Weeks After Roadwork, Still No Lines On State Rt. 980

The state Department of Transportation tarred and chipped state Route 980 in Cecil weeks ago - but the throughway is still without road markings.

And township officials said it's anybody's guess when the road will be striped.

PennDOT, officials have said, have not contacted the township regarding the white and double-yellow center lines.

And first responders from Muse Volunteer Fire Department said this is one of many public safety concerns on the throughway.

"I feel as if the state roads in Cecil Township have been neglected for far to long... There are so many dangerous conditions that need an immediate fix. The line striping is just one small missing piece of the overall puzzle. (State Route) 980 from the Canonsburg borough line to state Route 50 is a gauntlet of disasters just waiting to happen, the proper signage at the intersection of 980 and O'Hare Road needs addressed," fire Capt. Ron Zombeck said. "Cecil No. 2 responded to 16 accidents at that intersection in 2012, Muse-Bishop Road has very steep dropoffs in some areas with no guide rail,  and state Route 50 has giant open drainage box culverts that cars end up in at least once a year."

Fire Chief Alan "Butch" Zombeck agreed.

"We have tried multiple times to have something done at 980 and O'Hare and it seems that we can't get any help—it's a dangerous intersection and needs addressed," he said. "And the drivers that take this route need to use caution at all times." 

A PennDOT spokeswoman could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

Reached Thursday, state Sen. Tim Solobay said he had made a call to the department last week to inquire about the markings- and was told the road would be striped "soon."

He said he intends to put in another call to demand the work be done because it is a public safety issue.

"It is always important to have the proper signage, lines and surfaces in good shape and in place—but it is still important that folks drive responsibly, as well," the senator said. 

The work, he said, has been delayed because of the weather.