House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

Posted:	July 15, 2013 11:54 AM
From:	Representative Stephen Bloom
To:	All House members
Subject:	Bridge Safety Emergency First Initiative

Pennsylvania has the nation’s highest number of structurally deficient bridges. Each time a bridge is closed or posted with weight restrictions, public safety is jeopardized, especially when the shortest routes of emergency first-responders are impaired. When seconds count, a forced detour of fire apparatus, ambulances or police vehicles can result in lives lost and property destroyed. Meanwhile, PennDOT continues to fund the construction of bicycle trails, bicycle lanes, walking paths, and other aesthetic projects with no direct impact on public safety. Therefore, I will soon be introducing legislation to require a reprioritization of PennDOT spending. Under the Bridge Safety Emergency First Initiative, the replacement and/or restoration of newly and previously closed or posted bridges will automatically become the top priority among PennDOT construction projects. Until such time as all closed and posted bridges are returned to full operational service without restriction, no PennDOT funds shall be expended on projects not directly related to bridge safety.
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Introduced as HB1717