The PA Turnpike Commission advises motorists that it will lift the 45 mph speed limit restriction at 1 p.m. today. Speed limits will be restored to normal operating speeds of 70 mph or 55 mph. The restriction had been put in place at 8 a.m. because of roadway and weather conditions. The posted speed limit may not be appropriate for roadway conditions in certain areas. Motorists should drive at a speed suitable for local conditions and watch out for slippery pavement and standing water.

Additional Warnings

• Be alert for rapidly changing pavement and weather conditions.

• PA Turnpike crews may continue to treat the roadway.

• Do not tailgate or attempt to pass an active snow plow or plow train.

• Be prepared for probable slick surfaces, especially on bridges and ramps.

Check conditions across the entire PA Turnpike system by calling 1-866-976-TRIP (8747) or visiting

www.paturnpike.com, which provides the latest travel alerts via a live ticker, an interactive map featuring web cams and average speeds, a personalized text/email service, regional Twitter feeds and a free smartphone app called TRIP Talk.PREVIOUSLY:Due to the severity of the winter storm, PennDOT is temporarily reducing the speed limit on several roadways in the region.PennDOT is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel but those who must head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on the following highways:* Interstates 78, 80, 81, 176 and 380;* US 22, 209, 222 and 422; and* PA 33 and 309.The PA Turnpike has temporarily lowered the speed limit on the entire toll road system. Speeds are now reduced to 45 mph on all PA Turnpike sections including:· The east-west mainline Turnpike (I-76, I-70/76 and I-276)· The Northeastern Extension (I-476)· All PA Turnpike extension roadways in southwestern PA.Before heading out, motorists can check PA Turnpike conditions at www.paturnpike .com; look at the "Current Alerts" ticker at the top for restrictions. While traveling, motorists can use the Turnpike's smartphone app, TRIP Talk, available for Android and iPhone users. The app senses your direction of travel and location and plays audio advisories to alert you of stoppages or delays ahead. Travelers can also call the toll-free TRIP line at 866-976-TRIP (8747) for the latest travel and toll information.In case of an accident, breakdown or other emergency, PA Turnpike motorists should dial *11 on a mobile phone or deploy one of the yellow callboxes on the shoulder. Be prepared to give the milepost location and direction of travel, and move vehicles out of active travel lanes if possible. During a weather emergency, all vehicles abandoned on the PA Turnpike system -shoulders, medians, ramps etc. - will be towed to accommodate snow removal.While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting

www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 770 traffic cameras.The department also asks motorists to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks. Also, for their own safety and the safety of plow operators, motorists should never attempt to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials.PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for 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 downloadable materials, including home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, are available at

www.ReadyPA.org or by downloading the free ReadyPA app for Apple or Android devices. Citizens can also find information about getting involved in local emergency response efforts and other volunteer opportunities through the ReadyPA website.For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit

www.PennDOT.gov/winter.Follow local PennDOT information on Twitter at

www.twitter.com/511PAAllentown.