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.
Urban Traffic Control

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • IBM helping to transform Zhenjiang's transport system
    March 22, 2012
    IBM and the City of Zhenjiang, China, have announced that IBM is helping to transform the city's public transportation system. Zhenjiang will use hardware, software, services and technologies from the company’s research labs, all brought together through the IBM intelligent operations centre (IOC) for smarter cities, a solution that will serve as the central point of command for the city.
    Read More
  • Severn tolls will be abolished by the end of next year
    July 24, 2017

    Drivers will see an end to tolls on the UK’s Severn Crossings in 2018; the bridges are used by more than 25 million vehicles each year, saving significant travel time and distance for commuters and drivers using the M4 motorway.

    However, the tolls on both Severn Crossings have been seen as an economic and symbolic barrier to Wales’ future prosperity.

    It is estimated that this announcement would boost the economy of South Wales by around US$130 million (£100 million) a year and the average motorist could save over US$1,800 (£1,400) per year.

    Read More
  • Investment boost for Canada’s weather warning systems
    August 5, 2013
    David Crawford reviews national and regional initiatives to boost Canada’s weather forecasting. Over the next five years Canada’s national weather services are due to benefit from a CAN$248 million injection of funding into the Environment Canada (EC) department to deliver timelier and more accurate weather warnings and forecasts for users including travellers and transport operators. The scheme, set out in the country’s 2013 Economic Action Plan, is to revitalise the services with new investments in federa
    Read More
  • Congressmen debate funding at ITS America breakfast
    June 2, 2015
    The need for sustainable surface transportation funding was debated at the Legislative Breakfast held on the first day of ITS America’s 2015 Annual Meeting & Expo. There was unanimity between congressmen Tim Murphy (R-PA), Bill Johnson (R-OH) and Keith Rothfus (R-PA) that the current two-month extension to MAP-21 of the Highway Trust Fund was highly unsatisfactory – indeed Johnson described the last few years as a string of “Band-Aid fixes”. All agreed that a long-term sustainable solution is required, alth
    Read More

Highlighted Content