• U.S. 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey border.
• U.S. 219 from U.S. 30 to U.S. 22.
• U.S. 220 from I-80 to I-180.
• U.S. 322 from Interstate 99 to I-81.
• Route 28 from I-279 to U.S. 422.
• The entire length of Route 33.

On roadways with Tier 4 restrictions in place, no commercial vehicles are permitted. 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 will 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 restrictions must move to the right lane. Additional speed restrictions on other interstates could be added depending on changing conditions.

While avoiding or delaying unnecessary travel during winter storms is the safest choice, PennDOT offers this advice if drivers must travel and encounter snow squalls or blowing or drifting snow:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.
• Turn on your headlights. If caught in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights.
• 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.
• Have an emergency kit handy. Here are some suggestions of what you could include in your emergency kit.

Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary data shows that there were 8,329 crashes, 29 fatalities, and 2,959 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways. Eleven of the people who died weren’t wearing a seat belt, and 17 of the fatalities were in crashes where a driver was going too fast for conditions and drove out of their lane.

For more information on safe winter travel, an emergency kit checklist and information on PennDOT’s winter operations including a video, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/winter. Additional winter driving and other highway safety information is available at www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

Drivers can check 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 1,200 traffic cameras.

For more information on the PA Turnpike’s winter operations, visit www.paturnpike.com/news/pa-turnpike-blog. To report an incident or other emergency on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 via mobile phone. To learn more about PA Turnpike conditions, use 511PA or follow the PA Turnpike on X, Facebook and Instagram.

511PA is also available through a free smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.

Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts or subscribe to news in a specific county or region. Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram. The PA Turnpike will provide updates on their social channels, on their roadway and at all service plazas.

(File photo of Chippewa location taken by Jimmy Miller)

Centers will be closed January 26 and January 27. 

Customers with road tests will be contacted to reschedule.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026, through Tuesday, January 27, 2026, due to the predicted snow event this weekend.

Customers who have road tests scheduled will be contacted by PennDOT staff to reschedule their road tests, or they may go online to reschedule their road test.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; REAL ID pre-verification; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

Planning to fly domestically? You now need a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card or other acceptable form of ID – like a passport – to board a domestic flight. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, our REAL ID online wizard may help with your decision. Visit pa.gov/REALID today for information on how you can get a REAL ID.

Drivers can check conditions on major roadways 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 1,200 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.

Follow PennDOT on X and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

File Photo

(Beaver, Pa.) The Beaver County Commissioners on Friday announced that due to the winter storm expected this weekend, the Beaver County Courthouse and all county owned facilities will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026.