COLLEGE TOWNSHIP — Engineers for the Nittany Mall McDonald’s redevelopment project are using as many signs and markers as possible to ensure a new exit onto East College Avenue is used correctly.

The exit drive is a change to the restaurant plan, for which construction is already under way.

Engineer Mark Mox explained Thursday night to Township Council that the Nittany Mall Macy’s store had to sign off on the project and, at the last minute, opposed the original driveway plan, which would allow all access, with right and left turns in and out.

“They wanted to restrict the new driveway to an out only, a right out only,” Mox said. “They wanted to make sure anybody coming down East College wanting to go to McDonald’s would have to drive by there first.”

Council in April approved the McDonald’s plan, which includes the more modern look replacing many restaurants in the chain, two drive-through lanes, and sidewalks to Macy’s at the Nittany Mall and to East College Avenue.

At that time, Mox said the company decided to completely redevelop the Nittany Mall location, replacing the building and all utilities. In part, that addresses more recent Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Mox said the state Department of Transportation has approved the new driveway, which will include “do not enter” signs facing East College Avenue, and one-way signs pointing out.

Manager Adam Brumbaugh said his biggest concern is motorists turning left into the driveway.

“Because it happens on every single right-in only,” he said. “Perpetually, repeatedly, people are making left turns into a right-in only.”

Also Thursday, Township Council approved plans for the next development plan for Canterbury Crossing, with the project’s phasing amended to complete Brandywine Drive in two sections instead of three.

The plan includes 131 townhomes on 18 acres. Those units still will be completed in three phases, but developer Bob Poole agreed to complete the road in two.

However, the road phasing indicates that Poole must complete the road within five years of occupancy of the 50th unit in the development. The first section of the road is part of the first phase of development.

“It’s not ideal, but it’ll get you half the road right away,” Poole said. “I think we’re all taking a bet, but it’s a reasonable bet.”

Poole has said he need to sell units to finish the road, and has made similar arguments for developments elsewhere in the region.

Some Council members said they were uncomfortable with the provisions of the phasing plan.

“I’m hoping you sell all the units really fast,” said Mary Shoemaker. “But if something happens and the units don’t get sold, there’s no requirement to finish the road.”

Jessica VanderKolk can be reached at 235-3910. Follow her on Twitter @jVanReporter