The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation denied Rush Township’s request to ban the use of brake retarders, often called Jake brakes, on a stretch of Route 54.

The township learned of the denial in a January letter from PennDOT.

“The reason they said is because (Route) 54 is 55 mph,” board vice Chairman Robert Leibensperger said during Thursday’s supervisors’ meeting.

In its request to PennDOT, the township had asked to ban the brake retarders on Route 54 westbound from an area near Ye Old Hauto Road to the vicinity of the Hometown Farmers Market.

Leibensperger said the span is heavy with large trucks, many of which speed and use brake retarders.

“We call it the Hauto-bahn,” Leibensperger said, combining the names of Germany’s speed limit-free highway and nearby Lake Hauto. “They go so fast.”

In its denial letter, PennDOT noted that Route 54 is posted at a speed limit of 55 mph between Charles Street and Ye Old Hauto Road.

“Therefore, not all criteria is satisfied and an Engine Brake Retarder Prohibition is not warranted at the locations mentioned,” the letter states.

As a result, supervisors have asked township engineer, ARRO Engineering, to petition PennDOT to lower the speed on Route 54 to 45 mph.

William McMullen, of ARRO Engineering, explained that to address the township’s speed limit reduction request, PennDOT will need to complete a speed limit study.

“Then they will come back and make a determination,” McMullen said.

He noted that it could take some time.

Police Chief Rick Weaver said the department has ticketed speeders and truck drivers that are not using tarps to cover their loads.

Police officers, however, cannot cite or warn anyone using brake retarders.

“Truckers are allowed to use their brake retarders as long as there is no brake retarder prohibition sign,” Leibensperger said.