Depot Street Bridge Project Update: Plans for 2027 and Beyond

In our last post examining the history of the Hotel Windham, we promised a Fall update on the Depot Street Bridge project. The schedule we initially shared with you as the project got underway has been pushed out. Here's the latest on project schedule from the Vermont Agency of Transportation.

The Project's Purpose

First, let's remind ourselves what this project is all about.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation, in partnership with the Town of Rockingham, will replace the 117-year-old Depot Street Bridge spanning the Bellows Fall Canal with a new vehicular bridge relocated to the north end of the canal and a new pedestrian bridge adjacent to the current bridge, which will be dismantled.

The project will incorporate significant improvements to Canal Street and the Bellows Falls Island parking lot, including the undergrounding of electrical utilities, new sidewalks and landscaping, and the removal and safe disposal of contaminated soil on the Island.

Accomplishments to Date

Much important work has taken place on the planning side.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation and the Town of Rockingham have agreed on a design plan for the new vehicular and pedestrian bridges and related infrastructure and a cost-sharing arrangement for the project.

The Federal Highway Administration, following a lengthy delay, recently approved a Categorical Exclusion (CE) for the project, signifying that the project will have a minor environmental impact and thus reducing the project’s length and cost.

Key stakeholders have been engaged and brought into the project’s process.  And as you know, since you're reading this update, our project blog—Bellows Falls Bridges—features project updates as well as an ongoing survey of the history of Bellows Falls bridges and related infrastructure—all designed to help build a community of engaged and well-informed stakeh9lders.

Next Steps and Timeline

In Summer 2027 the Vermont Agency of Transportation will enter into right-of-way negotiations with Canal Street property owners in order to secure easements for construction of the new project.

The next formal update of the combined Rockingham/Bellows Falls Selectboard will take place in Spring 2027 as the project team begins the right-of-way negotiation phase.

The project is currently funded to begin construction in 2032.  The first year of construction will see the installation of underground utilities to allow for removal of overhead utilities prior to bridge construction.

In 2033, a new vehicular bridge will be constructed perpendicular to the railroad bridge at the top of the canal.

In 2034, a new pedestrian bridge carrying utility lines will be constructed connecting Canal Street and the Island and the current Depot Street Bridge will be dismantled.

In 2035, final streetscape improvements, including the Island parking lot final design, will take place.

Throughout construction, the project will need to closely coordinate with ISO New England, the organization charged with maintaining the reliability of New England’s electrical power system, and Great River Hydro, the company that operates the Bellows Falls Canal.

In the Meantime

2032 seems like a long time to wait for construction to begin. On the positive side, all the planning and preparation should be in place when the first shovel hits the ground and, in the meantime, the Depot Street Bridge remains safe and will continue to be regularly inspected.

We will be back with a follow-up article on the Hotel Windham in the near future. Please do get in touch with any questions or concerns!

Betsy Thurston, developmentassist@rockbf.org

Jim Gish, jgish@vhb.com