Vermont Business Magazine This weekly report is a list of planned construction activities that will have traffic impacts on state highways throughout Vermont for the week of May 8, 2023. Please remember to drive safely in all work zones. Lives depend on it.
In addition to the list below, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) announced Friday the closure of the U.S. 4 Bridge #33 over the Ottauquechee River along U.S. Route 4 between East Mountain Road and Mission Farm Road near the Skyeship Gondola, as part of the Killington U.S. 4 Bridge #33 Replacement Project. VTrans will be shifting traffic onto a temporary roadway and bridge constructed to carry vehicles over the Ottauquechee River during the closure period.
Starting Monday, May 8, the bridge will be closed and traffic will be shifted onto the temporary bridge constructed upstream of the existing bridge. The closure and traffic shift will remain in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the closure period. The closure period is anticipated to be in effect starting Monday, May 8, through Fall 2023.
The temporary roadway is narrow with added curvature to its alignment. Motorists are encouraged to reduce their speed along the temporary roadway to the advisory speed of 30 mph. Motorists are reminded to slow down, use caution, and be attentive as they travel along the temporary roadway.
Interstates
I-89 White River Junction – Our partners at NHDOT are working on a multi-year bridge replacement project on I-89 over the Connecticut River. Motorists should expect daily lane closures and speed reductions over the northbound and southbound bridges.
I-89 Colchester – Motorists should expect to encounter rolling roadblocks on I-89 between Exits 14 and 17 on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to facilitate blasting operations for the Exit 16 Diverging Diamond Interchange project.
I-91 Bradford – Permanent, single lane closures have been implemented on I-91 in both directions near Exit 16 for preventative maintenance repairs to bridges. A speed limit reduction to 55 mph is in effect.
I-91 Fairlee-St. Johnsbury – Preventative maintenance repairs to bridges require multiple permanent work zones along I-91 in both directions near Exit 17 in Newbury and in the southbound lanes near Exit 20 in St. Johnsbury. Daily, single lane closures will be installed as needed in Barnet near Exit 18 in both directions. Motorists should watch for shifting traffic patterns in Fairlee near Exit 15 as the temporary crossover for northbound traffic is scheduled to be implemented this week. Lane width and speed limit reductions are currently in effect.
The St. Johnsbury Exit 20 I-91 southbound on ramp has been closed and traffic is being detoured northbound to Exit 21 to turn around and enter southbound safely from that location.
I-91 Lyndon-Barton – Travelers can expect grooved pavement, uneven lanes, and daily lane closures in the vicinity of active construction between Exits 23 and 25 from Sunday to Saturday during daytime construction hours (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.). Paving will begin Saturday, 05/06. Speed is reduced to 55 mph in the work zone.
I-91 Westminster – A bridge deck replacement project over VT 121 is underway. I-91 northbound and southbound have been reduced to one lane of travel across the bridges. A speed reduction to 55 mph is in place within the project area. Fines are doubled for speeding within the construction zone. VT 121 under the bridge is closed until Friday, 05/19. A detour route utilizes U.S. 5, the I-91 Access Road, and Back Westminster Road.
I-91 Westminster-Springfield – A resurfacing project is underway along I-91 northbound. Motorists can expect lane and shoulder closures between Exit 5 and Exit 8.
Around the State
Alburgh – A deck replacement project is underway on the Mother's Bridge on U.S. 2 over Lake Champlain between North Hero and Alburgh. A lane closure is in effect regulated by temporary signals and will be in place throughout the summer and fall. A width restriction (12-foot travel lane) is in place. Expect minor delays.
Barre City – An intersection improvement project is underway at the intersection of VT 14 and Merchant Street. Installation of new sewer line and manholes continues, with drilling and blasting underway to allow for installation of sewer, water, and drainage. Motorists and motorcyclists especially should use caution as they will encounter both paved and unpaved surfaces. Alternating one-lane traffic will be controlled by flaggers with lane shifts. Moderate to long delays should be expected. Work hours are weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Bennington-Pownal – Work begins on VT 279 with two separate operations. One will make guardrail repairs, and the other will remove curb and built-up sand along the shoulders. One guardrail crew will start at the welcome center and work west toward the New York/Vermont border. Another crew will start further west and work toward the west. Expect lanes closures on VT 279, with potential for flaggers on some of the ramps.
In addition, contractors will continue to replace culverts along U.S. 7 between the Bennington village and Massachusetts/Vermont border. Expect alternating traffic along this route.
Berkshire – District crews will close VT 108 N (West Berkshire Road) between Church Road and VT 120 (Lake Road) during the day on Monday, 05/08 and Tuesday, 05/09 for culvert replacements. These closures will begin at 6:00 a.m. each day and be in place until 4:00 p.m., at which time the roadway will reopen for the evening. A daytime detour will utilize VT 108, VT 105, and VT 236.
Berlin – A bridge replacement project continues on U.S. 302. Motorists should expect a single lane closure with flaggers present to assist motorists through the work zone.
Bethel-Stockbridge – Milling is set to begin along VT 107 from the railroad underpass in the Village of Bethel to the junction of VT 107 and VT 100 in Stockbridge. Motorists can expect one-way alternating traffic. Motorists will also encounter guardrail repairs in various locations along this same route.
Brattleboro-Hinsdale – Construction continues on a new bridge from Brattleboro, VT to Hinsdale, NH across the Connecticut River along the VT/NH 119 corridor. Single lane closures staffed with flaggers allowing one-way alternating traffic are in place on VT 142 south of the current intersection with VT 119. Motorists should expect minor delays in this area.
Brattleboro-Newfane – A 10-mile roadway reclaim project is underway along VT 30 from Cedar Street in Brattleboro to Newfane. Multiple operations are underway with alternating one-way traffic in effect at several locations along the project. Please anticipate multiple stoppages. Varying surface conditions require motorists to slow down and exercise caution. Delays will occur. Please note: a speed reduction to 40 mph is in effect.
Burlington – A roadway project continues along U.S. 7 (Shelburne Road, Shelburne Street, South Willard Street) to the intersection with U.S. 2, and Alt. 7 (North/South Winooski Ave, St. Paul Street) to the intersection with Riverside Avenue. Nighttime work hours are 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. Expect delays in the vicinity of active operations on North Winooski Avenue.
Charlotte-So. Burlington – A roadway resurfacing project continues along U.S. 7 from Charlotte to Shelburne. Nighttime work hours are 7:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. Milling operations will begin in Shelburne and progress northerly, and will require flagged, alternating traffic. Delays should be anticipated, particularly during the evening hours.
Chester – A bridge deck replacement project is underway on VT 103 just south of Smokeshire Rd. Traffic has permanently shifted to the new bridge. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures with alternating one-way traffic and shoulder closures between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Colchester – Construction continues on the Exit 16 Diverging Diamond Interchange located along U.S 2/7. The outermost southbound lane along U.S. 2/7 will be closed daily between the 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Motorists should expect intermittent stoppages along U.S. 2/7 and rolling roadblocks on I-89 between Exits 14 and 17 on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to facilitate blasting. Wait times for blasting should not exceed 10 minutes.
Hartford – A bridge replacement project is underway in Hartford. Motorists can expect one-way alternating traffic on VT 14, with minimal impacts on the VA Cutoff Road and the south side of the bridge by Mill Road and Old River Road. Motorists should be vigilant and watch for trucks entering and exiting the project area.
Killington – A bridge replacement project is underway on U.S. 4 just east of the Skyeship Gondola. Motorists should expect intermittent stoppages and lane closures with alternating one-way traffic on Monday, 05/08 as the bridge is closed and traffic is shifted to the temporary roadway and bridge. Mission Farm Road remains closed at its eastern intersection with U.S. 4.
Marshfield-Danville – A resurfacing project is underway along U.S. 2. Motorists can expect alternating one-way traffic controlled by flaggers.
Montpelier – A resurfacing project is underway along U.S. 2 and U.S 302. Motorists can expect alternating one-way traffic controlled by flaggers from the Middlesex/Montpelier town line to Bailey Avenue. Flaggers will be present to assist motorists through the work zone.
Travelers may also encounter periods of alternating one-way traffic controlled by flaggers at the rail crossing on U.S. 2 just east of the roundabout as crews work on signal installation and place topsoil.
New Haven – An intersection improvement project is underway along VT 17 at its intersection with East Street and Sawyer Road. Travelers will encounter one-way alternating traffic on East Road with width restrictions as crews work on ditching, drainage, and driveway culvert installation. Please note: a weeklong closure of East Street at its intersection with VT 17 will begin Monday, 05/15. A detour route will utilize River Road.
Plymouth – A bridge deck replacement project is underway along VT 100 1.5 miles south of the intersection of VT 100 and VT 100A. A speed limit reduction to 40 mph is in effect with an alternating one-way traffic pattern regulated by temporary signals. Motorists can expect minor delays through the work zone.
Poultney – A yield to one-way alternating traffic configuration is in place along River Street at the intersection of Thrall Road, where a bridge replacement project is currently ongoing.
Richford – A bridge replacement project continues along VT 105 approximately one mile south of the intersection of Main Street and River Street. Motorists can expect to travel over gravel within the newly constructed bridge approaches; please slow down.
Richmond-Bolton – Motorists will encounter areas of one-way alternating traffic along U.S. 2 Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with moderate interruptions. Motorists can also expect travel on a gravel surface between Snipe Ireland Road and Lemroy Court.
Royalton – Construction efforts for the VT 14 railroad bridge replacement and roadway realignment in Royalton are underway. Traffic is reduced to one lane with the use of temporary traffic signals. Flaggers may be used during the day with the signals turned off to run alternating one-way traffic for construction operations. Please be aware of truck and equipment traffic turning in/out of the construction work area.
Stowe – The VT 100/West Hill Road intersection project continues. Crews will work on topsoil cover and underdrain installation this week. Work hours are 6:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Mondays - Thursdays) and 6:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Fridays. Alternating one-lane traffic controlled by flaggers will be implemented between 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thetford – NHDOT is leading a rehabilitation of the East Thetford-Lyme Bridge along VT 113. The bridge is now closed for construction. Two signed detour routes are in place along I-91 connecting Fairlee, VT and Orford, NH in the north, and Norwich, VT and Hanover, NH in the south.
Wardsboro – A series of culvert replacements continues along VT 100. Motorists will encounter temporary one-way alternating traffic during the weekday along the route.
Waterbury – Work on the Downtown Main Street project continues. Travelers may encounter periods of alternating one-way traffic on U.S. 2 (Main Street) as crews work on removing old power poles and prepping for new sidewalk.
Westminster – VT 121 is closed near the I-91 overpass until Friday, 05/19 to allow for work on the interstate bridges. The detour route utilizes U.S. 5, the I-91 Access Road, and Back Westminster Road.
Williston – Expect a long-term lane shift on U.S. 2 between Gregory Drive, So. Burlington and Adams Drive, Williston. Flaggers will be present allowing construction vehicles to move in/out of the work areas.
Williston Park and Ride – Construction of a new park and ride facility along VT 2A continues. One-way alternating traffic will be required from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on VT 2A in this area. A lane shift will also be in effect at times. Please use caution when traveling through the project area and anticipate some delays.
Wilmington-Brattleboro – A resurfacing project is underway on VT 9. Motorists can expect alternating one-way traffic throughout the project limits.
Source: 5.5.2023. VTrans
