CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
The Burlington-Winooski Bridge is located between Burlington and Winooski, carrying US Routes 2 and 7 over the Winooski River. This bridge provides a vital connection between the two cities and the region. As the sole downtown crossing over the Winooski River, the Burlington-Winooski Bridge provides a link for approximately 25,000 vehicles, up to 2,000 pedestrians and bicyclists, and several transit routes per day. This is a drastic difference since the bridge was first constructed to primarily accommodate trolleys.
The existing bridge, constructed in 1928, is currently safe, but is approaching the end of its service life. After nearly 100 years of service, the current structure is functionally obsolete and does not meet the current or future needs of the communities. Modes of transportation and corresponding design and safety standards have changed considerably since the bridge was orginally constructed. The bridge replacement will provide wider lanes, shoulders, and separated shared-use paths on each side of the bridge for bicycle and pedestrian traffic and improve connectivity and traffic flow, thereby removing the existing barrier to safe, efficient, and equitable multimodal transportation.
The overall project will include replacing the bridge and improving the intersection immediately south of the bridge in Burlington, involving Riverside Avenue, Colchester Avenue, Mill Street, and Barrett Street. The intersection improvements will generally consist of roadway reconstruction and traffic signal modifications, to improve safety and mobility for all users.
The Project Team, including the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), the City of Burlington, the City of Winooski, and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commision (CCRPC), are eager to engage the public throughout this multi-year project. Further details can be found on the News & Events page.
Project Updates
Public Engagement Opportunities
More engagement opportunities are being planned for 2025!
Past Public Meetings & Events
On December 11, 2024, the Project Team hosted its first Informational Open House. If you were unable to attend, you can view the information that was presented on the Virtual Open House website.
The Project Team has hosted two public information meetings. The first was held on September 19, 2023, and the second on January 23, 2024. If you were unable to participate in the first two Public Meetings, you can view a recording of the presentation and all the presentation materials on the Project Documents page of this website.
Past Public Presentations
The Project Team presented information about the Burlington-Winooski Bridge Replacement and Intersection Improvement Project at the Burlington City Council meeting on November 18, 2024. You can view the meeting presentation, as well as other public presentations, here.
Recent Community Outreach
The Project Team presented information about the project to Winooski High School students, engaging them in a meaningful discussion about the project and highlighting the connection between this project and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) careers.
Visit the Project Documents page to view the presentation materials.
Activities Near the Bridge
Over the next couple of years there will be workers gathering data and taking measurements around the bridge and intersection.
Construction of the new bridge and intersection will not start until 2027.
Vermont Road Safety Survey
Our partners at the VTrans State Highway Safety Office are gathering input from Vermont road users to better understand their experiences and concerns regarding road and highway safety. This effort is part of VTrans' broader safety initiatives and is separate from the Burlington-Winooski Bridge Replacement Project. We encourage you to take a moment to complete this brief survey and share your feedback. Thank you!
