Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Superstorm Sandy Continues to Wreak Havoc on Highways

As Post-tropical Storm Cyclone Sandy moves further inland, highway officials in some states are re-opening some routes. However, many highways and bridges in the affected region remained closed this morning, while the storm dumps snow, closing more highways further inland

by Staff
October 30, 2012
Superstorm Sandy Continues to Wreak Havoc on Highways

This is how Sandy looked at 1:45 p.m. EDT Sunday, heading toward the New Jersey coast.

2 min to read


As Post-tropical Storm Cyclone Sandy moves further inland, highway officials in some states are re-opening some routes. However, many highways and bridges in the affected region remained closed this morning, while the storm dumps snow, closing more highways further inland.

Ad Loading...



Cities from North Carolina to Maine were all affected by the massive storm, which made landfall in New Jersey Monday evening. At least 15 people so far are known to have died, and millions of customers are without power. The Manhattan skyline was dark Monday.

Governors have declared states of emergency. President Obama has signed emergency and disaster declarations for many states, paving the way for federal assistance.

Most major tunnels and bridges in New York City were still closed this morning.

Pennsylvania highway officials lifted the speed-limit and vehicle restrictions that were in place on roadways in eastern and south central Pa., including the Delaware River Bridge and Fort Washington Interchange. Due to high wind speeds, a 45 mph speed limit remains on Interstate 90 in Erie County and Interstate 79 in Erie and Crawford counties until this afternoon.

In Connecticut, the governor has lifted the restriction banning cars and trucks from state highways.

As Hurricane Sandy headed toward the Jersey coast, it converged with a cold-weather system that turned it into a "superstorm" or "Frankenstorm" hybrid of rain, high wind, and even snow.

The storm is expected to move into western Pennsylvania today, then shift north into western New York tonight and move into Canada Wednesday. Further inland, Sandy could dump 1 to 3 feet of snow West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, in the mountainous areas along the North Carolina-Tennessee border and in far western Maryland.

Authorities closed nearly 50 miles of Interstate 68 on either side of the West Virginia-Maryland state line because of blizzard conditions. Eastbound lanes in Maryland were later reopened.

More Drivers

Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
DriversFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of truck driver in yellow safety vest walking alongside tractor-trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 25, 2026

How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention

America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.

Read More →
Illustration with photos from some of the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For honorees
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 24, 2026

CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For

The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame

Read More →
Illustration of driver students around trucks with distressed graphic elements and safety cones
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 19, 2026

FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 Illustration showing a driver behind the wheel, DOT offices, and examples of problematic non domiciled CDL
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 18, 2026

DOT Alleges Illinois Issued Illegal Non-Domiciled CDLs

Illinois is the latest state targeted and threatened with the loss of highway funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation in its review of states' non-domiciled CDL issuance procedures. The state is pushing back.

Read More →
 Illustration showing a driver behind the wheel, DOT offices, and examples of problematic non domiciled CDL
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 12, 2026

FMCSA Locks in Non-Domiciled CDL Restrictions

After a legal pause last fall, FMCSA has finalized its rule limiting non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses. The agency says the change closes a safety gap, and its revised economic analysis suggests workforce effects will be more gradual than first thought.

Read More →
Photo of Stone's Truck Stop
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 5, 2026

Trucker Path Names Top Truck Stops for 2026

Truck driver ratings reveal the best chain and independent truck stops in the country.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

6 Dashcam Tactics to Improve Safety & ROI

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →