Bell Acres to Set Weight Restrictions on Roads

An engineering study in has determined that several borough-maintained roads should have a 9-ton weight limit.

Shoup Engineering Inc. performed the study dated December 2011, which recommends be placed on Beadnell Drive and Backbone, Hopkins Church, Sevin, Turkeyfoot, Willow Ridge, Westholm and Young roads.

Based on the recommendations, Bell Acres Council authorized the solicitor Monday night to draw up an ordinance that would place on the roads.

Borough Manager Charles Kulbacki said the weight restrictions would help address road use from potential in the area.

Alternative routes will have to be established for vehicles to bypass prohibited roads.

Solicitor Robert Junker said the borough would have to allow companies a bond if use of a restricted road is necessary. 

The engineering study found that the eight roads can't more than 9 tons without seriously damaging the roads. The study also notes that winter weather conditions coupled with excessive vehicle loads has already caused road damage.

Bell Acres requested the study on all the borough's roads to determine whether weight limits should be posted and enforced. Some of the roads, such as Hopkins Church Road, don't have posted limits, while roads such as Beadnell Drive and Backbone Road already have limits. Signs would be posted the of the roads. 

In other business:

• Council received an update about the status of . Junker noted that there will be a court hearing today. 

• Junker updated council about the status of the foreclosure proceedings of a . Junker said the bank could decide to demolish the structure because of liability issues. 

• Reappointed Diane Abell to a four-year term on the planning commission until Dec. 31, 2015.

• Reappointed Brad Semonik to a three-year term on the zoning hearing board until Dec. 31, 2014.

• Reappointed Mary Wennemer to a five-year term on the Bell Acres Municipal Authority until Dec. 31, 2016.