Lane Closures, Travel Delays Expected as Utility Work Begins for Atherton Street Project

Utility work has begun as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s project for improvements to North Atherton Street, and as work resumes drivers lane closures and shifts and travel delays.

The entire project will take place through 2019 and will be done in phases between Aaron Drive and Park Avenue. Work to relocate gas lines in 2017 resulted in frequent traffic backups in the summer and fall in the area of Park Avenue.

Overall work on the project will include relocation of utility lines, sewer and water lines, drainage improvements, curbing, sidewalks, ADA ramps, traffic signal upgrades, new concrete median and paving.

Roadway work is expected to begin in late March and until then motorists can expect some traffic changes that may result in travel delays, especially during high traffic volume times.

The northbound travel lane from Park Avenue to Blue Course Drive will be closed for West Penn Power and Verizon utility work.

In early March, the northbound and southbound passing lanes will be closed between Cherry Lane and Blue Course Drive will be closed for Columbia Gas utility line relocation. Drivers should be aware of lane shifts during that time.

All work is weather- and schedule-dependent and PennDOT plans to issue regular updates. Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. is the contractor for the $12.8 million project.

The North Atherton Street project is one of a number of road and bridge projects expected to take place around Centre County this spring and summer.