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Crescent Connector in Essex Junction relieves Five Corners congestion, consultant says
Summary
Corey Mack of Method Consulting told the TAC the Crescent Connector bypass reduced congestion at Five Corners, added two signalized intersections and new walk/bike crossings, and opened opportunities for redevelopment, though land ownership and right‑of‑way acquisition extended the project timeline.
Corey Mack, Method Consulting, reviewed the Crescent Connector project in Essex Junction, describing the roadway as a bypass around Five Corners that reduced intersection congestion, provided access to underutilized parcels and improved walking and biking through new crossings and signalized intersections. "Data shows near immediate reduced traffic congestion when road opened," Mack said.
Mack noted the railroad required the city to accept ownership and maintenance of a new railroad crossing signal and gates. The City installed high‑definition monitoring cameras to assist crash response. Mack spelled out lessons learned, including equipment obsolescence and staffing transitions, and recommended monitoring traffic changes and development of land made accessible by the connector.
Chris Yuen (Essex Junction) asked how the project’s 20‑year timeline could have been compressed; Mack said right‑of‑way and land acquisition constraints made timing difficult. Joe Segale added that traffic modeling has limits and pilot projects can help understand real‑world dynamics.
Why this matters: the Crescent Connector demonstrates how targeted roadway projects and signal coordination can reduce congestion at constrained intersections and create development opportunities, while also highlighting how land ownership and right‑of‑way issues affect delivery timelines.
Provenance: topicintro — SEG 100: "C. Mack, Method Consulting, was lead on traffic signal design for this new roadway project."; topfinish — SEG 117: "Lessons learned include staffing transitions, equipment obsolescence, the language and expectations of partners (e.g., railroad)."
