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Colchester Exit 17 Project

Colchester Exit 17

Construction Update

DATE: Friday, April 11, 2025

TRAFFIC IMPACT AND DURATION: From Monday, April 14, through Friday, April 18, Interstate 89 (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.

Monday through Friday, between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., flaggers will control intermittent stoppages on U.S. Route 2 (U.S. 2) near the I-89 southbound off-ramp to assist construction vehicles entering and exiting the work zone.

The I-89 northbound off-ramp slip lane to U.S. 2 westbound will remain closed 24/7. Motorists can turn right or left onto U.S. 2 at the signalized intersection.

Motorists should slow down, use caution, and pay attention to road signs while traveling through the work zone.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: Crews will continue constructing the superstructure portion of the new U.S. 2 bridge by placing deck panels, forming the interior walls and edges, installing support rods, and pouring the concrete haunches to strengthen the structure.

Additionally, they will continue excavating the new gravel wetland adjacent to U.S. 2 near the new I-89 southbound on-ramp for westbound traffic, working outside the roadway. Construction vehicles will intermittently deliver gravel to the work zone.

Crews install deck panels on the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89 in Colchester, VT.

Crews install deck panels on the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89 in Colchester, VT.

Crews install deck panels on the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89 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

View the Project Factsheet

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:

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.