Intersection Improvements
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US Route 2/302 Intersection Improvements subsection links Main Page | Conceptual Design and Project Plans | Evaluation of Alternatives |
Project Timeline & Updates
Update #14 for the week of July 6th
The planned work for next week is as follows:
With the exception of an electrical conduit needed for the reconstructed railroad crossing on US Rte 2, all buried systems (storm drains, sewer, etc.) have now been completed. The new street lights have also been installed and are being energized today.
Work will continue for the entire week on the granite and concrete curbing which will line the road and roundabout intersection. The curbing installation work will extend from the roundabout westerly toward Pioneer St. The curb will support the sidewalk extension from the roundabout to near Blackwell St. Curbing will also be re-installed where curb and sidewalk was removed for storm drain reconstruction across from the Trading Post. Gravel backfill of the curb and rough grading of the sidewalk will take place as time allows. Asphalt paving along the face of curb (road side) will follow the installation at irregular intervals as sections are made ready for paving.
In regards to the railroad crossing on US Rte 2 (E. Montpelier Road), it has been determined that a new electrical conduit must be placed across the road which will be done by the open cut method. Although this was unanticipated extra work, it must be completed to service the new signalized crossing.
Traffic implications as a result of the work planned for the week will be minimal. It is anticipated that the curb installation can be accomplished while maintaining two- way traffic flow with occasional interruptions reducing the road to one-way as support equipment maneuvers in the road way and materials are brought to and from the work sites. Also, pavement placement along the face of curb will result in periodic one-way work zones for portions of the work day. One-way traffic may also be necessary for the RR conduit installation although the contractor will attempt to make use of the wide road in this area whenever possible to allow two-way traffic.
We have no word yet form the contractor and sub-contractor PIKE Ind. concerning paving operations that might be done at night. The paving is still at least two weeks away. Additional information will be provided as soon as it is available. Information concerning the class one highway paving projects will be noticed separately.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #13 for the week of June 29th
The planned work for next week is as follows:
- Saturday June 27th: Cold Plane work will continue on Rte 302 as part of the paving project.
- For the roundabout, the contractor will be placing a shim coat of bituminous concrete pavement on Route 2 from Pioneer Street to the roundabout. This activity will reduce traffic to alternating one way through this length of roadway. The paving work will begin Monday morning.
- Other work planned is constructing curbing at the roundabout and resetting curbing along Route 2 from Pioneer Street to the roundabout. Other miscellaneous activities will be performed at the roundabout. Intermittent traffic delays are expected during these activities but they should be minor.
- In observance of the Independence Day holiday weekend, work will cease by about noon on July 2nd.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #12 for the week of June 22nd
The planned work for next week is as follows:
- Drainage on Route 2 (Change Order Work) located across from the Trading Post from Blackwell St easterly is substantially completed. Road restoration of the trenches within this entire area will be performed. Drainage system trenches excavated previously and restored with temporary pavement will also be permanently repaired with gravel and a heavy layer of new asphalt.
- Following completion of the trench restoration, sub-contractor Pike Industries will complete the cold plane preparation of the road and is tentatively schedule to apply the new base course of pavement by the end of the week. This base leveling course of paving is similar and will connect to other adjacent paving at Pioneer Street
- Work will continue on the signal system upgrades at the Pioneer Street intersection as described in the previous work update.
- Concrete curbing at the inside and perimeter of the roundabout will be continuing.
The adjacent paving project on US Rte 2 will begin work on the Rte 302 side of the roundabout and all side streets on Rte 2. Coordination of the cold plane and paving activity is being arranged. However, due to contiguous projects, work zones are frequently being combined and traffic delays can be anticipated.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #11 for the week of June 15th
Assistant Director of Public Works
The planned work for next week is as follows:
- Drainage on Route 2 (Change Order Work) located across from the Trading Post from Blackwell St easterly consisting of replacement of and improvements to failing drainage systems.
- Start work on signal system at Pioneer Street. This will involve replacement of the signal controller and installation of pedestrian crossing equipment (poles, buttons, & signal heads) for the new crosswalk on River St.
- Concrete curbing at the inside circle of the roundabout
- Continuation of electrical work for the lighting system at the roundabout
The adjacent paving project on US Rte 2 will soon be approaching the limits of the subject project located just westerly of the Pioneer Street intersection. Coordination of the cold plane and paving activity is being arranged.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #10 for the week of June 8thAssistant Director of Public Works
Following is the contractor's plan for the work week:
- The first lift of the base course pavement is being placed June 5 at the roundabout. There will be no paving June 6 partly due to mechanical problems at the batch plant. The second lift of base pavement will be placed on Monday the 8th. Following the paving, work will mainly consist of the concrete curbing installation at the roundabout.
- RR track work is now completed. The schedule for RR warning lights (US Rte crossing) and gates (at former Grossmans new driveway) has not yet been established.
- Drainage work will continue on Rte. 2.
- One way alternating traffic will be maintained during the paving operations at the roundabout and in the area of the drainage work on Rte. 2.
- US Rte 2 / 302 Paving project: This work is still scheduled to begin on Monday evening. Considering the planned night construction schedule, there should be minimal conflict between the projects.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #9 for the week of June 1st:Assistant Director of Public Works
Following is the contractor's plan for the work week:
- Work next week in the roundabout area will consist primarily of fine grading the surface and making temporary adjustments to the catch basins in preparation of the base course paving. At this time, it appears that the paving effort (base course) will be performed next Saturday, June 6th instead of tomorrow, May 30th as originally reported. Poor weather and the paving plant work load contributed to the rescheduling. Not mentioned last week was the commencement of work on the new entrance for the former Grossman’s property involving construction of a new railroad crossing. This work will also continue in the coming weeks including the installation of the rail crossing safety equipment of gates and lights.
- Drainage work will be continuing on Rte. 2 from Pioneer Street to the roundabout area.
- Two-way traffic will be maintained as much as possible in both areas, however, one way traffic will be necessary during part of the work efforts. Delays are expected during the one way traffic patterns. An extended delay, 15+/- minutes is likely during the periods when the traffic patterns are changed from two-way to one-way and vice versa.
- This update also provides an opportunity to mention that the US Route 2 / Route 302 pavement resurfacing project is tentatively scheduled to begin on Monday, June 8th beginning with the planned night work. Look for the press release and flyers to be released when the work schedule is confirmed and finalized in the next several days.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #8 for the week of May 25th:
Following is the contractor's plan for the work week:
- The contractor closed up the work site at noon today (5/22) in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend traffic and will return to work on Tuesday, May 26th.
- Work for the week will entail fine grading within the intersection in preparation for the placement of the base course of paving. The base course will be placed in two – 3” thick lifts of pavement. This paving is scheduled to begin on Saturday May 30th if the weather cooperates and will likely continue until early the next week until the full 6” base course of pavement is completed.
- Other work scheduled for the week will be the replacement of one final storm drain culvert on Rte 2 across from Walker Motors. This is unplanned work made necessary because of the poor condition and improper alignment found with the existing storm culvert.
- Work will also continue on the new drainage system across from the Trading Post on Rte 2 (River St), and, as time allows, installation of the new under-drain designed to be installed in the area of the planned sidewalk also on Rte 2 westerly of the intersection. Other drainage work in the Pioneer St intersection will be under construction as time and weather allows.
- Traffic will continue to utilize alternating one-way work zone detours and the temporary detour within the intersection involving a stop controlled intersection will be maintained through the week.
- On a related topic, we have been informed that the US Rte 2 & Rte 302 paving projects are tentatively scheduled to begin on June 8th. More on this topic will be provided when the final schedule has been submitted for approval during a planned pre-construction meeting scheduled on June 2nd.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #7 for the week of May 18th:
Following is the contractor's plan for the work week:
- The Contractor has rerouted the detour and has begun excavating the existing Rte. 2 roadway on the north side at the roundabout area.
- Excavation and placement of subbase materials will continue along the north side of Rte. 2 in the roundabout area next week. Two way traffic will be maintained at the roundabout area through the new detour.
- Motorists are advised to be aware of signs directing traffic to the varying detour routes for access to Routes 2 & 302. The traffic signal will continue to be out of operation while the intersection functions under stop control.
- Storm drainage work will also continue on Rte. 2 between Pioneer Street and the roundabout area. New or modified drainage systems in this area are related to the planned construction of the sidewalk connection to River St and Pioneer Street. One way, alternating traffic flow controlled by traffic control personnel will be maintained at the work locations.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #6 for the week of May 11th:Assistant Director of Public Works
Following is the contractor's plan for work next week:
- Full depth excavation and placement of subbase material will continue in the roundabout area.
- Drainage work will continue on Rte. 2 from Pioneer Street to the roundabout area. The drainage work in the Pioneer Street intersection will obstruct travel lanes and intersection operation. A uniformed traffic control officer will be stationed at the intersection to guide traffic flow.
- One way traffic will be maintained where drainage work is being performed on Rte. 2.
- Two way traffic will be maintained through the detour at the roundabout area.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #5 for the week of 5/6/2009:Assistant Director of Public Works
Following is the contractor's plan for the work week:
- Full depth excavation will begin Monday in front of Walker Motors (Sta. 44+00) and proceeding easterly to the roundabout area. Full depth excavation refers to the removal of the paved and concrete road surface and replacement with new gravel in preparation for new paving.
- Drainage work will begin on Rte. 2 at the Pioneer Street intersection and proceed easterly. This work involves replacing old existing storm drainage systems running along and across the highway.
- Pavement cutting (for the new curb alignment) will be performed along the southerly edge of Rte. 2 easterly of the Green Mountain Power Substation and proceed easterly to Walker Motors.
- One-way alternating traffic flow will be maintained where drainage work is being performed on Rte. 2 and at the roundabout area.
- Two-way traffic will be maintained in other areas on Rte. 2, however, lane widths may be reduced.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #4 for the week of 4/27/2009:Assistant Director of Public Works
The following is the contractor's planned work and the traffic flow expectations for next week:
- Continue with drainage installation within the roundabout area.
- On Wednesday 4/29, begin full depth excavation at the roundabout area. Work involves removal of pavement / concrete road surfaces and sub-base material. Placement of new gravel road base to follow. Excavator, bull dozer and compactor will be working within the road way and dump trucks entering and departing work area.
- One way, alternating traffic flow be maintained by traffic control personnel on Rtes. 2 and 302 during these work activities.
- Two-way traffic will be restored at the end of each work day and the traffic signal will be operational.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #3 for week of 4/20/2009:
Assistant Director of Public Works
The sewer service across US Rte 2 and the storm water outfall at the river have been completed. The Contractor will continue to install drainage piping and structures in the roundabout area next week. This will entail trench construction across and along the side of the highways. One way traffic will be maintained throughout the week. Motorists will continue to be advised to expect delays.
Thomas J. McArdle
Assistant Director of Public Works
Update #2 - April 12, 2009Assistant Director of Public Works
The following was provided by Jim West, Resident Engineer:
- Monday 4/13: Begin installation of storm drain system at outfall on Irving Oil property (formerly Int. Equip)
- Tuesday 4/14: Installation of waste water service connection across US Rte 2 (south eastern side of intersection)
- Wednesday – Friday (4/15 – 4/17): continue storm drain installation
April 5, 2009 - The Contractor has decided to delay work on the project for a week due to poor weather forecasts for this weekend and next week. Therefore, excavation and drainage work will start Monday, April 13th. Some materials may be trucked to the site next week. When work begins on the 13th, the first couple of days will be spent installing the drainage outfall line. By the middle of the week, the Contractor is planning on beginning the installation of the drainage and the sanitary sewer on the east leg of Rte. 2. During this work, one way traffic will be in effect for this section of highway. An update of this schedule will be provided on the 13th.
March 2009 - Starting April 6th and continuing through October: Major road construction on US Rte 2 in Montpelier will take place to include new highway layout, storm water systems, street lighting, sidewalks, landscaping and paving. The primary purpose of the project is the construction of a roundabout type intersection to replace the present traffic signal control at the US Rte 2 / Rte 302 intersection. The project also extends westerly from the Rte 2 / 302 intersection approximately ½ mile to the US Rte 2 / Pioneer intersection where traffic signal, storm water systems and sidewalk improvement work will be performed. Due to the volume of traffic passing along this highway, motorists should expect delays or seek available alternative routes. More information will be available in the coming weeks.
Spring 2008 – Final plans submitted in April, 2008 allowing for one month to complete final review. Environmental permits updated & resolved. Request for Qualifications to perform construction inspection services released for advertisement and due May 8th , award contract 3rd week of May. Anticipate VTrans approval of plans, specification & cost estimate (PS&E) by May 1st. Advertise for construction by end of May, award construction contract first week of July and construction anticipated to begin by approximately 3rd week of July (final completion October, 2009)
February 2008 – R.O.W. clearance certificate issued by VTrans. All property rights and agreements necessary to construct the project have been secured. Final design authorized for completion.
2007 – Congress approved 100% federal funding for roundabout projects because of significant safety and efficiency benefits. Local share at 5% for preliminary engineering previous to funding change.
Spring 2005 - Permitting & Environmental documents completed. R.O.W. funding allocated and authorized to commence May 2005. The project is in the preliminary final planning stage, and is at 85% completion. Right-of-Way plans are complete. Erosion control plans are complete. Funding will be 95% Federal $$, 0% State $$, 5% local $$.
May 2003 - City hired Lamoreaux & Dickinson as consulting engineers to perform design services.
January 2003 - City hired Bob Merchant as its Municipal Project Manager (P.E., Marcon Corp) to assist with project development.
August 2002 - City obtained approval from VTrans to undertake the project through the Local Transportation Facilities (LTF) program. Montpelier entered into a Cooperative Agreement (CA) with VTrans for funding and assistance through this program.
August 2001 - Final Scoping Report approved.
June 2001 - VTrans Project Definition Team reviewed pre-scoping report.
Description of the Project
Current studies show that over the past ten years the US Route 2 / 302 intersection in Montpelier, Vermont has moved from twelfth up to the sixth highest accident location in the State with fifty accidents within a period of five years. Since these studies were published the Vermont Agency of Transportation, the City of Montpelier and the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) have identified this junction as a substandard intersection. In response to this concern, the city of Montpelier and CVRPC undertook a scoping study to identify and evaluate the most reasonable alternative for improving this intersection.
Objectives for Improving the Intersection
- Reduce the number of accidents that occur due to the current conditions;
- Provide a safe access to adjoining parcels / businesses;
- Reduce the amount of congestion and delays for all users;
- Enhance safe bicycle and pedestrian access in and around the intersection;
- Incorporate planned transportation projects and potential development projects;
- Provide bus, truck and freight movements; and
- Create an aesthetically pleasing, functional, low maintenance streetscape consistent with the City's gateway goals.
After holding both local and regional concerns meetings, an exhaustive list of alternatives was developed and examined by a study committee comprised of the City, Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) and adjacent landowner representatives. Due to the large number of commercial and residential driveways in close proximity to the intersection, special consideration was taken as part of the design improvement alternatives. Once a list of alternatives was created the committee then decided on the three most feasible alternatives.
Project Impacts
Public notices will be provided regarding such items as detours and anticipated hours of construction as the different phases of the traffic control plan are implemented during construction. Once impacts on adjacent properties have been identified, Lamoureux & Dickinson will be contacting each property owner to discuss the project with them individually.
Roundabout Information Links
The following websites contain useful information on roundabouts:.
Photos and information on roundabouts:
http://www.roundaboutsusa.com
Visual simulation of how to drive / walk through a roundabout:
http://www.ci.clive.ia.us/events.htm#roundabout
Brochures showing the options for bicycles at a roundabout:
http://www11.myflorida.com/safety/ped_bike/brochures/pdf/htrrbt.pdf
For More Information
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Lamoureux & Dickinson Jody Carriere 14 Morse Drive Essex Junction, VT 05452 (802) 878-4450 Jody@LDengineering.com |
City of Montpelier Public Works Department Tom McArdle 39 Main Street, City Hall Montpelier, VT 05062-2950 (802) 223-9508 tmcardle@montpelier-vt.org |
Posted July 3, 2009
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