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. During phased construction, flaggers and Uniformed Traffic Officers will be present to guide travelers safely through the project area.
Phase 1: Completed (2024)
Impacts: Moderate traffic impacts along U.S. 2 and 7. Minimal disruptions to I-89 southbound.
Work included:
- Mobilization and preparatory work for the start of construction.
- Widening on both sides of U.S. 7 within the project limits and U.S. 2 near the I-89 southbound ramps.
- Construction of the new I-89 southbound off-ramp to U.S. 2 and the new deceleration lane from I-89 southbound to the new off-ramp.
- Reconstruction of the acceleration lane from the new I-89 southbound on-ramp from U.S. 2 westbound.
Phase 2: In Progress (2024 - 2025)
Impacts: Moderate traffic impacts along U.S. 2.
Work included:
- Construction of the new gravel wetland along U.S. 2.
- Removal of the existing I-89 southbound off-ramp and construction of the new I-89 southbound on-ramp from U.S. 2 westbound.
Progress Update:
- Construction has begun on the new gravel wetland along U.S. 2 with work continuing through the winter and into Spring 2025.
- The existing I-89 southbound off-ramp has been removed. Crews have constructed the subgrade and subbase of a major portion of the new I-89 southbound on-ramp. Crews will resume work in Spring 2025 to make the ramp connections to I-89 and U.S. 2 and pave the base and binder course of asphalt.
Phase 3: Completed (2024)
Impacts: Moderate traffic impacts at the intersection of U.S. 2 and U.S. 7. Construction of the new bridge will occur off the existing U.S. 2 alignment, next to the current bridge, resulting in limited traffic impacts. Bridge work will require night shutdowns on I-89 with detours. Shutdowns are limited to five days in each direction.
Work included:
- Construction of portions of the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89, focusing on the substructure. Activities included pile installation, geotechnical work, bridge abutment and pier construction, and structural steel girder installation
Phase 4: 2025
Impacts: Construction of the new bridge will occur off the existing U.S. 2 alignment, next to the current bridge, resulting in limited traffic impacts. Bridge work will require night shutdowns on I-89 with detours. Shutdowns are limited to five days in each direction. Moderate traffic impacts at the intersection of U.S. 2 and U.S. 7. Minimal impacts along I-89 northbound and U.S. 2 are expected.
Work will include:
- Reconstruction of the deceleration lane from I-89 northbound to the existing off-ramp.
- Construction of a portion of the roadway for the realignment of U.S. 2.
- Continued construction of the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89, focusing on the superstructure, including the concrete deck and bridge approach slabs.
- Milling and paving of portions of I-89 northbound and southbound within the project limits
Phase 5: 2025
Impacts: Moderate traffic impacts to I-89. Nightwork will result in I-89 northbound ramp closures and detours, expected in April 2025. Minimal impacts are expected along U.S. 2.
Work will include:
- Reconstruction of the existing northbound on-ramp from U.S. 2 and the existing I-89 northbound off-ramp from I-89 to U.S. 2.
- Reconstruction of U.S. 2 and the existing I-89 southbound on-ramp. Removal of the existing I-89 southbound on-ramp from U.S. 2.
- Install permanent traffic signals at U.S. 2 and the I-89 ramps.
- Open the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89 and close the existing bridge.
Phase 6: 2026
Impacts: Final paving on U.S. 2 and 7 will take place at night under lane closures. Final bridge work will require nighttime shutdowns on I-89 with detours. Shutdowns are limited to five days in each direction. Minimal impacts are expected along U.S. 2.
Work will include:
- Demolition and removal of the existing U.S. 2 bridge over I-89.
- Final paving and pavement markings along U.S. 2, U.S. 7, and the interstate ramps.
- Final site clean-up and restoration.