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: Spring 2024 – Late Summer 2024
Impacts: Moderate traffic impacts along U.S. 2 and 7. Minimal disruptions to I-89 southbound.
Work will include:
- 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: Mid-Summer 2024 – Mid-Fall 2024
Impacts: Moderate traffic impacts along U.S. 2.
Work will include:
- 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.
Phase 3: Mid-Summer 2024 – Late Fall 2024
Impacts: Moderate traffic impacts at the U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 intersection. Construction of the new bridge will occur off the existing U.S. 2 alignment, next to the current bridge, resulting in limited traffic impacts.
Work will include:
- Construction of portions of the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89, focusing on the substructure. Activities will include pile installation, geotechnical work, and construction of bridge abutments and piers.
Phase 4: Spring 2025 – Fall 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.
- Milling and paving of portions if I-89 southbound within the project limits.
Phase 5: Spring 2025 – Late Fall 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: Spring 2026 – Mid-Summer 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.