New Detour Route to Avoid Traffic Delays Along US 7/Shelburne Street as Construction for the Shelburne Street Roundabout Project Continues
Burlington, VT – Beginning on Monday, October 25, 2021 a detour route will be in place for motorists to avoid significant traffic delays along US 7/Shelburne Street between Flynn Avenue and Howard Street due to the Shelburne Street Roundabout Project construction. The detour will divert traffic from northbound US 7/Shelburne Street to Flynn Avenue, Pine Street and Howard Street back to St. Paul Street and/or US 7/South Willard Street. Southbound traffic on US 7/South Willard Street and St. Paul Street will be detoured to Howard Street to Pine Street to Flynn Avenue. US 7/Shelburne Street (northbound and southbound) will remain open to local traffic, however, the detour route is strongly encouraged to avoid delays.
Beginning Wednesday, October 27, motorists can expect significant delays along US 7/Shelburne Street due to ledge blasting between Adams Court and Marion Street. There will be periods when traffic is stopped along this route up to three times each weekday between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM. Apart from these short duration stoppages, all residences and business along US 7/Shelburne Street will remain accessible.
To assist motorists using the detour route, Uniformed Traffic Officers or flaggers will be present at the intersection of US 7/Shelburne Street and Flynn Avenue, and at the intersection of Howard Street, S. Union Street, and St Paul Street. For side roads intersecting with US 7/Shelburne Street within the detour limits, detour signage directing motorists away from the blasting zone and towards the designated detour route. Side roads and/or private roads adjacent to the detour route will be posted as "Local Traffic Only." Blasting for the Shelburne Street Roundabout Project will be completed over several weeks in 2021 and 2022.
In response to the blasting plans, Burlington Department of Public Works (DPW) - Water Resources plans to close select valves to help minimize the potential negative impacts of the controlled blasting. As valves are operated, properties located in the vicinity may be impacted with fluctuating water pressure or discolored water. Discoloration happens when the naturally occurring minerals and sediments that accumulate in water mains are disturbed. If the water becomes discolored, Burlington DPW recommends waiting until water quality is restored before using it for drinking or laundry. They also recommend avoiding the use of hot water because sediment can be drawn into the water heater. In order to restore water clarity, residents are advised to run a cold water tap for several minutes or until the discoloration is gone.
There are no planned utility outages for area residents.
For questions or concerns, please reach out to the following resources:
About the Shelburne Street Roundabout Project
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Burlington Department of Public Works (Burlington DPW) are improving roadway conditions for all users along US Route 7 (Shelburne Street) in Burlington. This joint initiative includes street reconstruction and the construction of a new single-lane roundabout at the intersection of US Route 7 (South Willard Street), US ALT Route 7 (Shelburne Street), Ledge Road and Locust Street. The project also includes the addition of a designated left turn lane onto Ledge Road and the installation of new pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Furthermore, the project will improve signage, street lighting, drainage, stormwater runoff treatment, and relocate and consolidate utility transmissions underground. The project was awarded to S.D. Ireland Brothers of Williston on May 1, 2021. Construction began in August 2021 and will continue through July 2023.
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