Drivers Headed to Penn State Football Opener Could See Travel Delays

Fans from across Pennsylvania and beyond will be heading to Beaver Stadium this weekend to see Penn State football open the season on Saturday. Whatever direction they may be coming from, drivers should be aware of the potential for travel delays, according to PennDOT.

In addition to various road projects, travelers should also keep in mind that Labor Day weekend will mean additional traffic. According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, an estimated 3.5 million vehicles will travel the turnpike between Thursday and Tuesday, with Friday being the most heavily traveled day.

For those making their way to State College, here is where drivers should expect.

In State College

– The North Atherton Street project is ongoing, but for Labor Day weekend two lanes will be open for traffic in each direction through the current work zone between North Hills Place and Cherry Lane. The center lane remains closed and no left turns will be allowed.

From the Harrisburg area

– On Route 322 in Centre County, a crossover is in place about a mile east of Potters Mills, from Decker Valley Road to Sand Mountain Road, with one lane available in each direction and with a 13-foot width restriction. This is part of the multi-year Potters Mills Gap project.

– On Route 283 in southeastern Dauphin County, lane restrictions, with one lane each direction, are in place for a 6-mile stretch between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 341 (Toll House Road).

From the Altoona Area

– On I-99 there is a potential for lane closures from the Altoona 17th Street exit to near the Pinecroft exit (mile 33 to 37), as well as between Bellwood and Tipton (mile 41 to 45). Both work zones have a 16-foot width restriction. This road work is expected to end Nov. 8.

– Also on I-99, lane closures may be in place at the Tyrone bridge (mile 48), with a 14-foot width restriction and speed reduced to 55 miles per hour. Bridge work is expected to end Oct. 5.

– No work is expected to take place this weekend for the current I-99 roadway improvement project in Centre County on a 3-mile stretch near the Waddle Road interchange.

From the Williamsport area

 – On Route 15, lane restrictions, with one lane each direction, are in place at Winfield in Union County, along with a 14-foot width restriction.

– On Route 26, there is a new traffic signal at the end of the I-80 westbound off-ramp at the Bellefonte/161 exit. The traffic pattern change is intended to alleviate major congestion and back-ups on I-80 westbound as traffic approaches the Bellefonte exit.

From Western PA:

– On I-80 eastbound, potential lane closures may be in place from Emlenton to Knox (mile 42-53), with 12-foot width restrictions. Paving is expected to end Sept. 23 and bridge work is expected to end Oct. 23. Speed reduced to 60 mph in these work zones. Please allow for extra travel time.

– After Labor Day, lane restrictions will be in place for I-80 eastbound traffic across the Moshannon Creek bridge at mile-marker 141 in Centre County. This restriction will remain through early October.

PennDOT encourages drivers to check 511PA for up-to-date travel conditions across the state.