The Burlington-Essex Corridor Alternative Analysis Phase 1A Report recommended a multi-modal solution that included commuter rail, feeder bus service, and intersection improvements on Route 15 that was accepted by the CCMPO Board on September 26, 2001. The CCMPO Board formally approved the addition of the Route 15 Corridor Improvement Plan to the Chittenden County Long-Range Transportation Plan on March 20, 2002. The corridor plan serves as an “umbrella” for a number of proposed improvements within the Route 15 corridor and includes the Burlington-Essex Rail Project, along with highway and bike path improvements among others.

CCMPO engaged a team of consultants led by R.L. Banks & Associates, Inc., (RLBA) to assist CCMPO in determining the feasibility of passenger rail service in the Burlington-Essex corridor, assuming it operates as an extension of the Charlotte-Burlington passenger rail project. This report describes the analysis accomplished, as well as the conclusions and recommendations of the consultant.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation, together with the Vermont Rail Council and its team of consultants, has completed this final report of the Vermont Rail Feasibility Study. The goals of the study were to look at opportunities for expanding passenger rail service in the State of Vermont, the feasibility of implementing commuter rail service as part of a Route 7 Reconstruction traffic mitigation program, ways to improve the economic benefits to the State from its rail freight industry, and strategies regarding abandoned or under-used rail rights-of-way. The results of the study have been incorporated into a set of conclusions and recommendations.