National Guard, Salvation Army Helping People Stranded On Turnpike
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A messy portion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike has been shut down do to snowy conditions, and several groups are rushing in to help.
The Turnpike is closed in both directions between the Breezewood exit and the New Stanton exit so that crews can clear the roads. Additionally, all commercial vehicles are banned between the New Stanton exit and the Delaware River Bridge, and on the Northeastern Extension between the Mid County exit and the Pocono exit.
There are a number of vehicles stuck on the closed section of the Turnpike, and the National Guard has been called in to help.
According to a release from the governor's office, multiple trucks and tractor trailers had trouble making it up a hill in the westbound lane of the Turnpike, causing traffic to back up and preventing emergency crews from reaching the disabled vehicles and clearing snow.
Turnpike officials say crews have taken fuel and rations to travelers who have been stuck since Friday evening, and the Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services was working to send 4,000 meals as of 3 p.m. Saturday.
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The Duquesne University men's basketball team was on a bus on the Turnpike when the storm struck.
Related: Duquesne Basketball Team Chronicles Situation Via Social Media
Around 8:30 a.m., the team tweeted they had been stuck on the Turnpike for about 12 hours.
Around 3:30 p.m. the team tweeted that they were preparing to spend another night stranded on the bus, stuck in the snow.
It is becoming increasingly unlikely that #DUQMBB will be able to leave the Turnpike tonight. Preparing for another night on the bus.
— Duquesne Basketball (@DuqMBB) January 23, 2016
KDKA's Bob Allen reports:
KDKA's Bob Allen reported live from the Parkway East and the Turnpike early Saturday morning, reporting that roads were snow-covered, but driveable. Speed limits were lowered to 45 mph Friday evening, and the speed reduction remains in effect through Saturday morning.
In the city, the Department of Public Works (DPW) reported Saturday morning that they had more than 60 vehicles out to plow streets.
Crews will resume salting roads after snowfall stops. The DPW asks that drivers allow 48 hours after snowfall stops for crews to take care of all roads.
Click these links to track the progress of PennDOT's snow plows and the City of Pittsburgh's snow plows.
