State College’s downtown Calder Way Project has been delayed. Here’s what we know
State College’s long-awaited Calder Way Project will have to wait a little longer to begin.
The first phase of a multi-year project focused on turning Calder Way into a pedestrian-preferred corridor has been delayed until January, State College Borough announced Thursday. The timeline for the other phases is expected to remain in place; the final phase is still set to start in 2027.
Because of supply-chain issues, the Phase 1 start date was initially pushed back from July to September — and, because of those issues and concerns such a delay could negatively impact more businesses, a decision was recently made to simply wait to start until Jan. 2, 2024.
“The Borough of State College thanks the public for their patience and understanding,” a news release read.
The borough has been open about the expected impacts of the project. There will be noise. There will be traffic changes. There will be inconveniences. Council Member Deanna Behring even described the project in June as “very disruptive” and as a “necessary evil.”
Not only will Calder Way see a transformation that includes a dedicated cycling lane, an outdoor courtyard, mounted lights, and more, but it will also see the needed upgrading and replacing of utilities and infrastructure along the way, from Atherton to High streets.
“It’s going to be something that will not only benefit the businesses, but also visitors and residents to downtown State College,” Elton Hayes, who’s serving as the borough’s Calder Way public relations official, previously told the CDT.
Exploratory excavation, or the work to confirm the placement of existing utilities, began in late August between McAllister and South Fraser streets. According to the borough, that will resume at some point — although the schedule is not yet known. Traffic impacts should be minimal.
The real work — installing a new water main and service connections — was expected to start Sept. 18, and that’s the work that is being delayed. Other future Phase 1 work involves sanitary sewer, stormwater piping and gas mains, along with upgrading infrastructure like telecommunications and electrical utilities.
The total cost of the project is expected to eclipse $6.5 million, but the borough will not be responsible for the full cost. Utility companies will pay for their costs, and state/federal grants will cover other expenses. Because of those variables, an accurate estimate for the borough’s contribution was not immediately known.
Future updates on the project will be shared by the State College Borough at statecollegepa.us/engage.
