Access to Mont Alto campus easier by bridge construction

Visitors to Penn State Mont Alto might remember the one-lane bridge, which served as the entrance to the campus for years. The bridge finally was renovated after administrators settled a land dispute over the property.

On Nov. 6, Penn State opened its new two-lane bridge and an additional bridge for pedestrians. The project to improve the one-lane bridge began in July 1998 and cost about $400,000.

"The one-lane bridge was not adequate or safe for two directions of traffic and pedestrians, which is why the new bridges were installed," said Tom Stapleton, director of business services. "The university has been working to resolve some property line problems in the area of the bridge."

Once construction got underway, students and motorists could not gain entrance to the campus in the usual manner. A temporary bridge was built for pedestrians and motorists were forced to drive out of their way to use a back entrance to campus.

Both detours caused students, staff and visitors to take extra time getting onto campus, but they didn't seem to cause any major problems during construction, Stapleton said.

Although construction caused some inconveniences, students attending Mont Alto seem to think the project worthwhile.

"(The construction) was an inconvenience for a while, but it had to be done," said Michael Steinmetz (sophomore-business administration). "I almost had an accident on the bridge last year."

-by Kara McConnell