Communities

Lyndonville Route 5 Corridor Assessment

Northeastern Vermont Development Association

SE Group partnered with the Town of Lyndon and the Northeastern Vermont Development Association to reimagine the Route 5 corridor through downtown Lyndonville, transforming this critical thoroughfare into a safer, more vibrant, and welcoming gateway that supports local businesses, celebrates community life, and enhances multimodal connections.

Small town street with parked cars and autumn trees.

A Hub in the Heart of the Northeast Kingdom

Nestled in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Lyndon is a growing hub for outdoor recreation, located just south of the world-renowned Kingdom Trails network. The Route 5 corridor, including Main Street, Depot Street, and Broad Street, serves as the town’s Main Street and a key connector for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. With its proximity to major recreation destinations and its small-town charm, Lyndon is well positioned to strengthen its downtown and local economy.

The Challenge

For years, Lyndon’s downtown corridor struggled with confusing traffic patterns, limited pedestrian infrastructure, and underutilized public spaces. Despite its strong sense of place, travelers often passed through without stopping. The Town sought a plan to improve safety, circulation, and aesthetics while fostering a stronger connection between the corridor, community life, and local businesses.

SE Group’s Role

SE Group led the planning effort in collaboration with engineers from Stantec and local partners at NVDA, bringing together transportation, community design, and economic analysis expertise. Through extensive public engagement that included community events, stakeholder meetings, and pop-up demonstrations, residents helped shape a shared vision for the corridor. The team assessed existing policies, infrastructure, and business needs to develop design and policy recommendations that balance safety, functionality, and visual appeal.

A Vision for a More Vibrant Downtown

The resulting Route 5 Corridor Master Plan outlines a clear vision for a downtown that is welcoming, safe, and connected. Recommendations include redesigned intersections, improved pedestrian crossings, expanded sidewalks, creative stormwater management, and new public gathering spaces along Depot Street and Broad Street. Temporary “quick-build” projects and demonstration events such as the Depot Street Block Party helped the community visualize how small-scale improvements can inspire long-term transformation.

The Impact

The plan provides Lyndon with a roadmap to transform its Main Street into a more inviting, economically resilient, and pedestrian-friendly downtown. By improving safety, promoting active transportation, and supporting local businesses, the Route 5 Corridor Master Plan positions Lyndon as a welcoming and vibrant gateway to the Northeast Kingdom’s recreation and culture.