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MILROY -- A pilot project for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) that requires commercial vehicle drivers to fasten their tire traction chains for the upcoming winter season will be located along Route 322 in Mifflin County.
PennDOT announced its plan for the project, which is geared to improve winter operations and reduce the likelihood of extensive road closures due to commercial vehicles getting stuck on vertical grades during winter weather events.
They are targeting a pair of routes with mountainous terrain. One of the sites is in Milroy, which is along Route 322 westbound in Mifflin County before the Milroy exit and intended for use by commercial vehicle drivers climbing Seven Mountains.
The other is located along Route 153 northbound in Clearfield County and intended for use by drivers climbing Boone Mountain. In each case, companion chain removal areas are located at the top of the mountainous terrain.
PennDOT intends to activate the project only during extreme winter weather events. It has installed signage a mile ahead of each designated area that will flash when the chain up areas are active. PennDOT's regional traffic management center will also offer notice of the project's activation using changeable message signs along Route 322 in Mifflin County and Interstate 80 westbound in Clearfield County. Its community relations office will also inform media and external partners.
PennDOT met with stakeholders including the Pennsylvania State Police and municipal police departments before deciding to move forward with this pilot project.