Times Observer file photo by Josh Cotton This bridge over Morse Run in Starbrick was rehabilitated earlier this year while a stretch of Route 6 from Yankee Bush Road to Main Avenue was repaved. House Rep. Perry Stambaugh, R-Perry/Juniata, wants to see such maintenance on state roads done at least every 25 years.

A state legislator wants the state to commit to a regular resurfacing of state-owned and state-maintained highways.

Rep. Perry Stambaugh, R-Perry/Juniata, is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for the bill. But Stanbaugh said he proposes both the required maintenance as well as each state Transportation Department district to publish a list of all state-owned and state-maintained roads by county showing the last year when repaving happened.

“Commonwealth roads serve as the economic arteries of our state, facilitating commerce, connecting communities, and ensuring the safe travel of our citizens,” Stambaugh wrote in his memorandum. “However, some state roads, mostly (but not exclusively) in rural counties have not been resurfaced for nearly three decades. Neglecting road maintenance carries dire consequences, from increased accidents to costly emergency repairs.”

Stambaugh was named to the House Transportation Committee and wasted little time making his first proposal as a member of the policy-making body.

Warren County is in the middle of a $13.6 million project on Route 62 that began in 2018 but was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stambaugh wrote in his memorandum that more regular maintenance will help prevent such costly projects in the future.

“By requiring PennDOT to resurface roads at least once every 25 years (as the maximum time limit allowed), we ensure that our highways remain in better condition, preventing costly, large-scale reconstruction projects in the future,” Stambaugh wrote. “This proactive approach will also safeguard taxpayer dollars in the long run, as frequent resurfacing is more cost-effective than major repairs. Moreover, well-maintained roads enhance economic development, attracting businesses and boosting property values. Investing in our infrastructure is an investment in Pennsylvania’s future.”