HARDWICK AREA — Thursday, July 11 brought recovery and repair efforts throughout the region as rivers and streams began to subside throughout the morning and early afternoon. Many area waterways remained above their banks, expanding into floodplains, forests and lawns.
Route 16 just north of its intersection with Belfry Road in East Hardwick is closed on the afternoon of July 11 from there to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, where it crosses the Lamoille River on a bridge.
Many roads became passable, if only with one lane open as water subsided, and road crews quickly got to work making repairs as they were able to.
Hardwick Electric Dept. crews were out restoring power in the area. By early afternoon they were working to restore service across the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail overpass on Stannard Mountain Road where the roadbed under the bridge was severely damaged, making the road impassable for most vehicles, even if downed trees across the road had been cleared. The bridge at the Richard’s Road intersection Stannard Mountain Road appeared to have been severely compromised, with at least one end off its abutment.
The following reports from all area towns, some from early Thursday, may no longer be accurate by the time you read this, but will give you some indication of roads and bridges that may not be passable. Reports from around the area indicate road edges have been severely compromised in places and pavement that looks passable may have been undercut but fast moving water. Be particularly careful when you see washouts along roadsides and at road and driveway intersections where culverts may have been compromised.
The State road closure map at 11 p.m. Thursday showed Route 16 in Hardwick closed between Belfry Rd and the LVRT due to flooding, though some vehicular traffic seemed to pass in the early afternoon, despite barriers and lighted state signs being in place,
It also showed US-2 in Plainfield closed between Coburn Road and VT-214 due to multiple washouts.
Call 211 from any landline phone to report flood damage or to learn about available resources for assistance in non-emergency circumstances, or visit the 211 website at: vermont211.org
HARDWICK — At 4:20 p.m. Thursday, Amanda Fecteau reported, “The Town Manager’s office has been notified about closures or damages to the following roads: Carey Road, closed; Nichols Pond Road; Kate Brook Road; Weeks Place; Bunker Hill Road; Tucker Brook Road; Riverside Farm Road, closed; Hardwick Farms Road, closed; Center Road, passable with one lane, use caution; Granite Street; Belfry Road and Wolcott Street, passable, just muddy, use caution
The temporary Hardwick Farma Road Bridge over Porter Brook, fallen from its western abutment as seen on the afternoon of July 11, is no longer passable after flooding from heavy rains July 10 and 11.
The Town is still assessing damages and this list may continue to grow. Our road crew, with help from other businesses, are working to make as many roads passable as they can. We ask that you avoid these areas. We will get more information Friday and will update everyone Friday afternoon.
Earlier, at 2:20 p.m. Fecteau asked, “As the flood water recedes, and damage is being assessed, It’s very important to report any and all damage; even if you think it’s minor. Please call 211 to report the damage and photo document the damages. Reporting damage will help individuals receive state and federal aid.
The Emergency Shelter is still open; located at Hazen Union High School, 126 Hazen Drive.
The water system has not been compromised and as of now there is no reason to place a boil water notice. If this changes we will send out an immediate notification. However, if you are experiencing low pressure or do not have water please call 802-472-6120.
Tops and House of Pizza are currently closed. They are working on cleaning up and will open as soon as possible. Walgreens (including the Pharmacy) is closed at this time with no timeframe given to reopen.
At 4:50 a.m. Fecteau reported, “The Lamoille River near Cooper Brook has risen beyond its banks. The low lying areas of Wolcott Street and the adjacent side streets have all experienced flooding;along with VT Route 15W and VT Route 14S. We are working on getting the Emergency Shelter open and taking inventory of damaged roads, bridges and washed out culverts. Local officials are monitoring river levels and expect the river to crest and start to recede by mid-morning. We will keep you informed as information becomes available regarding available resources for those affected.
In a Front Porch Forum post at 5 p.m. Thursday, Helen Beattie shared, “The Hardwick Emergency Supply and Support Center will be open for the next week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“It is located in the Hardwick Senior Center at 56 High St, Hardwick, adjacent to the police station. There is currently a limited inventory of: PPE coveralls & masks, hand sanitizer, shop vacs and cleaning supplies.
“Donations of the following items are needed: dehumidifiers, fans, shop vacs and sump pumps. If you have some to give or share, please drop them off at the Senior Center during open hours. Alternatively, you can call 802-441-3301 or email [email protected], and we can arrange a pick-up or drop-off. We are working with the Red Cross to better stock inventory over the next few days.
“If you have equipment on loan from the Supply Center related to last year’s flooding and you need to keep it, please do so, but let us know you have it. If you do not need it at this time, please return it to the center so those in need can use it.
“If you need help, please do not hesitate to contact Hardwick Area Neighbor to Neighbor. We will make every effort to help you through the next steps and secure the help you need, such as housing, transportation, or emotional support.”
Heavy rain July 10 and early July 11 swells the Lamoille River as it flows under the Main Street Bridge in East Hardwick, where water has eroded the roadside, toppling a Yield sign.
PLAINFIELD — The town issued a boil water notice, resulting from a compromised water system, with no further details available, on July 11. Information about what that means is available at https://anr.vermont.gov/document/public-water-notices
Thursday evening, Dan Fingas wrote on the Plainfield People FB Group, “Want to volunteer to help those affected by the flood? There will be a volunteer meeting at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) at the Opera House. Tomorrow we have a few main needs: cleaning basements, mucking out basements, walking door to door to do a mutual aid needs assessment and helping people pump water.
“If you have shovels, cleaning supplies, extra tarps and buckets, please bring them with you as we will need lots of those.
“Thank you all in advance!”
WALDEN — Road updates from Town Clerk Debbie Messier, posted on Front Porch Forum at 6 p.m. July 11 are: Orton road below the Coles Pond intersection remains closed, Cobb Road remains closed, Noyestar Road and Houston Hill are now one lane passable. Several other town roads have one lane only in spots.
She suggested, “Please drive with caution. Call the office 802-563-2220 or email [email protected] with road damages, for updates or for damage to personal property. Please check website at “Waldenvt.gov for updates.”
STANNARD — Ben Hewitt reported on a Front Porch Forum post at 2:4t p.m. on Thursday, “that Stannard Mountain Road suffered severe damage in multiple locations during last night’s flooding. It is currently impassable below and above Stannard village. The only way in and out of Stannard is via Toussant Hill and Norway Road.”
GREENSBORO — Greensboro’s latest update, sometime before 10 p.m., July 11 indicated, “We are again hit hard by last night’s storm. The road crew have been out since 4 am. The following roads are closed: Sparhawk Road, Gonyaw Road, Old School House Road, Overlook Road, Harrington Road, Bayley Hazen Road and Baker Hill Road is not open to truck traffic
“We will update this as we get updates from the Road crew and Road Liaison. Please drive with caution as conditions are changing. Please remember not to drive through standing water as you don’t know what is washed out beneath.”
Caspian Lake in Greensboro at noon on Thursday, July 11, has risen above the level of the dam spillway, but has not overtopped the dam is at did exactly one year before, during the flood of July 10 to 12, 2023
CABOT — At 11 a.m, Thursday, Cabot officials reported on the Facebook Cabot Connects Town Bulletin Board group, “The Selectboard, Road Crew, Clerk and Treasurer and EMS (Fire and Ambulance) Teams met early this morning to debrief last night’s storm response, share information and establish a priority list for supporting our neighbors, understanding current vulnerabilities, assessing damage and beginning repairs.
“The nutshell conclusion: last night was no picnic, and there is damage in our beloved town, but it could have been a lot worse. A major rain cell ‘missed’ us in the early hours and our lessons-learned from the July floods of 2023 were enormously helpful as we were able to manage a lot of that water in ‘real time’. Also (in our humble opinion) we have the best damn Road Crew and responding volunteer EMS Team in Vermont, all of whom worked well past midnight to keep us safe.
“Immediate Information and ‘To Dos’ for the Community include:
“Our water-partners at H20 have been contacted to do a flooding assessment, but as far as we know, our water system and pumps were not overwhelmed/flooded and Town water is safe to use and drink as usual. If there is any change we will, of course, be in touch immediately.
“Sid and the Road Crew are focused on repairing multiple washouts on the backroads this morning but, with the exception of Jug Brook and Blodgett, everything is passable. Please, however, as much as possible for the next 72 hours, stay on pavement as you drive. The Selectboard will be reaching out to our friends at the Creamery, but this appeal is also to Creamery employees who read this forum. No one likes a longer commute, but you can help us these next few days by taking the ‘long way’ around and staying on pavement. This will give the road crew time and space for repairs and time for the softer surfaces to drain and dry.
“Please check on your neighbors – As we did last year, we will have a Team going door-to-door on Blodgett and Jug Brook to do household needs assessment, but this would be the moment for all of us to make a few calls and visits.
“Please photograph/video any damage to Town culverts, roads and infrastructure in your immediate neighborhood and send these materials to our brand new Town Treasurer Amy Monahan (treasurer@cabotvt.us)
“Documenting damage is important as we manage toward the finances of FEMA reimbursement and grant development for future resiliency projects. Oh…and a warm welcome to Amy, we are SO glad you are with us. Sorry about the dramatic first week on the job.
“If you have sump pumps and/or box fans that you secured through the Town and FEMA last year please consider bringing these materials back to the Town Offices to loan to your neighbors for use this year.
“What the Town is looking at today and in the days to come (in addition to the above): Bridge assessment is underway right now. The water has carved out ‘chunks’ of some of the bridge embankments and we have personnel working to assess and document for both damage and structural safety. We have no indication that any span has been compromised.
“Dam assessment is underway right now – we have personnel working to assess and document the West Hill Pond Dam for both damage and structural safety. We have no indication that anything has been compromised, but there was a lot of water in this storm as well as some indication of a possible beaver dam burst that put more water into the Pond at speed.
“Power pole repair at the Larry and Sons bridge (Gardiner’s Corner) on VT Route 215 South. Green Mountain Power is on the way to assess and repair a leaning pole and wires that are close to the river surface. It is possible that power will need to be briefly cut to assist with repair at some point today.
“Debris removal — compared to last year, there is not muh, but there is some. The Clerk’s office is looking into the possibility of securing a dumpster, the few trees swept downstream and cleared at the bridges will be addressed.
“The fire department will be hosing mud and gravel off portions of Main Street and the Willey Building Parking lot today. They will be hooking into the hydrant system. Village residents may experience a modest drop in water pressure for a brief period of time.
“Updates and additional information will follow in the days to come. Please reach out through the Town Clerk at 802-563-2279 if you have any questions or need help.
“In Community, Mike, Fred, Skip, RD, and Karen.
CRAFTSBURY — A 5:30 a.m. post on Front Porch Forum Thursday noted Town of Craftsbury Road closures as follows: Mill Village Rd from Wylie Hill to King Farm, Whetstone Brook Rd., Cemetery Rd., Black River Rd., Post Rd., Daniels Rd
Roads with only one lane passable, requiring extra caution were Mountain Hill Road and Urie Road. “Please use caution when driving today in Craftsbury, especially on the dirt roads,” noted the post.
WOLCOTT — The Lamoille County Sheriff’s Dept. reported at 5 p.m.that Route 15 between Morrisville and Wolcott was open. Gulf Road is not passable, North Wolcott Road is closed, with parts washed out, Elmore Pond Road is washed out in spots and where it connects to Route 15 is closed, Corley Road is washed out, School Street is washed out near the town garage, East Elmore Road is washed out in spots.
MARSHFIELD — Late on Thursday, the Town web site showed Holt Road closed at the Temporary Bridge with the bridge is being assessed July 11 with temporary repairs planned for this week; Pigeon Pond at the main culvert is impassable but is being assessed July 11, with temporary repairs planned for this week; Laird Pond Road is impassable; the Railroad bed near camps is closed with work to be started this week; Jurkiewicz Place is impassable by car, but not cut off
CALAIS — An 11 a.m, update on the town website from Road Commissioner, Kari Bradley indicated, “We are still assessing the damage but here is our current inventory: Fully closed roads include Peck Hill from Pekin Brook to the bridge, Haggett between Center and Martin (village of Adamant), Bliss Pond (near Fowler/Old West Church junction), Pekin Brook, Elmslie, Robinson Hill south of class 4 portion and Woodbury Mountain.
“Local traffic only (use extreme caution) on Martin, Collar Hill and Dugar Brook.
“We will do our best to post current conditions on the Town Road Conditions Map, available from the town website.
You can report road damage at [email protected], calling the Garage at 802-456-7466 or via the Road Condition Map page.
WOODBURY — By early afternoon Route 14 had reopened from Hardwick through Woodbury and into East Montpelier. Floorwaters had subsided around the Fire Station,
DANVILLE — A 5:30 a.m. post Thursday by Audrey Deprospero offered an update on Danville conditions and closures, reporting Roy Road, bridge washed out (should be open tomorrow); Joes Brook Road, one lane to be open today (access via Barnet); Cormier, one lane to be open today (access in and out at both ends); Water Andric closed debris in road; Bruce Badger and North Danville Roads, cones in place for safety (future repairs); Young Farm Road passable but with gully; Rail Trail wash out between Walden Hill Road and Route 2 in West Danville
LVRT — Reports about the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail indicate significant washouts behind the Yellow Barn property in Hardwick, across Route 15 some of the road base is missing before the bridge over the Lamoille, but the trail looks passable. Thursday afternoon there was still water flowing along the trail in the deep cut between Route 15 at Fisher Bridge and the Wolcott Fire Station.
Stannard Road, where it crosses below a Lamoille Valley Rail Trail bridge close to where Walden, Stannard, Greensboro and Hardwick meet, has been severely compromised by Stannard Brook’s floodwaters on the afternoon of July 11. The Richards Road Bridge, just before the road enters from the right on the other side of the bridge, is off its abutments and impassable.
Hardwick’s Fecteau further suggested on Front Porch Forum, “anyone that would like to sign up for Hardwick’s alert notifications, please go to http://www.hardwickvt.gov. On the main page, to the left side of the screen you will see two blue boxes. Click on the top box where it says: “Sign up for Hardwick’s Alert notification email to get real time updates about local emergencies and urgent town business.” Please fill out the required information, and then click submit. If anyone has any trouble, or would like to see if they’re already signed up, please contact the Hardwick Town Manager’s office at 802-472-6120.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
