Independence Day parking and service changes, 4th Fest 2025 impacts announced – Penn State University

Independence Day parking and service changes, 4th Fest 2025 impacts announced – Penn State University

University Park Independence Day Transportation and Parking Advisory

In observance of the Independence Day holiday on Friday, July 4, University Park will implement several changes to Transportation Services, parking, traffic, and transit operations. These adjustments align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting efficient resource use and supporting sustainable urban mobility.

Transportation Services Office and Operations

  • The Transportation Services Office will be closed for the day.
  • Fleet Operations will be closed; no fleet vehicle pickups will be available.
  • Campus Shuttle services will not operate.
  • CATA campus and community transit services will be suspended.

Parking Regulations and Permit Use

Faculty, staff, and student permit holders are permitted to park throughout the day in their assigned areas and all locations normally available during evening and weekend hours, with the exception of the East, HUB, Nittany, and West decks. Prior to 4 p.m., these decks are reserved exclusively for assigned permit holders.

Core faculty and staff permits (Brown, Green, Orange, Red, Silver, Yellow) remain valid at the following locations through Friday, August 15:

  1. Lot 11
  2. Lot 22
  3. Yellow H (all sections)
  4. Nittany Deck
  5. West Deck

Visitor parking will be available at the East, HUB, Nittany, and West decks at a rate of $2 for the first hour and $1 for each additional hour.

Overnight parking restrictions between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. for commuter lots will remain in effect. Reserved parking spaces, including ADA and service/delivery spots, will continue to be enforced.

Parking Impacts Due to Central PA 4th Fest

In support of the Central PA 4th Fest at Medlar Field, Penn State parking permits will not be valid in certain areas on Friday, July 4. All vehicles must be removed from these areas prior to the event:

  • Portions of Jordan East
  • Orange L (East)

Note that these areas will be closed from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting Thursday, July 3. From 1 p.m. onward, 4th Fest visitor parking will be available, with permit holders required to pay the event parking fee upon entry.

For detailed information on 4th Fest parking and events, visit the Central PA 4th Fest website.

Campus Road Closures for Firecracker 4K

To facilitate the Firecracker 4K event, the following campus roads will be closed from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, July 4:

  • Porter Road (between Curtin Road and Hastings Road)
  • Hastings Road (between Porter Road and Bigler Road)
  • Bigler Road (between Hastings Road and Eisenhower Road)
  • Eisenhower Road (between Bigler Road and Shortlidge Road)
  • Shortlidge Road (between Eisenhower Road and Curtin Road)
  • Curtin Road (between Shortlidge Road and Porter Road)

4th Fest Parade Traffic Impacts

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 4, the following downtown and campus roads will be closed for the 4th Fest parade, which starts at 11 a.m.:

  • Burrowes Road (between Beaver Avenue and Pollock Road)
  • College Avenue (between South Burrowes Street and Shortlidge Road)
  • Shortlidge Road (between Pollock Road and College Avenue)

Roads will reopen to regular traffic as the parade progresses along its route.

Contact Information for Inquiries

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The adjustments to transportation and parking services during the Independence Day holiday contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals, including:

  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — By managing traffic flow and parking availability, the university promotes safer, more sustainable urban mobility and reduces congestion.
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — The coordination of transit and event logistics supports resilient infrastructure and sustainable transport systems.
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — Temporary suspension of certain services encourages efficient use of resources during low-demand periods.

These measures demonstrate the university’s commitment to integrating sustainability principles into campus operations and community events.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

  1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
    • The article discusses transportation services, parking management, road closures, and public event coordination, all of which relate to making cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
  2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    • The management of transportation infrastructure such as roads, parking lots, and shuttle services is highlighted, which connects to building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization.
  3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
    • The organization of events like the Firecracker 4K promotes physical activity and community health.
  4. SDG 13: Climate Action
    • The temporary suspension of shuttle and transit services and adjustments in vehicle usage could imply efforts to manage emissions and environmental impact during events.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

  1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
    • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
    • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
  2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
  3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
    • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and promotion of mental health and well-being.
  4. SDG 13: Climate Action
    • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

  1. SDG 11 Indicators
    • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, implied by the mention of shuttle and CATA services being suspended.
    • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities, implied through the management of vehicle use and parking restrictions during events.
  2. SDG 9 Indicators
    • Indicator 9.1.2: Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport, implied by the description of road closures and traffic adjustments.
  3. SDG 3 Indicators
    • Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate, indirectly related to mental health promotion through community events like the Firecracker 4K.
    • Participation rates in physical activities, implied by the organization of the Firecracker 4K event.
  4. SDG 13 Indicators
    • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies, implied by the planning and coordination of transportation and event logistics to reduce environmental impact.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems.
  • 11.6: Reduce adverse environmental impact of cities.
  • 11.2.1: Proportion of population with convenient access to public transport.
  • 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
  • 9.1.2: Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and promotion of mental health and well-being.
  • 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (indirectly related).
  • Participation rates in physical activities (implied).
SDG 13: Climate Action
  • 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
  • 13.2.1: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies (implied).

Source: psu.edu