19960372 Ver 1_Complete File_19960419

6X
U. S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Highway
Administration
Eastern Federal Lands 21400 Ridgetop Circle
Highway Division Sterling, VA 20166-6511
967
Z ? G
APR 15 1996
N
Refer To: HPC-15
CP
Mr. David K. Baker
U.S. Department of the Army
Wilmington District, Corps of Engineer..
151 Patton Avenue, Room 143
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
Dear Mr. Baker:
In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service (FS) and the North Carolina Department of
Transportation, the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD), of the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA), is currently preparing plans for a bridge replacement
in the Pisgah National Forest. The proposed work is for the replacement of the existing
bridge on Forest Highway 3 (State Route 281), over the West Fork French Broad River
approximately 6.2 km (3.6 mi.) north of Lake Toxaway, Transylvania County,
North Carolina. This project has been designated NC PFH 3-1(1). A completed Joint
Application Form and plans for a Section 404 Permit are enclosed.
The bridge replacement is required due to structural and alignment deficiencies in the
existing bridge and approach road. The project is scheduled for advertisement in mid-
1996. In accordance with FHWA procedures, it has been determined that the
environmental action associated with the proposed Forest Highway 3 improvements, will
be a Categorical Exclusion. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Historic
Preservation Officer, and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have been
contacted regarding this project. Initial written responses from these agencies are
included with the Joint Application Form.
The FHWA advertised for written public comments and held a public information
meeting in Rosman, North Carolina, on November 16, 1996. No negative comments
Mgarding the proposed project were received. A copy of the informational handout from
`the public information meeting is also enclosed.
One copy each of the application package has been sent to Mr. David Yow, the North
Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission; Mr. David Brook, Deputy State Historic
Preservation Officer; and Mr. John Dorney, the North Carolina Department of
Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. We have requested that these agencies
forward their comments to you within 30 days.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Jim Sinnette, Environmental Planning
Engineer, at 703-285-0085.
Sincerely Yours,'
p 04yo-
Gary L. Klinedinst
Division Engineer
Enclosures
cc:
Mr. David Yow, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Asheville, NC
Mr. David Brook, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, Raleigh, NC
Mr. John Dorney, NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources,
Raleigh, NC
Mr. Jim Gilpin, Engineering and Mineral Staff Officer, Forest Service, Asheville, NC
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North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
August 28, 1995
Gary L. Klinedinst
Division Engineer
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
21400 Ridgetop Circle
Sterling, VA 22170
Re: Replace bridge on NC 281 in Pisgah National
Forest, Transylvania County, Project NC PFH 3-
1 (1), ER 96-7121
Dear Mr. Klinedinst:
Division of Archives and History
William S. Price, Jr., Director
Thank you for your letter of July 19, 1995, transmitting the Heritage Resource
Survey Report by Rodney J. Snedeker, Robert D. Noel, Alain H. Burchett, and Scott
Ashcraft concerning the above project.
During the course of the survey no sites were located within the project area. The
authors have recommended that no further archaeological investigation be
conducted in connection with this project. We concur with this recommendation
since this project will not involve significant archaeological resources.
Your letter states that the survey found no historic structures located within the
planning area. However, the report only addresses archaeological sites and
provides no information about historic architectural resources. Until we receive
additional information, we are unable to concur with your finding that there are no
historic structures in the planning area.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations
for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental
review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
Sincerely,
David Brook
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
DB:slw
cc: Rodney Snedeker I
H. F. Vick 109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807
T. Padgett
y
qw.
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
October 12, 1995
Paul F. Schuller, Director
Forest, Fire, and Heritage Resources Staff
U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Forests in North Carolina
P.O. Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802
Re: Replace bridge on SR 281 in Pisgah National
Forest, Transylvania County, ER 96-7121
Dear Mr. Schuller:
Division of Archives and History
William S. Price, Jr., Director
Thank you for your letter of September 29, 1995, concerning the above project.
We understand that the only structure in the project's area of potential effect (APE)
is the bridge itself, which is less than fifty years old. We, therefore, concur with
your finding that there are no historic structures located within the APE.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations
for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental
review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. 1-1
Sincerely, t-

/,.'David Brook

" Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer .=T,r•,

DB:slw
iw r
N
cc: dney Snedeker
tGa
ry y Klinedinst, FHWA, Virginia
H. F. Vick
B. Church
109 East Jones Street - Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807

® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
July 5, 1995
Mr. Jack Van Dop
FHWA-FFLHD
21400 Ridgetop Circle
Sterling, Virginia 20166
SUBJECT: Request for design recommendations
Hydrologic crossings on Forest Highway 58 (SR 1756) over Sols and Charley creeks,
NC 281 over West Fork French Broad River
Jackson and Transylvania counties, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Van Dop:
I have reviewed information provided by your office regarding the subject bridge replacements. As discussed in
our telephone conversations, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reviews Corps of Engineers
Nationwide and General 404 permits for projects in counties of western North Carolina. These comments are provided in
accordance with provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 et seq.) and the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d), and pertain to risks to trout habitat involved in
proposed projects.
The bridge replacements currently proposed will involve trout waters. Because of the high quality of waters
involved, we recommend that full spans of the stream channels be considered for all three crossings. We feel that the use
of a "con-span" or similar structure may be a viable alternative to box culverts at the Sols Creek site. If a span is not
feasible, we will require that the culverts be placed with the culvert floor below the level of the stream bottom to allow
establishment of natural rock substrate in the culvert. Also, baffle structures may be required to reduce culvert velocities if
high pipe gradients are involved.
The following recommendations apply to measures to mitigate impacts on surface waters and trout populations
during construction. They should be incorporated into the project proposal in order to receive favorable NCWRC review
of Corps 404 premits:
1. All excavation and fill work in or adjacent (within 25 feet) to surface waters should be completed between
April 15 and November 1 to avoid impacts on trout reproduction.
2. Under no circumstances should rock, sand, or other materials be dredged from the stream channel or stream
banks. Excavation should be limited to the immediate location (project footprint) of abutments, retaining
walls, and piers.
3. Grading and backfilling should be minimized, and tree and shrub growth should be retained where possible
to ensure long term availability of shoreline cover for gamefish and wildlife. Backfill materials should be
obtained from upland sites. Where soil disturbance occurs adjacent to surface waters, only clean, sediment-
free rock should be used for streambank stabilization.
W t
FHWA bridge replacements Page 2 July 5, 1995
4. Adequate sedimentation and erosion control measures must be implemented and maintained on the project
site to avoid impacts to downstream aquatic resources. Catch basins and vegetated buffers should be
maintained between work areas and streams. Erosion control measures should be adequate for the steep
grades present on the work site and should be designed to withstand expected storm events.
5. Where concrete is used during construction, a dry work area must be maintained to prevent contact between
stream waters and curing concrete. Wet concrete is toxic to aquatic organisms.
6. All disturbed soils should be stabilized within 15 working days of completion of grading work on each site.
7. Runoff from bridge decks should be routed away from surface waters wherever possible to reduce the risk of
introducing contaminants to trout streams during storm events or traffic accidents.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. When submitting 404 permit applications
to the Corps of Engineers for these projects, please provide copies of application materials to this office. Pending
availability of field staff, the NCWRC may inspect the work site during or after construction. if there are any questions
regarding these comments, please contact me at [phone]..
Sincerely,
David L. ow
District 9 Habitat Biologist
cc: David Baker, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Asheville Field Office
r
-low
_ 0 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Jack Van Dop
Federal Highway Administration
Eastern Federal Highway Division
FROM: David Yow, District 9 Habitat Biologist
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: January 29, 1996
SUBJECT: Supplemental design recommendations, NC PFH 3-1(1), bridge replacement, NC
281 over West Fork French Broad River, Transylvania County, North Carolina.
The following recommendations are based on a site meeting between myself and Mr. Donley
Hill of the USDA Forest Service on January 25, 1996. At that time we reviewed plans for the
proposed bridge replacement provided by your office (revised December 28, 1995). The North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has reviewed the subject project, and our comments are
provided in accordance with provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U. S. C.
4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C.
661-667d).
The proposed work involves replacement of an obsolete bridge structure. Our concerns are
related to possible sedimentation impacts and loss of channel stability in the West Fork French
Broad River, which is managed as Designated Public Mountain Trout Waters (Hatchery
Supported) by the NC'WRC. Based on our site inspection and review of the sediment control
plans submitted by your office, we offer the following minor project modifications:
1. Approximately 25 meters downstream of the existing bridge, underlying bedrock
deflects the flow of the river against the southern river bank, producing a scour pool.
This area now contains several pieces of large woody debris. A temporary access
road will require filling of a portion of this scour pool and associated backwaters.
Prior to placement of fill in this area, a large tree trunk (3-4 meters long) with
attached roots should be placed in the river bank in the area to be filled. The log
should be placed with the root mass protruding into stream flow and the trunk
embedded in the filled river bank. A second large log should be placed beneath and
perpendicular to the rooted log as a footer or sill, and an additional log and boulders
should be placed on top and to both sides of the logs on the river bank. The structure
should then be backfilled with riprap, filter cloth, and soil, then stabilized with
vegetation plantings. Note that the use of a footer log in place of riprap underneath
the tree root wad represents a change from the design depicted on page 5 of the
plans. A drawing of the preferred structure is attached. Further design guidance will
be provided by the NCWRC upon request at the time of construction.

NC PFH 3-1(1) Page 2 January 29, 1996
2. The southern abutment of the existing bridge should not be completely removed.
Because this area is on the outside of a bend in the river channel, removal of the
abutment and associated rock walls may lead to bank erosion. If Some removal of the
old structure is required, the lower portion of the concrete abutment (up to
approximately 1 meter above water level) should be left in place. This will retain
existing fish habitat in the deep pool that has formed in this area. By leaving the
concrete substructure of the abutment in place, the need for additional tree root wads
in this area will be eliminated.
3. Rocks, trees, and shrubs on the southern river bank upstream of the existing bridge
should be retained. An old ditch empties into the river immediately above the bridge,
and this area should be left in a stable, vegetated condition to avoid sedimentation of
trout habitat or loss of bank stability. z
4. All instream and riparian activities, including installation and removal of abutment and
pier structures and disturbance within 25 feet of surface waters, should be scheduled
between April 15 and October 15 to avoid impacts on reproductive habitat for trout.
Drilling activities and access, bridge decking work, and road building on offstream
areas of the project are not restricted to this period.
The recommendations above should supplement earlier comments regarding precautions
against surface water impacts.
Because Transylvania County is recognized as a "trout water county" by the COE, the
NCWRC will review any nationwide or general 404 permits for this project. We do not anticipate
objection to the project if environmental concerns discussed above and in earlier meetings and
correspondence are addressed in the permit application.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early planning stages for this project. I
appreciate your efforts in coordinating bridge replacement work with our staff and the Forest
Service. If I can further assist your office, please contact me at [phone].
cc: Micky Clemmons, District 9 Fisheries Biologist
Donley Hill, USDA Forest Service, National Forests in North Carolina

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United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
March 29, 1996
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Mr. Gary L. Klinedinst tv
Division Engineer co
Federal Highway Administration
21400 Ridgetop Circle
Sterling, Virginia 20166-6511
Dear Mr. Klinedinst:

J
Subject: Proposed replacement of the bridge on U.S. Highway 281 over the West Fork
French Broad River in the Pisgah National Forest, Transylvania County,
North Carolina
I-
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In your letter of March 20, 1996, you requested our concurrence that the subject project will not
affect any federally endangered, threatened, or proposed species or species of concern. The
following comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) reviewed the biological evaluation for this project
provided with your letter. The Service concurs with your determination that the project will not
affect federally listed or proposed endangered or threatened species. In view of this, we believe
the requirements of Section 7(c) of the Act are fulfilled. However, obligations under Section 7 of
the Act must be reconsidered if (1) new information reveals impacts of this identified action that
may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner not previously considered, (2) this action is
subsequently modified in a manner that was not considered in this review, or (3) a new species is
listed or a critical habitat is determined that may be affected by the identified action.
The Service appreciates that several mitigation measures, as listed in the biological evaluation,
will be implemented to minimise adverse impacts to several federal species of concern including
the hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), French Broad crayfish (Camburus reburrus),
Oconee crayfish ostracod (Cvmoc here clavata), Margaret's river cruiser (Macromia margarita),
and the Transylvania crayfish ostracod (Waltonc here aauta). Please note that federal species of
concern such as those listed above are not legally protected under the Act unless they are formally
t
/ proposed for listing as endangered or threatened. However, the Service encourages federal
agencies to assist in protecting these species which may preclude the need to list them in the
future.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of further assistance. In any future
correspondence concerning this project, please reference our Log Number 4-2-96-060.
S' rely,
Brian P. Cole
Field Supervisor
cc:
Mr. Bob Johnson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Field Office, 151 Patton Avenue,
Room 143, Asheville, NC 28801-5006
I

PROPOSED BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
NORTH CAROLINA FOREST HIGHWAY 3
(STATE ROUTE 281)
BRIDGE OVER
WEST FORK FRENCH BROAD RIVER
PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST
OPEN HOUSE
P UBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
November 16, 1995
5: 00 P.M to 7.00 P.M.
Rosman Senior High School
Rosman, NC
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division
Sterling, Virginia
In cooperation with the
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture North Carolina Department
Forest Service of Transportation

BACKGROUND:
North Carolina'Forest Highway 3 (State Route 281, NC TIP # B-3095) in the area of the proposed
bridge replacement, is a two lane aggregate surface roadway, approximately sixteen feet wide. This
road runs south from Tuckasegee, Jackson County to Route 64 in Transylvania County and beyond
to the state line. (see attached map). The West Fork French Broad River bridge replacement project
is within the Pisgah National Forest and is located approximately 6.2 km (3.6 mi) north of Lake
Toxaway. The existing bridge is substandard. It is an approximately 11 m (36 ft.) long, steel girder
bridge with a concrete deck. The bridge width and load restrictions do not conform with state road
and bridge standards. The current average daily traffic (ADT) for this bridge is approximately 250
vehicles. The ADT is expected to double to 500 vehicles per day by the year 2013. Proposed
construction will occur on either existing North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
right of way or easement or on Forest Service (FS) property.
This project consists of replacing the existing Forest Highway 3 (State Route 281) bridge over the
West Fork French Broad River with a concrete I-beam bridge with a concrete deck. The proposed
bridge will be approximately 42 m (138 ft.) long with a clear width of 9 m (29.5 ft.). In addition to
replacement of the bridge structure, work will also include new approach embankments, and
realignment of the roadway in order to eliminate the existing sharp curve on the bridge approaches.
The proposed approach roadway pavement will have an asphaltic concrete surface and will extend
for approximately 60 m (200 ft.) from the north end of the bridge and 30 m (100 ft) from the south
end.
Public information meetings provide an opportunity for the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA), in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the NCDOT, to present the proposed
project to the general public in the earliest stages of development. It also offers an opportunity for
individuals, representatives of civic groups, public agencies, and governing bodies to offer comments,
submit written material and ask questions regarding the proposed project as well as being informed
of the Highway Design/Project Development Process. Maps and other pertinent information are
provided in this handout and as displays during the meeting. Informal public information meetings
are beneficial to both citizens and the FHWA. They permit an exchange of ideas and information
prior to the selection of a final design. Comments will assist the designers in addressing the
community's concerns. The intent of this process is to develop a design which meets the project
needs, yet minimizes the environmental and community impacts.
CONSTRUCTION IWACTS
RIGHT-OF-WAY:
Forest Highway 3 (North Carolina Route 281, NC TIP #B-3095) and the bridge over the West Fork
French Broad River are presently located within an existing North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) easement . The proposed alignment will place the new bridge and
approach roadway outside the existing NCDOT easement. An easement will be granted by the Forest
Service for the proposed road and bridge alignment and the existing road easement area will return
to the Forest Service.
STREAM RV1PACTS:
The proposed bridge will cross the existing floodplain of the West Fork French Broad River.
Construction in the stream channel will require a permit from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
complying with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Minimum grading and some temporary
disturbance will occur in the flood plain during construction, however temporary disturbances will
be restored at the time construction is completed. Several support columns or piers and minor
associated grading will be the only permanent construction in the floodplain. The existing bridge and
the corresponding support structure, presently located in the stream floodplain will be removed after
completion of the proposed bridge. The existing bridge and approach road are over topped by high
water from the river several times per year. This results in deposition of roadway aggregate and
other sediments into the West Fork French Broad River. Through raising the elevation of the bridge
and paving of a short segment of the proposed bridge approach road, sediment deposition will be
greatly reduced.
ENDANGERED SPECIES:
A natural resources survey was prepared by the U.S. Forest Service in April 1995. The survey
determined that three proposed, endangered, threatened, and sensitive species are known to occur
in the vicinity of this project. However, it was determined that these species do not exist in the
specific project area due to the absence of suitable habitat. A comprehensive sediment and erosion
control plan will be designed and implemented to minimize the affect of construction on the site's
natural features and biological resources.
ARCHEOLOGICAL/HISTORICAL:
A Heritage Resources Survey was prepared by the U.S. Forest Service in April 1995 and submitted
to the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Officer for review. This survey determined that no
archeological or historical sites were found at the project area.
VISUAL:
Because of the proximity and visibility of the proposed bridge construction to the West Fork French
Broad River, the surrounding natural features, and its location in the National Forest, the appearance
of the bridge and approach features will be an important design consideration. The Eastern Federal
Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration has designed roads and bridges in
numerous National Parks and National Forests where visual and functional compatibility of the
proposed construction with the existing natural features was important. This experience, along with
that of the Forest Service and NCDOT, will be used to provide an appropriate design for this location
and setting.
CONSTRUCTION:
The existing bridge will remain in service during construction of the replacement structure. After
completion of the new bridge, the existing structure will be removed and the abandoned roadway will
be obliterated and returned to pre-existing conditions. Sediment and erosion control measures will
be installed and maintained during construction in order to prevent erosion and sedimentation on
adjacent undisturbed lands or in the West Fork French Broad River. Upon completion of the
proposed bridge, continuous access during high stream flow will be provided on Route 281.
TENTATIVE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE
November 1995 Public Information Meeting
December 1995 Field Review of Design Plans by FHWA, FS, and NCDOT
June 1996 Advertisement for Construction by FHWA
September 1996 Construction Contract Awarded
April 1997 Construction Begins
October 1997 Construction Ends
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PUBLIC CONIiVIENT
The replacement of the bridge over the West Fork French Broad River on Forest Highway 3 (North
Carolina Route 281, NC TIP # B-3095) is being coordinated between the Federal Highway
Administration, the Forest Service and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Considerable work has yet to be accomplished before construction can begin on this project. The
needs and comments of local residents are important considerations for this project. Please feel free
to submit any concern or comment utilizing this form.
Name:
Address:
Comment/Concern:
For further information, please contact:
w Jim Sinnette, Environmental Planning Engineer
Federal Highway Administration
[phone]
Or write :
Mr. Gary Klinedinst
Division Engineer
Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division
Federal Highway Administration
21400 Ridgetop Circle
Sterling, VA 20166-1655
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