University Park, Pa. -- Effective immediately, all vehicular access to University Health Services located in Ritenour Building on Penn State's University Park campus will be via a new road from Osmond Laboratory, traveling between Boucke and Telecommunication Building.
All traffic should use this route since Shortlidge Road is permanently closed from Pollock Road to the new Chemistry and Life Sciences Buildings. In accordance with the University Master Plan, the new Shortlidge Mall being created in this area is reserved for pedestrians only.
Shortldge Mall will be completed by early fall and will greatly enhance the area between Joab Thomas Building and Ritenour Building. The mall will improve pedestrian safety by eliminating any potential for vehicle/pedestrian conflict, and also will provide outdoor student and faculty gathering spaces, outdoor event areas and new east/west walkways.
Additionally, it will add new green space and create a new pedestrian corridor in accordance with the Campus Master Plan as well as improve nighttime safety with new lighting. Normal vehicular traffic will not be allowed in this area at any time; however, emergency vehicle pathways will be provided.
For a photo of the area, which still is under construction, go to http://live.psu.edu/still_life/2004_07_12_shortlidge/index.html