Project Overview
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. Other improvements include:
- Adding turn lanes at the Mountain View Drive, Hercules Drive, and Rathe Road intersections.
- Construction of dedicated pedestrian and shared pedestrian/bicycle facilities.
- Modernizing traffic signals at South Park Drive, I-89 Exit 16, Mountain View Drive, Hercules Drive, Rathe Road, and at Tigan Street in Winooski City.
The current interchange at Exit 16 is a grade-separated tight diamond interchange with I-89 crossing over U.S. 2/7 via two bridges. The existing interchange yields frequent traffic congestion, lengthy delays, and significant queuing during peak hours. These existing conditions are a safety concern with a high number of incidents, collisions, and a lack of accommodations for non-motorized travel.
The project is estimated to cost approximately $14 million. Construction of the Exit 16 DDI project will be completed in two phases under two separate contracts which will be executed sequentially. The bid advertisement for the first contract took place in Summer 2022 and the contract was awarded to S.D. Ireland Brothers Corporation on August 22, 2022. The first phase of construction began in Winter 2023 and consists mainly of utility relocation, ledge removal, retaining wall, and drainage work. The second phase of construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 2024 after the completion of Phase 1 and will consist of the bulk of the roadway work including the installation of the DDI, the addition of turning lanes, and the implementation of pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. The project is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2026.
Prior to and throughout construction, educational materials will be provided at the Town offices and distributed at local community events in the greater Colchester area to prepare the traveling public for changes in traffic patterns resulting from the construction of the DDI. Educational materials can also be found on this website in the Document Library.
VTrans' comprehensive communications and public outreach program will keep the public informed throughout the life of the project and beyond as drivers learn to navigate the new interchange.
This website provides up-to-date project information. Additional sources of information include:
- Public information meetings
- Information kiosks located at the Colchester and Winooski City Town Offices, along with the Williston I-89 Northbound Rest Area. More locations may be added.
- Project and weekly Construction Updates. Join our mailing list here.
Project Milestones
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September 28, 2012
- Preliminary Plans
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November 28, 2016
- Permitting
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Winter 2022
- Right of Way Clear
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Summer 2022
Phase 1
- Bid Advertisement, Contract Award
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Winter 2023 - Fall 2023
Phase 1 Construction
- Utility Relocations
- Waterline Replacements
- Telecom Duct Bank Installations
- Retaining Wall Construction
- Ledge Removal
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Winter - Spring 2024
Phase 2
- Bid Advertisement, Contract Award
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Fall 2024 - Summer 2026
Phase 2 Construction
- Roadway Construction