State College, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is issuing an update through New Year’s week 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 December 29 through January 4:
West Aaron Drive to Park Avenue—entire length of project:
- No work is anticipated for next week. Minor work will be done during the week of January 7 to complete this construction season. Work is then anticipated to begin again in March 2019.
- The 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, Park Avenue, and Blue Course Drive. 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 Cherry Lane:
- No work is anticipated.
From Cherry Lane to Hillcrest Avenue:
- No work is anticipated. The contractor is scheduled to be on the project during the week of January 7 to remove concrete blankets and perform minor grade adjustments for driveways to complete work for this construction season.
- From Hillcrest Avenue to Park Avenue:
- No work is anticipated.
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.