Redesigning for better travel

VT 2A Scoping Study: Industrial Avenue/Mountainview Road to River Cove Road

The VT 2A/Industrial Avenue/Mountain View Road intersection is the signalized crossing of two heavily traveled commuter routes. Traffic relief for this intersection was anticipated through construction of a circumferential highway around greater Burlington, Vermont, but when environmental concerns caused the state to abandon “The Circ” project, alternative plans were needed to improve capacity on existing routes.

We conducted a scoping study to evaluate alternative strategies to address existing and expected future travel demands at the intersection and along VT 2A to the north.

The operational and safety benefits associated with multiple improvement strategies were determined in the context of projected future peak hour traffic flows in the corridor. Alternatives were also evaluated with respect to their expected impacts on parcels abutting the roadways. Implementation costs for the various improvements were also considered. At the conclusion of an extensive public review process in which the findings of this evaluation were presented and reviewed, the Williston Selectboard chose a preferred alternative for implementation.

The preferred plan includes the addition of left-turn lanes to the Industrial Avenue and Mountain View Road approaches to their intersection with VT 2A and the addition of a second northbound through lane on VT 2A at this location. North of the intersection to River Cove Road, they decided on a widening of VT 2A to provide a two-way, left-turn lane consistent with a treatment planned for VT 2A north of River Cove Road is supported.

The preferred alternative was presented to the state with a request for project funding. The state is moving forward with the proposal and has authorized final design of the recommended improvements.