The just-announced $8.1 million Department of Transportation grant ensures construction will begin in 2025
The city of South Burlington has been awarded $8,094,234 through the Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods (RCN) Grant Program for the construction of the East-West Crossing pedestrian-bicycle bridge over Interstate 89 (I-89) at Exit 14. The RCN grant program is the combination of two grant programs established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to support communities that are seeking to address equitable community revitalization and improve access to everyday destinations. This award closes a critical funding gap, allowing the project to go forward. Other sources of funding for the project include Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Financing and a 2021 RAISE Grant.
The City will build, own, and operate the project, and is partnering with Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. The bridge will be bid out this summer, with construction to begin in 2025 and end in 2026. The design is based on a concept developed through a public outreach effort in 2022.
The City extends its thanks to all the expressions of support for the project to be funded, including from our Congressional delegation, the State of Vermont, local institutions including UVM and UVM Medical Center, property owners, and Local Motion, representing thousands of walkers and bikers across our region.
About The Project
The pedestrian-bicycle bridge over Interstate 89 (I-89) at Exit 14 will provide east-west travel along US Route 2, bypassing the interchange. I-89/Exit 14 divides the bicycle and pedestrian network for South Burlington (and the community's City Center and adjoining Town of Williston) from the bicycle and the pedestrian network serving downtown Burlington and the campuses of the University of Vermont and UVM Medical Center. The project will feature 10-14' ADA accessible paths and approach ramps to a bridge over the southern edge of the cloverleaf and include public art and landscaping.
The project supports the many current and new residents living and moving into City Center, and reinforces initiatives to make our City and the State safer, healthy, and accessible.
Download the press release
March 13, 2024