The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

August 19, 2012

Eye on drilling, city studies regs

The Herald

HERMITAGE — Hermitage city officials have begun a review of the ordinance concerning weight limits on city streets and the existing weight limits, to assure that they conform with state guidelines, said City Manager Gary P. Hinkson.

He noted the review was not brought on by any problems or resident complaints.

“This has been driven by the potential for drilling activities,” Hinkson said, referring to the shale drilling that is being planned for Mercer County.

Weight limits must be set according to state law, and city officials have spent about $13,500 on engineering studies, which have included core boring tests, of some streets.

“We’re trying to address the rural roads,” said solicitor Thomas W. Kuster.

On Thursday, commissioners will be asked to introduce an ordinance establishing 10-ton weight limits on about a dozen streets.

As officials budget money for engineering, more streets will be reviewed, Hinkson said.

When weight limits are posted, that does not mean heavier vehicles cannot use those roads, Hinkson said. There are exemptions for public safety vehicles, school buses, garbage trucks and city dump trucks.

Officials said a fully loaded school bus or salt-laden snow plow truck exceeds 10 tons.

“It’s more for special activities and through traffic – to control that,” Hinkson said.

Heavier vehicles that wish to use roads with posted weight limits must get a permit from the city. The process includes posting a bond, which the city would use to fix a damaged road, and the videotaping of the condition of the road before and after use.

The city rarely gets permit applications, Hinkson said, but officials want to be prepared in case drilling picks up in the city.

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