VTrans proposes larger culvert, weeklong closure on Route 100 in southern Weston

VTrans engineers told the Selectboard the current concrete box culvert on Route 100 in southern Weston is deteriorated and undersized, causing road damage during heavy rains. Mahendra Thilliyar of VTrans and Amy Sepra and Caitlin Burner of Gill Engineering proposed replacing it with a larger precast concrete box culvert on a slightly different alignment to improve hydraulic performance and reduce erosion.

Construction will require a full road closure for approximately one week while a 2.5-mile local bypass is used from Piper Hill Road to Old Tavern Road to Dale Road; after the closure the road would reopen with single-lane alternating traffic controlled by a temporary signal while remaining work is completed. The presenters said the project is scheduled for the 2027 construction season (April 1–Nov. 15) but could be moved to 2026; VTrans and Gill Engineering pledged to provide updates as the timeline approaches. “The current concrete box culvert is deteriorated and undersized, leading to road damage during heavy rains,” the presenters told the board.

Why this matters: Route 100 is a primary local connector in southern Weston; replacing an undersized culvert is intended to reduce repeated washouts and erosion that threaten the road and adjacent properties during heavy storms. The board did not take a vote on the project at the Aug. 12 meeting; presenters described the planned schedule, the temporary bypass route, and traffic-control phases and said they will return with further details and updates as the project approaches construction.

What’s next: VTrans will continue coordinating with town staff on timing, traffic control, and public notifications. The Selectboard and staff will use the project updates to plan local detours and communicate with residents and businesses likely to be affected.