An Act designating the portion of U.S. Route 222 from the intersection with Dries Road in Maidencreek Township to the intersection with Kempsville Road in Richmond Township, Berks County, as the Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr., Memorial Highway.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Anderson and 10 co-sponsors

Designates a portion of US 222 in Berks County as the Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr. Memorial Highway with commemorative signage.

Referred to Transportation

Summary of HB 2609 (Session 2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

Designates a specific segment of U.S. Route 222 in Berks County, Pennsylvania, as a memorial highway in honor of:

Chief Jeffory L. Buck
Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr.

The designation recognizes their service and contributions, creating a lasting public memorial through the roadway name.

Key provisions and changes

Designation of roadway: The bill designates the portion of U.S. Route 222 from:

the intersection with Dries Road in Maidencreek Township, to
the intersection with Kempsville Road in Richmond Township, Berks County as the “Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr., Memorial Highway.”

Official naming: The designated roadway would be known locally and in official signage as the memorial highway honoring the two named individuals.

Signage and administration: The bill establishes the authority to place and maintain appropriate ceremonial and commemorative signs along the designated segment, consistent with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) standards for memorial highways.

No change to jurisdiction or funding: The designation does not alter road jurisdiction, maintenance responsibility, or funding streams beyond what applies to other state-designated memorial highways.

Affected parties and impacts

Local communities: Maidencreek and Richmond Townships in Berks County, along with residents and travelers on the designated stretch of U.S. Route 222.

Public interest and memory: Provides a formal, commemorative recognition of Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr., potentially enhancing local historical awareness and community pride.

Signage and traffic operations: PennDOT would oversee signage; potential minor administrative actions related to sign installation and maintenance on the memorial segment.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Legislative process: The bill has sponsors listed (including a primary sponsor and multiple co-sponsors), indicating formal introduction and committee review steps typical in Pennsylvania’s legislative process.

Effective date: The summary does not specify an effective date; typical enactments for memorial highway designations become effective upon passage and signature, with implementation of signage following PennDOT standards and any required local approvals.

Implementation: Signage installation would occur after final passage and requisite administrative clearances, subject to PennDOT permitting and any applicable local government coordination.

Notes for readers

This bill focuses on ceremonial naming rather than altering traffic laws, speed limits, or road ownership.

Details such as exact signage design, confirmation of the memorial status on digital map databases, and any related ceremonies would be addressed in implementing regulations and accompanying PennDOT guidance after enactment.