As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
BRIDGE
Includes embankments, causeways, viaducts, approaches and
any other improvements related to bridge (structure.
ROAD
Includes any right-of-way, cartway, berm, drainage facility,
manhole, slope, easement, sidewalk or any other improvement related
to a highway.
The Department of Public Works shall maintain
a record of all County bridges and roads which shall include appropriate
historical information, surveys, plans and drawings.
[Amended 12-11-2001 by Ord. No. 82-01)
A. The County may vacate, abandon or remove any County
bridge or road, or any portion thereof, that is not useful to the
County, not safe for travel or which is no longer necessary for current
County needs or operations.
B. The vacation of a County bridge or road authorized
by this section may be made directly to an adjoining landowner without
the consent of the local governmental unit in which such bridge or
road is located. All public right in and to such bridge or road or
portion thereof shall cease upon such vacation.
C. At its election, the County may also vacate any bridge
or road to the local government unit in which such bridge or road
is located upon the request and acceptance of the governmental unit
to assume future ownership and maintenance responsibilities for such
bridge or road.
D. All action taken under this section shall be by ordinance
duly adopted by County Council.
E. Upon vacation of any such road, bridge or portions
thereof, the Director of Public Works shall remove said road, bridge
or portion thereof from County records and shall notify the Manager
of such removal.
F. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the Director
of Public Works from closing any County road or County bridge in the
event of an emergency or in any situation related to public safety.
G. The approval of the Court of Common Pleas shall not
be required for any action authorized by this section.
County Council may by ordinance accept a bridge
or road donated by any municipality, private party, railroad or utility.
The Chief Executive may execute an intergovernmental
cooperation agreement with a governmental unit for maintenance of
a bridge or road.