Vermont

[Rothman]

Vermont is having some serious funding issues:

https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-01-13/funding-shortfall-pushes-vermonts-transportation-system-breaking-point

No quote from VDOT, or did I miss it?

I doubt they'd ask Virginia's DOT for a quote on Vermont issues.  But I didn't see anything from VTrans either.

I think I was still waking up this morning when I posted that.

[froggie]

Vermont is having some serious funding issues:

https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2026-01-13/funding-shortfall-pushes-vermonts-transportation-system-breaking-point

Not really new news.  Same figure was used in the news story posted 2 months ago.

Might be taking new life now that the Legislature is back in session...

[The Ghostbuster]

Like other states, Vermont will need new ways to fund transportation improvements. Gas taxes nationwide are obsolete and can no longer be relied on to fund transportation improvements.

[Rothman]

Like other states, Vermont will need new ways to fund transportation improvements. Gas taxes nationwide are obsolete and can no longer be relied on to fund transportation improvements.

Meh.  States poaching gas tax revenue for non-transportation purposes is a much bigger problem.

[The Ghostbuster]

Although I agree gas tax diversions are a major problem, I don't see such diversions ending anytime soon if ever.

[Rothman]

Although I agree gas tax diversions are a major problem, I don't see such diversions ending anytime soon if ever.

Ok, so increase taxes somewhere else is the answer?

[The Ghostbuster]

What would you do?

[Rothman]

What would you do?

Not divert gas tax revenue.

[Plutonic Panda]

What would you do?

Not divert gas tax revenue.

That definitely seem like a great first step.

[Alex]

Checked out Champlain Parkway in Burlington last week. The four lane connection between I-189/U.S. 7 and Home Avenue appears close to completion as street lights and regulatory signs are already posted.



Interstate 189 west at U.S. 7 and Champlain Parkway. Signs are posted but not lane striping yet.



Champlain Parkway south at Home Avenue. The parkway will be considered limited access from this point southward with bikes and pedestrians prohibited.

Drove both directions of the parkway between Home Avenue and Lakeside Avenue. Photos are posted on the Champlain Parkway page.

The project website indicates that the last section will be opened by the end of Summer 2026.

[pderocco]

So they finally made up their mind about whether that should exist or not.

If it's controlled access, couldn't they extend I-189 to Home Ave?

[vdeane]

The project website indicates that the last section will be opened by the end of Summer 2026.

This news article indicates June or July.

So they finally made up their mind about whether that should exist or not.

If it's controlled access, couldn't they extend I-189 to Home Ave?

It's only going to be one lane each direction with a landscaped grassy median - not exactly interstate standards.

[froggie]

Champlain Parkway south at Home Avenue. The parkway will be considered limited access from this point southward with bikes and pedestrians prohibited.

Not per se.  But worth nothing that there is a bike/ped path on the southwest side of the parkway south of Home Ave.  Ties into Queen City Park Rd.

[Alex]

Champlain Parkway south at Home Avenue. The parkway will be considered limited access from this point southward with bikes and pedestrians prohibited.

Not per se.  But worth nothing that there is a bike/ped path on the southwest side of the parkway south of Home Ave.  Ties into Queen City Park Rd.

I made that assessment based upon the no bikes/pedestrian signage visible beyond the barrier. While not exactly the same, the placement is typical for entrance ramps to limited access highways in Vermont.