Burlington Standard

Burlington, VT – Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger announced and celebrated the completion of the Shelburne Street Roundabout Project in Burlington’s south end. The Project redesigned the existing rotary into a modern roundabout, provides designated crossing locations with rapid flashing beacons, new sidewalks, and shared-use paths. It was funded through the State of Vermont’s Highway Safety Improvement Program with $7.7 million in Federal Highway Administration dollars.

“This intersection was one of the worst, most confusing and dangerous intersections in the city. Fixing it has been a priority of the neighbors for decades” said Mayor Weinberger. “Through our partnership with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, the City was able to deliver these dramatic infrastructure improvements to make travel safer and easier for Burlingtonians and visitors whether they walk, bike, or drive through this gateway corridor.”

Where appropriate, roundabouts have been known to reduce crashes by up to 72 percent per the Federal Highway Administration.

“The roundabout we celebrate today is a marvel of modern road architecture. I am excited for the design that requires low speeds and supports continuous traffic flow, improves user sightlines, will reduce crashes, and shorter crosswalks for pedestrians,” said City Council President Karen Paul. “As well, the renewed gateway appeal is a wonderful plus for our city. While there were many twists and turns to get us here, the smooth curves are a delight to the eye and a win for everyone. There may be other roundabouts but this one is uniquely ours. Many thanks to all who played a role in allowing us to arrive at this special day, the VTrans Team, the entire DPW team, SD Ireland, and many others. It was everyone working together, working collaboratively, with excellent management and design, and a grateful community that were the ingredients to a wonderful outcome. May the roundabout serve us for generations to come.”

"The Shelburne Street Roundabout project has created a safer traveling experience for the thousands of Burlington residents and visitors a day who use this corridor," said Public Works Director Chapin Spencer. "This partnership between the City and the State has delivered an innovative multi-modal solution with a one-lane roundabout at a high crash location. Data, community input and perseverance have led us to this important milestone in the evolution of Burlington's transportation system." 

Street reconstruction for the project included portions of Shelburne Street, South Willard Street, Ledge Road, Locust Street, Gove Court, and Adams Court. Furthermore, the project improved drainage, stormwater runoff treatment, upgraded aging infrastructure, and relocated and consolidated utility transmissions underground. Approximately 700 bulbs were planted in the center of the roundabout, and Burlington City Arts will commission a public art installation.

Background

• This intersection has been identified as a high crash location on the State’s High Crash Listings since the completion of the Shelburne Street Rotary Report in 2002.
• In 2007, the intersection entered the State’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), and Resource Systems Group, Inc. was hired to update traffic analysis and create conceptual designs.
• In 2008, the Burlington Public Works Commission and the Transportation, Energy, and Utilities Committee selected the design of a single-lane roundabout.
• In 2009 the design was approved by the Federal Highway Administration, and the project qualified for 100% federal funding through the State of Vermont’s Highway Safety Improvement Program.
• In May 2021 the project was awarded to S.D. Ireland Brothers for $7.7 million.
• Construction began in August 2021 and was estimated to be completed in the summer of 2023.
• The roundabout first opened to traffic on November 1, 2022, and the installation of the permanent pavement markings this week marks the completion of the Shelburne Street Roundabout Project.

Driver Safety

• Yield to traffic inside the roundabout at each entry point
• Do not stop or yield once inside the roundabout
• In instances in which emergency vehicles enter the roundabout – drivers should exit the roundabout before pulling over
• Be aware of and yield to pedestrians and cyclists at the designated crossing locations

Original source can be found here.