VHB to Assist with Proposed Conversion of Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) is assisting the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, Inc. (VAST) with the proposed conversion of a 93-mile former rail corridor to a multi-use trail called the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT).
Spanning the State of Vermont west to east from Swanton to St. Johnsbury, the LVRT would pass through 17 communities in Franklin, Lamoille, and Caledonia Counties. VAST envisions trail use to range from snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing in the winter to hiking, running, biking, and equestrian use in the summer. Today there are many obstacles, such as washouts and missing bridges, that inhibit travel over long stretches of the rail corridor. The goal is to eliminate the obstacles and provide a uniform, compacted granular surface that will support the intended uses from end to end.
Over its 93 miles, the trail conversion is a major undertaking that encounters 88 bridges and cattle passes over 500 culverts, 22 state highways, 69 town roads, and 97 private and farm crossings.
VHB Project Manager Greg Bakos is convinced this project will provide recreation, transportation, and economic benefits for the communities it serves. "This project is a great opportunity for our team to take this wonderful resource from concept through completion. By far, the biggest hurdles will be related to environmental permitting, but we are committed to bringing the client and the regulators together to achieve mutually beneficial solutions."
VHB is providing environmental documentation, permitting, design, and engineering services. The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is administering the federal funds and providing oversight through its Local Transposition Facilities section. Greg Bakos adds, "Key individuals within VAST and VTrans continue to play active roles alongside VHB, and together seek efficient and environmentally responsible solutions as we develop this regional resource."
VHB is a 850-person firm that provides integrated transportation, land development, and environmental services from 18 offices along the east coast. In January 2008, VHB announced the acquisition of the Vermont-based firm, Pioneer Environmental Associates, LLC, a well-respected, 23-person environmental consulting firm specializing in water resources/stormwater planning, permitting, and ecological studies for more than a decade. Engineering News-Record ranks VHB 84th of the Top 500 U.S. Design Firms, 46th of the Top 100 Green Design Firms, and among the Top 50 Transportation Firms in the Nation. CE News magazine consistently ranks VHB among the Best Places to Work in the U.S. For more information, visit www.vhb.com.