JACKSON TWP — A township man is leading a petition against removing a controversial weight limit on Route 528.

Township resident Bruce Illig started the petition about three months ago targeting the state Department of Transportation’s intentions to lift a 10-ton weight limit on the road, also known as Lindsay Road.

It has garnered over 400 signatures from people residing in the township, Zelienople, Evans City and Cranberry Township.

“I’m hoping this opens some eyes,” Illig said. “If it’s not performed to standards set by the state or any other entity, there is a consequence to pay.”

People from places further away such as Butler and Karns City also are listed in the petition, which was notarized Thursday.

Illig said he intends to send the petition to PennDOT.

PennDOT is paving over Route 528 from Route 19 to Route 68. The $6 million-plus project is scheduled for a December completion, according to PennDOT’s website.

The department also is installing drainage ahead of paving work and bridge work over Likens Run is also being done.

The issue local residents, township officials, police and Seneca Valley School District officials have with the project is that the 10-ton weight limit on vehicles will be lifted as a result, allowing larger vehicles to travel the road.

School district employees also are listed in the petition. The district said its concern was that school buses use the road to pick up and drop off students.

“Sometimes especially in winter conditions, it might be difficult for those tractor-trailers to stop,” supervisor Ron Lutz said.

Overweight vehicles may only use the Zelienople exit on Interstate 79 to gain access to Route 68.

Officials are concerned there may not be enough room for trucks to pass by each other with the road’s sharp curves.

“Everybody on that list has no problem with putting tractor trailers on that road if they (PennDOT) do it right,” Illig said. “The community doesn’t mind progress. They just want their road to be right and safe.”

Deborah Casadei, PennDOT spokesman, said the paving project is funded by multiple sources and that a condition of the use of these funds was that the 10-ton weight restriction would be lifted upon the project’s completion.

Township supervisors Thursday evening commended Illig on his recent endeavor.

“We appreciate it,” supervisors Chairman Trent Geis said.