Rhoades Votes Against Transportation Secretary

Still Concerned about PennDOT Response to Winter Storms

HARRISBURG – After two major Interstate closures due to the state's inadequate storm response, Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) voted against the confirmation of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler.

"I know we can't control Mother Nature, but we certainly should be able to manage our winter road maintenance without being forced to repeatedly close major roadways in the county," Rhoades said. "By voting against Secretary Biehler, I needed to make it clear that these types of situations can not, and will not be tolerated or occur again for my constituents."

On February 14th, thousands of motorists were stranded in traffic jams in sub-freezing temperatures – some for nearly 24 hours on Interstates I-78, I-80 and I-81.

The latest road closures and hazardous traffic conditions come just two months after PennDOT botched the response to a Valentine's Day storm.

Interstate 81 was closed once again on April 16th due to numerous accidents between Exit 100 (Pine Grove) and Exit 134 (Delano), and both the northbound and southbound ramps on Exit 119 were closed later in the day due to snow-covered roads. Additionally, Rts. 61, 901, 407, 402, 924 and Morea Road were also closed for part of the day.

"We can not continue to have situations like this arise that put peoples lives at risk," said Rhoades.