Hear About Alternatives to the "Circ"

Governor Shumlin delivered welcome news in May when he announced that the full build-out of the Chittenden County Circumferential Highway, or "Circ," would not occur. The original project was a conventional, expensive bypass that promoted sprawl and driving – with minimal long-term benefits for the congestion problem.

This Wednesday evening, December 14, you can learn more about the alternatives to the Circ at a meeting in Colchester.

• When: 7 – 9 pm.
• Where: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 261 Mountain View Drive, Colchester. Here are directions.

At the Governor’s request, a Circ Alternatives Task Force has worked since July to identify projects and planning activities that serve the Circ’s “original purpose and need.” The Task Force includes the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission; VTrans; the Towns of Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Williston; and environmental groups and smart growth advocates. VNRC is participating to promote alternatives that help to cost effectively solve congestion, increase transportation options, and discourage sprawl.

This is an important issue for Chittenden County that will continue to evolve in the coming year. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Circ Alternatives Task Force, the five “shovel ready” projects being recommended to the Governor, and next steps.

The Wednesday event is an informational presentation more than a comment-gathering session, but will include a brief Q&A.

 VNRC joined the other stakeholders to unanimously support the five “shovel ready” projects, and we are especially enthusiastic about the following two:

• The Crescent Connector: This short bypass around Five Corners opens up underutilized land in a Village center and reduces congestion at this notoriously busy intersection– all for a fraction of the cost of the Circ. This creative solution helps our transportation system and promotes smart growth - promoting better land use, better transportation, and stronger economies.
• Transit demand management: This is a series of projects designed to reduce demand on the existing transportation system, including park and rides, solar-powered bus shelters, bike commuter education, and carpooling promotion.

We encourage you to submit any comments online at http://www.circtaskforce.org/ (click “Comment” at the top of the page) or by calling Diane Meyerhoff of Third Sector Associates at (802) 865-1794.

For questions, contact Brian Shupe or Kate McCarthy at (802) 223-2328.