Vermont Business Magazine US Route 2 at the temporary drawbridge connecting North Hero to Grand Isle is open to two lanes of traffic. VTrans expects intermittent stops and releases of traffic by flaggers to allow for construction vehicles to enter the work zone. The contractor is currently working 7AM to 6PM, Monday through Thursday, and 7AM to 1PM on Fridays. No weekend work is scheduled at this time.
The temporary bridge has a speed limit of 25mph. There are tight curves approaching the temporary bridge, and trucks are advised to reduce speed to 15mph. Bicycles should use caution while crossing the bridge.
The work zone speed limit is enforced, and individuals have been ticketed for excessive speeding. Obeying the speed limit is extremely important for everyone's safety.
NOTICE TO MARINERS: The temporary drawbridge is opening on the top of the hour between 8 AM and 8 PM, 7 days per week, until October 15, 2019. An update for this boating season includes a reduction in channel width to 40 feet at the drawbridge location.
The existing bridge is left in the open position. Mariners can request drawbridge openings by the bridge tender on Channel 13 or at 802-372-4360. The bridge will not open unless a request is made.
Smaller vessels are reminded to be aware of the Coast Guard Safety Zone. It is important not to linger within this zone for your own safety.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: The contractor is continuing demolition of the existing structure. They are now working on removing the approach span on the east side of the existing bridge. This span is located between the bridge abutment and first pier. This work will continue through the week, and they will then transition to demolition of the west side of the bridge.
The photo below shows demolition progress on the east bascule span of the existing drawbridge:
Traffic Phasing Milestones:
- July to August 2018: one-lane, two-way traffic on the existing drawbridge
- August 2018 to May 2019: two lane, two-way traffic on the existing drawbridge
- May 2019 to May 2021: two lane, two-way traffic on the temporary drawbridge
- May to September 2021: two lane, two-way traffic on the new drawbridge
- September 2021: one-lane, two-way traffic on the new drawbridge
- October 2021: two lane, two-way traffic on the new drawbridge
For more information on construction updates at the drawbridge, click here.
Source: VTrans 8.1.2019