Winter 2024-2025

For the third year in a row, VTrans has teamed up with students from 118 schools across Vermont to name the State’s plow trucks! This winter, the VTrans Maintenance crews will be clearing Vermont roadways alongside the Blizzard of Oz, Plowabunga, the Big Leplowski, Sir Plowsalot, and more!

A special shout out to Townshend Elementary School for winning the contest to name VTrans’ new long-wing plow truck: the Vermonster!!

VTrans is improving the roadway along the U.S. 2/7 corridor, in the vicinity of the Interstate 89 (I-89) Exit 16 interchange, to enhance safety and mobility in Colchester, VT as part of the Exit 16 DDI project.

The project is being executed in two phases under two separate and sequential contracts. The first phase, which began in Winter 2023 and concluded in Fall 2023, involved utility upgrades and relocations, ledge removal, construction of retaining walls for future pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, and installation of drainage infrastructure. The second phase will consist of the bulk of the roadway improvements, including the addition of turning lanes at the intersections of Mountain View Drive, Hercules Drive, and Rathe Road, construction of dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared-use paths, modernization of traffic signals at South Park Drive, I-89 Exit 16 interchange, Mountain View Drive, Hercules Drive, Rathe Road, and Tigan Street intersections, and reconstruction of the existing interchange. The core of the project is the reconfiguration of the tight diamond interchange at I-89 Exit 16 into a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) to improve traffic flow and safety for current and future demands. 

The DDI is an innovative, modern interchange design that alleviates traffic congestion and improves safety for all users by eliminating left turn movements. In a DDI, traffic crosses to the left side of the roadway, allowing vehicles to make a left onto the interstate ramps without crossing oncoming traffic. This configuration reduces conflict points, thereby lowering potential user collisions and improving safety. With left turn movements operating freely, the traffic signals no longer require dedicated left turn phasing, which improves overall traffic operations and vehicle throughput. Additionally, DDIs decrease driver discomfort, fuel consumption, and travel time. Raised islands within the interchange shorten crossing distances, increasing non-motorist safety. Learn how to navigate the future DDI by watching the simulation below.

The construction of the roadway improvements, including the DDI, will be completed in Phase 2, which is set to be advertised in Spring 2025. Construction is planned to begin in Summer 2025, with an expected completion date in Fall 2026.

Before Phase 2 begins, independent utility companies will relocate necessary utility infrastructure throughout the project area. This work will take place predominately off the roadway with limited impact to traffic, except for gas line work. Starting after Thanksgiving and continuing for several weeks, Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) will be on-site relocating gas utilities between the Colchester-Winooski Townline and Whitcomb Street. This work will require lane closures along U.S. 2/7 and may affect access to adjacent properties on weekdays during daytime hours. VGS will work to minimize interruptions and keep adjacent property owners informed of any necessary impacts. VGS work is subject to change.

For additional information, visit the Project Website.

Explore the Interactive Map to see construction activities completed as part of Phase 1 and planned improvements for the roadway to be completed as part of Phase 2. This tool will be updated regularly during active construction to show users what construction activities are taking place and where throughout the project area! Construction is anticipated to resume in Summer 2025 with the start of Phase 2.

Learn more about the Diverging Diamond Interchange including what it is, how it operates in all conditions, its benefits, and more by reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions! Answers to the project’s Frequently Asked Questions are also available in 11 different languages on the Translated Materials page. The project website also has the capability of being translated into 11 different languages.

Questions or comments about the Exit 16 DDI Project? Contact us anytime by email or through the project hotline.

Project Hotline: 802-595-4399

Project email address: info@Exit16DDI.vtransprojects.vermont.gov