After more than three years of work, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has finally completed work on the mainline of State College’s Atherton Street Project, according to a release.

The $12.8 million project included a number of infrastructure renovations to the road, including the relocation of utility, sewer, and water lines, drainage improvements, and the installation of new curbing, sidewalks, and ramps. It also implemented traffic signal upgrades, a new concrete median, and, of course, paving.

“PennDOT thanks drivers, area residents, bicyclists, and pedestrians for their patience and cooperation during this lengthy, challenging, and impactful project,” PennDOT said in a statement.

The project’s first phase wrapped up in October 2019.

Following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, PennDOT worked with the Department of Health to form a project-specific safety plan to keep workers safe, largely influenced by Centers for Disease Control guidance. The plans included social distancing protocols, mandatory face coverings, and new training.

Now three years later, Atherton will hopefully no longer be the bane of most students and townies’ existences. After all, our staff considered it to be one of the worst roads known to man just two years ago.