Re: Post 23. Makes a lot of sense. I have lived in Allentown for 25 years and NEVER recall I-78 being closed for any length of time. I-81 and I-80 - yes.
I have wondered how in the world could there have been a pile up on 78 all the way from Harrisburg to Allentown. Once it was known that the road was impassable, how long does it take to shut down all the entrance ramps? I would think 1-2 hours - tops. Then the process could begin of turning cars around and getting them off the highway. How many thousands of cars would there be in a 50 mile two lane pile up? All those thousands of cars were permitted to get on I-78 in the stretch between Harrisburg and Allentown.
That is amazing to me it would have gotten to that point.
There is sheer stupidity on the part of thousands of people to drive out in a snow and ice storm they were severely warned about. But beyond that, who was asleep at the switch in getting I-78 access restricted?
The storm was over about 11 AM or so. The pileup grew all the way into Thursday evening before all on-ramps are closed. I don't think you can blame motorists for thinking the road would be cleared 24 hours after the storm is over if the state hasn't announced otherwise - normally during bad storms, we get announcements that driving is either discouraged or prohibited, depending upon severity of conditions.