Pennsylvania § 16701 - Authority, definitions and application of chapter.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 16701 — Authority, definitions and application of chapter., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16701. Authority, definitions and application of chapter.
(a) Bridges and viaducts.--The county commissioners may locate, lay out, open, construct, reconstruct, widen, straighten, extend, alter, replace, remove and otherwise provide for bridges and viaducts over streams and other topographical impediments to public traffic, as parts or adjuncts of the roads within the county for vehicles and pedestrians or for pedestrians only, and culverts within the county or partly within and partly without the county, in accordance with this chapter.
(b) Application.--This chapter shall apply to necessary approaches, abutments, slopes, walls, embankments, fills, piers and other items pertaining to bridges, viaducts and culverts as to the bridges, viaducts and culverts themselves.
(c) Limitation.--The provisions of this chapter may not apply to any matters relating to county bridges, viaducts or culverts to the extent they are covered by the act of June 1, 1945 (P.L.1242, No.428), known as the State Highway Law, or of any other law vesting in the Department of Transportation and the various counties of the Commonwealth, rights, powers and duties. The terms of the foregoing limitation shall apply as well for the former act of May 28, 1937 (P.L.1053, No.286), known as the Public Utility Law, and the Public Utility Commission.
(d) Entrance during exercise of authority.--Counties of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth class may not, in the exercise of any authority or duty conferred in this chapter, enter upon any road or property of any city or borough of or adjacent to the county or act in derogation of the lawful authority of such political subdivision, except with the proper consent of such political subdivision.
(e) Obstruction prohibited.--Bridges provided under this chapter may not obstruct any canal or railroad, and nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to release any railroad or other public utility from the requirements of existing law.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 16701
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 16701 cover?
Section 16701 ("Authority, definitions and application of chapter.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 16701?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 16701" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 16701 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.