STATE COLLEGE – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is issuing an update for mid-to-late December 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.
The project page for this work can be found at www.penndot.gov/AthertonStreet.
Motorists can expect the following Dec. 15-21:
- West Aaron Drive to Park Avenue—entire length of project:
- The work zone speed limit remains reduced to 25 MPH from Aaron Drive to the State College Borough line near Mitchell Avenue. This speed reduction will be in place until project completion in October of 2019. The speed limit from Mitchell Avenue to Park Avenue within State College Borough is already permanently posted at 25 MPH.
- Pedestrian safety is important. Currently pedestrians can cross Atherton Street using the intersections at Aaron Drive, Hillcrest Avenue, and Park Avenue. Crossing at other locations is not recommended.
- Drivers are reminded to “share the road” and be alert for pedestrians, bicyclists, and buses as they move through this work zone.
- From West Aaron Drive to Blue Course Drive:
- No work is anticipated.
- From Blue Course Drive to Woodland Drive:
- A long-term lane closure remains in place closing the far, right lane heading toward the University. While the contractor is not working, two lanes will remain open for inbound traffic and two lanes will remain open for outbound traffic. However, while the contractor is working, traffic will be reduced to a single lane for inbound traffic.
- This lane closure is scheduled to be removed on Tuesday, Dec. 18. While work is being performed, traffic will be reduced to a single lane for both inbound and outbound traffic. This work is weather dependent.
- Remaining retaining wall, curb, driveway, and sidewalk work for this work zone will then be performed using daylight lane closures limiting traffic to one lane in each direction as necessary throughout the remainder of the week. Work not completed this week will be completed during the week of January 7. When this work is complete, no other work is anticipated until March 2019. This work is weather dependent.
- From Woodland Drive to Park Avenue:
- Water line work is complete for this year. Remaining water line from Ridge Avenue to Park Avenue will be completed in spring 2019.
- Verizon has been on-site performing wire installation and splicing between Hillcrest Avenue and Park Avenue. The work consists of reducing traffic to a single lane for outbound traffic from the University.
Travel delays could occur because of the lane closures—especially during high traffic volume times. Drivers should allow for extra travel time.
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.
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.
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