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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
State Rep. Vince Biancucci
D- Beaver
Biancucci calls for greater safety precautions for residents
near Shippingport Bridge construction project
SHIPPINGPORT, July 1 – State Rep. Vince Biancucci, D-Beaver, is urging the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of several communities surrounding the Shippingport Bridge rehabilitation project.
Biancucci said the bridge project's close proximity to the Beaver Valley Power Station, and Shippingport's reliance on police and fire protection from across the bridge, requires special precautions to ensure the safety of residents there and in other communities in the case of an emergency.
"Because this project is situated in close proximity to the power station, I believe the project requires a unique approach to ensure the convenience, security and public safety of neighboring communities," Biancucci said. "This site is undoubtedly unlike most typical bridge and roadway construction sites, given it is in the shadow of the power plant."
Biancucci urged PennDOT to fully consider potential safety issues in preparing for the extensive bridge rehabilitation.
While the bridge is under construction, it will be difficult for the Midland Borough Police Department to reach Shippingport borough, which does not have its own 24-hour police protection. The lawmaker is recommending that state police be assigned to serve Shippingport and surrounding areas during construction with an enhanced level of coverage.
In addition to police protection, some communities rely on Midland borough for fire assistance and for water supplied for their pumper trucks. Biancucci said that any delay in emergency fire response would be devastating to public safety and property damage. Biancucci is urging PennDOT to explore resources that will maintain an adequate water supply and fire equipment during the bridge project.
Despite safety concerns created by the bridge work, Biancucci is encouraged by PennDOT's demonstrated willingness to provide traffic with limited access to the bridge during off-peak hours to cut down on detours, especially given the increased price of gas. This may enable two-way alternating traffic on the bridge, something that has emerged as a primary issue for residents, businesses, schools and emergency services.
Biancucci represents the boroughs of Shippingport, Hookstown and Georgetown as well as Greene, Independence and Raccoon townships in this section of Beaver County.
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