Campus Life

North Gill Street regional bike, pedestrian connector now open

State College and Penn State partner to add West End bicycle, pedestrian corridor to regional bike network

The North Gill Street bike and pedestrian path is part of the Centre Region bike path system and connects State College's West End neighborhood with West Campus at University Park.  Credit: Esther MatthewsAll Rights Reserved.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The Borough of State College and Penn State recently opened a shared-use bicycle and pedestrian path in the borough’s West End neighborhood that will provide access to West Campus.

“The Borough of State College is excited to have this important connection to the regional bike system,” said State College Mayor Ron Filippelli. “Travelers can now travel on pathways from the west end of campus to the Community Field near State High and then link up to the Westerly Parkway and Orchard Park bike path. It is a great way to explore the Borough of State College. Our goal with this project is to increase the use of alternative forms of travel, which help make our community healthier and more sustainable.” 

This corridor provides an important connection for travelers, enhancing connectivity throughout the Borough of State College, Penn State and the expansive Centre Region bike path system. 

“The Gill Street path is a critical link in the regional bike network,” said Centre Region Planning Agency Transportation Planner Trish Meek. “It builds a more continuous, interconnected network of bicycle facilities, which links neighborhoods, schools and open space to Penn State University and provides an accessible and safe transportation alternative to residents in the Centre Region.”

This project first began in 2007 after the need was identified in the West End Revitalization Plan. The purpose of this plan was to develop a master plan for the revitalization of the designated Urban Village district through a process of consensus-building among key stakeholders, including property owners, business owners, residents, municipal officials and other interested community members. All stakeholders had a common vision of creating an attractive, mixed-use development that reflects the interests and serves the needs of those who live and work there. 

In 2014, the borough secured $160,000 in grant funding from PennDOT to complete the project. Construction started in 2020 after the borough worked with relevant stakeholders, including private property owners, to secure the right of way. The borough received design support for the project from Penn State. 

“Penn State is committed to promoting and supporting the development of alternative means of transportation to and from the University Park campus,” said Penn State Office of Physical Plant Landscape Architect Tom Flynn. “This new connection onto West Campus provides a critical bicycle and pedestrian portal and furthers our collective efforts in providing a safe, convenient and interconnected bicycle and pedestrian network.”

Last Updated July 21, 2021