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.
A. 
Any expenses related to the erection, construction, repair, relocation, alteration, improvement, maintenance and inspection of bridges or roads, between two counties shall be borne equally by the respective counties or in such proportion as the parties may agree.
B. 
Each County shall be required to follow the procedures applicable to its respective governing authority in connection with competitive procurement and approvals.
C. 
The approval of the Court of Common Pleas shall not be required for any action undertaken by the County authorized by this section.
D. 
The right and authority to exercise the power of eminent domain as that heretofore exists at law shall not be deemed modified, diminished or enlarged by this section.
E. 
The use of eminent domain powers shall require final approval by a majority of the seated members of County Council for any project involving direct or indirect public subsidy.
F. 
The procedure for the determination of damages for the taking of private property for any action authorized by this section shall be governed by the provisions of the Eminent Domain Code of 1964, as amended.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 26 P.S. § 1-101 et seq.
[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.
A. 
Nothing in this Article shall supersede any applicable federal or state law, including any approvals that may be required relating to the navigable waters of the United States or to the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
B. 
The right and authority to exercise the power of eminent domain as heretofore exists at law shall not be deemed modified, diminished or enlarged by this section.