The City of Essex Junction will conduct a live traffic test on Pearl Street (VT Route 15) on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to evaluate a potential change to westbound lane striping as part of the Pearl Street West Multimodal Improvements project.
During the test, the existing single westbound lane configuration from the Five Corners will extend further along Pearl Street, opening to two lanes approximately 400 feet before the Susie Wilson Road intersection, rather than transitioning to two lanes at the current location near West Street Extension. The change is intended to improve pedestrian safety for people accessing a planned eastbound bus stop and calm traffic speeds along the corridor, while maintaining sufficient capacity for westbound travel.
City staff and consultants will observe traffic operations throughout the day and collect data to inform a final design recommendation to the City Council.
Background: In November 2025, the City Council unanimously endorsed "Alternative 2: Two Lanes with Median, Revised" as the preferred near-term design for the Pearl Street segment between Susie Wilson Road and West Street Extension. At that time, the Council specifically deferred a final decision on westbound lane striping, directing staff to return with additional analysis before finalizing the design. Wednesday's test is the next step in that process.
Those traveling along Pearl Street should expect modified lane configuration, marked with cones in the westbound direction during the test period, and are encouraged to drive attentively. The changes are temporary and for evaluation purposes only.
For more information about the Pearl Street Multimodal Improvements project, visit https://www.essexjunction.org/departments/community-development/pearl-street-west