PennDOT rejects Lower Burrell’s request to outlaw jake brakes on stretch of Route 56

The loud roar of diesel trucks using brake retarders will continue to be heard on Route 56 between Hillcrest Drive and Leechburg Road in Lower Burrell.

City officials in April had requested that PennDOT look into outlawing brake retarders, commonly known as jake brakes, on that stretch of road after a resident requested they do so because of noise.

A brake retarder is an engine brake in some diesel engines that creates a loud, deep engine roar when used.

There are a few homes behind Route 56 and the Rite Aid store there, along Harding Street.

On Monday, City Manager Greg Primm shared a letter from PennDOT denying the request, because of the road’s grade.

“While we are sensitive to the associated noise with the ongoing use of these devices, this area of roadway has sections of downgrade steeper than the 4% maximum grade permissible for restriction throughout the study area,” PennDOT’s letter said. “Therefore, we cannot prevent the use of these devices along this portion of (Route 56).

“We do, however, trust that you understand that the prohibition of these devices in such a steep area would put both the County and the Department in an undesirable position of liability.”

Said Primm: “We kind of thought that may be the case.”

A PennDOT study is required when municipalities request banning jake brakes on any stretch of road.

In addition to looking into the road’s grade, the PennDOT study also examined the road’s speed limit, any history of runaway truck crashes or fender-benders involving trucks, and reduced speed limits and gear zones.