Vermont approves US$685.7 million transportation bill

Vermont plans to spend a record US$685.7 million on transportation projects under legislation signed by Governor Peter Shumlin. The FY 2015 Transportation Bill contains the largest investment in transportation infrastructure in state history. The bill provides for infrastructure improvements and maintenance and supports the Agency of Transportation’s (VTrans) vision of a safe, efficient, multimodal transportation system that promotes Vermont’s quality of life and economic growth. It also supports the contin
June 4, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
7786 Vermont plans to spend a record US$685.7 million on transportation projects under legislation signed by Governor Peter Shumlin. The FY 2015 Transportation Bill contains the largest investment in transportation infrastructure in state history. The bill provides for infrastructure improvements and maintenance and supports the Agency of Transportation’s (VTrans) vision of a safe, efficient, multimodal transportation system that promotes Vermont’s quality of life and economic growth. It also supports the continued rebuilding of infrastructure damaged by Tropical Storm Irene and other recent natural disasters.

The budget represents an increase of 5 per cent, or US$32 million, compared to the FY 2014 budget of US$653 million, and will fund more than 800 projects around the state.  It provides for seven per cent increase in roadway paving that will cover almost 400 miles and a six per cent increase for bridge repair and replacement.

“This budget makes sound investments in our infrastructure that will grow Vermont’s economy not only by directly creating jobs in the construction industry, but also by supporting other important economic sectors, such as tourism, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, among others,” said Shumlin.

“Several successive years of record level investment are yielding positive results,” said Transportation Secretary Brian Searles. “We are seeing improved performance in pavement quality and in the condition of our structures. To continue these gains, this transportation bill will advance the repair or replacement of more than 100 bridges, perform preventive maintenance on dozens of structures, and improve more than 375 miles of pavement.”

The budget also includes $13.3 million for highway safety and traffic operations, a US$1.8 million increase (16 per cent) over FY2014 and includes funding for  such projects as intersection reconstruction, roundabout construction, turn lane additions, work-zone assistance to municipalities, the High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) program and the installation of signs, beacons, signals and pavement markings. This program also funds the efforts associated with Vermont’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
UTC

Related Content

  • July 7, 2015
    JMT/Parsons Brinckerhoff JV to consult on Maryland bridge replacement
    The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has selected a joint venture of Johnson, Mirmiran and Thompson (JMT) and Parsons Brinckerhoff as general engineering consultant for the replacement of the Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge. The bridge, also known as the Potomac River Bridge, is a 1.7-mile (2.7 km), two-lane continuous truss bridge on US 301 that spans the Potomac River between Newburg in Maryland and Dahlgren in Virginia. The US$1 billion programmed budget involves replacing the existing structure
    Read More
  • January 24, 2012
    Underinvestment in infrastructure threatens economic growth
    The 2011 Urban Mobility Report from the Texas Transportation Institute highlights the dangers of continued underinvestment in transportation infrastructure but also offers some hope in terms of possible solutions
    Read More
  • March 1, 2017
    IBTTA, ITS America respond to Trump’s infrastructure plans
    The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) and ITS America have both responded positively to President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, where he outlined his administration’s priorities, including repairing and rebuilding America’s transportation infrastructure. Trump said he will ask lawmakers to approve legislation that would see a US$1 trillion investment in infrastructure, funded by a mix of direct federal investment and private financing, according to The Hill.
    Read More
  • January 4, 2013
    Road signs removed to reduce ‘clutter’
    In a response to a move to remove unnecessary clutter in cities and rural areas, more than 9,000 road traffic signs have been taken down in England, where local councils have been urged to think more creatively about the number and location of their location. Ministers have warned that excessive signs can be a distraction to motorists and make roads appear unattractive. In October 2011, the requirement for certain road signs was lifted; the government plans to give councils more discretion over where they p
    Read More

Highlighted Content