Vermont

[Rothman]

https://www.wcax.com/2024/10/18/colchesters-diverging-diamond-project-faces-setback/

The project to build the DDI at I-89 Exit 16 (Vermont's first) has hit a snag.  VTrans only received one bid, and they rejected it so I'm guessing it was too high for their liking.

Always dicey when it comes to re-letting.  Half the time, bids come in even higher. 

[vdeane]

Is there a way to see signage plans for the new US 7 signs?  I noticed they adjusted the control cities a bit for southbound exits 2 and 3 and I'm curious if anything changed northbound as well (as well as exit 4).

[shadyjay]

Northbound, the exit for VT 279 West is now "Troy NY" (was "Troy).  Exit 2 is now "Historic 7A / S Shaftsbury", still with only an "exit now" sign.  Exits 3 & 4 are the same, just in Clearview now.  Didn't travel southbound. 
Photos here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/albums/72157659432493621/with/21733176568

[vdeane]

Northbound, the exit for VT 279 West is now "Troy NY" (was "Troy).  Exit 2 is now "Historic 7A / S Shaftsbury", still with only an "exit now" sign.  Exits 3 & 4 are the same, just in Clearview now.  Didn't travel southbound. 
Photos here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/albums/72157659432493621/with/21733176568

Southbound exits 1 and 2 match what you mentioned here.  SB exit 3 has changed Sunderland to Shaftsbury.

[froggie]

According to this Brattleboro Facebook post, the new Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge (VT/NH 119) is expected to open by the end of the day Thursday (12/5).

[Plutonic Panda]

"Six Small Bridges in Plymouth, Vt., to Be Replaced Over Two Years Starting Next Summer"

https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/six-small-bridges-in-plymouth-vt-to-be-replaced-over-two-years-starting-next-summer/66681

[yakra]

According to this Brattleboro Facebook post, the new Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge (VT/NH 119) is expected to open by the end of the day Thursday (12/5).

https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/after-years-of-planning-construction-new-river-bridge-open-to-connect-vermont-new-hampshire/66699

[Great Lakes Roads]

https://www.wcax.com/2025/05/27/vtrans-set-being-final-phase-exit-16-diverging-diamond/

FINALLY! The DDI project in Colchester should start in July, with a completion date of Fall 2026.

[vdeane]

Wow.  It's practically done and the contractor is just sitting on their hands to finish up whatever work is needed to finish it up.  Vermont seems to be slower than the PTC in getting things built.  Also, isn't drainage normally done much sooner?  Why wait until the very end, when presumably you have to rip up the pavement you just put down to do it?

https://www.wcax.com/2025/07/15/it-may-look-finished-champlain-parkway-construction-drags/

[The Ghostbuster]

Projects should be finished as soon as possible. Unless they've run out of funding, the project should should not be delayed.

[vdeane]

Projects should be finished as soon as possible. Unless they've run out of funding, the project should should not be delayed.

Yeah, I don't get what the deal is, or why it would be "more expensive" to finish it early.  Did the contractor not plan on working continuously from start to finish as supplies and weather allow?  It seems like they just packed up and went elsewhere since the originally expected completion was next year.

[froggie]

As noted in the story, it's how the contract was written that is causing the lag.  Doesn't make any sense, but maybe this is how the city decided they could afford to build it.

Also worth noting that this is a city-led project.  VTrans tends to be more punctual in its projects.

[vdeane]

As noted in the story, it's how the contract was written that is causing the lag.  Doesn't make any sense, but maybe this is how the city decided they could afford to build it.

Also worth noting that this is a city-led project.  VTrans tends to be more punctual in its projects.

I guess I'm having a hard time seeing why the contract would require them to stop all work and wait until next year.  Unless it's something like a P3 where the contractor takes over maintenance for a few decades, and they aren't ready to do snow plowing yet.

[Rothman]

As noted in the story, it's how the contract was written that is causing the lag.  Doesn't make any sense, but maybe this is how the city decided they could afford to build it.

Also worth noting that this is a city-led project.  VTrans tends to be more punctual in its projects.

I guess I'm having a hard time seeing why the contract would require them to stop all work and wait until next year.  Unless it's something like a P3 where the contractor takes over maintenance for a few decades, and they aren't ready to do snow plowing yet.

Funding could be fiscal year dependent.

[cockroachking]

Here is my speculation as to what is likely going on, based on the limited information in the article:

• The original contract completion date was 2026
• There was no incentive for the contractor to finish early (pretty common)
• Contractor hired certain subcontractors to perform work the contractor didn't feel comfortable doing themselves
• Said subs were not available before 2026, but they weren't needed until the end of construction, so no big deal
• Making the subs come out early will force the subs to be inconvenienced
• The inconvenienced subs will charge the contractor more for their services
• The contractor will now charge the city more to offset their cost increase
• Since the city changed the contract to order early completion, they will be on the hook for corresponding cost changes
• The city does not have enough money for the increased cost

Therefore, the project remains as originally scheduled. In a perfect world subcontractors would be available on call for cheap, but that is not reality.

[vdeane]

Both of those make sense... I guess I'd describe it differently than "how the contract is written", however.