HARRISBURG, Pa. — As the snow covers our region for the second time in a week, some people are wondering who is responsible for plowing which roads across Pennsylvania.
In particular, North Front Street in Harrisburg has been garnering some attention from residents on social media.
FOX43 reached out to the city to find out who’s responsibility it is to plow the street. Matt Maisel, Communications Director of Harrisburg released this statement:
"Front Street is a state road overseen by PennDOT. They are responsible for its plowing."
FOX43 also reached out to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Fritzi Schreffler, Spokesperson for PennDOT said the road is their responsibility, but there are policies in place regarding inclement weather.
“We don’t have a bare road policy at PennDOT, so you are not to expect to get up and have it bare road clear, clear and dry, curb to curb... it’s just not the way it works. We want it passable so that at least one lane is passable for people to travel through that area,” said Schreffler.
City plows are not allowed to treat roads that are the state's responsibility, and vice versa. Schreffler said that this is due to liability issues. There are a few cases where PennDOT utilizes rentals, but treatment would only be for low volume roads.
“What if one of the local plows was on a state road and they’re going from one place to another, and they drop their plow and take out a driver's side view mirror or some other incident happens?” explained Schreffler. “That’s a huge liability for us and vice versa.”
Schreffler said it is difficult for the state plows to get through when the snow is coming down at a heavy rate or during commuting hours. Navigating through traffic while also trying to plow can be done, but it can be difficult due to driver behavior.
“I really like a comment I heard from law enforcement which was,’ If I can get to your crash without crashing then it’s a driver behavior issue and not a road condition issue,”” said Schreffler.
FOX43 did ask the City of Harrisburg if there is anything the city can do if PennDOT can't the job done, but did not receive an answer.
If your street is not plowed or you have questions about driving conditions, you can reach out to PennDOT if it’s a state road or the City of Harrisburg if it’s a city road.
511PA also provides a map where you can track where the plows are currently.
Click here to find out if the state or your local municipality covers a road.
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