Section 16712 - Boundary line bridges(a) Boundary line bridge.--If a bridge under this chapter is on the boundary line between two counties or within one-fourth of a mile from a boundary line and necessary for the accommodation of the inhabitants of both counties, the county commissioners of the counties shall act jointly in the exercise of all powers conferred upon the county commissioners and in the performance of all duties imposed upon the county commissioners. Except in a county of the second class A, if a petition of residents or taxpayers is required, the petition shall be made by the required number of petitioners in each county in relation to a boundary bridge under this section to the county commissioners of their county. If any other petitions are required, the petitions shall be made to the county commissioners in each of the counties. Each of the county commissioners shall act on petitions and shall communicate approval or disapproval to the other board.(b) Court-appointed viewers or inspectors.--For a county of the second class A that is required to appoint viewers or inspectors, the court of the county shall appoint a full number of viewers or inspectors and order a view in the manner and with like powers, duties and procedure provided for public roads. The total number of viewers or inspectors shall act together in the view or inspection and shall make a joint report and recommendations to each court. Exceptions and appeals to the report of viewers may be filed in the courts of either county, in which case the courts of the two counties sitting together shall hear and determine the matter.(c) Publication of notice.--If publication of notice is required, the publication shall be made in each county. The approval of both boards of commissioners shall be necessary in order to authorize any action requiring approval.(d) Commencement of eminent domain.--If the procedure under Chapter 163 (relating to eminent domain and injury to property) is to be followed, the procedure shall be carried out only in and by the county in which the lands, other property or materials entered upon, taken or damaged are located and the damages shall be paid by the county.(e) Joint county bridge.--Any bridge shall be a joint county bridge. All costs and expenses pertaining to a joint county bridge and the maintenance thereof shall be borne by the two counties, jointly, in proportions agreed on by the county commissioners.(f) Construction and maintenance.--Any authorized bridge shall be erected, constructed, maintained and kept in repair in the manner provided for bridges erected on the line of adjoining counties.(g)Definition.--For the purposes of this section, the term "joint county bridge" shall include a bridge over the boundary line between two counties constructed or proposed to be constructed as part of the laying out, alteration or vacation of roads intended to form a continuous highway from one county to another.Added by P.L. (number not assigned at time of publication) 2024 No. 14,§ 4, eff. 7/8/2024.