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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 06/29/1998PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING 29 JUNE 1998 A public information meeting on the proposed replacement of the Lime Kiln Bridge was held on Monday, 29 June 1998, at South Burlington City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Those Attending: Charles Hafter, South Burlington City Manager; William Cimonetti, Terry Sheahan, South Burlington City Council; Brian Osborne, Colchester Director of Public Works; Sherwood Farnsworth, Project Manager, Agency of Transportation; Sally Gunn, Project Manager, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc; Susan Green, Burlington Free Press; Chris Booth, Bill Meisenzahl, Channel 17; Chris Baker, Jason Spilak, Dave Cutler, Lou Bresee, William Fisk, Bill Schuele, James Ewing Mr. Cimonetti opened the meeting by explaining that the Lime Kiln Bridge is a town highway bridge and is the responsibility of city of South Burlington and the town of Colchester. Both communities desired a public information meeting to share information with Agency of Transportation and other project people and to hear questions and concerns of citizens. Mr. Cimonetti then introduced Sherwood Farnsworth and Chris Baker. Mr. Farnsworth reviewed the history of the bridge. It was built in 1913 and has had two rebuilds since then. A study found that it would be uneconomical to retain the existing concrete arch, and it will be replaced with a similar but modern concrete arch. It is anticipated that construction would occur in the year 2001, if all hurdles can be cleared. The cost would be somewhat more than $4,400,000, and would be divided among federal funds (80%), state funds (10%) and local funds (5% from South Burlington and 5% from Colchester). Mr. Baker then reviewed the history of the design. The new bridge will be just downstream from the existing bridge and will tie into the existing road alignment. When the new bridge is completed, the old one will be taken down. There will be a small "lookout" with a parking area to allow people to view the bridge. Following this meeting, the project will go to final design and then through permitting and right-of-way acquisition. The existing dip in the road will be eliminated, and there will be major work on the St. Michael's side of the bridge due to narrowing of the right-of-way. The bridge will have to be cut into ledge on both sides. Mr. Baker showed the length of the wall and the area where the St. Michael's walls will have to be replaced. There will be two 11-foot travel lanes on the Colchester side with 2 6-foot shoulders which will also serve as bike lanes. On the South Burlington side, there will be a grass strip with a 5-foot sidewalk. Mr. Baker anticipated that construction would occur in 2001, possibly 2002. The permitting process is controlled by other agencies, and right-of-way issues are controlled by state law. Mr. Baker also stressed that the new bridge will sit up higher than the old one. Mr. Cimonetti said that crossing the new bridge will be easier than crossing the existing structure as the bridge surface will be on a straight grade. He said the construction plan is for the existing bridge to remain operational during construction, with occasional constrictions. He asked if there is any reason to suppose the bridge wouldn't be able to remain operational until it is replaced. Mr. Farnsworth stressed that the load limits must be maintained if the bridge is to be safe for use. He said the intent is to maintain traffic on it, but there might be some nighttime closures during construction. Mr. Baker said the actual bridge will have 2 11-foot travel ways and 6-foot bicycle paths/shoulders. There would be a 10-foot curb on the outside of the shoulders. On the west side of the bridge, there will be a 6-foot pedestrian way with a railing. Mr. Cimonetti noted that as you come off the bridge on both sides, the sidewalk will continue. South Burlington will also have a grass strip. Ms. Gunn noted that the concrete sidewalk on the Colchester side will go all the way up the hill. Mr. Cimonetti said that most of the right-of-way acquisition will be on the west side of the road. He asked if any structures are involved. Mr. Baker said there are not, but there is a stone foundation which must be avoided as it has historical significance. Mr. Hafter asked if the project requires Act 250 approval. Mr. Farnsworth said it does not as far as they are aware. Mr. Hafter also asked if the lookout can be roughed in so people can watch the bridge construction. Mr. Farnsworth liked that idea and said they will work on it. Mr. Sheahan asked how elaborate the lookout area will be. Mr. Farnsworth said the area is on the South Burlington side and South Burlington can determine its character. There will be an historic marker with information about concrete bridges. The lookout area will also be designed to handle school bus turn-around. Mr. Osborne added that the lookout will also provide views of the surrounding gorge. Ms. Green asked if cars will be able to make a left turn into the lookout. Mr. Baker said they would. Mr. Bresee suggested "before and after" photography for historical purposes. He added that the South Burlington Recreation Path Committee feels that 6 feet seems more than adequate for the bike path. They would, however, like it to be placed somewhere without grates. Mr. Farnsworth explained the problem with that but said they will try. Mr. Bresee also noted that several communities have been working to bring the bike connection from Essex Junction and other communities into South Burlington and eventually into Burlington. Mr. Cimonetti added that this is the only new crossing of the Winooski River that will take place for a very long time. Mr. Ewing asked if South Burlington considered extending the road behind the houses and up Airport Parkway. Mr. Cimonetti said that a study is being done now. There is a concept for a realignment, but it would not be part of this project. There are some ledge and wetlands problems involved. He added that the city is aware of the serious problem at the existing intersection. Mr. Farnsworth noted that just upstream from the bridge there is a crossing for CWD's waterline so it can continue into Essex Junction. There is no plan to incorporate this into the new bridge. Mr. Bresee asked the criteria for weight limits on the new bridge. Mr. Farnsworth said it will be able to carry anything that can travel on the Interstate system. Mr. Hafter noted there will be street lighting on the bridge similar to what exists on the bridge between Burlington and Winooski. Mr. Farnsworth added that there is also talk of putting lights on the bridge arch, but South Burlington and Colchester would have to pay for the electricity. Mr. Cimonetti asked what the bridge has to compete with for funding. Mr. Farnsworth said it is in the "town bridge" category. Ms. Green asked if the lookout is for daytime use only. Mr. Cimonetti said it is too early to make that decision. There will have to be security issues and amenities taken into consideration. Mr. Farnsworth emphasized that right now that area is not a safe location to go. It is also private property. Mr. Cutler, representing St. Michael's College, noted that the fire-rescue unit will need access to the bridge without long waiting periods. He also noted that there are a number of residences, including two dormitories, in the vicinity and asked about construction noise. Mr. Osborne and Mr. Hafter both indicated that there would be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. construction limits. Mr. Cimonetti added that there will be plans for scheduling, coordination of rescue units, etc. Mr. Osborne asked what opportunities there will be for additional public information meetings. Mr. Farnsworth said that after preliminary plans are given to the communities, there will be an opportunity for public opinion. Then the State of Vermont right-of-way people will negotiate with property owners with representatives from both Colchester and South Burlington present. The State Highway Preservation people will also have to sign off on the plans. Mr. Cimonetti noted there will also be time for public comment at city meetings, and there could also be a joint liaison committee with representatives from both communities. Mr. Cimonetti said this will be an exciting project. He noted the hardships when the bridge had to be shut down. He said South Burlington is very pleased with the solutions that have been worked out with the Historic Preservation people. His only wish is that it could happen sooner. As there was no further comment presented, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.