AASHTO Journal, 7 September 2012
Vermont Transportation Agency held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week in honor of a completed project that will cut congestion and improve traffic flow for the Bennington area’s mounting commercial truck traffic.
Greg Nadeau, deputy administrator for the Federal Highway Administration, joined VTrans officials and Gov. Peter Shumlin to open a newly constructed 3-mile northern leg of State Route 279, located near Bennington. The project, which will especially help the freight industry, is expected to improve livability and quality of life in the region, as well as increase economic growth. Construction began on the $72 million project in 2007, relying on more than $58 million in federal funds to complete the project.
“The improvements to Route 279 eliminate a major traffic choke-point and protect the quality of life of this historic community,” said Nadeau in a statement. “This project not only put people to work but created a long-term investment in Vermont and the lives of its residents.”
The new portion of highway begins a mile east of downtown Bennington on SR 9 and connects with the western leg of SR 279 on US 7. The project includes two climbing lanes, two interchanges (marking the first time the state has utilized the single-point diamond interchange), a welcome center, five new roadway bridges, and a pedestrian bridge and underpass.
“We have been working with the Vermont Agency of Transportation on this project for nearly 15 years and are thrilled to see it finally come to fruition,” said Gary Santy, principal-in-charge of the project for contractor Stantec, in a statement. “It’s an impressive accomplishment from the State of Vermont that will undoubtedly improve traffic throughout the whole area. We’re extremely proud to have played a role in it.”