Neshannock raps neglect of state roads

NEW CASTLE -- Officials in Neshannock Township are tired of being forgotten by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Supervisor Dan Vogler said Wednesday night that many state roads are being neglected in the township.
"PennDOT in Pittsburgh doesn't know we exist. We went downhill since we joined with Allegheny and Beaver counties," Vogler said.
The supervisors have been writing letters to PennDOT officials in Bridgeville and forwarding copies to state representatives concerning problems with state Route 60, Mercer Road and Maitland Lane.
Work promised in 2004
A recent letter from Penn DOT stated that work would begin on Mercer Road, one of the township's heavily traveled roads, in spring of 2004.
Vogler questioned why the township has to wait 2 1/2 years for work to be done. "All we get is tar and chip." Vogler said.
All three supervisors echoed their dissatisfaction to the recent tar and chip project on Maitland Lane from Mercer Road to Pa. Route 18.
Supervisor Chairman Gale Measel said he recently received a call from U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart's office concerning the PennDOT situation. Measel said he was pleased to hear someone on the federal level had a concern.