Superstorm Sandy is causing transportation problems across eastern and south central Pennsylvania, according to a release issued by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
PennDOT and the PTC have reduced speed limits on major highways.
Marla Fannin, public information officer for District 2 of PennDOT, said PennDOT continues to monitor storm conditions across the district and will close roads if circumstances require it.
PennDOT’s District 2 is made up of Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin and Potter counties, Fannin added.
As of press time Monday, Interstates 80, 81, 95, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and U.S. Routes 15, 30 and 22/322 — which surround State College — will have reduced speed limits, according to the press release.
Centre Area Transportation Authority buses for campus and community service will continue to run as usual during Superstorm Sandy, according to the CATA office as of mid-day Monday.
Changes in bus scheduling or routes will be posted on its website, www.catabus.com. In case of emergency, standard operation plans are in place and will be implemented as usual.
Though drivers are encouraged to avoid the roads listed above, if they need to be on the roads, they should be prepared with emergency items in their vehicles, such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, water, non-perishable food items and warm clothes, according to the release.
Pennsylvania drivers can check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting 511PA.com to receive up-to-date traffic delays, weather conditions and information on more than 2,900 miles of state roads, according to the release.
Recreational vehicles and motorcycles are prohibited from using the speed-reduced roads, according to the release.
Highways aren’t the only means of transportation affected by Sandy — local airlines and bus systems have also reported cancellations.
Most flights coming in and departing from University Park Airport have been canceled, a spokesperson for the airport said.
As of press time Monday, only one Delta flight was scheduled to arrive later Monday night from Detroit, he said.
Megabus services had canceled trips from Philadelphia to Harrisburg to State College and from New York to State College to Pittsburgh, Monday, Amanda Byers, account manager for Megabus, wrote in an email Monday afternoon.
Megabus trips from State College to Pittsburgh and from Harrisburg to State College departing before noon Monday were canceled. Customers who were scheduled on these trips will be able to receive a refund or reschedule, according to the Megabus website.
