PRINTER'S NO. 3788
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1003
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY KAUFER, RABB, MILLARD, KORTZ, PICKETT, MULLERY,
READSHAW, BOBACK, TOOHIL, ROTHMAN, FRITZ, JAMES, PEIFER,
BERNSTINE, COOK AND SAYLOR, JUNE 21, 2018
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, JUNE 21, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Urging the Department of Transportation to conduct a study of
the specifications and materials used in department-approved
concrete and asphalt projects.
WHEREAS, Providing safe and reliable transportation
infrastructure is a core function of the Department of
Transportation (PennDOT); and
WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2017-2018, the gross allocation of
State highway maintenance funds among the 11 PennDOT districts
was approximately $1.34 billion; and
WHEREAS, Due to the geography and climate of this
Commonwealth, roadways and sidewalks are exposed to a freeze-
thaw cycle that can be devastating to those surfaces; and
WHEREAS, While PennDOT's efforts in addressing deteriorating
transportation infrastructure are notable, far too often short-
term remedies are relied upon for dealing with chronic issues;
and
WHEREAS, Prior to Act 89 of 2013, Pennsylvania was notorious
for the poor condition of its roadways and bridges; and
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WHEREAS, While other areas of the country have harsher year-
round weather, the freeze-thaw cycle leaves this Commonwealth
each year with some of the worst transportation infrastructure;
and
WHEREAS, The specifications and composition of the materials
used in PennDOT-approved asphalt and concrete projects should be
similar to that of other regions with similar geography and
climate; and
WHEREAS, If this assumption is correct, this Commonwealth and
like regions should share many of the same issues and
experiences when undertaking and carrying out asphalt and
concrete projects; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge PennDOT to
conduct a comprehensive study of the specifications and
materials used in PennDOT-approved concrete and asphalt
projects; and be it further
RESOLVED, That PennDOT utilize the Master Services Agreement
with The Pennsylvania State University in order to provide
specialized and technical assistance in conducting the
evaluation and study; and be it further
RESOLVED, That, in furtherance of the study, PennDOT
identify, at a minimum, the following:
(1) The current specifications for concrete and asphalt
that PennDOT has approved. The study shall address whether
the specifications align with national standards.
(2) The current specifications for concrete and asphalt
that are being used by other states or nations with closely
comparable geography and climate to that of this
Commonwealth.
(3) Limitations and concerns that have been identified
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since fiscal year 2015-2016 in connection with PennDOT
specifications and materials used in asphalt and concrete
projects, including underlying causes and actions taken to
remedy the identified limitations and concerns.
(4) Additives used in concrete and asphalt, including
slag and fly ash, and the limitations and implications of
those additives.
(5) Whether PennDOT has altered specifications and
materials since fiscal year 2015-2016 in an effort to address
previous or ongoing limitations and concerns and, if not, an
explanation why the specifications and materials were not
changed.
(6) The short-term remedial actions which may be taken
to prevent concrete or asphalt failure and associated costs.
(7) The long-term measures which may be taken to ensure
that asphalt and concrete projects will perform without the
need for additional remediation.
(8) Recommendations on:
(i) best practices for PennDOT-approved concrete and
asphalt projects; and
(ii) modifications to current specifications for
concrete and asphalt to increase longevity of PennDOT's
concrete and asphalt projects;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That PennDOT prepare and submit a written report to
the House of Representatives within one year of the adoption of
this resolution.
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