Skip to main content
An Official Vermont Government Website

Colchester Exit 17 Project

Colchester Exit 17

Construction Update

DATE: Friday, November 15, 2024

TRAFFIC IMPACT AND DURATION: From Sunday, November 17, at 8 p.m. to Friday, November 22, at 6 a.m., the Interstate 89 (I-89) northbound and southbound lanes at the Exit 17 interchange will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night.

During the nighttime closures, traffic will be maintained via detour routes. The existing U.S. Route 2 (U.S. 2) bridge over I-89 will have a single-lane reduction, with two lanes of traffic maintained.

Temporary traffic control signage and portable changeable message boards will be installed along the detour routes to guide travelers. Southbound traffic on I-89 will be directed to exit the interstate at Exit 17, turn left onto U.S. 2., and immediately re-enter I-89 using the southbound on-ramp at the Exit 17 interchange, as shown in the graphic below.

Southbound traffic on I-89 will be directed to exit the interstate at Exit 17, turn left onto U.S. 2., and immediately re-enter I-89 using the southbound on-ramp at the Exit 17 interchange.

Northbound traffic on I-89 will be detoured to exit the interstate at Exit 16 in Colchester, travel approximately 6.3 miles on U.S. 2/U.S. 7 to the Exit 17 interchange, and re-enter I-89 using the northbound on-ramp at the Exit 17 interchange, as shown in the graphic below.

Northbound traffic on I-89 will be detoured to exit the interstate at Exit 16 in Colchester, travel approximately 6.3 miles on U.S. 2/U.S. 7 to the Exit 17 interchange, and re-enter I-89 using the northbound on-ramp at the Exit 17 interchange.

From Monday, November 18, through Friday, November 22, I-89 will be intermittently reduced to a single lane in both directions near Exit 17 during daytime off-peak hours: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on I-89 northbound and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on I-89 southbound throughout the week. The I-89 northbound off-ramp slip lane to U.S. 2 westbound will remain closed 24/7 for bridge construction. Motorists can turn right or left onto U.S. 2 at the signalized intersection.

Motorists should slow down, use caution, and pay attention to flaggers and road signage while traveling through the work zone. The construction schedule is subject to change due to weather and other field variables. A supplemental Traffic Alert will be issued on Sunday.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: During the nighttime interstate closures, crews will install the structural steel girders for the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89, which will support the new bridge deck. During the day, crews will connect the steel beams with bolts, and pave drainage trenches along the interstate.

Crews work to construct the new I-89 southbound on-ramp for U.S. 2 westbound traffic, which will eliminate the left-turn conflict point for westbound vehicles and reduce queuing and backups on U.S. 2.

Crews work to construct the new I-89 southbound on-ramp for U.S. 2 westbound traffic, which will eliminate the left-turn conflict point for westbound vehicles and reduce queuing and backups on U.S. 2.

Crews work to construct the new I-89 southbound on-ramp for U.S. 2 westbound traffic, which will eliminate the left-turn conflict point for westbound vehicles and reduce queuing and backups on U.S. 2.

Project Overview

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is improving the interchange at Interstate 89 (I-89) Exit 17 and the Chimney Corner intersection of U.S. Route 2 (U.S. 2) and U.S. Route 7 (U.S. 7) to enhance safety and mobility in Colchester, Vermont. Key project elements include:

  • Replacing aging and deteriorating infrastructure through the full replacement of the existing U.S. 2 bridge over Interstate 89 (I-89).
  • Extending the deceleration lane of the I-89 northbound off-ramp.
  • Reconstructing the I-89 southbound off-ramp to make space for a new I-89 southbound on-ramp for U.S. 2 westbound.
  • Eliminating the left-turn conflict point for westbound vehicles accessing I-89 southbound and reducing queuing and backups on U.S. 2 with a new I-89 southbound on-ramp.
  • Improving the intersection of the I-89 northbound off-ramp at U.S. 2, including adding a U.S. 2 eastbound left-turn-only lane to increase capacity and reduce queuing and backups on the interstate.
  • Widening the roadway to accommodate additional turning lanes on U.S. 2 eastbound and U.S. 7 northbound, to address queuing and delays at the U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 intersection.

Project Area

The project area includes the segment of U.S. 2 beginning just east of Jasper Mine Road and extending just under a half mile east to its intersection with U.S. 7 at Chimney Corner and the segment of U.S. 7 beginning just south of the Shell gas station/Simon’s Chimney Corner Store and extending just over a half mile north to its intersection with Wiley Road. The Exit 17 interstate ramps and the portion of I-89 bound by them.

Project Quick Facts

Contract Award: February 22, 2024

Target Construction Schedule: Spring 2024 – Summer 2026

Projected Completion: Summer 2026

Project Designer: VHB

Project Contractor: Kubricky-Jointa Lime LLC

Estimated Project Cost: $31,760,442.50

Funding: 100% federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Programs

    Stay Informed 

    The Colchester Exit 17 Project will be constructed over three seasons, starting in Spring 2024 and continuing through Summer 2026. The project team is issuing weekly Construction Updates via email highlighting the upcoming week’s construction activities and anticipated impacts. The project also issues Project Announcements and Traffic Alerts to the project stakeholder list to share important milestones and any schedule changes. To sign up to receive these updates directly in your inbox, fill out the form below: 

    Sign up to receive updates about the Colchester Exit 17 Project

    View the Project Factsheet

    Contact the Public Information Team

    If you have questions or concerns regarding the Colchester Exit 17 project, please contact the project’s Public Information Team at:

    TRAFFIC ALERT:

    From Sunday, November 17, at 8 p.m. to Friday, November 22, at 6 a.m., the Interstate 89 (I-89) northbound and southbound lanes at the Exit 17 interchange will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. During the nighttime closures, traffic will be maintained via detour routes. The existing U.S. Route 2 (U.S. 2) bridge over I-89 will have a single-lane reduction, with two lanes of traffic maintained. Temporary traffic control signage and portable changeable message boards will be installed along the detour routes to guide travelers. View the full Traffic Alert.

    On Monday, August 19, southbound traffic on Interstate 89 exiting at Exit 17 permanently shifted to the new southbound off-ramp located west of the existing off-ramp.