Please review the list of frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not addressed in the FAQ, please contact the project team.
What is the Exit 17 Project?
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). Key improvements include replacing the U.S. 2 bridge over I-89, constructing new I-89 southbound on and off ramps, extending the deceleration lane of the I-89 northbound off-ramp, and upgrading the intersection of the I-89 northbound ramp and U.S. 2 and the intersection of U.S. 2 and U.S. 7, which includes widening U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 to accommodate additional turning lanes.
Where is the Exit 17 Project?
The project is located in Colchester, VT. The project area includes:
- The segment of U.S. 2 starting just east of Jasper Mine Road and extending just under a half mile east to its intersection with U.S. 7 at Chimney Corner
- The segment of U.S. 7 starting 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 bounded by them.
Why is this project necessary?
The Colchester Exit 17 project will improve the safety and mobility of all users on U.S. 2, U.S. 7, and the I-89 Exit 17 interchange by:
- Reducing Congestion and Queuing:
- Extending the I-89 northbound off-ramp and improving its intersection with U.S. 2 will help reduce queuing, particularly during evening peak hours.
- Widening the roadway on U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 near the Chimney Corner intersection will create additional turning lanes for U.S. 2 eastbound and U.S. 7 northbound, enhancing overall traffic flow and mobility.
- Enhancing Safety and Mobility:
- Addressing high-crash locations along the segment of U.S. 2 by constructing a new I-89 southbound on-ramp, eliminating conflict points for U.S. 2 westbound vehicles.
- Designating bicycle travel lanes along U.S. 2 through pavement markings and signage improving mobility for alternative transportation options.
- Maintaining Vital Connections:
- Maintaining efficient and reliable connections between major routes (U.S. 2, U.S. 7, and I-89).
- Addressing the structural deficiency of the U.S. 2 bridge over I-89, which was built in 1964.
How long will the project take to complete?
Construction is expected to be carried out over three construction seasons, starting in the Spring of 2024 and continuing through Summer 2026.
What is the construction schedule?
The Colchester Exit 17 Project will be completed in six phases over three construction seasons, beginning in Spring 2024 and continuing through Summer 2026. The first three phases are anticipated to be completed in 2024. Phases 4 and 5 are scheduled for 2025, and phase 6 is anticipated to be completed in 2026. For more detailed information about the construction phases and schedule, please refer to the Construction Phasing Page on the project website or to the Project Factsheet.
What hours can we expect construction activities?
Construction for this project will occur during both daytime and nighttime hours. Daytime work will be scheduled from Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. Nighttime work will take place from Sunday at 6 p.m. to Friday at 6 a.m., specifically within the hours of 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.
A detailed work schedule, specifying whether work will occur during daytime and/or nighttime for the upcoming week, will be provided in the weekly Construction Updates.
What changes can motorists expect during construction?
- Construction work will require shoulder and lane closures on U.S. 2, U.S. 7, and I-89. The project team will minimize major impacts to traffic on U.S. 2, U.S. 7, and I-89 during peak travel times.
- I-89 will experience a limited number of nighttime full lane closures in both the northbound (NB) and southbound (SB) directions near Exit 17 to facilitate bridge erection and demolition. During these nighttime closures, traffic on I-89 traffic will be detoured to U.S. 2 between Exits 16 and 17. Signs will be installed along the detour routes to guide motorists.
- There will also be a limited number of nighttime closures of the I-89 Exit 17 ramps. While the Exit 17 ramps are closed, traffic will be detoured along U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 respectively via Exits 16 and 18. Signs will be installed along the detour routes to guide motorists.
What changes can cyclists expect during construction?
The VTrans Bicycle Corridor Priority Map designates U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 as priority corridors for bicyclists, with high use identified on U.S. 2 between Jasper Mine Road and the Champlain Islands. During construction, both U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 will remain open to cyclists. Cyclists are advised to follow all temporary traffic control measures, including signs and flaggers on-site, and be alert as they navigate the work zone. Road conditions may vary. Find out the current road conditions and traffic patterns by visiting the Project Updates page on the project website or signing up for weekly Construction Updates.
Will access to Interstate 89 at Exit 17 be affected?
- There will be a limited number of nighttime I-89 Exit 17 ramp closures. These closures will be scheduled between Sunday and Friday, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Specifically:
- The I-89 SB on-ramp will be closed for a maximum of three nights.
- The I-89 NB on-ramp will be closed for a maximum of five nights.
- The I-89 NB off-ramp will be closed for a maximum of fifteen nights.
- During the closure of the Exit 17 ramps, traffic will be detoured along U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 via Exits 16 and 18 as needed.
How can I stay informed during construction?
The project team issues email project updates to a project stakeholder list regularly, including weekly Construction Updates 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. Click here to sign up to receive these email updates. The most recent Construction Update and past project updates are also posted on the Colchester Exit 17 project website under Project Updates in the side menu.
How do I contact the Colchester Exit 17 Project Team?
If you have questions or concerns regarding the Colchester Exit 17 Project, contact the project’s Public Information Team via email at info@ColchesterExit17.com or by phone at 802-595-4399.
Who is the contractor?
Kubricky-Jointa Lime LLC has been selected as the prime contractor for the Colchester Exit 17 Project.
What is the cost of this project?
The estimated cost of the Colchester Exit 17 Project is $31,760,442.50.
How is this project being funded?
The project is 100% federally funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.