Skip to main content
An Official Vermont Government Website

Colchester Exit 17 Project

Colchester Exit 17

Construction Update

DATE: Friday, October 4, 2024

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, crews will be off-site by noon on Friday, October 11, and return on-site at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15.

TRAFFIC IMPACT AND DURATION: From Monday, October 7, through Friday, October 11, there will be lane shifts on U.S. Route 2 (U.S. 2) between the bridge over Interstate 89 (I-89) and Jasper Mine Road. For one day, U.S. 2 will be reduced to a single lane with alternating one-way traffic controlled by flaggers between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

I-89 will be reduced to a single lane in both directions near Exit 17 during off-peak hours: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on I-89 northbound and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on I-89 southbound throughout the week.

The slip lane for U.S. 2 eastbound traffic onto the I-89 southbound on-ramp will remain temporarily closed. Eastbound motorists on U.S. 2 can access the southbound on-ramp by turning right at the signalized intersection of U.S. 2 and the I-89 southbound on-ramp, just beyond the closed slip lane.

The I-89 northbound off-ramp slip lane for turning right onto U.S. Route 2 (U.S. 2) westbound will continue to be closed until the winter shutdown to facilitate bridge construction. Motorists can turn right or left onto U.S. 2 at the signalized intersection of the I-89 northbound off-ramp and U.S. 2.

Delays on U.S. 2 are expected during the single-lane closure; motorists are advised to seek alternate routes or plan for additional travel time. Motorists should slow down, use caution, and pay attention to road signage and line striping while traveling through the work zone.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: Crews will continue excavating and installing drainage infrastructure along the southern side of U.S. 2 to facilitate the reconstruction of the U.S. 2 eastbound slip lane to the I-89 southbound on-ramp.

Crews will continue with the installation of the formwork, structural steel, and placement of concrete for the pier cap within the interstate median for the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89. Additionally, crews will continue constructing the retaining walls for the bridge abutments, including installing fill material. Work will be performed adjacent to the I-89 northbound and southbound lanes.

Crews construct the pier column for the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89 within the interstate median.

Crews construct the pier column for the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89 within the interstate median.

Project Overview

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is improving the interchange at Interstate 89 (I-89) Exit 17 and the Chimney Corner intersection of U.S. Route 2 (U.S. 2) and U.S. Route 7 (U.S. 7) to enhance safety and mobility in Colchester, Vermont. Key project elements include:

  • Replacing aging and deteriorating infrastructure through the full replacement of the existing U.S. 2 bridge over Interstate 89 (I-89).
  • Extending the deceleration lane of the I-89 northbound off-ramp.
  • Reconstructing the I-89 southbound off-ramp to make space for a new I-89 southbound on-ramp for U.S. 2 westbound.
  • Eliminating the left-turn conflict point for westbound vehicles accessing I-89 southbound and reducing queuing and backups on U.S. 2 with a new I-89 southbound on-ramp.
  • Improving the intersection of the I-89 northbound off-ramp at U.S. 2, including adding a U.S. 2 eastbound left-turn-only lane to increase capacity and reduce queuing and backups on the interstate.
  • Widening the roadway to accommodate additional turning lanes on U.S. 2 eastbound and U.S. 7 northbound, to address queuing and delays at the U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 intersection.

Project Area

The project area includes the segment of U.S. 2 beginning just east of Jasper Mine Road and extending just under a half mile east to its intersection with U.S. 7 at Chimney Corners and the segment of U.S. 7 beginning just south of the Shell gas station/Simon’s Chimney Corner Store and extending just over a half mile north to its intersection with Wiley Road. The Exit 17 interstate ramps and the portion of I-89 bound by them.

Project Quick Facts

Contract Award: February 22, 2024

Target Construction Schedule: Spring 2024 – Summer 2026

Projected Completion: Summer 2026

Project Designer: VHB

Project Contractor: Kubricky-Jointa Lime LLC

Estimated Project Cost: $31,760,442.50

Funding: 100% federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Programs

    Stay Informed 

    The Colchester Exit 17 Project will be constructed over three seasons, starting in Spring 2024 and continuing through Summer 2026. The project team is issuing weekly Construction Updates via email highlighting the upcoming week’s construction activities and anticipated impacts. The project also issues Project Announcements and Traffic Alerts to the project stakeholder list to share important milestones and any schedule changes. To sign up to receive these updates directly in your inbox, fill out the form below: 

    Sign up to receive updates about the Colchester Exit 17 Project

    View the Project Factsheet

    Contact the Public Information Team

    If you have questions or concerns regarding the Colchester Exit 17 project, please contact the project’s Public Information Team at:

    TRAFFIC ALERT:

    On Monday, August 19, southbound traffic on Interstate 89 exiting at Exit 17 permanently shifted to the new southbound off-ramp located west of the existing off-ramp.