Uniontown, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding property owners and residents that proper drainage is a partnership between the department, municipalities, and property owners.
PennDOT District 12, which includes Greene, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, is responsible for drainage systems on the surface of state roadways between curb lines and subsurface drainage on state roadways within townships. Underground systems located within a borough or city belong to the municipality in which they are located.
Drainage on private property, including driveways, is the responsibility of property owners. They must handle the replacement and maintenance of driveways, including but not limiting to driveway pipes. Property owners may not physically block any PennDOT owned pipes or ditches. Additionally, any gravel material/debris from driveways must not enter state roadways.
“Drainage systems can rapidly be overwhelmed with the extremely heavy and quick hitting rainfall we have been experiencing this season,” said District 12 Assistant Executive for Maintenance Robb Dean. “Our staff are routinely investigating all storm related concerns and address accordingly. We ask for collaboration with property owners and residents to do the same, including maintaining their driveways, limiting debris washouts.”
Controlling water flow is one of the most important aspects of maintaining pavements. Uncontrolled water flow will damage both the pavement surface as well as the area under the pavement, causing deterioration.
“Though our staff are out patrolling during rain events and addressing any issues that arise as they are able, we are unable to be on all roads at all times,” said Dean. “We encourage you to report concerns to us through the PennDOT Customer Care Center. For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.”
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/district12.
Information about infrastructure in District 12, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D12Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Follow PennDOT on X and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Haney, 412-429-5011 or nhaney@pa.gov
# # #