Governor Rendell Announces Interstates 78, 80 and 81 to Opened at 4 p.m. Today

Normal PA Turnpike Toll Collection to Resume at 8 p.m.

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 17 -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced that Interstates 78, 80 and 81 will open in all directions at 4:00 p.m. today. The Interstates have been closed while PennDOT crews worked to clear layers of ice.

"PennDOT crews worked continuously to remove the accumulated ice pack," Governor Rendell said. "Those efforts have paid off and safe travel will be restored to Pennsylvania."

PennDOT redirected manpower and equipment from around the state to assist with the ice removal operation. Overall, more than 150 employees and 141 pieces of equipment were called into action to clear the three interstates.

To reopen the roadways, Pennsylvania State Police troopers will lead vehicles on all previously closed interstates. The speed limit will be reduced to a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour until State Police and PennDOT determine conditions allow a return to normal speed limits.

"Although the interstates will be open, there will still be icy patches so please use caution and obey reduced speed limits that will be enforced by State Police throughout this evening," said Governor Rendell. "Though there will be long stretches of the interstates that will be clean and dry, drivers should not have a false sense of security as these icy patches still exist."

Current forecasts indicate that snow is expected across northeast Pennsylvania overnight with the chance of reduced visibility if heavier snow squalls occur.

Normal toll collection will resume on the Pennsylvania Turnpike beginning at 8 p.m.

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: www.governor.state.pa.us.