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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19950599 Ver 1_Complete File_19950608 SVt STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT )R. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 April 25, 1995 District Engineer Army Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402 ATTENTION: Regulatory Branch Dear Sir: G55 " ?Jl ISSUED R. SAMUEL HUNT II I SECRETARY wr\ic!Z ?- MW Subject: Rutherford County - US 64 Bridge No. 126 over Clinchfield Railroad and Bridge No. 127 over Second Broad River; T.I.P. No. B-2072; State Project No. 8.1890601 The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to replace the two referenced bridges on new location. This project is being processed as a Categorical Exclusion in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b). We expect to proceed with this project under a Nationwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B-23) issued November 22, 1991, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C) of these regulations will be followed in the construction of this project. In accordance with current procedures for projects located in the designated trout counties, the concurrence of WRC must be obtained prior to construction. By copy of this letter, we hereby request that WRC review the proposed project and provide any comments they find necessary. A copy of the CE document is included for the WRC review. 0 April 25, 1995 Page 2 If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Cyndi Bell at (919) 133-3141 extension 306. Yank y, lin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch HFV/cb Attachment cc: Steve Lund, COE, Asheville Field Office Stephanie Goudreau, WRC, Marion John Dorney, DEHNR, DEM John Parker, DEHNR, DCM/Permit Coordinator Kelly Barger, P.E., Program Development Don Morton, P.E., Highway Design A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics John L. Smith, Jr., P.E., Structure Design Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design W. D. Smart, P.E., Division 13 Engineer Leigh Cobb, Planning & Environmental Davis Moore, Planning & Environmental I • 4 r Rutherford County US 64 Bridge No. 126 over Clinchfield Railroad and Bridge No. 127 over Second Broad River Federal-Aid Project BRF-15-2(5) State Project 8.1890601 T.I.P. I.D. NO. B-2072 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION and PROGRAMMATIC SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION AND APPROVAL U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION AND N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS APPROVED: i 0. Naas 'MTE H. Franklin Vick, .E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch, NCDOT DAVE ich as Graf P.E. ?ivision Administrator, FHWA J . J T Rutherford County US 64 Bridge No. 126 over Clinchfield Railroad and Bridge No. 127 over Second Broad River Federal-Aid Project BRF-15-2(5) State Project 8.1890601 T.I.P. I.D. NO. B-2072 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION AND PROGRAMMATIC SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION AND APPROVAL January, 1995 s4sr,TSOTer,e ?r ^? w Documentation Prepared by Wang Engineering Company: 1-1 C, James M. Greenhl1 , P.E. Pr jec Manager T For North Carolina Department of Transportation J.A. Bissett, P.E.",'Unit Head Consultant Engineering Unit Leig Co Project Manager I ' , f Rutherford County US 64 Bridge No. 126 over Clinchfield Railroad and Bridge No. 127 over Second Broad River Federal-Aid Project BRF-15-2(5) State Project 8.1890601 T.I.P. I.D. No. B-2072 Bridge Nos. 126 and 127 have been included in the Federal-Aid Bridge Replacement Program. The location is shown in Figure 1. The project is not expected to have a significant impact on the human environment and has been classified by the Federal Highway Administration as a "Categorical Exclusion". 1. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Bridges No. 126 and 127 should be replaced on a new location downstream (east) of the existing location as shown by Alternate 1 in Figure 2. The recommended width of the replacement bridges is 12 meters (40 ft). The cross section on the structures will consist of a 7.2 meter (24 ft) travelway with 2.4 meter (8 ft) shoulder which includes a 1.2 meter (4 ft) paved shoulder. Approximately 560 meters (1835 ft) of new roadway approaches will be required. The approach roadway should consist of a 7.2 meters (24 ft) pavement with 2.4 meters (8 ft) shoulders which includes a 1.2 meter (4 ft) paved shoulder. Preliminary hydraulic studies indicate that Bridge No. 127 over the Second Broad River should be approximately 79 meters (260 ft) in length. The elevation of the new structure will be approximately 1 meters (3 ft) higher than the floor elevation of the existing bridge due to the vertical clearance required for the adjacent Bridge No. 126 over the Clinchfield Railroad. The length of the proposed Bridge No. 126 should be approximately 40 meters (131 ft) and will be approximately 1 meters (3 ft) higher than the floor elevation of the existing bridge. During construction, traffic will be maintained on the existing roadway and bridges. The estimated cost of the project, based on current prices, is 52,111,000 including $61,000 right of way and 52,050,000 for construction. The estimated cost of the project, as shown in the 1995-2001 Transportation Improvement Program, is $1,570,000. II. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS 1. All standard procedures and measures will be implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impacts. No special or unique environmental commitments are necessary. 'Best Management Practices"(33 CFR 330.6) will be utilized to minimize any possible impacts. 2. Since the project is located in one of the 25 designated "trout" counties in western North Carolina, approval must be obtained from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Further coordination will be done during the permit application phase. 3. Bridge No. 127 over the Second Broad River has been determined to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge will be removed after the new bridge is constructed and Bridge No. 127 is recorded in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (see Appendix). III. EXISTING CONDITIONS US Route 64 is classified as a rural minor arterial in the Statewide Functional Classification System and is part of the Federal-Aid System (BRF-15-2(5)). In the vicinity of the bridges, US 64 has a 7.2 meter (24 ft) wide pavement with 1.8-2.4 meter (6-8 ft) shoulders (see Figure 3). Vertical alignment of the approach roadway is rolling. Horizontal alignment of both structures is tangent with an approximate radius of 295 meters (6 degree) curve on the south approach and a radius of 585 meters (3 degree) curve on the north approach. The structure deck of Bridge No. 126 is located about 7.3 meters (24.3 ft) above the railroad. Vertical clearance under Bridge No. 126 is about 6.6 meters (21.8 ft). The structure deck of Bridge No. 127 is located about 14.3 meters (47 ft) above the stream bed. The posted speed limit is 60 kilometers per hour (35 mph). Land use in the immediate vicinity of the bridge is primarily scattered rural-residential and agricultural. A lumber company is located in the southeast quadrant of the project area. Known utilities in the vicinity of the bridge include underground telephone lines with an above ground crossing at the bridges, and above ground electric lines. The 1995 traffic volume for is estimated to be 4800 vehicles per day (VPD) and is expected to increase to approximately 8100 VPD by the year 2015. The projected volume includes 20/"0 truck-tractor semi-trailer (TTST) and 3% dual-tired vehicles (D'fT). The existing bridges, as shown in Figure 3, were constructed in 1938. Bridge No. 126 over the Clinchfield Railroad is a 23 meters (75 ft) long, 3-span bridge with a superstructure consisting of a concrete deck on steel beams. The substructure is composed of reinforced concrete abutments and piers. The posted weight limit is 27 tons for single vehicles. Bridge No. 2 127 is a 78.6 meters (258 ft) long, 3-span bridge consisting of a concrete deck on steel beams and reinforced concrete abutments and piers. The center main span is an unique 41 meter (135 ft) long steel deck-truss type structure. The posted weight limit is 27 tons for single vehicles and 32 tons for trucks with trailers. Clear roadway on Bridge No. 126 and Bridge No. 127 is 7.2 meters (24 ft). Based on field observations, the bridges and approaches are above the 100-year flood elevation. The horizontal clearances associated with the Clinchfield Railroad from centerline of tract to pier #1 is 3.4 meters (11.2 ft) and to pier #2 is 3.4 meters (11.2 ft). The vertical clearance is 6.6 meters (21.8 ft). A crashwall is not provided at any of the substructure units. Bridge Nos. 126 and 127 have sufficiency ratings of 58.8 and 58.0, respectively, compared to a rating of 100 for a new structure. No accidents were reported on or near Bridge Nos. 126 and 127 during the three year period from January 1, 1989 to December 31, 1991. School buses cross the studied bridges eight times daily. IV. ALTERNATIVES This project proposes the replacement of two bridges: one over the Clinchfield Railroad (Bridge No. 126) and one over the Second Broad River (Bridge No. 127) located along US 64 at Logan in Rutherford County. Three alternative methods for replacing the subject bridges were studied. In each alternative, the proposed structures will accommodate two 3.6 (12 ft) lanes and 2.4 meter (8 ft) shoulders. The approach roadway should consist of a 7.2 meter (24 ft) travelway with 2.4 (8 ft) shoulders which includes a 1.2 meter (4 ft) paved shoulder. The minimum profile grade on the proposed bridges will be 0.3% for surface drainage. On all alternatives, the elevation of the proposed bridge over the Clinchfield Railroad and roadway will be raised approximately 1 meters (3 ft) to provide for current vertical clearance requirements. The elevation of the proposed bridge over the Second Broad River will be approximately 1 meters (3 ft) higher than the floor elevation of the existing bridge. The proposed design speed for all alternatives is 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph). The alternatives studied are as follows (see Figure 2): Alternative 1 (Recommended) - involves construction of the replacement bridges on new location immediately east (downstream) of the existing structures. The lengths of the proposed bridges over the Clinchfield Railroad and the Second Broad River will be approximately 40 meters (131 ft) and 79 meters (260 ft), respectively. Improvements to the alignment of the proposed bridge approaches include approximately 560 in (1835 ft) of new pavement. The existing structures will be used to maintain traffic during the construction period. Alternative 2 - involves replacement of the structures along the existing alignment. The lengths of the proposed bridges over the Clinchfield Railroad and the Second Broad River will be approximately 40 meters (131 ft) and 79 meters (260 ft), respectively. Improvements to the alignment of the proposed bridge approaches include approximately 300 meters (990 ft) of new pavement. A temporary on-site detour will be provided immediately downstream during construction for maintenance of traffic. The temporary detour will consist of two bridges. The length of the temporary bridges over the railroad and the river will be approximately 29 meters (94 ft) and 79 meters (260 ft), respectively. The detour roadway will consist of a 6.6 meters (22 ft) wide pavement with 1.8 meters (6 ft) shoulders. The proposed temporary bridge width is 7.8 meters (26 ft). This width will accommodate two 3.3 meter (11 ft) lanes with 0.6 meter (2 ft) shoulders. The detour grade will be about the same as the existing elevation. The design speed of the temporary detour is 60 kilometers (35 mph). Alternate 3 - involves construction of the replacement bridges on new location immediately west (upstream) of the existing structures. The lengths of the proposed bridges over the Clinchfield Railroad and the Second Broad River will be approximately 40 meters (131 ft) and 82 meters (270 ft), respectively. Improvements to the alignment of the proposed bridge approaches include approximately 555 meters (1820 ft) of new pavement. The existing structures will be used for maintenance of traffic during the construction period. This alternative requires the acquisition of 3 dwellings. The proposed 7° 30" degree curve on the south approach will require an design exception. The "do-nothing" alternative would eventually necessitate closure of the bridges. This is not prudent due to the traffic service provided by US 64. "Rehabilitation" of the old bridges is not feasible due to their age and deteriorated condition. Alternatives discussed in this section and shown on Figure 2 are based on functional plans prepared on an uncontrolled photo map. All distances and directions are approximate. Final construction plans will be based on detailed survey information and may slightly vary from the alternatives presented here. 4 V. ESTIMATED COST Estimated costs of the studied alternatives are as follows: (Recommended) Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 Structures S 940,800 $940,800 S 940,800 Roadway Approaches 369,100 211,400 474,600 Temporary Detour -0- 625,000 -0- Structure Removal 55,900 55,900 55,900 Miscellaneous and Mobilization 409,200 361,900 441,700 Engineering & Contingencies 275,000 230,000 287,000 Right of Way & Utilities 61,000 41,000 134,450 Total $2,111,000 $2,466,000 $2,334,450 VII. DISCUSSION OF RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS Bridge Nos. 126 and 127 should be replaced on a new location downstream (east) of the existing location as shown by Alternate No. 1 in Figure 2. Alternate No. 1 is the least costly of the three alternatives and requires no acquisition of homes, as with Alternate No. 3. The recommended improvements will include about 560 meters (1835 ft) of new roadway approaches. This includes 290 meters (950 ft) on the north approach, 239 meters (785 ft) on the south approach, and 30 meters (100 ft) between the two bridges. A 7.2 meters (24 ft) pavement with 2.4 meter (8 ft) shoulders which includes a 1.2 meter (4 ft) paved shoulder should be provided on the approaches. A 12 meter (40 ft) clear width is recommended on the replacement structures. The structures will accommodate a 7.2 meter (24 ft) travelway with 2.4 meter (8 ft) shoulders. The replacement structure over Clinchfield Railroad will have a minimum vertical clearance of 7 meters (23 ft) and horizontal clearance to substructure units between crashwalls of 13.4 meters (44 ft) will be provided. Due to the amount of south bound truck traffic turning left turning into the Parton Lumber Company, a left-turn lane may be desirable. The feasibility of this left-turn lane will be determined with a detailed traffic study to be completed during the design phase. The design speed for this alternate is 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph). During the construction period, traffic will be maintained on the existing bridges. Based on preliminary hydraulic studies, it is recommended that the new structure over the Second Broad River be a bridge approximately 79 meter (260 ft) long. It is anticipated the elevation of the new bridge will be approximately l meters (3 ft) higher than the elevation of the existing bridge in order to obtain vertical clearance requirements over the adjacent Clinchfield Railroad. Based on field observations, the existing bridge and roadway is well above the 5 project's 50-year design storm frequency. The length and height may be increased or decreased as necessary to accommodate peak flows as determined by future hydraulic studies. The recommended length of the proposed bridge over the Clinchfield Railroad is 40 meters (131 ft). The anticipated elevation of the new bridge will be about 1 meters (3 ft) higher than the elevation of the existing bridge. The Division Engineer concurs with the recommendation that Bridge Nos. 126 and 127 be replaced on new location downstream of the existing location and that traffic be maintained on the existing bridges during the construction period. Alternates No. 2 and 3 were not favored due to their higher estimated costs. Alternate No. 3 was not favored due to the increased amount of right of way required and the acquisition of two houses. VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of an inadequate bridge will result in safer traffic operations. The project is considered to be a Federal "categorical exclusion" due to its limited scope and insignificant environmental consequences. The bridge replacement will not have a significant adverse effect on the quality of the human or natural environment with the use of current NCDOT standards and specifications. The project is not in conflict with any existing or planned land use and/or zoning regulations. No change in land use is expected to result from construction of this project. No adverse impact on families or communities is anticipated and no. families or businesses will require relocation. Right of way acquisition will be limited. No adverse effect on public facilities or services is expected. The project is not expected to adversely affect social, economic, or religious opportunities in the area. There are no publicly owned parks, recreational facilities, or wildlife and waterfowl refuges of national, state, or local significance in the vicinity of the project. The project is located northeast of Rutherfordton in Ruther-ford County in the southwestern section of the Piedmont physio-graphic province. The study area is located in a rural setting of farm fields and scattered residential sites. Farming is the major industry in this predominantly rural county. A large lumber company is situated in the southeast quadrant of the study area. 6 NOISE & AIR U(? ALITY The project is located within the Eastern Mountain Air Quality Control Region. The ambient air quality for Rutherford County has been determined to be in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This project is located in an area where the State Implementation Plan (SIP) does not contain any transportation control measures. The project is not anticipated to create any adverse effect on the air quality of this attainment area The project will not substantially increase traffic volumes. Therefore, its impact on noise levels and air quality will be insignificant. Noise levels could increase during construction but will be temporary. If vegetation is disposed of by burning, all burning shall be done in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements of Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 772, the 1990 CAAA and NEPA and no additional reports are required. NATURAL RESOURCES Plant Life Along both sides of the existing bridges, the only mature wooded area occurs along the banks of the Second Broad River. Other areas contain weedy clearings, lawns, driveways, power line right-of-ways, cultivated fields, remnants of upland hardwoods, or thickets of young pines. A small wooded rocky ridge lies between the river and the railroad. . The forest along the river is typical of a Piedmont/Mountain Levee Forest. The community here is Betula I iM - Plantanus occidentalis / Acer negundo / Carpinus caroliniana / mixed vines / Arundinaria =ic antea. Canopy hardwoods include river birch (Betula ni ;ra), sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis), box elder (Acer ne =undo), black walnut Quglans nigra), and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera).. Understory species include ironwood, (Carpinus caroliniana), tag alder, and dogwood (Corpus florida). The upland areas have increasing numbers of oak ( uercus spp.), hickory (Carya spp.), sassafras, poplar, and pine (Pinus virginiana, Pinus echinata). Vines in the area include grape (Vitis sp.), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), cross vine (Anisostichus capreolata), coral berry (Svmphoricarpos orbiculatus), honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and smilaxes (Smilax spp.). Herbs along the river are dominated by river cane (Arundinaria igantea). In the more open disturbed areas a mixture of tall weedy species exist, including Solidago spp., Aster spp., Eupatorium sp., and Phytolacca americana. The proposed Alternate No. 3 calls for over 150 meters (500 ft) of US 64 to be relocated approximately 15 meters (50 ft) northwest of its present location. This new route is across an upland area including three residences with lawns. The remainder of this route passes through a second growth Virginia pine forest, a power line right-of-way, and a cut-over area with scattered mature pines, red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and rock chestnut oak (Quercus pr inus). Other 7 than scattered specimens of Yucca filamentosa, the herbaceous plants in this area are largely weedy species typical of disturbed areas. Animal Life Wildlife habitats have been disturbed and fragmented in this area by residential, commercial, and agricultural activities. Only species able to tolerate close proximity to man are likely to be here. The only mammal seen was an Eastern gray squirrel. Woodchuck burrows were also seen. In addition, eastern cottontails, opossum, mink, and white-footed mice would also be in the area. Likely snakes would include black rat snakes, eastern garter snakes, and northern water snakes. Birds seen included cardinals, red tail hawk, white-throated sparrows, and blue jays. Various other songbirds would feed and/or nest in the area during the summer. Most of the species in this area would move out of the construction area, and are somewhat adapted to man's activities. The aquatic species would be most at risk from siltation and hazardous materials spills. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has no special concerns regarding fishery resources for this site; however, added siltation or contact with wet cement would have a detrimental effect on the fishes and their food supply. PHYSICAL RESOURCES Soils According to the soil map and other information supplied by the Rutherford County Soil Conservation Soil Scientist, the construction site contains several soil types. Beginning at the northern end of the project, there is Hiwassee clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded. The Hiwassee series consists of very deep, well-drained, moderately permeable soils that have formed in residuum and/or old alluvium derived from intermediate and mafic crystalline rocks. Along the narrow floodplain of the river, there is Chewaclea loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded. This is a very deep, somewhat poorly drained soil on a nearly level floodplain. It fonned in recent alluvium washed largely from soils formed in residuum from metamorphic and igneous rocks. 8 The upland along the railroad contains Pacolet sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded. This is very deep well-drained moderately permeable soil formed in material weathered from acid crystalline rock of the Piedmont uplands. The ridgetop and sideslope at the southern end of the project contains Pacolet sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded. The soils in the vicinity of the lumber mill are classified as Udorthents, loamy, with a small inclusion of Udorthents, loamy, 0 to 5 percent slopes, rarely flooded. Udorthents are soils in areas where natural soils have been greatly altered by excavation, intensive grading, or covered by earthy fill material. A former borrow area is located at the end of a small dirt road west of US 64 between the river and the railroad. The Farmland Protection Policy Act requires all federal agencies or their representatives to consider the potential impacts to prime or important farmland soils by all land acquisition and construction projects. Prime or important farmland soils are defined by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS). The SCS was asked to determine whether the proposed project will impact farmland soils and to complete Form-1006, Farmland Conversion Impact Rating. The completed form is included in the Appendix. According to the SCS, the proposed project will not impact any prime or important farmland soils. Water Resources The Second Broad River is a tributary to the Broad River at river mile 10.7. The river averages 70' wide; has moderate depth; and an average flow over 10 CFS; bottom type is sandy. The game fishing reported form this river is carp, catfish and sunfishes. No Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) samples were collected in the Broad River basin in 1990. Samples were taken from the Second Broad River at Cliffside in 1983, 1985, 1987, and 1989. These collections indicated improvement from Poor in 1983 to Good--Fair in 1987. The Second Broad River's current classification by the N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources is WS-V. This class includes waters protected as water supplies which are generally upstream and draining to Class WS-IV waters; no categorical restrictions- on watershed development or treated wastewater discharges are required, however, the Environmental Management Commission may apply appropriate management requirements as deemed necessary for the protection of downstream receiving waters. WS-V waters are suitable for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. 9 NCWRC listed no special concerns regarding fishery resources in this stream other than the standard control of sedimentation and the prevention of wet concrete contacting water flowing in or into the stream. Possible stream impacts will be restricted to some limited sediment debris after project completion. Likely adverse impacts can be minimized through the employment of silt basins, berms, silt curtains, and other erosion control measures required of contractor and specified in the state approved Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program. "Best Management Practices" (33 CFR 330.6) will also be implemented to minimize adverse effects of construction activities. Overall environmental stream impacts are expected to be negligible as a result of this project. Rutherford County is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Regular Program. The approximate 100-year floodplain in the project area is shown in Figure 4. The are no practical alternatives to crossing the flood-plain area. Any shift in alignment would result in a crossing of about the same magnitude. The proposed widening will not raise the floodplain more than 30.5 cm (1 ft). The floodplain in the adjacent area of the crossing is woods and farm fields. The Clinchfield Railroad appears to be above the 100 year floodplain in the vicinity of the project, as shown in Figure 4. The amount of floodplain and floodway to be affected is not considered to be significant and no modification of the floodway is anticipated. All reasonable measures will be taken to minimize any possible harm. JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS Wetlands No wetland soils exist at this site, nor is the vegetation or hydrology indicative of a true wetland. Protected Species The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP), the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), and the United States Department of the Interior-Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) were contacted to obtain current lists of protected species known to inhabit Rutherford County. Also, an on-site survey was conducted by carefully walking through the entire project area to search for suitable habitat or species of concern. Federally Protected Species Plants and animals with federal classification of Endangered (E) and Threatened (T) are protected under provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Federal 10 Candidate (C) species have also been listed, but are not provided protection under this Act. No survey was conducted to determine the presence of candidate species. Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) - (E)* A medium-sized bat with dark gray, or brown to light brown, fur, not glossy. The base of each hair is black for over two-thirds of its length, followed by a narrow grayish band which is not sharply delimited from the black base. The tips of the hairs may be dark gray to black, or dark to light brown. The nose is pink. Hairs on the foot are short and inconspicuous. The calcar, a cartilage support in the outer edge of the "tail membrane", is strongly keeled. Range: Midwest and eastern United States, from western edge of Ozark region in Oklahoma to Central Vermont, to southern Wisconsin, south to northern Alabama. In North Carolina, know from only five localities in the mountains. Habitat: In winter, this bat hibernates in large clusters in caves. In summer they roost in hollow trees, or under dead bark, feeding at night in the upper canopy layer above small streams. Suitable habitat (caves) does not occur at this site for this species. Therefore, this project will not impact the Indiana bat. American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrines anatum) - (E) A crow-sized bird 15-21" long with a 40" wingspread. Adults are slate-gray above and pale below, with fine bars and spots of black; narrow tail; long pointed wings; conspicuous black "mustaches". Young birds darker below and browner. Range: Formerly bred from Alaska to Greenland south to Georgia and Baja, California, but now restricted to the northern parts of its range in the East. Winters north to British Columbia and Massachusetts. Also breeds in southern South America, Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. Habitat: Open country, especially along rivers, also near lakes, and the coast. Migrates chiefly along the coast. Nests on cliffs or windowsills and ledges of buildings in large cities. Peregrine falcons have been introduced at several sites in the western mountains of North Carolina where cliffs exist to provide nesting sites. However, this project area does not contain cliffs or other suitable nesting sites for this falcon. This project will not impact on the peregrine falcon. White irisette (Sisyrinchium dichotomum) - (E) Scapose, cespitose perennial. Roots fibrous. Leaves linear, erect, or spreading. Scape flattened, very similar to the leaves, bearing two terminal spathes, sessile and twinned near apex of Scape. Each spathe two-bracted, the outer usually longer. Perianth white, actinomorphic, sepals and petals very similar, separate to base, oblanceolate, notched at apex and caudate or acuminate. Stamens united, 4-5 mm long; pistil slightly longer, protruding beyond apex of anthers. Capsule globose; seeds black, globose. Range: Historically reported from Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford Counties in North Carolina. The NCNHP indicates that all three of these populations are probably extinct. Habitat: Thin woods, especially over amphibolite, in the escarpment region of the mountains. Suitable habitat for this species does not occur at this site. This project will not impact on the white irisette. Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora) - (T) Acaulescent, rhizomatis, glabrate herbs. Leaves cordate to orbicular-cordate, 4 - 6 em long, or wide, lobes usually 1/4 or less the total length. Calyx tube cylindrical or slightly narrowed apically, reticulate-ridged within, 7 - 10 mm long, 5 - 8 mm in diameter, lobes 5 - 6 mm long, ascending-spreading. Anther connective not extended; style extension merely notched at apex. Flowers, April to early-May; Vegetative, year-round. Range: A few counties in the Piedmont of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Habitat: Rich, deciduous forests, bluffs, and ravines at low elevations. Because the habitat for this species could possibly exist at this site, all areas within 23 meters (75 ft) of any proposed construction were carefully searched by walking transects at 1.5 meter (5-foot) intervals. No Hexastylis species were found. This project will not impact on the dwarf-flowered heartleaf. Federal candidate species listed for Rutherford County are: Eastern small-footed bat (M•yotis subulatus leibii) Cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea) Green salamander (Aneides aeneus) * Rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma lineare) Nestronia (Nestronia umbellula) * Gray's saxifrage (Saxifraga caroliniana) Puck's orpine (Sedum pusillum) Divided-leaf ragwort (Senecio millefolium) * Indicates no specimen from Rutherford County in at least 20 years. State Protected Species The NCWRC reported no special concern for this site. The NCNHP has no records of State protected species being reported from the vicinity of this project. No state protected species will be impacted by this project. PERMITS It is anticipated that an individual permit will not be required from the Corps of Engineers since the Nationwide Section 404 permit provisions are applicable and the provisions of 330.5(b) and 330.6 will be followed. Since this project is located in a designated "trout" county, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is required to obtain approval from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and to fulfill its Section 404 permit obligations. The final permit decision rests with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A Section 401 Water Quality Certification which is administered through the North Carolina Department of Environment, 12 Health, and Natural Resources is required for any activity which may result in a discharge of dredged or fill material and for which a federal permit is required. CULTURAL RESOURCES The "Area of Potential Effect" of this project on cultural resources has been delineated and is shown on Figure 2. The bridge (No. 127) over the Second Broad River has been determined eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The finding is made pursuant to 36 CFR Part 800, regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. Part 470f). A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding the recording of Bridge No. 127 prior to removal, as accepted by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, is attached in the Appendix. There appears to be no other historic architectural resources in the vicinity of the project that are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The State Historic Preservation Officer was consulted and concurred with the above statements. (See letter in Appendix). There are no known recorded archaeological sites within the project boundaries. Per a discussion between Kenneth Robinson, NCDOT, and S14PO no archaeological survey is required for this project. IX. CONCLUSION On the basis of the above discussion, it is concluded that with proper implementation of the Department's erosion and sediment control measures and "Best Management Practices" no serious adverse environmental effects will result from the implementation of this project along the recommended alignment. 13 Sandy ?, 1713 ?c` 16U2 1504 17o i level .s -- ? - Ch.,'•c `? ?'' 1715 { emu' X? 1519. y ?ar? o CJ 1602 ':, 01510 -n 1702 171, y - ur 1705 1702 4 a 1715 `. 1525 _ ?-? Westminster l.8 f 1706 ^ 1007_ , b 1707 1527 1520 1510 ?r b t- e S 1520 9 6 .cr rv v 1.5 / .1550 1007 fi 1706 0 1527 1524 Fqs 1625 p } y?, \ 1 5 D tRutherford c 1558 59 534 15 ? aunty, 'p a Wilson Ch. ?. o .S T- / 1510 Logan 1706 I614_ / 1515 1796 y 9 ` b 2 D 523 1522 0 / 155 1007 1 F ? ? 1538 cb 1526 152o /At. • YS non D - j •1554 5 1561 - b ,. ?,' 3 1 ?? p r? .3 15 52 1535 ` -.1621 1594 s ls?o I N 1560 U s 1520 rf 1549 ? A % r-, 100 1 - _f 4 1539 1510 it 8 .- ?? X562 1561 PR 1538 \ ' URB. 64 _, _ z ?'-•?~-' Thermal Gb !d `Union ?j ID 5 ` IrlJls „ h hlmneT?toca R U T H 'E RA F Jp' Sunshine r ?J.LawLurr w 'lest- r roster Nolhs PDT olan ak l.!a y.?r e J T iWashbum \ Rutnerl«atoForest ostlc ! \ . ci c i pmdaL 71 l 14 rI nb? ??Alt?ndlr ills ? 29 ?Y (11 C7r01ten 1?ery / ^ ffsl,d ?? ' / `Nuns- =6 S .000 •=t ' 1 111T? NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH US 64, BRIDGE NO. 126&127 OVER CLINCHFIELD RAILROAD & SECOND BROAD RIVER RUTHERFORD COUNTY, B-2072 4/93 0 mile 11 FIG.1 W7 .1 rv?,?A . ? Q. ?? ? L \? SD- .... . .. .. ... ? ?` O .a n A N N N d n I O O ? a i' 0 w ` s ,; a 2 cp p N H 04 ro ? d W " ` w 04 9 C OA04H a O?cx.?? za z WHO _ ?' aaao0 C7fS+0U UO:e? SOU Ax04 HUOQA t o a 04 z 04 °Qa w 0 ? z cam -UOa x ? ?O 04 W x M 1 WEn H as cn >. O O O oa 04 .t SOUTH APPROACH LOOKING NORTH (NEAR BEGINNING OF PROJECT) ? ., 1. 17 to .? n SOUTH APPROACH LOOKING NORTH (SHOWING BRIDGE NOS. 126 & 127) NORTH APPROACH LOOKING SOUTH B-2072 BRIDGE NO. 126 & 127 RUTHERFORD COUNTY FIGURE 3-A II BRIDGE NO. 127 DOWNSTREAM SIDE VIEW BRIDGE NO. 126 SOUTHEAST SIDE VIEW B-2072 BRIDGE NO. 126 & 127 RUTHERFORD COUNTY FIGURE 3-B i ~ ?L,1 a tel. ` \ ,1- ( / 1 \ \ 922 -`, J h 1\ /?... ?. West mi h _ N?l --??? - _ 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN"'?'?<t.. 1? J " i ?r ???f = 1037y PROJECT SITE Logs B-2072 77 97 -_ / ?l f l_'? T ,_\\\ o`r _ ?_\? j i_ _ 1? ys2'* ?•?,-- ,j/-? ?11 / / t Y. / 77 i-?,, ( '? i ?? ? _1 ` '?\?j -? ? I• ?- - ?\ \ //°???? ?r ? yam- ? ?'` - ? ?;,- r?? ? ? 96c ? _ .-`!` Vl\ JJIR 1056? ? // if ° /- ????„//f J %f'`?? .?? ? -?,/'. ilk +? _ -_ ? B-2072 L ?//:' `L?% = 1 127 126 & BRIDGE NO. RUTHERFORD COUNTY r? SCALE IN FEET FIGURE L j \ \C 1000 0 1000 , ?'11\? i, I 4 cpJ /-"3 \ 3? IJ 11 ?'i J _ l \', ? _ ..1. ?? ., ? r.,i,/= ? .. -- 1005` ??1•I??--?1 ?_C/ , nl'/i _? ? _ APPENDIX NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION FINAL NATIONWIDE SECTION 4(F) EVALUATION AND APPROVAL FOR FEDERALLY-AIDED HIGHWAY PROJECTS THAT NECESSITATE THE USE OF HISTORIC BRIDGES F. A. Project BRF-15-2(5) State Project 8.1890601 T. I. P. No. B-2072 Description: Bridge No. 127 over Second Broad River on US Route 64, Rutherford County Yes No 1. Is the bridge to be replaced or rehabilitated with Federal funds? `/ F7 2. Does the project require the use of a historic bridge structure which is on or eligible for listing on the - ? National Register of Historic Places? ? 3. Is the bridge a National Historic Landmark? ? 4. Has agreement been reached among the FHWA, the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) through pro- cedures pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic ? ? Preservation Act (NHPA)? ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND FOUND NOT TO BE FEASIBLE AND PRUDENT The following alternatives were evaluated and found not to be feasible and purdent: Yes No 1. Do nothino. ? Does the "do nothing" alternative: (a) correct the problem situation that caused the bridge to be considered deficient? (b) pose serious and unacceptable safety hazards? 2 Yes No 2. Build a new structure at a different location without ? affecting the historic integrity of the structure. (a) The following reasons were reviewed: (circle, as appropriate) (i) The present bridge has already been located at the only feasible and prudent site or/and (ii) Adverse social, environmental, or economic impacts were noted or/and (iii) Cost and engineering difficulties reach extraordinary magnitude or/and (iv) The existing bridge cannot be preserved due to the extent of rehabilitation, because no responsible party will maintain and preserve the historic bridge, or the permitting authority requires removal or demolition. Rehabilitate the historic bridge without of,, ectino the nistoric integrity of the structure. (a) The following reasons were reviewed: (circle, as appropriate) (i) The bridge is so structurally deficient that it cannot be rehabilitated to meet the acceptable load requirements and meet National Register criteria or/and (ii) The bridge is seriously deficient geometrically and cannot be widened to meet the required capacity and meet National Register criteria MINIMIZATION OF HARM 1. The project includes all possible planning to ? ?I minimize harm. 2. Measures to minimize harm include the following: (circle, as appropriate) a. For bridges that are to be rehabilitated, the historic integrity of the bridge is preserved, to the greatest extent possible, consistent with unavoidable transportation needs, safety, and load requirements. 3 b. For bridges that are to be rehabilitated to the point that the historic integrity is affected or that are to be removed or demolished, the FH14A ensures that, in accordance with the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) standards, or other suitable means developed through con- sultation, fully adequate records are made of the bridge. C. For bridges that are to be replaced, the existing bridge is made available for an alternative use, provided aresponsible party agrees to maintain and preserve the bridge. d. For bridges that are adversely affected, agreement among the SHPO, ACHP, and FHWA is reached through the Section 106 process of the NHPA on measures to minimize harm and those measures are incorporated into the project. 3. Specific measures to minimize harm are discussed below: This project has been coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) and FHWA whose correspondence is included as Memorandum of Agreement. The proposed mitigation of the removal of Bridge No. 127 is through photographic inventory and to record as agreed upon through the following Memorandum of Agreement. Note: Any response in a box requires additional information prior to approval. Consult Nationwide a(f) evaluation. 4 COORDINATION The proposed project has been coordinated with the following (attach correspondence): a. State Historic Preservation Officer ? b. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation _ C. Local/State/Federal Agencies d. US Coast Guard (for bridges requiring bridge permits) SUMMARY AND APPROVAL The project meets all criterial included in the programmatic 4(f) evaluation approved on July 5, 1983. All required alternatives have been evaluated and the findinas made are clearly applicable to this project. There are no feasible and prudent alternatives t;, the use of the historic bridge. The project includes all possible olannire to minimize ;'arm, and there are assurances that the measures to minimize harm -ii'I be incorporated in the project. All appropriate coordination has been suc?ess=ui'. ?ompiee?. Approved: ate s/ Date i Manager, Planning a 5nv,ronmenta NCOOT 3rancn r-G?; /vision Aaministrator, FHWA j ?,)G ,146 a 14EMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT UM41TTED TO THE ADVISORY COUNC ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION PURSUANT TO 36 CFR PART 800.5(e)C4) REGARDING TIP ) B-2072 REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE 110. 127 ON US 64 OVER SECOND BROAD RIVER RUTHERFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA WHEREAS, the Federal Highway Administration (FHHA) has determined that the replacement of Bridge Number 127, a property eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, will result in an adverse affect on that bridge, and has consulted with the North Carolina Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) pursuant to 36 CFR Part 804, regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. Part 470f); and NOW, THEREFORE, the FHWA and the SHPO agree that if the Council accepts this Memorandum of Agreement, the undertaking shall be implemented in accordance with the following stipulations in order to take into account the effects of the undertaking on Bridge No. 127. Stipulations FHHA will ensure that the following measure will be carried out: 1. Bridge No. 127 will be recorded in accordance with the recordation plan attached hereto as Appendix A. Execution of this Memorandum of Agreement by FHWA and the North Carolina Historic Preservation officers its subsequent acceptance by the Council, and implementation of its terms, evidence that FHHA has afforded the Council an opportunity to comment on the replacement of Bridge No. 127 on US 64 over Second Broad River, Rutherford County, North Carolina, and that FHHA has taken into account the effects of the undertaking on historic properties. r' Date: S-//2 4, ACCEPTtO for Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Date: I' I - ?? Date: / l 13?z I Date: 7 V?4-- Appendix A Historic Structure Recordation Plan for the Replacement of Bridge No. 127 Rutharford County North Carolina Photographic views of the bridge, including: Overall views Distant views showing the property in its setting Details of construction or design 35mm or larger black and white negatives (all views) 8" x 10° black and white prints (all views) Color slides (ail views) All processing to be done to archival standards All photographs and negatives to be labeled according to Division of Archives and History standards Conics and Curation One (1) set of all negatives and prints will be deposited with the North Carolina Division of Archives and History/State Historic Prasorvation Office and made a permanent part of the statewide survey and iconographic collection. ROBERT Z. HAWK SS Chap IIsaI C. RUSSELL DUNCAN Vice Cha1r=1K FRANKLIN GOODE COmml9t101ker TONYITELTON Commudoncr ADEN LYNCH Comnilufoner October 13, 1994 Ms. Pam Williams WANG Engineering 119 West Maynard Suite 208 Cary, NC 27511 Dear Ms. Williams; Rutherford County 601 North Main Street Rutheriordtou, NC 28139 (704) 287-6045 (704) 257-6262 FAX JOHN W. CONDREY Coup hfanagcr JOE L_ 5'%TiG PersonneJMmarsug Director 5TELLA WONIACK Rxance DlCeclor WALTER DALTON County Attorney HAZELS, HAYNES Clerk to tie DO.rd The county has not objection to DOT proceeding with the replacement of Bridge No. 127 over Second Broad River, Number B•2072, If you need any additional information, please let me know. Sincerely, 7 hn W. Condrey, runty Manager JWC/hh ??e December 16. 1994 Memorandum To: David Moore. NC Office of State Archaeology. Asheville From: Kenneth Robinson. NC Department of Transportation Subject: Bridge Replacement Project. TIP No. B-2072. Bridges No. 126 and 127 over ClinchfieldVRailroad and Second Broady River. This project was brought to my attention today in a phone call from Renee Gledhill-Earley. She was followinn up on the details of a Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement regarding historic bridles associated with this project. ThisyMOA is now in the hands of the Advisory Council. During their review of the MOA, the Advisory Council noted that NCDOT had commented in a draft document that an archaeological survey of the project area would be conducted. Unon further inouirv, however, it was found that SHPO apparently had never commented on the nroiect with regard to archaeoio?-ical resources. The Advisor.' Council does not wish to prod--d with completion of the MOA until the archaeological concerns under Section 106 are addressed. NCDOT project engineer Leigh (7obb consulted today with Renee Gledhill-F'Farlty rt2=irdin« the best way to proceed with this matter in a timely manner. Renee sues!ested we send documentation about the project directly to you and ask for your comments on whether an archaeological survey should or should not he conducted for the project. I would appreciate your review of the project as soon as possible. Should an. archaeological survevyhe necessary. please inform us so that we can begin to make plans to conduct the assessment. If you have any questions. or need additional documentation. please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks! cc: T. Padgett Leigh Cobb .71 North Carolina Department of Cultural Resour James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCaig, Se=tary September 27, 1993 Nicholas L. Graf Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration Department of Transportation 310 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442 RE: Replace Bridge No. 126 over Clinchfield Railroad and Bridge No. 127 over Second Broad River on US 64, Rutherford County, B-2072, BRF-15-2(5), ER 94-7320. Di i SFP 3 ??y3 n t?, i.veslaad Historyi ?V cc. Jr.. Directo Thank you for your letter of August 24, 1 993, concerning the above proiect. We have reviewed the phase I historic architectural resources survey report prepared by .Kitty Houston for the North Carolina Department of Transportation concerning the protect. We understand that rive structures over fifty years of ace are located in the area of potential effect. Based upon the information in the report, we concur with the Federal Highway Administration's determination that Bridge No. 127 is eligible for listing in the National. Register of Historic Places under Criterion C for engineering. We also concur that the remainino four structures--Bridge No. 126 and the three bungalows--are not eligible for the National Register since they have little historical or architectural significance. The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 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, n t - Y'? '5k ' r avid Brook, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slw cc. L.J. Ward 3. aturcz 109 Fast Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 rG' U.S. Department of Agriculture FARMLAND CONVERSION IMPACT RATING PART I (To be completed by Federal Agency) Date Of Land Evaluation Request .e C. 2 3 , 1992 e v . i%oye-1her 30, 11 U) Name Of Project T T P N 2 0 7 2 R 1 d Federal Agency Invorved F11WA .. O. :i- ?CVS(? 1 Proposed Land Use I County And State 1-11anV i?utherford Co. C Date Request Received By SCS. PART 11 (To.be completed by SCS) Does the site contain prime,p.nique,statewide of local;important,farmlandT Yes No, (!f no; the FPPA does not appii- do rrotcomplete additional- pan -s oft/his form!. a ` m es. I rrigated' _ Average Farm Size, Major Crop(t1 L''C.'n;. Jurisdiction. - Farmable Land In Govt- ACres;• i? .C7C? Amount Of Farmland As. Defined in FPPA Acres: j.. % CIAO Name Of Land Evaluation, System Used Name Of Local Site Assess enc System- ; .. Date. Land Evaluation Returned By SCS er native Site Alt Rti n PART II I (To be completed by Federal Agency) Site A B Si te Site C site D A. Total Acres To Be Converted Directly 2 .60 0 . (i4 5.80 B. Total Acres To Be Converted Indirectly 0 U 0 C. Total Acres In Site 2 . 00 0.64 5.80 PART IV (To be completed by SCSI Land.Evaluation Information* a A. Total Acres Prime And Unique Farmland B. Total Acres Statewide And Local Important Farmland ; C. Percentage Of Farmland In County Or Local Govt. Unit To Be Converted L r 1:/V o ' c -L, OilI4o D. Percentage Of Farmland In Govt. Jurisdiction With Same Or Higher Relative Value PART V (To be completed by SCS) Land Evaluation Criterion Relative Value Of Farmland To Be Converted (Scale of 0 to 100 Points) PART V I (To be completed by Federal Agency) Site Assessment C. iteria (These criteria are explained in 7 CFR 658.5(6) I'v1aximum 1 Points 1. Area In Nonurban Use 2. Perimeter In Nonurban Use 3. Percent Of Site Being Farmed 4. Protection Provided By State And Local Government b. Distance From Urban Builtup Area o. Distance To Urban Support Services i. Size Of Present Farm Unit Compared To Average 8. Creation Of Nonfarmable Farmland 9. Avaiiability Of Farm Support Services 10. On-Farm Investments 1 it. Effects Of Conversion On Farm Support Services 12. Compatibility With Existing Aaricultural Use TOTAL SITE ASSESSMENT POINTS 160 PART V11 i To be completed by Federal Agency) Relative Value Of Farmland 'From Part l!1 100 i otal Site Assessment (From Part Vl anove or a locai ;ire assessment) 160 -_-TAL POINTS (Total oraoove dines) 21 60 I Site Selected: Date Of Selection dJas A Local Site Assessment Jsea? yes - "10 _ ?eason rJr Jelecnon