Weekly Construction Update 6/30/2023
DATE: Friday, June 30, 2023
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
Daily blasting operations for Contract 1 of the Exit 16 DDI project have been completed. At this time, no additional blasting activities are anticipated for this construction season, however, this is subject to change based on field conditions. There is the potential for some intermittent blasting to take place this construction season should crews encounter ledge beneath the roadway surface that cannot be removed with a hydraulic hammer.
In observance of the Independence Day holiday (Fourth of July), crews will be offsite starting Friday, June 30, by 3:00 p.m. and will return on Wednesday, July 5, at 6:00 a.m.
TRAFFIC IMPACT AND DURATION:
Wednesday, July 5, through Friday, July 7, during nighttime hours, 7:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m., crews will continue installing underground utilities (waterline and duct bank) at the intersection of U.S. Route 2/7 (U.S. 2/7) and Lower Mountain View Drive. At least one travel lane will remain open in each direction during the nighttime hours. Side street access will be maintained throughout this work. Motorists are strongly encouraged to use caution while driving through the work zone and pay close attention to signage as traffic patterns will change.
Wednesday, July 5, through Friday, July 7, during the daytime hours, 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., work will continue paving operations and curb installation. In addition, there is the potential for crews to work on the retaining wall along the east side of U.S. 2/7 at the interchange. Paving operations will require the closure of various lanes at the intersection of U.S. 2/7 and Lower Mountain View Drive. Curb work will require the closure of the outermost southbound lane along U.S. 2/7 between Whitcomb Street and the Interstate 89 (I89) southbound onramp. The potential work on the retaining wall will require the closure of the outermost northbound lane along U.S. 2/7 between the I-89 southbound onramp and northbound offramp. Only a single travel lane will be closed in each direction during daytime hours. Traffic will be maintained through traffic shifts.
There may be intermittent closures of the left turn lane from U.S. 2/7 northbound onto Mountain View Drive throughout the week. Motorists are still permitted to make a left from U.S. 2/7 from the center lane when the protected left turn phase is called, and the green left turn arrow is illuminated. Flaggers will be present to assist motorists through the work zone when possible. Motorists are prohibited from making a left onto Mountain View Drive when the red left arrow is illuminated. Motorists that are uncomfortable making a left from the center lane or do not wish to wait for the green arrow may continue northbound to access Mountain View Drive from Rathe Road. Motorists traveling to and from points north are encouraged to seek alternate routes, such as Rathe Road, to avoid the work zone if possible.
All users should expect delays and plan ahead.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES:
Next week, during nighttime hours, crews will continue to install underground utilities (waterline and duct bank) along U.S. 2/7 and Lower Mountain View Drive under lane closures.
Next week, during daytime hours, crews will continue to pave sections of disturbed roadway at the intersection of U.S. 2/7 and Lower Mountain View Drive under lane closures. Crews will continue removing and resetting the curb along the west side of U.S. 2/7 between Whitcomb Street and the I-89 southbound onramp under the closure of the outermost southbound lane. There is the potential for crews to coat the retaining wall along the east side of U.S. 2/7 at the interchange for longevity and resiliency. The potential work will require the closure of the outermost northbound lane of U.S. 2/7 between the I-89 southbound onramp and northbound offramp.
LOCATION: U.S. 2/7 in Colchester starting at the Winooski town line and continuing north for 1.05 miles to Sunderland Woods Road.
PROJECTED COMPLETION: Contract 1 Spring 2024, Contract 2 Summer 2026