Chuck Hopta – County Engineer

 

The County Engineer is responsible for inspecting all County-owned bridges, adhering to the schedules set by FHWA and PennDOT. They must ensure the timely submission of all necessary reports and carry out all maintenance required by these inspections. This includes overseeing all maintenance and minor repairs, such as deck and superstructure replacements, ensuring appropriate signage and locations, and other specified repairs, while verifying that all materials meet PennDOT standards and regulations.

Additionally, the Engineer is tasked with preparing the County Liquid Fuels report (MS-991) and completing all related paperwork promptly. They must keep records for other bridge funding programs (Act 13, Act 44, and Act 89), guaranteeing their proper use according to the stipulations of the funding. Their duties also encompass coordinating external design projects with consultants, establishing guidelines and design requirements that align with PennDOT standards and local conditions.

Furthermore, the County Engineer acts as the intermediary between the Northumberland County Commissioners and PennDOT, overseeing all construction and rehabilitation projects to ensure compliance with PennDOT specifications.

The roles of the County Engineer are defined by the Pennsylvania State code as follows:

• Engineering Work:
  • Prepare plans, specifications, and estimates for all engineering projects undertaken by the county.
  • Furnish reports, information, or estimates to the county commissioners as needed.
  • Perform all duties related to county engineering work as prescribed by the commissioners.
• Surveying:
  • Oversee surveying requirements as required by the county commissioners or required by law.