Bill > HB1824

This bill creates a new requirement for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to establish safety standards and warning signage for covered bridges that pose risks to bicycles and motorcycles. The bill defines a covered bridge as a timber-structured bridge carrying loads over a public roadway and requires PennDOT to create and annually update a comprehensive list of covered bridges with potentially dangerous surface conditions, such as raised joints, gaps, depressions, or loose planks. For bridges meeting these safety standards, PennDOT must develop uniform warning sign designs and ensure their conspicuous placement at bridge entrances. The department is responsible for installing signs on bridges it owns within 60 days of listing, and must notify local authorities about signs needed on their bridges. Local authorities are then required to install similar warning signs and are responsible for their own signage costs. The bill aims to improve safety for cyclists and motorcyclists by providing advanced warning about potentially hazardous bridge surfaces. The new law will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving PennDOT and local authorities time to implement the new requirements.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1824