PennDOT's North Atherton Street Project Schedule Through August 9
Note: The North Atherton Street Project Map has been updated, effective June 10, 2019
Motorists can expect the following through August 9. Note, updated information is in boldface:
West Aaron Drive to Park Avenue—entire length of project
The Big Hollow box culvert replacement is continuing through August 8. This work is taking place around the clock until work is complete. Traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction around the clock while work is being performed.
Through September, there will be no pedestrian signal heads at the Park Avenue/Atherton Street intersection. In the interest of public safety, no pedestrian crossing is allowed at this location.
When traffic control is reduced to a single lane heading toward the University near the Park Avenue intersection, left turns will be restrictedbetween 9 am and 3 pm to maintain the flow of traffic.
Dependent on weather, the current work schedule details that the Big Hollow Box Culvert replacement will get underway on July 29. This work will take approximately two weeks and take place around the clock. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction.
Motorists are reminded 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.
Motorists are also reminded not to block signalized intersections while the signal is red. This prevents traffic from side streets from crossing the roadway. It is also a violation of the vehicle code enforceable by fine.
Drivers are reminded to “share the road” and be alert for pedestrians, bicyclists, and buses as they move through this work zone.
West Aaron Drive to Blue Course Drive
No work anticipated
Blue Course Drive to Cherry Lane
The Big Hollow box culvert replacement is continuing through August 8. This work is taking place around the clock until work is complete. Traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction around the clock while work is being performed.
Cherry Lane to Curtin Road
Work will be added this year that will extend the Park Avenue turning lane heading away from the University. It will widen the roadway and install new curbing from Park Avenue to Curtin Road. The contractor anticipates completing most of this work by the end of November 2019. The remaining work will take place in the spring of 2020 and will include drainage and casing installation for future development, roadway widening, traffic signal upgrades, curbing and ADA compliant curb ramp installation. Adding this work to the current contract will eliminate the need to restrict pedestrians from crossing Atherton Street at Park Avenue during the next phase of the project.
The long-term lane closure on the far-right side of Atherton Street traveling toward the University will remain in place. The lane closure is in place to install curbing and sidewalk in this area. While the contractor is working, traffic will be reduced to a single lane for inbound traffic toward the University and two lanes remain open for outbound traffic leaving 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. The center turning lane will remain closed at all times.
Because of a temporary signal being installed, there are no pedestrian signal heads activated for the crossing of Atherton Street at Park Avenue. Signage is in place detouring pedestrian traffic to the Curtin Road intersection.
Hillcrest Avenue, Arbor Way, Ridge Avenue and Park Avenue on the right side of Atherton Street heading toward the University will be closed at various times throughout the week to prepare for and install concrete curb and sidewalk. Message boards will indicate when the street closures are in place so that motorists can use alternate routes.
Recent Updates
PennDOT has updated its Atherton Street construction schedule for spring 2020. Additional work will take place between Park Avenue and Curtin Road.
Work will be added this year that will extend the Park Avenue turning lane heading away from the University. It will also widen the roadway and install new curbing from Park Avenue to Curtin Road. The contractor anticipates completing most of this work by the end of November 2019.
The remaining work will take place in the spring of 2020 and will include drainage and casing installation for future development, roadway widening, traffic signal upgrades, curbing and ADA compliant curb ramp installation. Adding this work to the current contract will eliminate the need to restrict pedestrians from crossing Atherton Street at Park Avenue during the next phase of the Atherton Street project.
PennDOT thanks motorists for their continued patience as work on the project continues.
Resources
Centre Region COG General Forum presentation on 2019 Construction Projects in the Centre Region
Work will carry through 2019, with phased work zones stretching from Aaron Drive to Park Avenue. Work includes 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
Ongoing
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 reminds drivers that they can subscribe to PennDOT news in Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter counties at www.penndot.gov/District2
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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 website.