Vermont Agency of Transportation Begins Fiber Optics Installation along Interstate 91 and 89

The construction of fiber optic networks along Interstates 91 and 89 connecting Vermont’s Sharon to the Hartford Rest Area has commenced. The Vermont Agency of Transportation will gain connectivity to the Intelligent Transportation System devices, transportation facilities and applications along the corridor and also offer to extend the long haul capability for the statewide fiber optic infrastructure.

The first phase of the project will begin in June 2011, the I-89 will have only one open lane for traffic while the German equipment, “Spider Plow,” will be used to trench, install the conduit and cover the trench along the route. The ITS administrator of VTrans Connect Vermont, Robert T. White stated that the first phase will connect Dartmouth College and University of Vermont.

The investment for the broadband installation was made possible by the funding obtained by Senator Leahy for the VTrans Connect Vermont Intelligent Transportation System program in 2005. Senator Leahy stated that Vermont’s upgrade to the fiber-optic system will improve telecommunications and broadband internet access.