The days are getting longer, the snow has melted, and the birds are chirping. It can only mean one thing: construction season is around the corner.

Construction on The Route 7 Hourglass Project Has Begun

VTrans has kicked off the long-anticipated Route 7 Hourglass Project. With most of the work happening between now and July 2027, you will start to see some changes in the area, including temporary traffic pattern shifts and likely a few delays. We will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses and appreciate your patience as work gets underway. Sign up for weekly project updates from VTrans, and/or sign up for “Road & Traffic Alerts” through the Town’s website. 

Built on Years of Careful Consideration

It is worth taking a moment to reflect on how we got here. The Hourglass Project has been in the works for many years and has involved a joint effort between state, regional and local agencies. 

The intersection at Route 7, Railroad Street, and Middle Road was identified by the state as a high-crash area nearly 20 years ago. A detailed safety study in 2013 evaluated multiple options to improve the dangerous intersection, and the Hourglass design emerged as the best solution to address safety concerns while improving traffic flow.

There has been strong community support along the way, including voter-approved funding at multiple stages, as well as extensive planning, design, and coordination between VTrans and the Town to bring the project to this point.

Designed to Benefit the Community

From a traffic standpoint, the design is intended to reduce congestion, shorten backups, and distribute traffic movements more efficiently rather than funneling everything through a single point.

The project is also expected to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists, creating a more connected and accessible layout. Overall, this project is about making the intersection easier to navigate and reducing the risk of accidents. As an added benefit, it will create a Town Green, which will provide a central gathering space and focal point for the community while helping to form a more defined Town core.

While construction can be frustrating, this has been a thoughtful and deliberate process. In the long run, it represents an investment in a safer, more functional, and more connected community.

Winter Challenges Give Way to Spring Projects for Public Works 

It has been a long and challenging winter for our Department of Public Works. The highway crew did a fantastic job managing conditions that were more severe than what we have seen in recent years. Crews worked long hours, often with little rest, while also navigating a regional salt shortage to keep Milton’s roads passable. At the same time, the Water and Wastewater Department managed extended periods of extreme cold and frozen pipes to ensure water service remained reliable throughout the community.

Both teams performed exceptionally well during the harsher months and will now be shifting their focus to spring and summer projects. We ask that you be mindful of their work as you travel around Town.

Upgrades Planned to Support Summer Recreation

The Recreation and Parks Department is preparing for summer programming and is working closely with the Buildings and Grounds team to get parks and fields ready for use. 

Work on the Bombardier Park perimeter path will resume soon. Once complete, it will improve accessibility and support health and recreation opportunities within the park.

Additionally, the basketball court area is scheduled for an asphalt overlay and new paint this season, providing a welcome upgrade. As schedules are finalized, updates will be shared, including any temporary closures needed to allow for proper curing.

Be on the lookout for the Summer Program Guide which will be published in mid-June! Also, registration for summer camps is still open. Visit miltonvt.gov/recregister for more information, and follow the Milton Recreation and Parks Facebook page for updates. 

New This Year – Park Spruce Up Day Has Joined with Green Up Day!

In addition to removing litter from Milton roads and waterways, help us get Bombardier Park ready for the season by signing up for various tasks like clean-up, graffiti removal, raking, weeding, and more. Pick up your free Green Up bags from the Milton Municipal Building lobby from April 27 through May 1, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Check out the Green Up map to highlight the area you’ll be cleaning, and grab yourself a free Green Up sticker!

Then, join us on Green Up Day, Saturday, May 2, at the Bombardier Park East Pavilion from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The Milton Conservation Commission and Milton Recreation Commission will be giving out FREE coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts, as well as trail brochures, extra Green Up bags, and more. Learn more on the Milton Recreation & Parks Facebook event post. 

Caring for Our Parks as E-Bike Use Increases

As we look ahead to increased park use, we want to acknowledge a growing concern and ask for partnership from the community on the matter. While we encourage residents of all ages to enjoy our parks, there has been a noticeable increase in e-bike use in these spaces. The Town has been addressing recent property damage by e-bikes to our pavilions, field house restrooms and little league fields. It can be costly and take time to address these types of repairs, which can sometimes lead to temporary closures or limited access to affected facilities. 

Our goal is not to discourage use, but to ensure parks and facilities remain safe, well-maintained, and enjoyable for everyone. We ask families and riders to be mindful of where and how e-bikes are used. With a little cooperation, we can continue to support active recreation while protecting these spaces for the long term.

As we move into the warmer months, we want to thank everyone for their continued patience, support, and engagement. There is a great deal happening across town, and we appreciate the understanding and cooperation that help keep things moving forward. We hope everyone has the opportunity to get outside, enjoy the longer days, and take full advantage of everything our community has to offer this season.

With gratitude and commitment,
Chris Taylor, Milton Town Manager