Navigating Montpelier During Construction
State Street Reconstruction – What Visitors Need to Know
Montpelier is getting some much-needed upgrades! Beginning March 18, 2025, construction on State Street will update underground infrastructure. While this work is essential, we know it can make getting around a little tricky.
We appreciate your patience and support for our local businesses during this time. Thank you for visiting Montpelier!
Getting Here & Parking
Downtown is Open! Shops, restaurants, and attractions are ready to welcome you.
Parking Updates: Some parking may be affected, but alternatives are being explored. Check out the parking map for more info on open lots.
Driving Detours: Expect some lane shifts and changes. Check out the detour map to plan your route and navigate downtown with ease!
Walking & Exploring Downtown
Sidewalks Remain Open: Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained throughout construction.
Wayfinding Signs: Look for signs guiding you to your favorite downtown spots, parking lots, and detours.
Events & Attractions: Construction won’t stop the fun! Check out our calendar for things to do.
Stay Updated
Communicate: Scroll to the bottom or click this link to access our City communications hub.
Check back: We update this page regularly with new information so be sure to check back to stay informed.
Follow: Montpelier Alive on Facebook & Instagram.
VT-Alert: Sign up for VT-Alert to receive personalized alerts about emergencies.
More Details About the Project:
The current construction on State Street near the Rialto Bridge is the first of a two-part project to upgrade stormwater infrastructure throughout the heart of Montpelier’s Downtown. This project will remove stormwater pipes that are currently tied into the wastewater system, preventing sewage from overflowing into the Winooski River. The finished infrastructure will also treat stormwater runoff before entering the river reducing the pollutants in our local waterways.
Most of the work on State Street in the first phase will be completed by June 30 as required by the contract. Additional work on Main Street and East State Street will be completed in 2026.
Current Work - May 2 Update
What’s Next: Plan for week of 5/5: Early in the week, the pit will finish being dug out, and the lower reinforcing frame will be in position. Then, Hebert will prepare and pour a concrete slab for the pipe ramming machine. While the concrete in the pit is curing, the contractor will be removing pavement, cobblestone, and concrete roadway to facilitate wooded debris removal. Woody debris is anticipated at the beginning of the pipe ramming process. The wood encountered at 12-15 feet below the pavement has been a challenge since it was discovered. The sheet piles cannot be driven through the wood, and given the depth, they can be tricky to get out with an excavator. The wood is beginning to cause some project delays. The City's Engineering Staff and the Construction Contractor are in communication finding the most effective way to deal with this issue. As a result of the sheeting having to be reset from the woody debris, the contractor experienced some delays. The city will be meeting with the contractor to review the overall project schedule and to develop a plan to get the project back on track. More information will be provided once a revised schedule has been provided. It should also be noted that when the pipe ramming process is ongoing, the area will be noisy from this activity.
Work Completed: Week of 4/28 – 5/2: Sheet piles driven by the sub-contractor were pinching the lower frame of the pit as Hebert Excavation was trying to lower the reinforcing into place. The sheet piles had to be adjusted to give the lower reinforcing frame more space to be pushed down. As a result of the pile driving, vibration, and material displacement, the sidewalk in front of Positive Pie (22 State St) became unsafe. Hebert excavation removed the concrete sidewalk that was shifting, replaced the lost material, compacted and backfilled the sidewalk with gravel.
Traffic Alert: New All-Way Stop at State & Elm Streets
Due to ongoing construction in the downtown area, State Street and Elm Street is now operating as an ALL-WAY STOP until further notice. This temporary traffic pattern is a public safety and traffic calming measure designed to improve flow and enhance safety for everyone navigating this busy intersection, especially with increased construction-related activity in the area.
Communicate with the City of Montpelier
Community Engagement Portal (Zencity)
Sign up for alerts from the City
Social Media
YouTube: @cityofmontpelierVT802
Facebook: @City of Montpelier, VT - City Government
Instagram: @cityofmontpelier
Linked In: @City of Montpelier, Vermont
Construction
Community Project Portal for construction specific info.
