If you haven’t noticed the construction around State College since the school year got underway, you probably don’t get out much. Between Pugh Street and Locust Lane, new traffic patterns have been a headache since students returned. Luckily, we’ll be getting at least some relief from it this weekend.

According to State College Assistant Borough Manager Roger Dunlap, the construction of the streetscape on Pugh Street will temporarily cease for the football weekend, opening up the road for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Workers have basically finished the streetscape between College Avenue and Calder Way, leaving the rest of the street to be completed following the weekend.

After the weekend, the traffic lights at both ends of the street will be replaced, and the rest of the curb and sidewalk past Calder Way towards Beaver Avenue will be replaced along with handicapped ramps and pedestrian nodes. So, cue the sighs — the construction relief won’t last.

Dunlap said that, a block away, the construction will continue on the corner of Beaver Avenue and Locust Lane. The intersection is also receiving handicapped ramps and pedestrian nodes, with two out the four corners already completed. The construction has caused issues on Beaver Avenue, with traffic moving down to a single lane, but the contractor will open up both lanes for the weekend.

With all of the construction going on, it’s definitely a relief that downtown will be alright for the weekend.