Submitted by katie
on
Vermont Business Magazine US Route 2 at the temporary drawbridge is open to two lanes of traffic. The contractor is working during the day from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. They are also working a night shift from 5:30 PM to 4:00 AM, Monday through Friday, and 3:00 PM to midnight on Saturdays. Night work is planned to continue through May 15th.
The temporary bridge has a speed limit of 25 mph. There are tight curves approaching the temporary bridge, and trucks are advised to reduce speed to 15 mph. 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 navigational channel is closed from December 6, 2021 through May 14, 2022. The drawbridge will resume seasonal openings on May 15, 2022. At that time, we will be keeping one leaf of the draw span closed while construction progresses, and lifting the other to allow vessels to pass through the channel. This arrangement will provide 40 feet of horizontal clearance and unlimited vertical clearance. Additional measures such as signage, a second bridge tender, law enforcement, and barges will be in place.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: On the west side of the existing bridge, the contractor has continued installing bolts on the bascule steel. Inside the pier, they are completing several electrical, mechanical and HVAC fit up items. They will lift this span of the bridge next week. This span will be left in the upright position to allow boaters to travel through the channel while work continues on the other pier bascule span. Additionally, they began the excavation for the abutment footing that will support the approach span of the bridge. The fill beneath the footing is being placed and compacted this week to create the base for the concrete footing. Next week, they will begin drilling micropiles beneath the footing.
On the east side of the existing bridge, the contractor continues to install bolts on the bascule steel. This work will continue through next week.
LOCATION: US Route 2, drawbridge connecting North Hero and Grand Isle, VT.
PROJECTED COMPLETION: Winter 2023