Route 322 Oak Hall Exit, Two Harris Township Roads Reopen After Crash

Updated at 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 27.

A U.S Route 322 exit and two roads in Harris Township were closed for much of the day after a single-vehicle crash involving a dump truck that took down power lines and damaged a traffic signal on Wednesday morning.

The Oak Hall exit of Route 322, along with Warner Boulevard between Boal Avenue and the Route 322 bypass and Mary Elizabeth Street between Hemlock Street and Warner Boulevard, reopened early Wednesday evening.

The crash happened at about 6:50 a.m. at Mary Elizabeth Street and Brandywine Drive. According to Boalsburg Fire Company, no one was injured but the driver needed assistance exiting because of power lines on and around the truck.

Harris Township Manager Amy Farkas wrote in an email that the crash caused “significant damage” to the traffic signal at the intersection of Warner Boulevard, Mary Elizabeth Street and Brandywine Drive. The signals will be on flash until a portable traffic signal can be installed, which is expected to occur early next week.

“The portable signal will remain in place until we are able to get new poles and signal heads,” Farkas wrote. “We’ve been told there is a 6 months lead time on the poles from the manufacturer, so we anticipate the portable signal remaining in place until spring. The portable signal is housed in a trailer, which will be placed on the bike path along Warner Boulevard.”

Traffic controls will be in place to assist with student and staff arrival and Mount Nittany Middle and Elementary schools on Monday. State College Area schools have scheduled days off on Thursday and Friday. The township hopes to have the portable signal installed by Monday afternoon.

“We ask residents to please use caution as you travel through the area while the signal is on flash,” Farkas wrote.