Vermont’s First Diverging Diamond Interchange

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is improving the roadway along the U.S. Routes 2/7 (U.S. 2/7) corridor, in the vicinity of Interstate 89 (I-89) Exit 16, to enhance mobility and safety in Colchester, Vermont. The project area extends from the Colchester-Winooski town line north for approximately 1 mile to just beyond the intersection of Sunderland Woods Road at U.S. 2/7. The core of the project is to reconfigure the existing tight diamond interchange to a Diverging Diamond Interchange at I-89 Exit 16.

Learn more about this and other improvements

11/25/2024

Newsletter Winter 2024-2025 - Happy Holidays

Winter 2024-2025

Happy Holidays

Happy holidays from the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Exit 16 DDI Project Team!

We hope you enjoy this festive season with your family and friends. Whether you are traveling near or far, we want you to stay safe and comfortable on the road. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:

SLOW DOWN, DRIVE SMART
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
DON’T CROWD THE PLOW

We thank you for your cooperation and support throughout the year. We are proud of the work we have done to improve our transportation network. You can learn more about our projects and programs on our website or follow us on social media.

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Sincerely,

VTrans

11/25/2024

Newsletter Winter 2024-2025 - Project Update

Winter 2024-2025

Project Update

VTrans is improving the roadway along the U.S. 2/7 corridor, in the vicinity of the Interstate 89 (I-89) Exit 16 interchange, to enhance safety and mobility in Colchester, VT as part of the Exit 16 DDI project.

The project is being executed in two phases under two separate and sequential contracts. The first phase, which began in Winter 2023 and concluded in Fall 2023, involved utility upgrades and relocations, ledge removal, construction of retaining walls for future pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, and installation of drainage infrastructure. The second phase will consist of the bulk of the roadway improvements, including the addition of turning lanes at the intersections of Mountain View Drive, Hercules Drive, and Rathe Road, construction of dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared-use paths, modernization of traffic signals at South Park Drive, I-89 Exit 16 interchange, Mountain View Drive, Hercules Drive, Rathe Road, and Tigan Street intersections, and reconstruction of the existing interchange. The core of the project is the reconfiguration of the tight diamond interchange at I-89 Exit 16 into a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) to improve traffic flow and safety for current and future demands.

The construction of the roadway improvements, including the DDI, will be completed in Phase 2, which is set to be advertised in Spring 2025. Construction is planned to begin in Summer 2025, with an expected completion date in Fall 2026.

11/25/2024

Special Notice - November 25, 2024 - Independent Utility Work

Winter 2024-2025

Special Notice

Independent Utility Work

Date: Monday, November 25, 2024

Before Phase 2 begins, independent utility companies will relocate necessary utility infrastructure throughout the project area. This work will take place predominately off the roadway with limited impact to traffic, except for gas line work. Starting after Thanksgiving and continuing for several weeks, Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) will be on-site relocating gas utilities between the Colchester-Winooski Townline and Whitcomb Street. This work will require lane closures along U.S. 2/7 and may affect access to adjacent properties on weekdays during daytime hours. VGS will work to minimize interruptions and keep adjacent property owners informed of any necessary impacts. VGS work is subject to change.

11/25/2024

Newsletter Winter 2024-2025 - Name a Plow

Winter 2024-2025

Meet Vermont's Newly Named Fleet of Plow Trucks

For the third year in a row, VTrans has teamed up with students from 118 schools across Vermont to name the State’s plow trucks! This winter, the VTrans Maintenance crews will be clearing Vermont roadways alongside the Blizzard of Oz, Plowabunga, the Big Leplowski, Sir Plowsalot, and more!