2 Pa. communities deem salt-shortage emergency

GREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Two neighboring communities in southwestern Pennsylvania have declared emergencies due to a lack of road salt, and have restricted travel on local roads until Saturday at 10 a.m.

Officials in Hempfield Township and South Greensburg borough are banning travel on locally maintained roads. Exceptions are being made for people traveling to or from work, or medical appointments; school buses; emergency and government vehicles, and commercial vehicles providing supplies and services.

The communities were spared heavier snows dumped on southeastern Pennsylvania by Thursday’s storm, but say a lack of salt will still keep crews from properly treating and plowing side streets that received a few inches of snow.

The municipalities are also lowering speed limits to 15 mph on roads posted 25 mph, 25 mph on roads posted up to 45 mph, and 35 mph on all other roads.