Colchester Avenue Complete Streets Demonstration Project

Click here for more information on this project, public meetings and updates.

The Colchester Avenue Complete Streets Demonstration Project is part of the City's enhanced Street Paving Program. The City has been working with residents, planners, and engineers to address traffic issues on Colchester Avenue, most notably safety. The Demonstration Project will help to determine if a "complete streets" configuration will increase safety for all users. The Complete Streets concept is one that designs streets to enable safe access for all users. In the case of Colchester Avenue, the City is hoping to reduce weaving traffic which has contributed to sideswipe crashes.

Click here for CCTV show on "Road Diets" including the Colchester Avenue project.

Click here for CCTV video of Press Conference held September 2, 2010.

Colchester Avenue Corridor History

In 2004 the Campus Area Transportation Management Association (CATMA) was approached by the Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA) to facilitate and organize a Colchester Avenue Task Force to address the issues of the Colchester Avenue Corridor which kept arising at the NPA meetings. A Burlington City Council resolution formally established a Colchester Avenue Task Force which met over the period of two years, formed a vision and goals for the corridor and concluded with some specific short term recommendations ranging from installing new bike paths to cross walks and pedestrian signalization to enforcement issues. The Task Force also recognized that all recommendations and next steps for the Colchester Avenue Corridor require more detailed analysis and funding for both planning and construction of both short-term and long-term improvements. In addition, the Task Force asked that Colchester Avenue be examined more thoroughly during the city's transportation planning process. That plan offered one approach to managing traffic flow on the section of Colchester Avenue from Prospect Street to East Avenue, demonstrating how mobility needs may be met utilizing the existing pavement.
The Burlington Transportation Plan concluded with a recommendation that the Colchester Avenue corridor be included in the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization's (CCMPO) annual work program and that a comprehensive study based on a full understanding of the dynamics of transportation and all interacting influences within the corridor be undertaken.
In mid-November 2009, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued for the Colchester Avenue Corridor. Click here for RFP.

Way To Go! Commuter Challenge

Federal Highway Administration Exemplary Human Environment Initiative (EHEI) recognized Vermont's annual Way To Go! Commuter Challenge with one of ten awards  for its outstanding example of transportation project that either create or improve conditions for human activities while protecting the natural environment. Click here for press release.

CATMA actively participates/promotes to its member institutions the Vermont annual Way To Go! Commuter Challenge, now a statewide event.  The 2010 Challenge was May 17-21, 2010. The business and community awards were presented on Friday, June 18, 2010 at 11:00am at the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier.  www.waytogovt.org. CATMA is pleased to announce its member, Fletcher Allen Health Care, received an honorable mention in the major employer category in the 2010 Business Challenge.

Program Launched at CCMPO/CCRPC
Effective January 1, 2010, CATMA began offerings its suite of TDM Programs to the CCMPO/CCRPC staff. Welcome!

Pilot Program - CATMA and State of Vermont Downtown Burlington District
CATMA, in partnership with the Burlington Business Association and the CCMPO, conducted a Downtown Burlington Employee Transportation Survey in November/December 2007. This survey was initiated to obtain baseline data; assess downtown employees commuting habits, costs and challenges; as well as gauge commuter satisfaction and willingness to alter commuting habits. Transportation management is a land use issue, but a human resource issue as well affecting employee recruitment and retention for businesses.   During this Downtown 2007 survey, CATMA became aware of the State's downtown district's immediate parking issues and offered to implement a "Pilot Program" with AHS Burlington District.

The Pilot Program offers the downtown Burlington State employees an opportunity to participate in CATMA's Bike-Walk reward program, confidential carpool matching service, Emergency Ride Home program, monthly drawings, off-site parking (Gilbane lot on Lakeside Ave and 1193 North Avenue); commuter tabling events held at 108 Cherry Street, which provides current transportation resources (CCTA Bus Map & Guides; Bike Maps; Walk Maps; coupons at local bicycle shops to purchase bike/pedestrian safety gear, and personal commuting assistance).  There are now 5 designated carpool spaces in the 108 Cherry Street Garage. 

CATMA has been conducting annual fall Employee Transportation Surveys since 2000 and annual Student Transportation Surveys since 2003 at its member institutions (American Red Cross, Champlain College, Fletcher Allen Health Care, and University of Vermont).  In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pilot Program, CATMA includes the State downtown Burlington district in its Employee Survey with baseline data already in place from the Downtown Burlington 2007 Survey.  The Third Biennial Report of the Climate Neutral Working Group was released in August 2009. Click here for report. (pg 15-17)

Pilot Program - CATMA and City of Burlington Core Downtown Burlington District
The Pilot Program offers the City's core downtown employees an opportunity to participate in CATMA's Bike-Walk reward program, confidential carpool matching service, Emergency Ride Home program, monthly drawings, off-site parking (Gilbane lot on Lakeside Ave and 1193 North Avenue); commuter tabling events, which provides current transportation resources (CCTA Bus Map & Guides; Bike Maps; Walk Maps; coupons at local bicycle shops to purchase bike/pedestrian safety gear, and personal commuting assistance). 

CATMA has been conducting an annual fall Employee Transportation Surveys since 2000 and annual Student Transportation Surveys since 2003 at its member institutions (American Red Cross, Champlain College, Fletcher Allen Health Care, and University of Vermont).  In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pilot Program, CATMA includes the City's downtown district in its Employee Survey with baseline data already in place from the Downtown Burlington 2007 Survey.

Burlington Legacy Action Plan is based on the input of hundreds of residents, was created as a beacon to guide Burlington’s economic growth, environmental and social health, and to ensure quality education for all. The Plan was organized and overseen by a diverse steering committee including members from the business, low-income, environment, academic, youth, and social service communities. The final plan, identifying what people value most about their city and what they want to preserve, reflects the input of thousands of people from all age groups and all parts of the city.

This common vision was defined through numerous open meetings, focus groups, and discussions. The result is an action plan shaped and prioritized by Burlington residents.

Click here for more information on the City's Employee Commute Strategy.