Project Announcement

Colchester Exit 17 Project

Colchester NH 028-1(31)

DATE: Friday, April 19, 2024

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) is improving the interchange at 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. In addition, this project will replace aging and deteriorating infrastructure through the full replacement of the existing U.S. 2 bridge over Interstate 89 (I-89). 

This project will extend the deceleration lane of the I-89 northbound off-ramp and improve the intersection of the I-89 northbound off-ramp at U.S. 2 to increase capacity and reduce queuing and backups on the interstate. In addition, an eastbound left turn only lane will be added to access I-89 northbound to prevent queuing on U.S. 2.

The I-89 southbound off-ramp will be reconstructed to increase capacity and to make space for a new I-89 southbound on-ramp for U.S. 2 westbound. The new I-89 southbound on-ramp will eliminate the conflict for westbound vehicles accessing I-89 southbound and reduce queuing and backups on U.S. 2.

To address queuing and delays at the U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 intersection, the roadway will be widened to accommodate additional turning lanes on U.S. 2 eastbound and U.S. 7 northbound. 

PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT:

In February 2024, the Vermont Agency of Transportation awarded the construction contract for the Colchester Exit 17 Project to Kubricky Jointa Lime, LLC. at an estimated cost of $26.6 million.

Construction activities are anticipated to begin in early May of 2024 with an anticipated completion in July of 2026. This work will require impacts to U.S. 2, U.S. 7, and I-89 within the project limits. Work will take place throughout the week with crews working during both daytime and nighttime hours. Construction activities are anticipated to begin along U.S. 7 between just south of the Shell Gas Station/Simon’s Chimney Corner Store and Wiley Road. This work will take place Sunday through Friday between the hours of 7 PM and 7 AM. Additional information and traffic impacts will be provided closer to the start of construction.



Over the next several weeks, independent utility companies will be onsite completing utility relocations in preparation for the start of construction. This work may require lane reductions along U.S. 7 and U.S. 2 within the project limits. 

LOCATION: The section of U.S. 2 starting just east of Jasper Mine Road and extending just under a half mile east to its intersection with U.S. 7 at Chimney Corners. The section of U.S. 7 starting 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 bounded by them. 

PROJECT COMPLETION: Summer 2026

CONTACT US:

24-Hour Project Hotline: 802-595-4399

Project Email: info@ColchesterExit17.com