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Battle Over Burlington Bike Bridge

Burlington, Vermont -- November 14, 2002

Some Vermont lawmakers want the brakes applied to a proposed Burlington bike bridge because the cost has more than doubled.

The bike-pedestrian bridge would span the Winooski River between Burlington's new north and Malletts Bay in Colchester. Currently bike riders cross the river on a ferry, but it runs only in the summer. Years ago someone suggested the state should build a permanent bike path bridge.

Sam Lewis, Agency of Transportation Engineer, says the project's estimate of 1.4 million dollars was accurate when it was presented and approved by lawmakers in June.

Lewis says unanticipated expenses have since more than doubled the cost to 3.3 million....and that was just completely unforeseen. Now the project has gone out for bids with plans to begin construction in December.

However, Representative George Schiavone, R-Shelburne, an enthusiastic bicyclist, says the cost over-run is outrageous. He wants the entire project put on hold until lawmakers can reconsider it when they convene in January.

Schiavone and two other members of the House Transportation Committee have asked the State Transportation Board put the project on hold. The Board has taken the request under consideration. A decision is expected within two or three weeks.

Brian Joyce - Channel 3 News