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.

The Village of Essex Junction requested the MPO examine the automating a switch between the New England Central Railroad Mainline and the Winooski Branch of the New England Central Railroad, which travels to Burlington. In response to this request, the MPO has examined what it would take to automate the switch and presents the general findings in this report.

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 purpose of an alternate transportation path within the Route 15 corridor between Essex Junction and the Lime Kiln Bridge in South Burlington is to provide to all age groups a convenient, accessible pedestrian and bicycle link between the various existing, segmented routes currently used for alternate modes of transportation that are close to or lead into the Route 15 corridor. The Route 15 corridor alternate transportation path is also specifically meant to connect the residential neighborhoods, commercial and industrial developments located in and east ofEssex Junction near the five corners area and the more densely developed urban areas in and around South Burlington, Winooski, Colchester and Burlington.

The purpose of this plan is to provide a network of paths, sidewalks, and bicycle routes that will provide a safe and efficient alternative to the current automobile dependent transportation system within Essex Junction, VT. This system is developed to encourage non-motorized modes and multi-modal links of transportation. The emphasis of this plan is to provide utilitarian connections between the neighborhoods and communities within the city and to city activity centers.

Objectives of this study was to; 1. Assess the nature of the "Parking Problem" in the Village Center area and determine the demand for parking, 2. To inventory the actual supply of parking in the area, 3. To develop recommendations for overcoming any parking deficits and remedy other facets of the "Parking Problem".

This report is concerned with the specific alignment of a small portion of the entire Interstate network in Vermont and will of necessity discuss the local as well as the national aspects. The recommended plan will furnish access to the Interstate network for traffic generated in the Area and provide quick and safe routes for interstate traffic which has this Area as its destination. In addition, this plan will relieve local traffic and provide a by-pass route for traffic to pass through to other regions. This is in accordance with the statement contained in the Federal Highway Act of 1956; That local needs to the extent practicable, suitable and feasible be given equal consideration with the needs of interstate commerce...