The Chittenden County area of Vermont is continuing to experience commercial, industrial and residential growth, much of which is occurring in the City of South Burlington. The City has zoned most of the area to the northeast of the VT 116 overcrossing of I-89 for mixed commercial and industrial use. This area has seen the demise of the former Digital Plant and its subsequenpt artial revival. Most of the potential of this areah as not been realizedbecauseo f a lack of access. To remedy this, the City has undertaken two initiatives. The first is an interchange from I-89 to VT 116 and the second,s ome local accessin to the arean ear Technology Park (the former Digital Plant).

The intent of this Major Investment Study (MIS) is to provide the MPO, State AOT, transit operators, and other local decision-makers with comprehensive infonnation and analyses on a corridor level so that informed decisions regarding transportation investments can be made. In the transportation Corridor of US Route 7 between Charlotte and Burlington in Chittenden County, Vermont, there is a need to improve mobility. The transportation needs of the region have been the focus of many recent and historic studies and many projects to meet those needs have been posed as solutions.

The U.S. 7 Transportation Management Study is intended to evaluate overall statewide policy planning, town/regional planning processes, and specific project development efforts by the VAOT. By studying the 90 mile highway segment of U.S. 7 from East Dorset to South Burlington, the state and regional needs to support Environment, Social and Economic (ESE) goals and objectives are considered in the broadest possible context. U.S. 7 has been nominated for placement on the National Highway System (NHS) by the State of Vermont and is a facility which bears primary responsibility for handling interstate and regional traffic. Issues associated with operations and safety are considered in the same context with the impacts on ESE factors.

The purpose of this study is to conduct economic benefit-cost analyses of interchange improvements at four locations on Interstate 89 in Chittenden County , Vermont.

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...