STATE COLLEGE – With construction and utility work continuing, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is issuing a late-July update for its North Atherton Street project in State College.
The entire project will take place through 2019, with phased work zones stretching from Aaron Drive to Park Avenue.
Work will include relocation of numerous utility lines, relocation of sewer and water lines, drainage improvements, curbing, sidewalks, ADA ramps, traffic signal upgrades, new concrete median and paving.
Flaggers may be present in the roadway directing traffic and traffic may be stopped for short periods of time. Drivers are reminded to use caution when traveling through the work zone.
Please use both lanes up to merge points throughout the project. Use of both lanes can minimize delays and travel times.
Please be patient and courteous to other drivers. Do not follow construction equipment into the closed lane.
Property owners are encouraged to approach workers on the project if they need assistance entering or exiting their properties.
The contractor is aware of the necessity to move equipment and or plate over excavations quickly and safely to allow for access.
Through July 29, motorists can expect the following:
- From West Aaron Drive to West North Hills Place:
- A long-term traffic pattern heading toward the University remains in place, with the far-left lane closed. While the contractor is not working, two lanes will remain open for inbound and outbound traffic. However, while the contractor is working, traffic will be reduced to a single lane for outbound traffic. Due to the turning lane being used for outbound traffic, left turns will always be restricted through the length of this work zone. Signage indicating “No left turn” is in place. Work in this area will mainly consist of upgrading the existing drainage system.
- From North Hills Place to Cherry Lane:
- The contractor will be installing new sewer line in this area. Traffic control will consist of daylight lane closures maintaining traffic to at least one lane in each direction. The contractor will be working during the daylight hours this weekend, Saturday July 21 and Sunday, July 22.
- From Cherry Lane to Park Avenue:
- Verizon will continue to perform relocation work. Traffic control will consist of daylight lane closures maintaining traffic to at least one lane each direction.
Travel delays could occur because of the lane closures—especially during high traffic volume times. Drivers should allow for extra travel time.
All work is weather and schedule dependent. Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $12.8 million job. Drivers are reminded to move through work zones with caution, obey posted speed limits and always buckle up.
PennDOT has numerous projects taking place in the State College area and is aware of the frustration road work can create.
Please be patient and courteous while driving, walking or biking. Practicing safe driving habits keeps road workers and road users safe.
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA is free, available 24 hours a day, and provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 860 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA Web site.
For regional updates on Twitter, follow www.twitter.com/511PAStateColl.