Five-ton commercial vehicles banned around convention

Commercial vehicles weighing more than five tons will be prohibited from driving on the main highway in Philadelphia during the Democratic National Convention this week.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions announced the safety precaution earlier this month, but the restriction has gained renewed focus following the deadly truck rampage in Nice, France, earlier this month.

{mosads}Five-ton commercial vehicles are banned on Interstate 95 between Exit 13 and Exit 22. Motor homes and recreational trailers operated for personal use that weigh more than 5 tons are also prohibited from traveling on that section of the highway.

The restrictions started on Saturday and will last until midday Friday. Detour routes are listed on PennDOT’s website.

Examples of restricted commercial vehicles include delivery trucks, utility vehicles, parcel trucks, small dump trucks, buses, flatbed and stake trucks, refrigerated and box trucks, large delivery trucks, refuse trucks, cement mixers, buses and all tractor trailer combinations, including double trailers.

“Security and transportation plans have been developed by a partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies outlined above,” local law enforcement and public safety agencies said in a joint press release. “Every effort has been made to minimize the impact of these safety measures on the public.“

Other transportation restrictions during the presidential nominating convention this week include road closures and a no-fly zone, which was mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Similar restrictions were in place during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland last week, which saw no major incidents of violence.