For more than half a century, Burlington’s Champlain Parkway has faced lawsuits, delays, and ballooning costs. Now, after $45 million and decades of debate, the controversial road is finally moving forward along the city’s southern edge.
In May, a federal judge dismissed activists’ lawsuit to halt the project, clearing the way for construction. Work is already underway on sections expected to open in 2024. But residents in Burlington’s South End — one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods — say their concerns about traffic, safety, and wildlife are being overlooked.
A Road With a Long, Troubled Past
First proposed in the 1960s as the “Southern Connector,” the Champlain Parkway was envisioned as a four-lane highway linking I-189 directly to downtown Burlington. For decades it earned the nickname “road to nowhere” as plans stalled in the face of community pushback and legal challenges.
The current design is far smaller in scale: a two-lane, 25-mph roadway with bike lanes, sidewalks, and transit shelters. Officials say the goal is to redirect traffic from I-189 and Shelburne Road onto Pine Street, easing congestion downtown and improving safety.
Still, not everyone is convinced. Activists warn the project will disrupt wildlife habitats, worsen pollution, and cut off neighborhood access to Lake Champlain and local parks.
Community Fears: Traffic, Safety, and Access
The Parkway’s layout will create dead-ends on Briggs Street, Morse Place, Lyman Avenue, and Ferguson Avenue. Pine Street’s intersection with Queen City Park Road will also end in a cul-de-sac, which critics say will isolate neighborhoods from U.S. Route 7, Oakledge Park, and Red Rocks Park.
Residents fear more cars will bring more emissions, noise, and pedestrian risks. Daily traffic along Pine Street could rise by 1,400 vehicles, according to federal estimates. Peak-hour congestion may spike by 20% in the mornings and 16% in the evenings.
Opponents also stress the ecological impact. Construction will clear about five acres of wooded habitat and disrupt Engelsby and Potash brooks, home to species such as red-tailed hawks, raccoons, and potentially the endangered northern long-eared bat.
Environmental Justice in Focus
Burlington’s South End carries a complicated history. Once dominated by industry, it is now a vibrant mix of residential neighborhoods, art studios, and small businesses. But the Champlain Parkway revives concerns about environmental racism — the tendency to place polluting infrastructure in communities with higher minority populations.
Nationally, highway projects have long targeted marginalized neighborhoods. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 cut swaths through majority-Black and immigrant communities in cities across the U.S., leaving health and economic scars that remain today.
Those fears resonate locally. The Maple and King streets neighborhood, one of Vermont’s most racially diverse areas, lies along the Parkway’s path. A 2019 lawsuit argued the road would reduce traffic in wealthier, whiter neighborhoods while increasing it by up to 37% in Maple-King.
Although Judge Geoffrey Crawford sided with city and federal officials — ruling the project would not create “disproportionately high and adverse effects” — many residents remain skeptical.
“They’re trying to convince us that air quality won’t get worse with more traffic. It’s ridiculous,” said Rev. Mark Hughes, a prominent racial justice advocate.
The Friends of Pine Street: Fighting Back
The activist group Friends of Pine Street has led opposition for years, warning that the Parkway will fracture communities and damage natural habitats. Supported by the Vermont Law School Environmental Justice Clinic, the group delayed the project through court filings but ultimately lost in 2023.
Group leader Steve Goodkind remains unconvinced. “It’s a disaster on every level — for people, wildlife, and the city’s future,” he said. Still, he admits the fight has shifted. “It doesn’t make sense to keep battling in court. Now it’s about holding the city accountable.”
Promises of Relief: The Railyard Enterprise Project
To address equity concerns, Burlington pledged to pursue the Railyard Enterprise Project (REP), a separate road designed to divert traffic away from Maple-King toward Battery Street. City leaders hope it will soften the Parkway’s impacts.
Yet, funding remains uncertain. In his ruling, Judge Crawford noted that federal dollars for REP are not guaranteed. Activists worry it may never materialize, leaving residents to bear the brunt of the Parkway’s effects.
“The city and us are on the same page about REP,” Goodkind said. “But the feds won’t back it, and that leaves us with all the problems and none of the solutions.”
Roundabouts, Sidewalks, and Bike Safety
Opponents argue Burlington should replace traffic lights with roundabouts to reduce idling and improve safety. City officials counter that the South End’s narrow streets make roundabouts unworkable for buses and trucks.
The Parkway will include bike lanes where space allows, plus shared-use paths connecting Pine Street with Route 7. Still, many fear bicycle and pedestrian safety will decline as traffic climbs.
Public Works Director Chapin Spencer maintains the project is an improvement: “It started as a four-lane highway. Now it’s a two-lane, multi-modal street. It’s not perfect, but far better than what was once planned.”
A Community Divided
The Champlain Parkway symbolizes both progress and persistence — progress in finally moving a half-century-old project forward, and persistence of Burlington residents who continue to question whose interests are being served.
Supporters see a safer, modern road that will reduce downtown congestion and improve infrastructure. Opponents see a costly, outdated project that threatens neighborhoods, wildlife, and the principles of environmental justice.
As construction continues, Burlington’s South End stands at a crossroads. Whether the Parkway becomes a long-awaited solution or another chapter in the city’s history of contested development will depend on how promises play out in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Champlain Parkway project?
The Champlain Parkway is a roadway project in Burlington, Vermont, designed to connect I-189 and Shelburne Road with Pine Street. Its goal is to ease downtown traffic, improve safety, and provide bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly spaces.
Why has the Champlain Parkway been controversial?
The project has faced pushback for decades due to concerns about environmental impacts, wildlife disruption, neighborhood access, and environmental justice. Critics argue it increases traffic in diverse South End neighborhoods while reducing it in wealthier areas.
How long has the Champlain Parkway been in planning?
The project dates back to the 1960s, when it was first proposed as the “Southern Connector.” More than 50 years later, after lawsuits, redesigns, and funding challenges, construction is finally moving forward.
What changes have been made to the original design?
Originally planned as a four-lane highway, the Parkway is now a two-lane, 25-mph road with bike lanes, shared-use paths, crosswalks, and greenbelts. The redesign reflects decades of community input and environmental reviews.
When will the Champlain Parkway be completed?
Phase one, stretching from Home Avenue to Lakeside Avenue, is expected to finish in 2024. Phase two, connecting I-189 to Home Avenue and upgrading Pine Street to Main Street, is projected for completion in 2027.
How will the Parkway impact Burlington’s South End?
Supporters believe it will reduce congestion downtown and improve infrastructure. Opponents fear it will increase traffic and pollution in South End neighborhoods, cut off access to Lake Champlain, and harm local wildlife habitats.
What is the Railyard Enterprise Project (REP)?
The REP is a separate proposed roadway intended to redirect traffic away from the Maple and King streets neighborhood toward Battery Street. However, funding for this project is not guaranteed, raising concerns it may never be built.
Conclusion
The Champlain Parkway represents both opportunity and controversy for Burlington’s South End. After decades of delays, legal battles, and redesigns, construction is finally underway, promising improved traffic flow, bike lanes, and pedestrian access. Yet, the project continues to raise concerns about environmental impact, neighborhood connectivity, and the equitable distribution of traffic burdens. For residents and activists, the Parkway is more than a road; it is a symbol of how infrastructure decisions can shape communities, influence environmental justice, and impact daily life. As Burlington moves forward, balancing growth, safety, and sustainability will determine whether the Champlain Parkway becomes a model for responsible urban planning or a cautionary tale for future projects.
