Rochester VT 73 opens ahead of schedule

ROCHESTER — Rochester VT 73 Bridge 13 opened Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m., 24 hours ahead of schedule. The crossing over Brandon Brook has been closed since Sept. 11 in order to replace a temporary culvert with a permanent structure. The temporary culvert was installed as an emergency repair in 2011 after Tropical Storm Irene destroyed the previous culvert. The culvert was replaced using Accelerated Bridge Construction methods which reduce construction cost and provide the simplest method of construction.
“This has been our most ambitious application of the accelerated bridge program to date,” said Transportation Secretary Brian Searles. “These communities were understandably reluctant to weather another round of road closures, but thanks to good planning, strong communication, and a motivated team, we have opened all five of these bridges ahead of schedule. There’s still work to be done, but the major disruptions are behind us.”
Rochester VT 73 Bridge 13 was part of a $6.4 million project that involved the replacement of three other bridges, VT 73 Bridge 15, VT 73 Bridge 16, and VT 73 Bridge 19. Bridges 15 and 16 are now open to traffic, while Bridge 19 remains under construction.
For more information, please visit the project website at www.rmw.vtransprojects.vermont.gov.