The Route 15 Corridor

What is the recommended approach?

In June of 2001, the consultant, after performing the Alternatives Analysis for the Route 15 Corridor, provided the multimodal approach. That approach, which we call the “Route 15 Corridor Improvement Plan,” has been embellished since then to optimize the highway system through improvements to the intersections, signal timing along the Corridor, Intelligent Transportation Systems (technology that improves traffic flow and safety), and bicycle/pedestrian paths.

New services and capital investments

The amendment to the long range transportation plan includes the following components of new services and physical improvements:

• Highway improvements, including improving the timing of the traffic signals to improve traffic flow and safety and Intelligent Transportation Systems, on Route 15 between downtown Winooski and Essex Junction.

• Bus improvements, including the purchase of buses for additional routes before commuter rail is implemented and feeder bus routes when it is implemented.

• Commuter rail improvements

• Rail track and bridge structure

• Improve the North Avenue tunnel

• Ten at-grade fully protected crossings including directional horns and/or quiet zones

• Five small-scale stations

• Bike/Ped Path

What institutional changes are recommended?

Currently, there are two transportation authorities within Chittenden County. The Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) may operate in all of Chittenden County but currently provides bus service only to Burlington, South Burlington, Essex, Essex Junction, Shelburne, and Winooski. The Vermont Transportation Authority is authorized to provide passenger rail service throughout Vermont. Currently, it provides commuter rail service only between Charlotte and Burlington. It also provides a feeder bus service from its South Burlington station.
CCMPO has proposed that the Chittenden County Transportation Authority, the Vermont Transportation Authority, and the VTrans administration, seek a solution with one transportation authority to provide services to Chittenden County.

What are the costs?

This plan has a total projected cost of $26,845,000:

• Rail component	$20,344,000
• Bus component	$2,460,000
• Highway component	$1,832,000
• Bikeway	$2,210,000

 

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