Gill Street Bike/Pedestrian Connector Path Opens for Use

A new link in the Centre Region’s bike and pedestrian path system is open for use.

Developed by State College and Penn State, the North Gill Street shared-use path in the borough’s West End recently opened after being discussed for more than a decade.

Tying into the regional bike path system, the connector at the top of North Gill Street allows travel on pathways from Penn State’s West Campus to Community Field near State High then linking to the Westerly Parkway and Orchard Park bike paths and on into Ferguson Township.

“It is a great way to explore the Borough of State College,” State College Mayor Ron Filippelli said in a statement. “Our goal with this project is to increase the use of alternative forms of travel which help make our community healthier and more sustainable.”

The concept for the North Gill Street path first surfaced in the 2007 West End Revitalization Plan and in 2014 PennDOT awarded the borough a $164,000 grant for the project. Progress moved slowly, however, as the borough saw turnover in the public works and planning departments and as staff worked with private property owners on securing the right of way.

Penn State provided design work for the project.

“Penn State is committed to promoting and supporting the development of alternative means of transportation to and from the University Park campus,” Tom Flynn, landscape architect for Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant, said. “This new connection onto West Campus provides a critical bicycle and pedestrian portal and furthers our collective efforts in providing a safe, convenient and inter-connected bicycle and pedestrian network.”

Trish Meek, transportation planner for the Centre Region Planning Agency, said the corridor is an important connection for travel through campus, the borough and the rest of the region.

“The Gill Street Path is a critical link in the regional bike network,” Meek said. “It builds a more a continuous, interconnected network of bicycle facilities which links neighborhoods, schools and open space to Penn State University and provides an accessible and safe transportation alternative to residents in the Centre Region.”