Pennsylvania Closing Philadelphia-Area Highways Due to High Winds

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With tropical-force winds creating dangerous traveling conditions in the Philadelphia area, Governor Tom Corbett is closing the full length of Interstates 95 and 676; I-476 (non-toll portion); I-76 from the Pa. Turnpike to Passyunk Avenue and the U.S. Route 1 Extension in Philadelphia to all traffic except emergency vehicles from 7 p.m. through 2 a.m.

The Governor reiterated that motorists should not travel during the storm to ensure their safety and the safety of emergency responders who may be assisting in storm operations.

It is important that people only call 911 in an emergency. Do not call for any other reason.

The Governor said PennDOT and emergency management personnel are closely monitoring the storm's impact and may implement similar restrictions in other areas if conditions warrant.

Motorists can check road conditions on more than 2,900 miles of state roads by calling 5-1-1 or visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, average traffic speeds on urban interstates and access to more than 670 traffic cameras. Regional Twitter pages and personal alerts are also available on the 511PA website. Detailed travel information for the Pennsylvania Turnpike is also available at 1-866-976-8747.

Travelers who must be on the roadways should be sure that they have an emergency kit packed in their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly.

PennDOT also reminds citizens that information such as checklists for emergency kits and templates for emergency plans, as well as other information and volunteer opportunities, is available at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA (1-888-973-2397).

Media contact: Steven Chizmar or Erin Waters, PennDOT, 717-525-5354
Gene Blaum, PennDOT District 6, 610-587-7888

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

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