Construction Update
DATE: Friday, May 23, 2025
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: In observance of Memorial Day, crews will be out of the roadway by noon today, May 23, and return to the project area on Tuesday, May 27, at 6 a.m.
TRAFFIC IMPACT AND DURATION: From Tuesday, May 27, through Friday, May 30, I-89 will be reduced to a single lane in both directions near Exit 17 during 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.
There is potential for lane closures with traffic shifts on U.S. 2 between Chimney Corner and the I-89 southbound ramps. Two-way traffic will be maintained on U.S. 2.
Motorists should slow down, use caution, and pay attention to road signs and flaggers while traveling through the project limits.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: Tuesday through Friday during daytime hours, work will continue on the new U.S. 2 bridge deck and approaches, and gravel wetland near the I-89 southbound on-ramp. Crews will also install street light foundations.
Crews continue constructing the gravel wetland near the new I-89 Exit 17 southbound on-ramp in Colchester, VT.
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, 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, and 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 issues weekly Construction Updates via email during active construction to highlight 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
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:
- Email: info@ColchesterExit17.com
- 24-Hour Project Hotline: 802-595-4399