WINOOSKI, VT – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) today announced a $22.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help replace the Winooski River Bridge in Chittenden County. The federal funding, provided through DOT’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program and made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will replace and upgrade travel lanes and incorporate shared-use paths to improve safety on the bridge for cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 

“Bolstering Vermont’s infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the safety, security, and success of families, workers, and everyone traveling through the Green Mountain State. We’re proud to see this investment of more than $22 million that will make our roads and communities safer,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “The replacement of the Winooski River Bridge will boost northern Vermont’s critical infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and make Winooski more resilient to extreme weather.” 

“Maintaining safe and reliable public transportation infrastructure one of the most important responsibilities of any government,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “I’m appreciative to our congressional delegation for bringing this much needed funding back home to Vermont.” 

“This announcement is crucial toward the successful funding package necessary to deliver this complex bridge project,” said Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. “The effort from Vermont’ congressional delegation is greatly appreciated.” 

The Vermont Congressional Delegation nominated the project for $8 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). 

The existing Winooski River Bridge, built in 1928, is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. The improved bridge will use durable materials to upgrade the existing infrastructure and create a wider sidewalk for pedestrians to cross safely. The new bridge will also feature improved drainage systems to better withstand extreme weather events driven by climate change—including the flooding that has impacted Vermont for the last three years. 

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CONTACT: 

Sanders: press@sanders.senate.gov 

Welch: Elisabeth_St.Onge@welch.senate.gov 

Balint: Sophie.Pollock@mail.house.gov