The second phase of a multi-year project to replace utility infrastructure and create a more pedestrian- and bike-friendly space on Calder Way in downtown State College is ready to get underway.
Crews will begin work Tuesday, Jan. 20, on West Calder Way from South Fraser Street to South Atherton Street, according to a borough release on Thursday. Work this year will include replacement and improvement sanitary sewer, stormwater, water main and gas main lines, removal of any previously abandoned lines and providing provisions for electric and telecommunications lines to be moved underground.
Construction will start with contractor TerraWorks “installing site fencing, performing test holes, saw cutting pavement, and staging tools, equipment and materials such as stone and trench boxes,” according to the borough.
Activity will mostly take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday each week, though some construction may occur on Fridays due to weather. No work will occur during special events such as THON weekend Feb. 20-22.
The borough will provide more updates as construction advances.
State College Borough Council in October approved TerraWorks low bid of $3.19 million for phase two of the Calder Way project. The borough received a $2.75 million H2O PA grant for sewer, storm, and water improvements in phase two, and the State College Borough Water Authority is contributing $228,954 for waterline replacement.
The first phase of the Calder Way project took place throughout 2024 and involved utility replacements from McAllister Street to South Fraser Street, installing 2,090 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe, 2,955 feet of new water lines and approximately 9,260 feet of underground electrical conduit.
Future phases of the project are expected to cover the eastern end of Calder Way from McAllister Street to High Street.
Calder Way is a focus of the borough’s 2013 Downtown Master Plan and “is envisioned as a pedestrian-preferred corridor with limited vehicular traffic,” according to State College’s 2025-29 Capital Improvement Plan. That includes “replacing curbed sidewalks with more aesthetically pleasing measures and the incorporation of other streetscape enhancements” from Hiester Street to Burrowes Street, after utility replacements have been completed.
Streetscape and transportation work will include widened sidewalks to provide an at-grade pathway using stamped concrete and ADA upgrades at all intersections with detectable warning devices. The vision for the project has also suggested installation of retractable bollards for traffic control and new lighting, greenery and public art, though specific elements have yet to be determined and designed.
