FAIRLEE, Vt. (WCAX) – An annual 4th of July parade in the Upper Valley community of Fairlee has been called off over concerns about a traffic detour on Route 5.
As a constant flow of cars passed Jan’s Fairlee Diner, owner Janice Neil says she’s disappointed this year’s Independence Day parade has been called off. “It’s always been a tradition here. I went here as a child and it’s really sad that they couldn’t have figured something out,” she said.
The amount of traffic on Route 5 is new to this small town. So many vehicles that a temporary light was installed on Bridge Street that crosses over to Orford, New Hampshire. On a typical year that’s where the parade would begin.
“Our police chief was concerned about safety and parking and adding to a really already congested situation,” said Fairlee Town Administrator Ryan Lockwood.
The higher volumes are caused by ledge removal work taking place just off Interstate 91. VTrans officials made the mitigation a priority after a rockfall incident back in February. The southbound lane one exit north is closed, diverting cars off the interstate and onto Route 5. Adding to the delays are daily rolling roadblocks heading north on the highway while the high-altitude rock removal continues.
“This is actually one of the most significant rock cuts in the state that we can actually work on. So, we are taking this extra precaution because there is potential, like I said, to have material to get into not only northbound but also U.S. 5,” said VTrans’ Bruce Martin.
Back at Jan’s, the increased traffic has actually been great for business — both at the restaurant and the new ice cream stand that her grandkids help run. Both will be open on the 4th. “I just wanted to be able to offer something to the community, to people who are passing through on a special day. That’s sad to our community that we are not having a 4th of July parade,” Neil said.
The 4th of July Fireworks over on Lake Morey will be going off as scheduled. As for the work on the interstate, that is expected to continue until September.