West Penn Township has agreed to vacate a portion of Rabbit Run Road.

Township solicitor Paul J. Datte told township supervisors Tuesday morning that it will need to adopt an ordinance to move forward.

The board then on a 2-0 vote agreed to hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 3. Supervisor Jim Akins was absent.

The board’s regular meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 3.

Earlier this month, township roadmaster Jeremy Frable said it’s been a problem road over several years.

The stretch, between Walnut Road and Route 895, includes a steep hill, and while it’s posted as having no winter maintenance, motorists continue to use the road.

When they do, Frable said, some get stuck or have slid through a fence surrounding a farm field. He noted that a property owner on the road often gets contacted in the dead of night by stranded motorists.

Frable added that GPS systems are sending drivers on Rabbit Run Road. Recently, he said, a furniture delivery truck became stuck there.

On top of that, it’s costing the township money, said Frable, who added that only one home is on the portion of road, which also provides access to a tree farm.

Board Chairman Tony Prudenti said at Frable was about to begin looking for grants for road maintenance.

Using funds for the road, he said, might not be worth it.

Akins, however, said last month that he travels on the road, and suggested waiting for input from motorists before the road is vacated.

At that time, the board directed Datte to prepare an ordinance vacating the road.