Essex Junction 'Crescent Connector' road opens

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A project almost a decade in the making has finally opened in Essex Junction.

The Crescent Connector had a soft opening this week. The new road will help connect Maple and Park streets.

Beforehand, drivers coming from Maple looking to get onto Park Street would have to go directly into the Five Corners just to make a left turn. Now, they can just go through the Crescent Connector.

City Manager Regina Mahony said that alleviating traffic congestion was the top priority.“Five Corners itself is a very complicated intersection," Mahony said.

She said drivers aren't the only ones benefiting. Bikers will have wider lanes going through Maple Street. Walkers can also take a stroll along the Crescent Connector sidewalk.

“The more options to just move in a denser urban area can just be helpful," Mahony said.

Jake Tran owns three businesses in the Five Corners, including Firebird Cafe. While he acknowledged the project took longer than he was anticipating, he said he think it's a positive addition.

“New changes are kind of hard to accept, but I think when people try it and drive through and see, the wait time is not as long," Tran said. "Thirty seconds makes a big difference when you sit in a car at a light.”

Tran said he believes lessening the traffic will encourage more people to visit Essex Junction.

“It’s a growing community. A lot of housing is popping up," Tran said. "I feel very good about being here.”

The connector should officially be opened on Sep. 18 after the Vermont Agency of Transportation completes its assessment.

There is another traffic change planned for drivers coming from Pearl Street to the Five Corners. There's no set date yet on when construction for that will get underway.