FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/25/04
Contact: Betsy Frances
412-262-2260
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LAWMAKERS CALL FOR REVIEW OF FLAUGHERTY RUN ROAD
State Senator John Pippy, R-37th District, and State Representative
Mark Mustio, R-44th District, want the state Transportation Department to
find ways to improve safety on Flaugherty Run Road after its was the scene
of a second fatal accident within a year.
The lawmakers sent a joint letter today to state Transportation
Secretary Allen D. Biehler calling for a study of the factors that may
have caused the accidents and ways to correct them.
"Because this road is heavily traveled at all hours of the day and
night, it is of vital importance that any unresolved safety concerns are
addressed quickly," the legislators wrote, in the letter to Biehler.
"While accident investigation continues, we believe it is imperative that
the Department of Transportation begins to determine whether road design,
speed limit, weather, water run-off or other factors play a role in the
numerous accidents that have occurred. We must be proactive going forward
to ensure that there is no other loss of life on this roadway."
Senator Pippy and Representative Mustio offered to accompany Secretary
Biehler and his staff on a tour of the roadway to see the severity of the
current situation.
"Flaugherty Run Road is a key throughway for the many residents in the
region as they attempt to reach destinations such as the Pittsburgh
International Airport, local neighborhoods, and area businesses. Because
this road is heavily traveled at all hours of the day and night, it is of
vital importance that any unresolved safety concerns are addressed
quickly," Senator Pippy said. "This is both an economic development issue,
one that affects jobs and more importantly, it is also a safety issue and
in light of the recent tragic accidents it is clear that the state must
take a close look at the improving this roadway."
Representative Mustio agreed that action is needed.
"I believe it is imperative that the Department of Transportation
leaves no stone unturned in determining the specific factor or factors
that have played a leading role in the numerous accidents on this vital
part of our region's physical and economic infrastructure," said
Representative Mustio. "As residents and elected officials of Moon
Township, we are committed to working together with state and local
officials to develop and implement a plan of action to address any safety
issues that are identified by this investigation as soon as possible."
Senator Pippy is available for comment at 412-262-2260.
Representative Mustio is available for comment at 412-262-3780.
