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Project Announcement
Colchester Exit 17 Project
Colchester NH 028-1(31)
| | DATE: Thursday, October 15, 2026 | | Construction at the I-89 Exit 17 Interchange and Chimney Corner Intersection is Complete | | |
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has completed the Colchester Exit 17 Project, delivering significant safety, mobility, and infrastructure improvements along a major regional transportation corridor. The project was constructed over three seasons between Spring 2024 and Summer 2026.
The project:
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Replaced the aging U.S. Route 2 (U.S. 2) bridge over Interstate 89 (I-89).
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Extended the deceleration lane on the I-89 North off-ramp.
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Reconstructed the I-89 South off-ramp to accommodate a new I-89 South on-ramp for U.S. 2 westbound traffic.
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Eliminated a major left-turn conflict point with the construction of the new I-89 South on-ramp for U.S. 2 westbound traffic, improving safety and reducing congestion for vehicles entering I-89 South.
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Improved the intersection of the I-89 North ramps and U.S. 2, including the addition of a U.S. 2 eastbound left-turn lane to increase capacity and reduce backups.
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Widened U.S. 2 and U.S. 7 at the Chimney Corner intersection to accommodate additional turning lanes and improve traffic operations.
| | Final configuration at Chimney Corner, the intersection of U.S. 2 and U.S. 7. | | The new I-89 North on and off ramps at the Exit 17 interchange. | | The new I-89 South on and off ramps at the Exit 17 interchange. | | |
2024 Construction Season
Construction began in May 2024 with roadway widening along U.S. 7 and U.S. 2. During the first construction season, crews widened U.S. 2 near the I-89 South ramps, constructed a new I-89 South deceleration lane and off-ramp, reconstructed the U.S. 2 eastbound slip ramp to I-89 South, and began construction of stormwater treatment infrastructure, including a gravel wetland treatment system. Crews also completed significant bridge substructure work, including pile installation, geotechnical operations, and construction of the new bridge abutments and piers.
| | Widening along U.S. 7 and at the Chimney Corner intersection. | | Relocation of the I-89 South off-ramp and construction of the new I-89 South on-ramp from U.S. 2 West. Crews reconstruct the U.S. 2 East slip ramp to I-89 South. | | Bridge substructure work including the installation of piles, footings, retaining walls, abutments, and steel girders. | | |
2025 Construction Season
Construction resumed in March 2025 for the project's second major construction season. Throughout the year, crews reconstructed and realigned portions of U.S. 2, completed and opened the new U.S. 2 bridge over I-89, demolished the previous bridge structure, constructed the new I-89 South on-ramp from U.S. 2 West, reconstructed the I-89 North ramps, widened and reconstructed the U.S. 2/U.S. 7 intersection at Chimney Corner, installed new traffic signals, completed final paving and installed final pavement markings, constructed stormwater-treatment facilities, and installed permanent signs and landscaping elements.
| | Completed bridge construction and the realignment of U.S. 2. | | Widening and reconstruction of U.S. 7 and the Chimney Corner intersection. | | Completion of the new I-89 South on-ramp from U.S. 2 West and reconstruction of the I-89 North ramps. | | |
Final Construction Activities
The final construction season in 2026 focused on completing the remaining project elements and closeout activities throughout the project area. Crews finalized roadway and bridge features, installed the remaining traffic signals, roadway signage and line striping, completed landscaping and site restoration activities, and addressed remaining punch-list items necessary to deliver the project's permanent roadway configuration. These activities marked the conclusion of three years of construction and the completion of the Colchester Exit 17 Project.
| | Crews installed the remaining road and overhead signs and wrong-way detection on the interstate off-ramps. | | The final configuration along U.S. 2 between the I-89 South ramps and Chimney Corner intersection with U.S. 7. | | |
Project Benefits
The completed improvements enhance safety by reducing conflict points, increasing capacity at key intersections and ramps, improving traffic flow through the interchange, modernizing aging infrastructure, and providing long-term operational and environmental benefits for the region.
AOT thanks residents, businesses, commuters, visitors, and the traveling public for their patience and cooperation throughout construction. The improvements delivered through the Colchester Exit 17 Project will improve safety, mobility, and traffic operations while supporting the region's transportation needs for years to come.
| | PROJECT LOCATION: The segment of U.S. 2, starting just east of Jasper Mine Road and extending just under a half mile east to its intersection with U.S. 7 at Chimney Corner. The segment of U.S. 7, starting just south of the Shell Gas Station/Simon’s Chimney Corner Store and extending just over a half mile north to its intersection with Wiley Road. The Exit 17 interstate ramps and the portion of I-89 bounded by them. | | PROJECT COMPLETION: Summer 2026 | | The Colchester Exit 17 Project will be completed in six phases over three construction seasons, beginning in Spring 2024 and continuing through Summer 2026. | | | | |
