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

5/3/2024

Special Notice - May 3, 2024

DATE: Friday, May 3, 2024

SPECIAL NOTICE: Independent utility work will be conducted intermittently on weekdays during the daytime hours over the next several months within the Exit 16 DDI project limits.

TRAFFIC IMPACT AND DURATION:

Intermittently over the next several months, independent utility work will take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. These activities will be conducted along segments of U.S. 2/7 between Sunderland Woods Road and South Park Drive under shoulder and lane closures. Flaggers will be present to assist motorists through the work zone, as needed. Motorists are strongly encouraged to use caution while driving through the work zone and pay close attention to signage as traffic patterns will change.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES:

Independent utility companies will be relocating utilities throughout the project area in preparation for Phase 2 of the Exit 16 DDI Project. This work may require temporary utility service disruptions. The independent utility companies will reach out to impacted property owners directly regarding any planned utility service disruptions.

Phase 2 of the Exit 16 DDI project will consist of the bulk of the roadway work, including the installation of the diverging diamond interchange (DDI), the addition of turning lanes, upgrades to the existing traffic signals, and the implementation of pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. Additional information about Phase 2 will be provided in supplemental notices as information becomes available.

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 Fall 2023

Contract 2 Summer 2026

12/20/2023

Newsletter Winter 2023-2024

Happy Holidays!

Happy holidays from the Exit 16 DDI Project Team!

We hope you are enjoying 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:

Check the weather and road conditions with the National Weather Service before you go. Sign up for VT-Alert, or get updates with New England Compass by logging on to newengland511.org.
Please buckle up, stay off your cell phone, and make sure to avoid other distractions.
Be prepared for winter driving. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, carry an emergency kit, and allow extra time for travel.
Don’t crowd the plow. Give our snowplow drivers plenty of room to work and don't pass them on the right. Be aware that a snowplow driver’s vision is restricted; you may see the driver, but the plow driver may not necessarily see you. Track the location and routes of plows throughout the state with VTrans Plow Finder.

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!

12/20/2023

Newsletter Winter 2023-2024

Project Update

The first phase of construction was completed this Fall. Construction began in the Winter of 2023 and consisted mainly of utility relocation, ledge removal, retaining wall construction, and drainage infrastructure installation.

Construction of the Exit 16 DDI project is being completed in two phases under two separate and sequential contracts. The second phase of construction is anticipated to begin in late 2024 and consists of the bulk of the roadway work, including the installation of the diverging diamond interchange, the addition of turning lanes, upgrades to the existing traffic signals, and the implementation of pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. The gap between projects allows the Vermont Agency of Transportation to fund other smaller projects simultaneously, better manage inflated contractor/labor costs, materials shortages, and long lead times, and provide private utility companies the time to relocate infrastructure ahead of Phase 2. The project is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2026.

12/20/2023

Newsletter Winter 2023-2024

Get the 411 on driving conditions this winter by using 511 (New England Compass)

Vermont has joined Maine and New Hampshire to share traffic data from across the region with the general public. Visit newengland511.org to view traffic speeds, driving conditions, roadwork, and other incidents throughout New England by toggling on and off the various features along the right-hand side of the website. Plan your trip and view travel time, potential roadwork, closures, incidents, and driving conditions along a specific route by adding your starting point and destination in the top-left corner. You can even view real-time conditions along your route using the camera feature.

Join New England Compass and set up your frequently traveled routes, such as your commute to work, your children’s school, or the grocery store! You can also opt-in to receive traffic alerts for major incidents along your most travel routes and regular updates on travel conditions. Stay informed and stay safe!