Although we can't very accurately predict what the winter will bring, that doesn't stop us from preparing for whatever conditions may affect our roads. Our crews and equipment are ready for snow, ice, and even that dreaded "wintry mix".

Similary, we urge motorists to prepare for winter driving. Get in the mindset of leaving extra travel time, being patient, and not crowding the plow truck.

To check road conditions, visit 511vt.com. Our new system integrates with New Hampshire and Maine, allowing for a broader account of road conditions in the Northeast, but still includes localized weather, cameras, and message boards.

- Secretary Chris Cole

VTrans has been preparing a legislative study of the financial and operational feasibility of commuter rail service between St. Albans and Montpelier, with connecting service to Burlington. Public meetings are slated for early December, with the final report due to the legislature in January 2017.

Learn more about the Commuter Rail Study

Following a legislative study on improved connectivity to the national rail network, VTrans is moving forward with final planning for a bus shuttle link between Manchester and Bennington to the AMTRAK  Rail Station at Albany/Rensselaer in New York.  Current intercity service is not able to wait for connecting trains and still provide adequate service for the rest of their route.  The new service will wait for scheduled trains, in addition to providing service to the bus station and airport. The important aspects of the service appear to be thru-ticketing from AMTRAK, timely service to eliminate long waits for departing trains, two runs per day and successful marketing of the service.  This service, once designed, will be put out to bid.  The successful bidder will need to have an agreement with AMTRAK for thru-ticketing so that service through to Bennington/Manchester appears on their schedule. Final selection of stops will need to be determined, one stop will be downtown at the Green Mountain Community Network's terminal and potential other stops may be at the Welcome Center to take advantage of the parking capacity.  Discussion will take place with Bennington College to determine their ability to meet the shuttle with their van service.  Stop locations in Manchester will need to be discussed and determined.  There is currently no funding coming from the local area to support this service.  Current service in the area is provided by Yankee Trails and VT Translines. 

An initial public meeting was held on November 3 and a second one will be held on Tuesday, November 29 at Bennington College at 7:30pm.   For more information, contact Barbara Donovan, Public Transit Program Manager, at [email protected] or 802-828-2828.

VTrans and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) have announced the third round of the Better Connections Grant Program (formerly known as the Strong Communities, Better Connections Program), which aims to align land use planning and community revitalization efforts with transportation investments.  Annually, the program grants approximately $200,000 to help Vermont municipalities outside of Chittenden County. (Chittenden County has a similar program administered by its regional planning commission.)