VTrans receives emergency order to install two temp bridges for Middlebury rail tunnel project

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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In this photo from 2008, rebar is shown exposed on one of the bridges slated for replacement as part of the rail tunnel project.
VTrans

Two temporary bridges will be installed in downtown Middlebury, Vt., to support a rail tunnel project.

Inspections performed on the existing bridges at Main Street/VT 30 and Merchants Row shown they are safe for travel, but evidence of accelerated deterioration prompted the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) to seek approval of the temporary bridges as a precautionary measure. Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn approved the emergency order authorizing the VTrans to install the temporary bridges in advance of a long-planned tunnel project.

“We have been monitoring these bridges closely,” said Secretary Flynn. “In view of the current project timeline and the rapidly evolving state of the structures, we feel it is prudent to install temporary bridges this summer, before we are forced into a situation requiring an emergency closure. This declaration allows VTrans to prioritize our resources and accelerate the design to rapidly install these bridges.”

“It is clear from the continuing deterioration of both bridges that decisive action is needed to protect the safety of our community and to avoid an unplanned closure,” said Brian Carpenter, chair of the Middlebury Selectboard. “During the past several months the [VTrans] has proved themselves to be a good partner and I am confident that they will work hard to ensure that our priorities are met. We are committed to clearly communicating plans for the temporary bridges with the community and to involving all key stakeholders in the joint effort to keep our downtown fully accessible to all who live, work, shop, and conduct business here.”

Preparatory work will begin as early as March 27 on repairs to ensure the bridges can operate safely until the temporary structures can be installed. Workers will be active under the bridges and sidewalks. Current plans are to demolish the existing bridges and replace them starting in mid-June with Mabey steel bridges that will remain in place until they can be replaced by permanent structures.

The rail project calls for a 360-foot tunnel to replace two bridges at Main Street/VT 30 and Merchants Row in downtown Middlebury. The tunnel would improve track alignment and improve clearance issues for the railroad. Currently, the bridges do not have enough vertical clearance for double-stack rail cars. By lowering the rail bed approximately four feet, clearance can be increased to 21 feet without impacting the grade of the road and sidewalks above. However, in late 2016, VTrans said the project was to be delayed in order for the project’s environmental impact to be studied.

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