WILLISTON, Vt. -
Traffic can be a headache in some parts of Chittenden County and transportation officials are looking at ways to ease congestion. Tuesday night, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission shared their study that will over time clear up busy intersections that create hassle for drivers.
Driving around in Williston and Essex can be stressful. Areas like here in Essex Junction at the five corners which can be a nightmare during rush hour.
"It's definitely congested here, it's a lot worse than it was," said Shawn Bushey, owner of Road Res Q right at the heart of the five corners.
While you'd think traffic is good for business, he says it's actually become a problem. I think people avoid the five corners because of all the traffic so business is you know affected by that."
So the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission developed the "WENTS" plan or the Williston Essex network transportation study.
The goal is to rid congested high traffic areas. The study suggests, Alleviate congestion in four specific areas
Exit 12 in Williston, the intersection of Industrial Ave, Route 2 and Mountain View Road; along with route 117 and North Williston road, as well as the pathway from Taft Corners to the Williston Village.
This all stems from the governor's decision in 2011 not to complete the ‘Circ' highway. Now they're trying to find another way.
"We knew it would be difficult if not impossible to continue the project with the mounting costs," said Michele Boomhower, Assistant /MPO Director at the Chittenden County RPC.
While Bushey hopes for some relief, he's not so sure it can be done, "I don't know what else you can do without the beltline there's just nowhere else for the traffic to go."
The projected costs for the project is between 30-50 million dollars but that is just a rough estimate since these plans still have a long way to go.
