New Hazmat Guidelines for Tunnels on PA Turnpike
July 14, 2000
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently issued revised guidelines on transporting hazardous materials through its five tunnels. The new regulations — which became effective July 15 — permit truck drivers to haul formerly prohibited materials in restricted non-bulk shipments.
Liquid shipments of 119 gallons or less, solid shipments of 882 pounds or less and gas equivalent to 1,000 pounds or less of water capacity are considered non-bulk shipments and are therefore now permitted through the tunnels. Bulk shipments exceeding these volumes are still forbidden.
Previously prohibited materials that are now allowed in restricted non-bulk shipments include Flammable Gas, Flammable Liquids, Flammable Solid, Spontaneously Combustible, Oxidizer, Organic peroxide, Poison, and Corrosive.
"These modifications were made in response to customer and community requests, and to allow the Pennsylvania Turnpike to be in unison with the regulations of other tunnels across the country," said Turnpike Executive Director John T. Durbin. "These new regulations also reduce HazMat traffic on local roadways, making Pennsylvania’s roads safer."
Truck drivers are required to post the appropriate HazMat placard for the specific materials they are carrying, whether restricted, prohibited or not prohibited at all.
Materials that have always been allowed through the tunnels — including Non-Flammable Gas, Combustible, Keep Away From Food, and Class 9 shipments — remain unrestricted through the tunnels. Materials that are still prohibited include All Table 1 Materials such as Explosives, Poison Gas, Dangerous When Wet materials, Poison (Inhalation Hazard) and Radioactive.