Big rig delays caused by I-43 Wisconsin construction closures
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Short winter closures and related bans have slowed freight and daily travel across the region. Pennsylvania and New York issued time-based rules that curb certain commercial and passenger vehicles when snow and ice risk makes roads unsafe.
The state announced tiered measures that begin in the evening and tighten overnight. At first, many empty or lightly loaded commercial rigs, RVs, school buses and motorcycles face limits. Later tiers bar most commercial moves unless a unit has approved traction devices.
What that means for drivers and motorists: expect delays, reroutes and tighter checks near major interchanges. Westbound lanes near the border closed at times, forcing motorists off at Exit 59 and creating local backups.
This article explains how these traffic controls and construction closures combine to affect freight schedules and daily commutes. We’ll point you to clear information channels and practical safety steps so fleets and private drivers can plan around changing conditions.
Western New York and Pennsylvania weather restrictions disrupt travel at the state line
Officials moved quickly as changing forecasts signaled dangerous conditions along the state line. Agencies imposed targeted limits to keep traffic moving where lake-effect snow could reduce visibility in minutes.
Empty and tandem commercial vehicles banned on key corridors
New York banned empty and tandem commercial vehicles starting at 3 p.m. on the Thruway from the Pennsylvania line to Buffalo (Exit 53), on the I-86 corridor from the Pennsylvania state line to I-390, and on U.S. 219 north to the Thruway. These limits aimed to cut crash risk before the worst squalls arrived.
PennDOT staged plan: Tier 1 to Tier 3 timing and rules
Pennsylvania issued Tier 1 at 7 p.m., then moved to Tier 3 at 11 p.m. Tier 3 allowed only loaded single trailers with chains or approved Alternate Traction Devices. It prohibited school buses, commercial buses, motorcycles, RVs, and passenger vehicles towing trailers.
Closures and diversions
At 5 p.m., Pennsylvania closed I-90 west of the state border. New York routed all westbound motorists off at Exit 59 (Dunkirk) to protect through-traffic where visibility and snow made sustained travel unsafe.
Forecast ranges and rapid changes
Lake-effect totals varied widely, so conditions changed by the hour. See the forecast summary below and watch official media and 511 systems for the latest information.
| Place | Forecast Snow (in) | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dunkirk | 29–47 | Westbound diverted at Exit 59 |
| Jamestown | 9–17 | Targeted vehicle bans |
| Pulaski | 8–16 | Variable corridor conditions |
| Lowville | 11–21 | Quick rule changes possible |
| Watertown | 49–64 | Peak closures likely |
Tip: Check 511NY and 511PA for real-time information so drivers and commercial vehicles can adjust routes and timing to current weather and traffic conditions.
I-86 New York lane restrictions impact heavy equipment transport
A short overnight closure forced eastbound traffic onto local routes and altered schedules for oversized moves.
The eastbound carriageway closed from 9 p.m. Thursday, June 19 to 6 a.m. Friday, June 20 for guiderail repairs. A signed detour directed motorists at Exit 65 (Owego) to State Route 434 eastbound, then onto SR 26 north in Vestal before rejoining the interstate at Exit 67 (Endicott).
Detours and downtime: guiderail repairs between Exit 65 and Exit 67
The detour added signals, turns and reduced speeds, so drivers needed extra time. Construction was weather-dependent, and p.m. schedules shifted if crews paused work.
Commercial vehicles and tandems: routing and schedule complications
Commercial vehicles also faced corridor bans during the lake-effect event from the Pennsylvania line to I-390. That, combined with the closure, limited when and how tandem rigs could move.
- Short closures can ripple across delivery calendars for oversized convoys.
- Posted weight limits may block certain ramps or bridges; pre-trip route clearance is essential.
- Verify conditions shortly before departure and build buffer time to protect windows and crews.
| Issue | Window | Detour | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guiderail repairs | 9 p.m.–6 a.m., June 19–20 | SR 434 → SR 26 | Allow extra time; expect signals and turns |
| Weather bans | Lake-effect event period | Corridor limits from PA line to I-390 | Check approvals for tandem moves |
| Weight constraints | Temporary postings | Local ramps/bridges | Obtain clearances; reroute if needed |
Tip: Stay tuned to official sources and update plans while en route. That keeps drivers safe and reduces costly delays when conditions change.
What drivers and fleets should know: routes, weight, weather, and safety in New York State and Pennsylvania
Plan before you roll. Confirm signed detour routing from Exit 65 in Owego onto State Route 434 eastbound, then SR 26 north, returning to the interstate at Exit 67 in Endicott. Plug this into your navigation so vehicles use the correct ramps and avoid unexpected local turns.
Permanent bridge weight limits in Bradford County, PA
Verify posted weight limits on Leraysville Road (Route 1049) over Prince Hollow Run: 20‑ton single‑unit and 30‑ton combination. Cadis Road (Route 1040) carries a 16‑ton single and 29‑ton combination limit. Exceeding these weight limits risks damage, fines, and major schedule delays.
Real-time information sources
Keep 511NY and 511PA bookmarked. Watch variable message boards and regional media for location-specific updates. Use these official channels as your primary source of live information and then confirm with dispatch.
Winter operations and safety
Roads may be passable but not perfect during storms; match speed and spacing to conditions and build extra time into the day. When plows are working, fall back, keep lights on, never pass a plow train, and carry an emergency kit with water, warm gear, and charger.
- For commercial vehicles, sync permits and weight checks with posted limits before departure.
- Pre-walk detours virtually to spot tight turns, narrow shoulders, or slow-speed segments.
Looking ahead: continuing impacts and how to minimize delays for commercial vehicles and motorists
Travel plans should stay flexible as lake-effect snow can alter conditions and rule sets with little notice. Agencies say they will remove controls once storms ease, and crews focus on keeping the road passable.
, Check 511NY and 511PA for real-time updates and message-board alerts before every segment. Do this at each decision point so you can adapt routes and time windows quickly.
Practical steps: give drivers extra time, stage crews away from the worst bands, and run simple road strategies—fewer merges, longer gaps, and slower speeds. Stagger departures when restrictions lift to smooth traffic and reduce surges the first day back to normal.
