BOALSBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration, moves forward with the State College Area Connector Project, a significant infrastructure undertaking designed to ease congestion and improve safety along Route 322 between Potters Mills and Boalsburg.

Following a public scoping meeting, PennDOT announced its recommended preferred alternative: the Central alignment.

The project aims to address long standing transportation challenges in the region. Eric Murnyack, Assistant District Executive for Design at PennDOT Engineering District 2-0, outlined the project’s core purpose.

“The purpose of this project is to improve roadway congestion by achieving acceptable levels of service and to address safety issues by reducing the predicted crash frequency along the US 322 corridor between Potters Mills and Boalsburg,” Murnyack stated. He added, “Additionally, the project will aim to provide a transportation network that meets driver expectations.”

Current conditions necessitate action. “High peak hour traffic volumes cause congestion and result in unacceptable levels of service on US 322 roadway and intersections,” Murnyack explained. “Existing roadway configurations and traffic conditions contribute to safety concerns in the project area. The roadway network and configuration in the project area lacks continuity and does not meet driver expectations.

After evaluating North, Central, and South alternatives, PennDOT selected the Central alignment. Murnyack detailed the factors influencing this decision. “The Central alternative is the recommended preferred alternative,” he confirmed. “It provides the best balance of impacts for all resources.”

Several key considerations supported this choice. The Central route involves the “least residential displacements,” and results in the “least impact to productive agricultural land,” considering both direct and indirect effects. It also means a “lower number of historic properties adversely affected,” and crucially “avoids an adverse effect to the Tusseyville Historic District.”

Environmental stewardship played a significant role. The Central alternative “incorporates bridges to avoid and minimize wetland and stream direct and indirect impacts,” and “avoids the headwaters of Spring Creek.”

Planners also noted its “low potential for encountering acid-producing rock,” and its avoidance of “the Stone Mountain Important Bird Area.” The alignment “minimizes effects on protected bat species.” Beyond environmental and residential concerns, the Central option “facilitates the relocation of the Potter Athletic Complex to a more desirable location.”

The alternatives presented in May reflect refinements made since an earlier presentation in August 2024. These changes address alignment shifts, environmental resources, and engineering features.

Regarding alignment shifts, Murnyack noted, “We changed all three alternative alignments from the Potters Mills Gap Interchange to the west of Dogtown Road to be identical and minimize farmland, water resources, and other resource impacts.” He continued, “We shifted the North Alternative in the Tusseyville area to minimize community impacts and changed Local 322 alignment in the Bear Meadows Road area to remain north of the new highway.”

Environmental considerations prompted more changes. “Minor shifts were made to avoid and minimize impacts throughout each of the alternatives,” Murnyack said. “Potential impacts for each of the refined alternatives were updated.”

Engineering features also saw development. “Access to properties along the new corridors was confirmed and new access added, where necessary,” Murnyack stated. The project team “established local road network connectivity through the project area,” and “located potential gated emergency access locations along the three alternatives with periodic crossovers along the roadway.” To manage roadway runoff, “Stormwater Management Basins were added.” Bridge locations were also “established throughout the corridor to avoid wetlands and waterway impacts.”

A public scoping meeting occurred on May 8 at the Wyndham Garden State College in Boalsburg, letting stakeholders view exhibits, ask questions, and provide comments.

Reflecting on the recent engagement, Murnyack commented, “Overall, the meeting went well. We received a lot of positive feedback on the identification of the recommended preferred alternative, and people are happy to see the project continue to move forward.”

Public input has been a consistent part of the planning process. “Feedback from the various public meetings has covered a variety of concerns,” Murnyack shared. “Key areas of concern include minimizing effects to water resources (wetland and streams), farmland, residential and commercial displacements; assessing noise impacts; maintaining access; locating the alternative alignment; and identifying a recommended preferred alternative.”

For those wishing to understand the potential effects of the selected route on local residents, businesses, and environmental features, PennDOT directs the public to a resource impact summary.

This summary can be accessed via the Department of Transportation’s website. Murnyack advised, “Please review the Impact Board with the title ‘Resource Impact Summary.'”

The project is currently in its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) phase. “The EIS phase of the project will continue from now until Summer 2026 and will conclude with the combined Final Environmental Impact Statement / Record of Decision,” Murnyack outlined.

Following the ROD, the project will transition to its next stage. “After the ROD, we will proceed to Final Design for the project, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030,” he said. “During Final design, we will be completing ROW acquisition and Utility Clearance.”

Construction is expected to begin thereafter. “Construction is currently planned for 2030,” Murnyack confirmed.

A comment period for the meeting remains open through May 18. The public can submit written comments by mail to PennDOT District 2-0, attention Eric Murnyack or Leigh Woolridge, 70 PennDOT Drive, Clearfield, PA 16830. Comments are also accepted via email to emurnyack@pa.gov or lwoolridge@pa.gov or online through the study webpage.

As the State College Area Connector Project progresses, PennDOT continues to refine designs and engage with the community to deliver a transportation solution intended to serve the region for years to come.