A winter storm expected to bring hazardous travel conditions has prompted state and local officials to issue restrictions and advisories for the Route 9 corridor and the Town of Brattleboro.

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles is placing a temporary travel restriction on Vermont Route 9 between Bennington and Brattleboro. The limitation begins Sunday at noon and remains in effect until 7 p.m. Monday. During that window, several types of large and heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the roadway, including special-permit loads, box trucks, vehicles towing trailers, tandems, tractor-trailers (open or enclosed), and tankers. Drivers with questions can reach the DMV Enforcement & Safety Division at 802-828-2078.

Brattleboro officials have also issued a travel advisory for the same period, warning that conditions could become dangerous as snow totals are forecast in the 8–14 inch range, with some areas possibly seeing more. The town notes that bouts of moderate to heavy snowfall may significantly reduce visibility and leave roads snow-covered, icy, and slick—especially on secondary routes and untreated streets. Cold temperatures are expected to further limit traction and slow melting.

The most challenging conditions are anticipated overnight into Monday morning, when the town is urging people to avoid unnecessary travel. For anyone who must be on the roads, officials recommend planning for extra time, slowing down, increasing following distance, stocking vehicles with emergency supplies, and giving plow trucks and emergency responders plenty of room.

Pedestrians are also being cautioned to take extra care during and after the storm. Sidewalks may remain covered longer than usual because ongoing snowfall and low temperatures can delay clearing efforts. Walkways and crossings may be narrowed, uneven, icy, or blocked by plowed snow, and drifting snow and reduced visibility could make walking particularly risky.

Because of the forecast, the Brattleboro Municipal Center will be closed to the public on Monday. Town employees plan to work remotely and can be contacted by email, with department information available on Brattleboro.gov. Additional closures and schedule changes are expected: Brattleboro Community Television’s office will be closed Jan. 26; the Gibson-Aiken Center will close Monday and cancel evening programs; and Brooks Memorial Library will decide on any closure Monday morning—call 802-254-5290 to confirm.

Candidates and residents should also note that petitions for Brattleboro town officers, Windham Southeast School District board members, and town meeting members are due by 5 p.m. Monday. With the Town Clerk’s Office closed for in-person services, completed petitions or letters of intent must be placed in the “Town Business” drop box in the Municipal Center parking lot by the deadline. The town emphasized that state law does not allow the petition cutoff to be extended due to weather.