I89 northbound access still closed

[David Beatty]

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release:      10/31/13

 

Submitted by: Francine Perkins

                   Public Relations Officer

 

I89 Exit 8 NB On-Ramp Closure to Continue into November

 

MONTPELIER, Vt.--Ledge scaling at Exit 8 on I89 will continue into November.  As of this week, the contractor estimates the blasting will be complete the week ending November 8^th 2013, and it will take approximately another week to prepare the ramp to reopen to traffic.

 

It was originally expected to take about a month to complete the work necessary to reshape the slope of the ledge along the northbound on-ramp in order to reduce the likelihood of rock falling on travel lanes and potentially vehicles. As the work advanced, the conditions of the underlying ledge required a different approach to completing some aspects of the project to achieve safe travel conditions. Due to this change, it will take the blasting subcontractor additional time to perform their work.  The ramp is anticipated to re-open by November 15^th.  

 

Once all blasting operations are complete, the contractor will finish the cleanup to include removal of the blasted rock, installation of guardrail, removal of the protective material placed on the ramp to prevent damage and installation of the overhead sign structures taken down to protect them from blasting.

 

Regular updates will be provided with press releases as well as updates to the website and message boards.

 

The marked detour along Route 2 to Middlesex will remain in effect until the Exit 8 NB on-ramp is re-opened. 

 

Rolling road blocks on I89 will continue while crews are blasting at the construction site.  Motorists traveling through the construction zone will also continue to be stopped and held during blasting times. 

 

Francine Perkins of FRP Enterprises, LLC has been assigned as Public Relations Officer to work with the Vermont Agency of Transportation and JA McDonald on this project.  Anyone with questions or concerns about this project is encouraged to contact Francine Perkins at 802-479-6994.  .