Rural roads kept up through state's gas tax, but smaller townships still need to budget

PennDOT says 60% of the state's highway miles are rural roads. In smaller townships, it's a team effort to keep the roads in good shape.

Rural roads make up about 60% of Pennsylvania's highway miles, according to PennDOT, and in smaller townships, it's a team effort to keep the roads in good shape.

In Caernarvon Township in Lancaster County, where 4,600 people live, there are actually more rural roads than state roads. The township's biggest maintenance challenges involve fixing potholes, repainting lines and making sure drivers and pedestrians are safe.

Oil and chipping a road in Lancaster County, Pa.

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"We have a four-man road crew, and then I help out as well," said Terry Martin, the township's roadmaster and supervisor.

Martin wears many hats. In a small town like this, he has to make sure there is enough money to take care of the roads in all four seasons. In Pennsylvania, counties and municipalities can request funding through Pennsylvania's liquid fuels program.

Caernarvon Township Roadmaster and Supervisor Terry Martin

"It's based on population, and it's based on mileage of road, so we get a little bit less because our population is less. We offset those expenses with general fund money, using every tool in the toolbox to try and preserve your roads is very important," said Martin.

In Caernarvon Township in Lancaster County, where 4,600 people live, there are actually more rural roads than state roads.

More than 75% of PennDOT's annual budget comes from state and federal gas taxes.

Local municipalities receive an annual allocation of that revenue to help maintain roads and bridges.

Martin says this past year, the township received $200,000 for all of its roads and to buy equipment.

For context, nearby Manheim Township used $1.5 million to mill and pave six to eight miles of its 165 miles of township-owned roads.

"More would be better but it is enough to maintain - in my opinion," said Martin.

Martin says this year, Caernarvon Township will oil and chip 6,000 to 7,000 yards of road for a little more than $100,000. The oil and chipping is cheaper than paving the roads, which would cost $500,000.

"It's much cheaper in the long haul than doing restorative, restoration work or even reactive maintenance," Martin said.

PennDOT says oil and chip processes help maintain roads by applying an oil with a layer of stone on top. It's rolled into place, and the roadway is cured. It takes about two days for the stones to cure. This process keeps the road surface clear of water.

While this process helps the township save money, Martin says people are not fans of this process.

"It's messy. I don't blame them. I mean, I think most roadmasters would pave everything," said Martin.

Paving involves placing another layer of material, such as asphalt or concrete, and is done for bigger projects like bridges or roads that are busier.

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