Brandon Builds! Even BETTER Brandon- Segment 6 Route 7 project

Groundbreaking Ceremony held for Even BETTER Brandon-Segment 6, Route 7 project!

The groundbreaking ceremony for the large Segment 6, Route 7 project through downtown Brandon, took place in Central Park on July 31st at 10:00am. State, Town and National politicians and officials were present to kick off this largest municipally managed project in the state’s history.

Brandon, Vermont is more than 250 years old. Let’s face it, at that age, everyone needs a little facelift! Over the next 2 1/2 years, our quintessential Vermont village will be looking at an improved streetscape, new traffic pattern, buried wires, better parking, beautiful parks, modern and safe downtown sidewalks, benches, decorative streetlights, and a 21st century underbelly.

The project that has the infamous tag line of “It won’t happen in my lifetime,” is actually here. So, what will it take to get there? Patience. Understanding. Pride. Collaboration. Energy. Inspiration.

The first part of our multi-year project was addressing some of the underbelly needs. During Tropical Storm Irene in August, 2011, some damage was done to the town’s waterlines. While we still have the best water in the State of Vermont, there were some underground problems. The 2014 Phase I portion of the project primarily addressed our waterlines. Most of the work took place in our backyards and in the Neshobe River. There was some Route 7 work. So a nice little chunk actually got done early!

The Chamber wanted to help make this as painless as possible and used it as a model for dealing with issues we’ll deal with during the larger Segment 6 construction starting now. We had good communication with all the parties involved and things went as smoothly as was possible.

And here we go! We look forward to working in the same way with the town officials, Dubois & King Engineering and Casella Construction as we go through this process in a way that is responsive to business and resident concerns, proceeds in a professional and efficient manner and maybe have some fun along the way!

Here is a copy of the brochure created to explain much of the project, process and schedule for the next two years. You can also find them in many, many businesses in and around the Brandon Forest Dale area.

Watch page three of the Brandon Pittsford Reporter for up to date info on the construction, and also promotions that the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Brandon Alliance will be running throughout the project.

Segment “B” the first section of the project.

Here are some links to images, project drawings and other information.

*Archived Chamber newsletters and Weekly work schedule and look ahead by Jeff Chase- Casella project manager.

*Links to news items about Even BETTER Brandon

*Drawings, plans and renderings of project

*Drone flights are being carried out to document the construction along the Route 7 corridor in Brandon, VT.

For more information on these drone flights click here For a very cool video of the drone flight over the project, click here

Watch this spot for more drone videos as the project progresses.

Want to be a part of this historical happening? The Downtown Brandon Alliance is continuing to sell bricks to be placed in the parks being redesigned during the project. Put a name, quote or memory that will be a part of Brandon forever!

Click on the bricks pic below to go to the website and design your brick(s) in the comfort of your own home,