Updates on the East-West Crossing Bridge with Ilona Blanchard
Final draft concept via city of South Burlington
I had the opportunity to discuss the new I-89 pedestrian bridge project, now known as the East-West Crossing Project, with Ilona Blanchard, the Community Development Director for the city of South Burlington. The aim of the pedestrian bridge is to increase the safety of walkers and bikers navigating their way down Willison Road. The pedestrian bridge will be on the southern end of I-89, relative to Williston Road in South Burlington. The bridge will meander past the exit and entrance ramps, making the bridge longer in length but significantly smaller in height and considerably more affordable.
The idea and preliminary mapping for the bridge were developed by the planning commission and city council all the way back in the 1990s, according to Blanchard. With the conjunction of Williston Road and the I-89 freeway being one of the busiest roads in the state of Vermont, increased attention to pedestrian safety is considered a top priority in the location. Blanchard explains, “A statewide study or a county study always identifies that area is a high-need location.”
In 2012, the city of South Burlington, working with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) and specifically, their Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), identified the I-89 pedestrian bridge as one of many projects that were considered very critical to making the downtown area more walkable and bikeable. The first stage of the project done through the CCRPC was to scope the area. The scoping of the project consisted of determining if the mode of transportation for pedestrians would be a bridge or a tram, as well as if it would be going north or south. Additionally, members of the public were shown initial drawings and diagrams to see what they wanted with the resurrection of the structure. It was determined through discussion that the structure would indeed be a bridge that goes south of I-89.
Blanchard discussed the demanding process of receiving initial funding: “We went through 4 rounds of applications before we were funded.” The CCRPC provided funding for both the scoping of the project and ensuring the project would not prove detrimental to the environment in the area. Through wetlands analysis and surveying with respect to the historical preservation of the area, it was determined the project could be pushed into action. “This can be a huge barrier, because until the area is properly scoped, the project cannot transition into the engineering and construction phase,” Blanchard explained, referencing how vital scoping is to reaching the final stages of the project.
The funding for the project was approved with federal tax incremental funding which requires a taxpayer match. For this taxpayer match to be provided, the project will be brought to the South Burlington City Council this upcoming November. The South Burlington City Council will then have a public hearing to determine whether or not the question will be put up on the ballot. After the question is put onto the ballot, multiple public hearings will be held to gauge the public's opinion on the design of the bridge. After hearing the public's opinions there will likely be some augmentation to the project then those changes will be brought back to the city council. Committees and focus groups such as the Public Art Committee and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee in South Burlington will also provide their take on the design and possible alterations. After the final design is decided, there will be a final vote for its approval or denial. If approved, Blanchard believes the construction will likely begin around 2025.
Blanchard assures the city of South Burlington is very committed to improving sustainable transportation in the area. “The City Council just adopted a climate action plan and part of that climate action plan is a 2.5% reduction in trips,” she said. With the university mall and an abundance of shopping locations and eateries right by the proposed bridge, the implementation of this project will be instrumental in helping the city reach that goal of a 2.5% reduction in motor vehicle trips.
The I-89 bridge project is an excellent idea that will help South Burling and Burlington in a multitude of ways. It will provide a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists and will encourage the use of sustainable transportation methods. Additionally, more students in both cities will feel more inclined to cross the freeway increasing commerce as the university mall and other eateries and shops in the area. Approval would connect the cities in a more cohesive manner, encouraging individuals to get to their desired destinations in a safe and sustainable way.
