Work concluded this week on the first 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.
After material procurement delays bumped the start of the long-planned Calder Way project from summer 2023 to January 2024, the $6.6 million initial phase concluded on Tuesday, according to the borough.
Stretching from McAllister Street to Fraser Street, along with Kelly and Humes alleys and a section of South Allen Street, the first year involved replacement of sanitary sewer, stormwater, water main and gas main lines and providing provisions for electric and telecommunications lines to be moved underground.
Crews installed 2,090 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipe, 2,955 feet of new water lines and approximately 9,260 feet of electrical conduit underground during phase one, according to the borough. They also paved and marked a half-mile of roadway and upgraded nine pedestrian ramps to meet federal guidelines.
“These much-needed utility infrastructure improvements will improve the quality of life in Downtown State College,” the borough wrote in a project update this week. “The Borough sincerely thanks the community for its patience throughout Phase 1’s construction period.”
The first phase was beset by several delays and extended road closures on South Pugh, South Allen and South Fraser streets, in addition to Calder, leading to consternation from some businesses in the affected areas who said customers were reluctant to visit downtown because of the constant construction.
Downtown State College Improvement District Executive Director Lee Anne Jeffries told Borough Council in August that downtown establishments “reported a 20 to 30% loss in business over last summer.” Council approved two weeks of free two-hour parking at the time in an effort to help boost downtown visitation.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The next phase of work is expected to begin in 2025 and encompass a smaller area from South Fraser Street to South Atherton Street. The proposed 2025 borough budget includes $3.2 million from the capital fund for Calder Way, with the money coming from already awarded grants.
Future phases are tentatively scheduled through 2028 and would 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.
The remaining phases are estimated to cost about $24.3 million, and in September the borough received a $15.9 million federal grant for the project funded through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Borough Manager Tom Fountaine said at the time that State College is continuing to work with its consultant, Delta Development Group Inc., to apply for grants to cover the remaining balance needed to fully fund the project.
