Bill > SB591

This bill amends Title 74 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to require the Department of Transportation to install dry hydrants (permanent, non-pressurized pipes that allow fire departments to draw water from nearby water sources like ponds or streams) when building, modifying, or rehabilitating bridges that cross bodies of water. The installation is only mandated if four specific conditions are met: the water source must be able to provide at least 250 gallons per minute for two continuous hours during a 50-year drought, the hydrant must be within 25 feet of an all-weather roadway and accessible to fire equipment, the hydrant must be within 800 feet of an inhabited structure or historic resource, and the installation must improve the community's fire prevention or suppression capabilities. If multiple locations meet these conditions, the department must choose the site closest to the roadway. The bill defines key terms like "bridge," "department," "historic resource," and "occupied structure" to provide clarity. The new regulations will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, aiming to enhance fire safety in areas near state-owned bridges by ensuring easier water access for emergency responders.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=591