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What PennDOT, PA Turnpike is doing to be ready for winter 2024-25 – NBC10 Philadelphia

What PennDOT, PA Turnpike is doing to be ready for winter 2024-25 – NBC10 Philadelphia

It may not feel like it outside, but winter is just around the corner. Fortunately, the road teams attacking Old Man Winter in Pennsylvania will have better lights this season.

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike are using millions of dollars in federal funding to upgrade equipment before the first flake of snow falls on a road in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Mike Carroll, Pennsylvania Turnpike COO Craig Shuey and others met on October 2, 2024 to present winter plans to address snow and ice on state highways.

Green lights are intended to make snow removal vehicles more visible

During the event, vehicles were equipped with “additional green lights that will be integrated into existing amber (amber) flashing or rotating lights,” PennDOT said. “This additional strategy aims to increase safety by making construction and maintenance work more visible.”

The green light is allowed under Act 78, which first-time Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law over the summer. The upgrades will be funded by $75 million in Shapiro's budget to give PennDOT “what it needs to clear roads quickly and efficiently,” the transportation department said.

“Making Pennsylvanians’ travel as safe as possible is core to PennDOT’s mission, and the new lighting option signed into law by the Governor is another way to improve safety,” Carroll said.

Drivers are encouraged to do their part to keep Pennsylvania roads safe during the winter

Motorists are also urged to ensure they are prepared for slippery road conditions and falling snow.

“PennDOT and our partners are prepared for the upcoming season and we urge the public to prepare themselves and their vehicles as well,” Carroll said.

“We all know winter weather can be difficult in Pennsylvania,” Shuey said. “Motorists need to be aware of the conditions and drive accordingly. We have employees out there working to clear the road who want to get home to their families. “We ask drivers to keep a safe distance from plow vehicles and not try to pass trucks that are spreading salt.”

How much salt does it take to keep Pennsylvania roads clear in the winter?

“With more than $186 million budgeted for statewide operations this winter, PennDOT is deploying approximately 4,700 road workers, has more than 728,000 tons of salt available statewide and will be accepting salt shipments throughout the winter,” PennDOT said .

People who want to help keep roads clear and safe this summer can apply to PennDOT, the agency said.

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