E. State Street Construction Project

March 06, 2025

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.
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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 - April 11 Update

What’s Next: Plan for week of 4/14- State St. between Main St. and Elm St. has been reopened to one-way traffic. Sheet piles will continue be driven into the construction area. Downtown businesses and shops will remain open throughout construction.

Work Completed: Week of April 7th- Crews completed installing sheet piles along the northern side of the construction area (closest to Capitol Grounds). They also completed about half of the eastern side of the area and are working their way to the southern section. Roughly 12 feet down, the sheet piles encountered some wood that needed to be removed so the sheet piles could be driven in full-depth. The road was able to be reopened to one-way traffic Friday afternoon.

Anticipated Schedule (subject to change):

Week of 3/10 - This week building inspection began within the project limits. These will continue over the next 1-2 weeks and will be completed prior to the commencement of the sheeting installation.

Week of 3/17 - Construction will begin the week of 3/17/2025. The contractor (Hebert Excavation) will mobilize construction equipment onsite and start by installing barricades/fencing around the project work site. Additionally, they will be installing traffic control and detour signs for the project. There will be changes to the traffic patterns as a detour will be in place throughout the duration of the project. One way traffic heading west through the construction site will be maintained. Traffic heading east on State Street will be detoured using Elm Street, Spring Street and Main Street. The crosswalk located near 27 State Street (Positive Pie and Capitol Grounds) will be inaccessible while construction work is occurring on State Street. Pedestrians will need to cross at Main Street and Elm Street. Other activities scheduled for this week include installation of the field office, curbing removal, saw cutting of asphalt, asphalt and concrete removal, and installation of other project signs. Downtown businesses and shops will remain open throughout construction.

Week of 3/24 - Excavation behind bridge abutment and begins coring. The contractor will set the first structure closest to the Rialto Bridge. By doing this first the contractor can utilize this structure to keep the trench dewatered while they work.

Week of 3/31 - The sheet pile installation will begin on March 31st on the Southern side of the “pit” (closest to Positive Pie) continuing counter clockwise to the Eastern side of the “pit” (Main St Side). We anticipate this taking 3-4 days. During this time there will be no permanent pedestrian impacts.

Week of April 7th - Sheeting should be complete and then excavation & bracing operations will commence. Due to the depth, the contractor has to install bracing inside the steel sheeting to make sure that the trench remains stabilized.

Week of April 14th - Crews will pour the concrete slab for the pipe ramming process. The sub-contractor Boretech will arrive and set up the equipment for the pipe ramming process.