Charlotte, VT, Continues Recovery from Summer Flooding with Road Repairs Scheduled
More than four months after severe flooding in July, Charlotte, Vermont, is still addressing significant road repairs, particularly on the vital Spear Street, which remains partially closed due to infrastructure damage. Town Administrator Nathaniel Bareham reported that the heavily traveled area features a large chasm that has forced local drivers to detour.
The flooding on July 10 caused the destruction of a crucial 10-foot culvert, which prompted the town to act swiftly to assess the situation. In partnership with engineers, officials implemented a comprehensive repair strategy not only aimed at restoring the culvert but also focused on enhancing its ability to withstand future storms. "We are nearly doubling the capacity of the culvert and including a debris catch to address the challenges we faced during the flooding," Bareham explained.
The town has been diligently working through the planning, engineering, and funding processes to ensure that the projected $1 million repairs can be financed through state and federal aid. Construction is slated to commence in early December, with the goal of completing work before April 6, ensuring that the project incurs no costs to the town.
Meanwhile, Vermont’s Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has reported that while no state or federal roads remain impassable, nine additional areas are awaiting permanent repairs from the summer’s destructive weather. VTrans maintenance deputy director Ashley Atkins emphasized the vital need for resilient infrastructure that can endure future storms, indicating that some repairs may take months or even years to finalize.
As the region continues its recovery journey, local leaders remain focused on safeguarding infrastructure against future flooding risks.
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