Vermont to study environmental risks of proposed rail tunnel

MONTPELIER — Vermont transportation officials have decided to pursue a more detailed environmental study of a proposed $40 million rail tunnel project in Middlebury, which could delay construction by at least a year.

The project calls for replacing two aging bridges in the community’s downtown with an underground tunnel and lowering the rail bed to accommodate double-decker rail cars. It is related to a larger plan Vermont has been working on to improve a 75-mile stretch of tracks between Rutland and Burlington so passenger rail service can be restored.

The state Transportation Agency announced late Thursday its decision to study environmental and other risks the tunnel project might pose after opponents raised questions about the adequacy of a less rigorous review.

“It is unfortunate that the collective efforts of so many can be sidelined by the threat of legal action,” Vermont Transportation Secretary Chris Cole said in the statement. “But rather than carry that risk into construction and potentially cost the taxpayers additional funds, VTrans and (the Federal Highway Administration) have elected to engage in an additional administrative process.”

Read more: http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20161217/THISJUSTIN/161219576