State College Borough’s Calder Way project has received a significant federal funding boost.
The multi-year initiative to replace aging utility infrastructure and create a more pedestrian- and bike-friendly space on the downtown road has been awarded $15,885,560 from the Safe Streets and Roads for All funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Thursday.
“Calder Way is one of Penn State’s main streets and students and residents rely on it every day to get across town on foot or by car,” U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, who helped secure the funding with Sen. John Fetterman, said in a statement. “With slower cars speeds, wider sidewalks and an additional bike lane, these improvements will make Calder Way safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.”
The funds represent about 65% of the total cost for future phases of the project.
After getting underway in early 2024 with work on utility replacements, the project is expected to continue through 2027 at a cost of about $24.3 million.
“The $15.8 million grant the Borough of State College has received for Calder Way goes a long way in reaching a fully funded, multi-phased project to transform Calder Way into a more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly space in downtown State College,” Borough Manager Tom Fountaine wrote in an email. “The Borough has worked closely with our Congressional delegation to help secure funding for this project. The Borough will also continue to work with its consultant, Delta Development Group Inc., to apply for available grants to cover the remaining $8.5 million dollars needed to fully fund Calder Way.”
Calder Way is a focus of the borough’s 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.
Streetscape and transportation work is expected 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.
Streetscape and transportation work will include widened sidewalks to provide an at-grade pathway using stamped concrete, ADA upgrades at all intersections with detectable warning devices. The project plans also call for installation of retractable bollards for traffic control and new lighting, greenery and public art.
“I’m thrilled to see the Borough of State College receive this significant investment from the Department of Transportation,” Fetterman said in a statement. “With nearly $16 million in funding, this project will make downtown State College safer for everyone—whether you’re on foot, bike or behind the wheel. This is a big step forward in the effort to create safer streets across Pennsylvania, and I’m proud to support this project as part of our larger commitment to making our towns and cities more livable and sustainable for all.” said Senator Fetterman.
First phase work this year has involved replacement of sanitary sewer, stormwater, water main and gas main lines and providing provisions for electric and telecommunications lines to be moved underground.
Some utility replacement work has also occurred on Kelly and Humes alleys and South Allen Street between Calder Way and College Avenue. (After partial closures since May, South Allen Street will fully reopen to vehicular traffic on Monday, according to the borough.)
The $6.6 million first phase is funded by a $2.4 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (Pennvest), as well as American Rescue Plan Act funds set aside for the project and $1.7 million from the State College Borough Water Authority for replacement of a water main that has reached the end of its useful life.
State College also received in December 2023 $2.75 million in grants to replace aging water, sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure on Calder Way from Pennsylvania’s Small Water and Sewer Program and H20 PA, which are funded from American Rescue Plan Act money and administered by the Commonwealth Finance Authority.
