Road Work: July 28-Aug. 1
July 25, 2025 | By Lisa Scagliotti Weekly Road Work reports are assembled with information from the Vermont Agency of Transportation on projects in the region, the Waterbury Public Works Department, and other local highway departments for projects in Waterbury and neighboring communities as necessary.
The two major projects in and near Waterbury are the Stowe Street bridge replacement project and the Interstate 89 southbound resurfacing project. Weekly updates will contain the latest information on these projects.
Motorists are reminded to drive with caution through work zones and to follow posted speed limits. Speeding fines are doubled in work areas.
WATERBURY
Stowe Street bridge project
The view across the work zone at the Stowe Street bridge site, photographed by Jeanne Atchinson from her home’s vantage point above the Thatcher Brook.
Work to replace the former Stowe Street bridge over the Thatcher Brook near Vermont Route 100 and Blush Hill Road continues. The 60-day road closure for the new bridge construction project runs into mid-August.
This week, crews will continue to excavate and pour concrete for the remaining sub-footings.
Project officials say that the 21-day closure of Lincoln Street is scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 11. That date is subject to change, however. More information will be shared as that step approaches, they said.
Project officials have explained that the Lincoln Street closure is needed so that the roadway can be used for staging and logistics involving sections of the new bridge structure when they are delivered and being installed.
The northern sub-footing has been backfilled and stone riprap added to the front. The bedrock is exposed. VTrans photo
Motorists are asked to stay alert and not follow trucks while traveling through the work zone.
During this construction period, motorists may get to Stowe Street from Main Street, Union Street, Railroad Street and Lincoln Street.
The Lincoln Street Park and Ride lot is closed, with a temporary lot available downtown at the State Office Complex along Park Row at the end of Randall Street. Commuter buses also are using that lot, with the Rural Community Transit buses also stopping at Shaw’s on Rt. 100.
The town is providing shuttle service around the bridge closure for local residents who rely on it for pedestrian access to Vermont Route 100. Contact Town Manager Tom Leitz to arrange for that transportation (802-244-4300 or tleitz@waterburyvt.com).
Read more about this project in the Roundabout News section here. Anyone wishing to be placed on the state’s contact list for email updates on the project can sign up using this online form.
Other projects in Waterbury
Bidwell Lane work on Monday will mean closing the intersection with Stowe Street. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
Bidwell Lane: Work is underway in the parking lot area along Bidwell Lane downtown parking lot. It involves some changes to stormwater structures and some repairs to curbing. Waterbury Public Works Director Bill Woodruff said that Bidwell will be closed where it intersects with Stowe Street on Monday, July 28. This will affect the parking lot between the Masonic building and Bridgeside Books/Stowe Street Cafe.
Maple Street: A three-week project on Maple Street in Waterbury Center begins on Monday. Woodruff said it will involve stream bank stabilization along the Thatcher Brook to address damage from last summer’s flooding. A temporary traffic signal will be installed near the work area, which will be between the intersections with Guild Hill Road and Mountain View Drive. Contractor Dale E. Percy from Stowe has been hired for the $120,000 project, Woodruff said.
Interstate 89: Waterbury-Montpelier southbound
I-89 deep milling continues near Exit 8 in Montpelier. VTrans photo
Motorists should expect major delays during peak travel hours due to the southbound passing lane closures between mile markers 58 and 52—generally between Exit 10 in Waterbury and Exit 8 in Montpelier. The speed limit is reduced to 55 mph within the project limits, and fines are doubled.
Southbound travel lane closures between Mile Marker 63.5 and 58.50 will begin 24/7 to motorists on Monday, July 28.
The southbound passing lane between Mile Marker 55.5 and 53.5 will be closed 24/7 to motorists through Tuesday, July 29. From Wednesday through Friday, this area will be closed to motorists during working hours only.
Motorists should expect to be traveling on uneven lanes and milled surfaces.
In preparation for new pavement, crews are working to remove a 5-inch depth of the existing surface pavement and paving two new separate layers. Temporary pavement markings have been installed on the affected work zone. Most recently, the 5-inch deep milling up to the bridge south of Exit 8 in Montpelier has been done. Crews are paving the leveling and intermediate courses of pavement, doing shoulder clean-up work as they go and installing temporary pavement markings.
Work this week, from Monday through Friday, July 28 through Aug. 1, between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. will involve:
Beginning the 5"-deep milling of the travel lane and breakdown shoulder.
Weather permitting, continue installing the leveling and intermediate course of pavement after the milling process and installation of temporary pavement markings.
Continue shoulder clean-up work.
Begin installing new guardrails.
This is a two-year, 10.5-mile resurfacing project to rebuild both travel lanes. The project is anticipated to last through this construction season and next summer, with completion targeted by Aug. 15, 2026, according to the Vermont Agency of Transportation. Anyone interested in receiving VTrans email updates on the project may sign up at this link online.
Richmond: I-89 and U.S. Route 2
Work on the new bridge along U.S. Route 2 in Richmond, which crosses over Interstate 89, is nearly complete. No work is anticipated in this work zone this week as contractors will be working elsewhere. Traffic on U.S. 2 and Interstate 89 will not be affected.