Interstate 89

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) hosts a public meeting on the improvement plan for Interstate 89.

From the CCRPC:

"The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) is working with the Vermont Agency of Transportation to develop a comprehensive transportation improvement plan for Interstate 89 through Chittenden County. The Chittenden County I-89 2050 Study will address future transportation needs of all users by improving safety, connectivity, and mobility; promoting livable communities and a healthy environment; and investing in the regional economy. The Study is evaluating multimodal improvements at Exits 13 and 14 and a possible new interchange at Hinesburg Road.

This meeting will report on the analysis of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies and alternative modes (transit, bike, pedestrian) to reduce the need for capital improvements on I-89."

For more information, please visit: www.envision89.com

Chittenden County is home to a little over 37 miles of Interstate 89 which is the only primary interstate highway within Chittenden County. An additional 1.5-mile spur of auxiliary Interstate 189 is accessed via Exit 13. Seven interchanges are within Chittenden County spanning the numbered designations of 11 through 17. Congestion and safety issues on Interstate 89 have long been a topic of conversation and were last systematically examined in the 1997 Chittenden County I-89 Corridor Study.

Proposed new interchanges and multi-modal mobility issues at existing ones have been examined over the years and study reports can be found on the CCRPC Studies and Reports Database. Off ramps at Exits 11, 12, 14 and 15 have been expanded via additional lanes. In addition, plans for major improvements at Exits 16 and 17 are currently at various stages of development by VTrans. During the 2018 update to the CCRPC's ECOS/Metropolitan Transportation Plan, it was determined it is time for a fresh look at the Interstate 89 corridor within Chittenden County.

DRAFT Vision Statement

The 2050 Vision for the I-89 Corridor through Chittenden County is an interstate system (mainline and interchanges) that is safe and resilient and provides for reliable and efficient movement of people and goods in alignment with state, regional, and municipal plans.

DRAFT Goals

Safety: Enhance safety along the I-89 Study Corridor and Adjacent Interchanges for all users.
Mobility & Efficiency: Improve the efficiency and reliability of the I-89 Corridor and Adjacent Interchanges for all users.
Environmental Stewardship & Resilience: Establish a resilient I-89 Corridor that minimizes environmental impacts associated with the transportation system.
Economic Access & Vitality: Improve economic access and vitality in Chittenden County.
Livable, Sustainable and Healthy Communities: Promote livable, affordable, vibrant, and healthy communities.
System Preservation: Preserve and improve the condition and performance of the I-89 Corridor.

For more information, please visit: www.envision89.com

David Saladino, Managing Director of VHB, joins host Erik Wells to discuss the Chittenden County I-89 2020 study. Later, they take a look at upcoming events and happenings around town in the Community Notebook.