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Streets & Sidewalks
The Borough maintains approximately 48 miles of municipal streets and 10 miles of municipal alleys.
Mission
Maintain the Borough’s infrastructure including streets, storm sewers, street lighting, signs, and traffic signals, in a manner that addresses a public need, safety, and welfare.
Street Maintenance Activities
Street maintenance activities include:
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Publications
- To assist the fire company, ambulance service and police department, it is imperative that your house number be installed so that it is clearly visible from the street.
- It would also be helpful if the number was illuminated by a porch or yard light.
- The Borough requires that house and building address numbers be at least three inches in height, made of durable material and posted at a location readily visible from the opposite side of the street.
- If you are unsure of your correct address or need information on installing your house/building number, call the Public Works Department at (814) 234-7140.
The Borough has an aggressive program of adding lights to the downtown and to our neighborhoods. These street lights have been installed for pedestrian and motorists’ safety.
Report a Concern
If you see a street light that is not working, please report the location of the light by calling the Public Works Department.
- During regular business hours, you can call the Department at (814) 234-7135.
- After hours, on weekends and holidays, emergencies can be reported to the non-emergency number at (800) 479-0050.
Signs
- The Public Works Department is responsible for all traffic control signs, signals and markings.
- To report damaged or missing signs or malfunctioning traffic signals, call (814) 234-7135 from 7:00 am to 3:00 p. or (800) 479-0050 after hours.
Maintenance and Construction of Public Sidewalks
Maintenance and construction of public sidewalks are the responsibility of the abutting property owner. Sidewalks must be kept in good repair. The Borough inspects sidewalks and will notify property owners if a repair is required.
Borough Ordinances require sidewalks to be kept clear of snow, ice, and debris. Snow and ice must be removed within 24 hours after a winter storm. Property owners who fail to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice may be issued a citation.
Sidewalk Repair Notices
Sidewalks in the residential sections of the Borough are inspected on a four-year cycle to ensure that they are in good condition. Downtown sidewalks are inspected every other year. Three criteria are used when inspecting the walks:
- Horizontal alignment
- Vertical alignment
- Surface deterioration
If there is a problem, a Sidewalk Repair Notice is mailed to the owner of the property. Once a Notice is issued, property owners have approximately four months to make the repairs or replace the sidewalk block(s). White dots are painted on blocks needing to be repaired.
Specifications for Repairs and Replacement
If you plan to repair your own sidewalks or hire a private contractor to make the repairs you must adhere to certain specifications. The Borough has outlined the specifications for repairing or replacing sidewalk blocks in a pamphlet that you can obtain online or by calling the Public Works Department.
Repair & Replacement Specifications...
Requesting Public Works Department Services
If you want to have the Borough replace the sidewalk blocks for you, please email your request and include the property address or call the Public Works Department at (814) 234-7140 to make the request. The cost for the sidewalk replacement is contained in the Sidewalk Repair Notice that was mailed to the property owner.
Issues Caused by Trees
If a tree root has caused your sidewalk problem, you may avoid future problems by following the Borough’s “Reducing Tree/Sidewalk Conflicts” brochure. The Borough Arborist may be contacted for further information on reducing tree/sidewalk conflicts.
Reducing Tree/Sidewalk Conflicts Brochure....
Questions regarding a Sidewalk Repair Notice or repair criteria can be addressed via email or by calling the Department during normal business hours at (814) 234-7140.
Sidewalk Vegetation
Lend a hand in keeping State College a walkable community. Borough ordinance requires property owners to maintain a clear and open sidewalk.
How to maintain your sidewalk vegetation
Please keep all vegetation trimmed back from the edge of the sidewalk to prevent injury to persons or property.
Trees in private property should not hang lower than 7’ above a sidewalk.
If you notice a street tree that needs to be trimmed please contact the Arborist at (814) 234-7145.
If you are unsure or have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of Public Works via email at publicworksdept@statecollegepa.us Opens a New Window.