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Click here to see how traffic in a peanut roundabout operates
The installation of a single-lane peanut roundabout at the intersections of VT 67A at Silk Road, Matteson Road (Rice Lane), and College Drive offers a multitude of benefits, including:
- Providing continuous flow at low speeds.
- Calming traffic and reducing vehicle speeds.
- Reducing vehicular crash severity.
- Shortening crossing lengths and increasing pedestrian and bicycle visibility.
- Increasing roadway predictability by eliminating all left turn movements.
- Creating an opportunity for aesthetic and stormwater treatments.
- Creating a gateway to the Bennington College campus.
PROJECT HISTORY: These intersections have experienced a high number of crashes due to sightline limitations and speeding along VT 67A. The intersections were first assessed as high crash locations in 1985 and reassessed in 1989 and 1992. To address public concerns, a Scoping Study was conducted in the mid-90s by the VTrans Planning Division to explore potential transportation solutions – a roundabout was ultimately selected. In 2013, VTrans conducted a further review of the intersections to determine potential interim safety solutions, including installing a traffic signal, but traffic signal warrants were not met. A shared-use path was built to connect the area to downtown Bennington and nearby pedestrian and bicycle facilities. In 2019, VTrans initiated a Scoping Study conducted by WSP to determine the feasibility of long-term safety improvements at these intersections, leading to the selection of an elliptical roundabout. In 2021, Green International Affiliates, Inc. was contracted to design the single-lane roundabout at this location.
PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT: The construction contract for the Bennington Roundabout Project is anticipated to be advertised for bidding this summer and awarded in the fall with construction activities starting in the spring of 2025 and completion by spring of 2026. Construction will take place during the day, with traffic impacts expected. A construction public meeting will be held before construction begins to discuss the project, construction schedule, anticipated traffic impacts, and ways to stay informed throughout the life of the project.
Throughout construction, the project team will email weekly Construction Updates and supplemental Traffic Alerts to inform the public of the upcoming week’s construction activities and impacts. Additionally, Project Updates and Announcements will be distributed to inform stakeholders of major milestones or upcoming events. You can sign up to join the mailing list and receive these emails by clicking the button below.
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