On January 21, 2022, The City of Burlington Department of Public Works announced that a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Champlain Parkway Project has been issued. The issuance of the ROD signals the completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for environmental clearance. Specifically, the ROD constitutes approval of the Preferred Alternative for this project to provide access between I-189, US Route 7 (Shelburne Street) and the City Center District in Burlington, as described in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS) for the project.
The Record of Decision allows work to move forward on the project, bringing the City closer to improving traffic circulation, alleviating overburdened roadways, and improving vehicular and pedestrian safety in the Southwest section of the City.
Although the ROD is the final step in completing the environmental clearance process and results in a Selected Alternative, future changes and refinements to the project may still occur.
A digital version of the ROD is available on the project website. Paper copies of the ROD are available at Burlington City Hall, Burlington Department of Public Works and at the Fletcher Free Library.
With the issuance of the ROD, the City of Burlington plans to advertise the bid for the Champlain Parkway Project in January. The City aims to announce the award of contract in March or April, with a goal to begin construction in summer of 2022.
In response to community concerns, the City is phasing construction of the Champlain Parkway and sequencing work with other projects in the South End through the South End Construction Coordination Plan. The plan will minimize impacts on the community during construction of the projects. Under the plan, the initial phase of work for the Champlain Parkway is slated for completion in fall 2024.
At the completion of the first phase of construction, project benefits will include:
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A new 25-mph grid street between Home Avenue and Lakeside Avenue that will enhance connectivity and resiliency of the South End street network
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A new stormwater pond and new stormwater sand filter that will take 11.5 acres off the combined sewer system and reduce 6,344 pounds (over 3 tons) of sediment from being discharged into Lake Champlain annually
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New shared use paths providing roughly 2-miles of continuous off-road bike/pedestrian path from the Pine Street and Locust Street intersection to Queen City Park Road in South Burlington
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Improved raised intersections at Pine Street and Kilburn Street, Pine Street and Marble Avenue, and Pine Street and Howard Street
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A new midblock crosswalk at Pine Street and Arts Riot
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An enhanced Pine Street with new granite curbs, reconstructed sidewalk with ADA-compliant access ramps on the eastern side, and new top pavement layer with improved surface drainage
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Undergrounded utilities on Lakeside Avenue between Pine Street and the new portion of the Champlain Parkway
For additional information please contact the Champlain Parkway Public Information Team.
