VTrans schedules $130 million in construction projects for 2008 season

VTrans schedules $130 million in construction projects for 2008 season
MONTPELIER – Vermont Agency of Transportation Secretary Neale Lunderville announced April 28, 2008, that VTrans in 2008 will spend about $130 million on road, bridge, culvert and highway safety construction projects statewide.
The money will fund the completion of 24 projects that began in prior years that were buttoned up for the winter, as well as fund 47 new projects that will begin sometime during the upcoming construction season.
Construction projects vary in size and scope, and include everything from safety improvements and intersection upgrades to roadway paving and bridge reconstruction.
“It was a very long winter, but construction season is finally here,” Lunderville said. “We are very excited to be putting the snowplows in storage and beginning what promises to be a very dynamic construction season. About 50 different towns will see new projects begin sometime this year.”
The number of projects could increase significantly with the approval of Governor Jim Douglas’ economic growth initiative, which includes a five-year transportation bonding plan that increases road and bridge construction by $10 million for the 2008 construction season.
“Bridge and road improvements not only support economic vitality, but also improve safety and mobility for everyone,” Lunderville said.
The start of the construction season also means the return of highway work zones. Lunderville encouraged motorists to stay focused when driving through a highway work zone to ensure not only their own safety but the safety of highway workers as well.
“People need to adopt a safety-conscious attitude while driving in work zones,” Lunderville said. “Drivers should put down their cell phones, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them, use directional signals when changing lanes, and slow down.”
Media outlets interested in a list of construction activity scheduled for their region should contact VTrans Communications Director John Zicconi for a detailed list of projects in their coverage region. Or they can go to http://www.aot.state.vt.us to view the list online. Zicconi can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 802-828-1647.
John Zicconi
VTrans Communications Director
Telephone: 802.828.1647 ¨ Fax: 802.828.3522 ¨ Email: [email protected]