Summary

The Burlington-Winooski Bridge, with the adjacent intersection in Burlington, is the most critical piece of infrastructure connecting two of the most populated and diverse communities in Vermont. Although the project definition for the bridge and intersection were conducted separately, this next phase seeks to design the two projects in parallel, ultimately combining both projects’ goals to create a cohesive and continuous project for all users. The design work is continuing, and updates and/or changes will be published here as the project progresses.

The basis of the design is determined by the previously completed project definition phase of the bridge and intersection projects. The bridge project will replace the existing Burlington-Winooski bridge with a wider, modern structure that safely accommodates the current and future needs of vehicular and multimodal traffic. The intersection project will also reconfigure the existing intersection south of the bridge, which currently includes three separate signals. The proposed intersection will simplify the geometry and create a single-point four-way intersection with modernized traffic control and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Proposed Conditions of the New Bridge

The proposed bridge will be wider than the existing bridge to allow for barrier-separated 12 to 15-foot-wide shared-use paths on each side, 2-foot shoulders for snow and stormwater storage, and slightly wider travel lanes to meet modern safety design standards. In addition to enhancing the bridge's current safety and capacity needs, this additional width allows flexibility to meet future demands at this critical crossing. The images to the right compare the proposed new bridge (bottom image) to the existing bridge (top image).

The project definition phase identified improvements to bicycle and pedestrian accommodations throughout the corridor as a priority for both the bridge and intersection projects. Design aspects under consideration include transitions to and from the shared-use paths on the bridge to the surrounding sidewalks in Burlington and Winooski, signing and striping options to differentiate between bike and pedestrian space, and addressing speed differentials between bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Aesthetic considerations for railing types, lighting, lookout areas, etc., will be determined with input from historic preservation groups, the communities, and the public. The intent is to provide a replacement structure that considers the historical significance of the existing bridge and surrounding area and improves the surrounding communities. The proposed bridge is anticipated to be a two-span structure in either an on-alignment (straight roadway) or shifted alignment (curved roadway) position in a similar location as the existing bridge.

A wide city street with multiple lanes, bordered by a clean sidewalk and a concrete barrier. Buildings and trees line the street, and street lamps are installed along the sidewalk. The partly cloudy sky adds to the urban scene.

View of the existing bridge (typical section)

A concrete and steel bridge over a body of water, with the underside of the bridge and its support pillars visible. Buildings are faintly visible in the background under a clear sky.

View of the proposed bridge (typical section)

Proposed Conditions of the Reconstructed Intersection

The proposed intersection is intended to reduce the complexity of the existing condition, through consolidation into a single four-way signalized intersection at Colchester Avenue, Riverside Avenue, and Barrett Street. Mill Street is anticipated to be a stop-controlled side street with right turns leaving Mill Street permitted only.

The realignment of Riverside Ave to create a four-way intersection aims to reduce pedestrian and bike crossing distances, reduce the number of potential vehicular conflict points, and simplify the intersection to reduce driver confusion. Modernized traffic signal equipment with improved signal timing and phasing is intended to manage vehicular congestion and improve the safety and mobility through the intersection for non-motorized users.

The intersection will provide crosswalks with ADA accommodations to connect pedestrians and bikes traveling from Colchester Ave to the Riverside Ave shared-use path. Bike lanes and buffers will be provided along Colchester Ave, connecting to the new shared-use path starting at Barrett Street and extending across the bridge for northbound bikes. Overall, the intersection project aims to improve bike and pedestrian movements and safety in the area, and the traffic signal timing will balance the flow of multimodal intersection demands and intersection safety.

The final condition seeks to blend into the area’s historical significance, with considerations for aesthetics and greenspace. The revised intersection layout allows for the introduction of a pocket park on the northwest corner of the intersection. Aesthetic considerations for this area for items such as landscaping, lighting, benches, etc. will be determined with input from the City of Burlington, historic preservation groups as well as through input from the public.

A wide city street with multiple lanes, bordered by a clean sidewalk and a concrete barrier. Buildings and trees line the street, and street lamps are installed along the sidewalk. The partly cloudy sky adds to the urban scene.

Conceptual layout of the proposed intersection. Not all features and striping are shown, and the design is ongoing.

A concrete and steel bridge over a body of water, with the underside of the bridge and its support pillars visible. Buildings are faintly visible in the background under a clear sky.

Aerial drawing of proposed intersection improvements. Not all features and striping are shown, and the design is ongoing.

Conceptual Design Renderings

The below images are conceptual renderings of the proposed shifted bridge alignment design. Not all improvements or features are shown as the design is ongoing. These renderings are not the final design of the intersection or bridge.

Shifted-Alignment Conceptual Renderings

A historical photograph capturing individuals on and around a metal bridge over a river, surrounded by lush greenery.

The proposed conceptual shifted-alignment improvements rendering looking east at the bridge, with Winooski on the left and Burlington on the right.

A historical photo of an old bridge with a vintage car, pedestrians, street lamps, and distant buildings. The bridge features ornate street lamps and concrete railings. A vintage car is parked on the left side of the bridge. Pedestrians are visible on the bridge. The road marking indicates two lanes. In the background, houses and trees on a hill create a suburban or small-town atmosphere.

The proposed conceptual shifted-alignment improvements rendering looking north to the bridge into Winooski.

A historical photograph from October 21, 1949, showing a street scene. An old-fashioned car is parked on the left side of the image near a light pole. Two individuals stand in front of a store. The street appears to be under construction or repair, as it is not paved. Buildings line both sides of the street, which seems to be a mix of residential and commercial areas.

The proposed conceptual shifted-alignment improvements rendering looking south to the bridge into Burlington.