HomeMy WebLinkAbout20141271 Ver 1_Scoping Comments_20121207Department oJl EIIg'n onroe1 ft';: crdii ces
Project Review Form
Pi wet Number 13-0196
County Cabarrus and Date Received 12/05/2012
Mecklenburg
Due Dale: 12/31/2012
Protect Description Environmental Review - Final Categorical Exclusion for City of Concoro's
widening of Derita Road - SR 1445 from Concord Mills Boulevard to Poplar Tcrt
Road TIP No U-4910
Please refer to proi # 11-0282
This Project is being reviewed as indicates below
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_J No objection to project as proposed
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if you have any questions please contact
Lyn Hardison at Ivn hardison(&,ncdenr gov or (252) 948-3842
DEC _ 7 2012
Ate, R Warr
TY
PROJECT COMMITMENTS
Widening of Derita Road (SR 1445)
From Concord Mills Boulevard (SR 2 894) to Poplar Tent Road (SR 1384)
Concord, Cabarrus County
WBS Element 40373.1.1
TIP PROJECT U-4910
Greensheet Greensheet Page 1 of 1
U-4910 Categorical Exclusion October 2012
Project Commitments
Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation:
The design accommodates bicycle traffic through the use of 14-foot outside lanes along Derita Road (SR
1445). The City of Concord is planning to build si dewalks along both sides of Derita Road for the entire
project length to facilitate the connectivity between the planned Rocky River Greenway and the project.
Hydraulics Unit
Cabarrus County is a participant in the Federal Fl ood Insurance Program and this project involves
the replacement of Bridge No. 3 on Derita Road (S R 1445) over Rocky River. Since the proposed
replacement for Bridge No. 3 is expected to be a structure with similar or greater waterway
opening size, it is not anticipated th at it will have any significant adverse impact on the existing
floodplain. However, a FEMA Conditional Lette r of Map Revision (CLOMR) may be required by
Cabarrus County for this project.
Table of Contents
I. DESCRIPTION OF PROP OSED ACTION ........................................................................................... 1
A. General Description of Project ........................................................................................... 1
B. Project Schedule ................................................................................................................ 2
C. Cost Estimates ............................................................................................................... 2
II. PURPOSE A ND NEED ......................................................................................................................... 2
A. Purpose of Project .............................................................................................................. 2
B. Need for Project ................................................................................................................. 2
C. Supporting Data .............................................................................................................. 2
1. Traffic Volumes ............................................................................................................... 2
2. Crash Data ..................................................................................................................... 3
3. Highway Capacity Analyses ........................................................................................... 5
III. PROPOSED IM PROVEM ENTS............................................................................................................ 8
A. Roadway ............................................................................................................................ 8
B. Intersection Treatment and Type of Control ....................................................................... 9
C. Maintenance of Traffic .................................................................................................. 10
D. Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations .................................................................... 10
IV. ESTIMATED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT S OF PROPOSED ACTION ........................................... 10
A. Natural Environment Resources ...................................................................................... 10
1. Streams ........................................................................................................................ 10
2. Wetlands ....................................................................................................................... 11
3. Threatened and Endangered Species .......................................................................... 11
4. GeoEnvironmental ........................................................................................................ 13
B. Human Environment Resources ...................................................................................... 14
1. Land Use and Population ............................................................................................. 14
2. Historic Properties ........................................................................................................ 14
3. Archaeology .................................................................................................................. 14
4. Summary of Community Impacts ................................................................................. 14
V. AGENCY / PUBLIC COORDINAT ION ............................................................................................... 15
A. Agency Coordination ........................................................................................................ 15
B. Public Coordination .......................................................................................................... 16
VI. NEPA / 404 MERG ER PROCESS ...................................................................................................... 18
Categorical Exclusion
TIP U-4910
VII. BASIS FOR CATEGORIC AL EXCLUSION ....................................................................................... 19
VIII. REFERE NCES .................................................................................................................................... 20
TABLES
Table 1. Cost Estimates ................................................................................................................ 2
Table 2. Crash Type Frequency ................................................................................................... 3
Table 3. Crash Rates Comparison ................................................................................................ 4
Table 4. 2011 Existing LOS and Delay by Intersection ................................................................. 6
Table 5. 2035 No-Build LOS and Delay by Intersection ............................................................... 6
Table 6. 2035 Build LOS and Delay by Intersection ..................................................................... 7
Table 7. LOS and Delay by Intersection - 2035 No Build Traffic Volumes with Proposed
Improvements ............................................................................................................................... 8
Table 8. Future No-Build - 2035 Network Analysis Comparison ................................................... 9
Table 9. Proposed Roadway Improvements ............................................................................... 10
Table 10. Proposed Intersection Access Control ........................................................................ 11
Table 11. Jurisdictional Characteristics of Water Resources in the Study Area ......................... 10
Table 12. Jurisdictional Characteristics of Water Resources in the Study Area ......................... 11
Table 13. Federally Protected Species Listed for Cabarrus County ........................................... 11
Table 14. Community Issues ...................................................................................................... 15
Table 15. Agency Coordination ................................................................................................... 16
Table 16. Public Coordination ..................................................................................................... 16
FIGURES
Figure 1 Project Vicinity Map
Figure 2a-c Proposed Design
Figure 3 Typical Section
Figure 4 I-3803B
APPENDICES
A Agency Coordination and Scoping Responses
Categorical Exclusion
TIP U-4910
1
I. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION
A. General Description of Project
The City of Concord, in cooperati on with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), has
prepared a Categorical Exclusion and engineering st udies for the widening of Derita Road (SR 1445)
from its intersection with Concord Mills Boulevard (S R 2894) to its intersection with Poplar Tent Road
(SR 1394).
The proposed project is included in the 2012-2020 St ate Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as
STIP Project Number U-4910 from Concord Mills Bo ulevard (SR 2894) to Poplar Tent Road (SR 1394)
with a conformity network year 2011 and in the Cabarrus-Rowan MPO’s Transportation Conformity
Analysis and Determination Report (Appendix D) dated February, 2010. A project vicinity map is shown
as Figure 1 . The proposed design is shown in Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c . A proposed typical section is
shown as Figure 3 .
NCDOT STIP Project Number U-4910 is located in western Cabarrus County approximately 0.25 miles
from the Cabarrus County / Mecklenburg County line. The proposed project consists of widening
approximately 2.6 miles of Derita Road (SR 1445) to a four-lane divided facility with a 23-foot wide
median between Concord Mills Boulevard (SR 2894) and Poplar Tent Road (SR 1394). Wide (14-foot)
outside lanes will be provided to accommodate bicycl es. The proposed right-of-way width would be 105
feet and estimated right-of-way acquisi tion would be approximately 13.16 acres.
Existing Derita Road (SR 1445) is predominately a two-lane roadway within the project’s limits, but is
wider in some locations. Derita Road (SR 1445 ) is four-lanes between Concord Mills Boulevard
(SR 2894) and just north of the Low es driveway. Approximately 500 f eet north of the Lowes driveway,
Derita Road (SR 1445) transitions to a two-lane r oadway with left turn lanes at major cross streets
(including Thunder Road, Aviation Boulevard / Westwi nds Boulevard, Northwinds Drive, Westmoreland
Drive, and Poplar Tent Road). The existing right-of-wa y width varies from 60 feet to 135 feet. Derita
Road (SR 1445) lies parallel to I-85 and provides a north/south connection between Concord Mills
Boulevard (SR 2894) and Poplar Tent Road (SR 1394).
Major traffic generating intersections along the project include the Derita Road (SR 1445) and Concord
Mills Boulevard (SR 2894) intersection, the Deri ta Road (SR 1445) and Aviation Boulevard NW /
Westwinds Boulevard NW intersection, and the Derita Road (SR 1445) and Poplar Tent Road (SR 1394)
intersection. Large traffic generators and business centers include the Concord Regional Airport,
Concord Mills Mall, and Wal-Mart Supercenter. The widening is needed to better accommodate traffic
volumes. Full movement intersections are anticipated to be provided at Derita Road’s intersections with
Concord Mills Boulevard (SR 2894), Thunder Road, Av iation Boulevard NW / Westwinds Boulevard NW,
Northwinds Drive, and Westmoreland Drive. Other in tersecting routes will have intersections where one
or more turning movements are limited.
Nearby projects include the pr oposed extension of the I-485 outer beltline (NCDOT STIP Project
R-2248E) just south of the project in the Concord M ills area (Mecklenburg County); Phase I of the Rocky
River Greenway proposed alongside Rocky River in the vicinity of Derita Road (SR 1445); and the
widening of I-85 and improvements to Poplar Tent Road (SR 1394), STIP Project I-3803B. I-3803B was
LET to construction in 2011 and is scheduled to be completed by October 1, 2014. A Concord-
Kannapolis Area Transit Rider bus stop is located near the Wal-Mart Supercenter parking lot in the
vicinity of Concord Mills.
Categorical Exclusion
TIP U-4910
2
B. Project Schedule
Construction of the project is anticipated to be comple ted in two phases. Phase I will begin at Poplar Tent
Road (SR 1394) and extend to, and include, the intersec tion of Aviation Boulevard prior to tapering back
to the existing two-lane section in advance of the exis ting bridge over Rocky River. Phase II will extend
from the end of Phase I, include the construction of a proposed bridge over Rocky River to Concord Mills
Boulevard (SR 2894). All planning, environmental documentation, and de sign must be completed for the
entire project prior to Phase I being advertised for construction.
C. Cost Estimates
Based on a current municipal agreement between t he City of Concord and NCDOT, the total funding
available for the widening of Derita Road (SR 1445) for Phase I of construction is $11,933,813. The total
maximum federal award amount provided to the City of Concord through reimbursement by NCDOT is
$9,797,050 with the City of Concord providing at leas t 20 percent matching funds ($2,136,763). Phase II
funding is currently not available but will be pursued . A 2012 cost estimate for the proposed project
(Phases I and II) is contained in Table 1.
Table 1. Cost Estimates
Proposed Improvements Cost Estimate
(Phase I -1.6 miles)
Cost Estimate (Phase II –
0.8 miles)
Cost Estimate
Totals (Phases I
and II)
Construction $9,619,402 $9,899,998 $19,519,400
Right of Way $787,307 $606,139 $1,393,446
Total: $10,406,709 $10,506,137 $20,912,846
II. PURPOSE AND NEED
A. Purpose of Project
The purpose of the proposed project is to increase th e traffic carrying capacity of the roadway, on Derita
Road (SR 1445) to provide an improved link and add capacity to the transportation network and thus
enhance mobility in the project study area. Further, the project will include access management along the
project and enhance access to the Concord Regional Airport.
B. Need for Project
Derita Road (SR 1445) serves as a major thoroug hfare as identified in the City of Concord’s
Transportation Plan, and connects the Concord Regional Airport, Concord Mills, and other regional land
uses in the Charlotte Metropolitan area and the City of Concord. Derita Road (SR 1445) parallels I-85 to
the west and is proposed to connect from the south to a future interchange with I-485 (under
construction). The widening is needed to better accommodate traffic volumes.
C. Supporting Data
1. Traffic Volumes
The existing 2011 average daily traffic (ADT) volumes on Derita Road (SR 1445) within the project’s limits
range from a low of 9,400 vehicles per day (vpd) on the south leg of the Derita Road (SR 1445) and
Concord Mills Boulevard (SR 2894) intersection to a high of 11,000 vpd on the north leg of the Derita
Road (SR 1445) and Concord Mills Boulevard (SR 2894) intersection. Derita Road (SR 1445) intersects
Categorical Exclusion
TIP U-4910
3
with numerous roads that facilitate notable traffic vo lumes, including Poplar Tent Road (SR 1394) (16,900
to 22,000 vpd), Westwind Boulevard (1,100 vpd), Aviation Boulevard (1,700 vpd), Thunder Road (4,900
vpd), Lowes driveway (2,200 vpd), Christenbury Parkway (17,900 vpd), and Concord Mills Boulevard
(SR 2894) (23,100 vpd).
Since the traffic forecast area is expected to experie nce congestion in the design year (2035), separate
No-Build and Build forecasts were developed for the proposed project. For the No-Build forecast, the
existing typical section (2-lanes undivided) for Derita Road (SR 1445) was used and for the Build
forecast, the proposed typical section (4-lanes divided) was used to generate traffic volumes.
The future No-Build 2035 ADT for Derita Road (SR 1445) along the proposed project shows traffic
increasing to a low of 11,500 vpd between Aviation Boulevard and Jetstream Boulevard to a high of
16,100 vpd on the north leg of the Derita Road (SR 1445 ) and Poplar Tent Road (SR 1394) intersection.
Derita Road (SR 1445) intersects with numerous roads that facilitate notabl e future traffic volumes: Poplar
Tent Road (SR 1394) (35,600 to 45,400 vpd), Westwi nd Boulevard (6,000 vpd), Aviation Boulevard
(4,300 vpd), Thunder Road (10,000 vpd), Lowes Dr iveway (3,200 vpd), Christenbury Parkway (23,200
vpd), and Concord Mills Boulevar d (SR 2894) (31,600 vpd).
The future Build 2035 ADT for Derita Road (SR 1445) along the proposed project shows traffic increasing
to a low of 24,500 vpd between Aviation Boulevard and Jetstream Boulevard to a high of 29,100 vpd
between the Lowes driveway and Concord Mills Boulevard (SR 2894).
A comparison of the mainline volumes along Derita Road (SR 1445) for the No-Build 2035 scenario
shows an approximate 100 percent increase in traffic volumes over those in the Build 2035 scenario.
This is due to forecasted trips in the No-Build 20 35 scenario (constrained model) that desired to use
Derita Road (SR 1445), but chose other routes due to congestion caused by the lack of adequate
capacity. Hence, it can be noted that an increa se in the capacity for the Build 2035 scenario
(unconstrained model) due to widening appears to be offset by the doubling of traffic volumes. Since
these traffic volumes are double in the Build Scenari o, LOS and delay may be slightly worse than No-
Build conditions; however, it should be noted that with the proposed improvements, Derita Road can
accommodate higher traffic volumes due to the traffic carrying capacity of the roadway hence a benefit to
the network.
2. Crash Data
Crash data was collected and analyzed for Derita Road (SR 1445) from Concord Mills Boulevard
(SR 2894) to Poplar Tent Road (SR 1394) in Cabarr us County. Crash data was collected for a three-year
period from March 1, 2009 to February 29, 2012 and incl uded crash rates, crash types, and other related
crash information. Crash rates are determined by t he length of roadway, average daily traffic, and the
number of reported accidents along a r oute for a specific time frame. Crash rates are listed as crashes
per 100 million vehicle miles (per 100 MVM). Table 2 lists the traffic crashes by type reported along
Derita Road (SR 1445) from Concord Mills Boulevard (SR 2894) to Poplar Tent Road (SR 1394).
Table 2. Crash Type Frequency
Crash Type Number Percentage of Total (%)
Angle 13 18.57
Animal 7 10.00
Backing Up 1 1.43
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TIP U-4910
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Crash Type Number Percentage of Total (%)
Fixed Object 3 4.29
Head On 3 4.29
Left Turn, Different Roadways 2 2.86
Left turn, Same Roadway 7 10.00
Other Collision with Vehicle 1 1.43
Overturn / Rollover 1 1.43
Pedal cyclist 1 1.43
Pedestrian 1 1.43
Ran Off Road - Left 1 1.43
Ran Off Road - Right 3 4.29
Rear End, Slow or Stop 21 30.00
Sideswipe, Opposite Direction 1 1.43
Sideswipe, Same Direction 4 5.71
Total 70 100%
A total of 70 crashes were reported along the 2.6-mile section of Derita Road (SR 1445) from Poplar Tent
Road (SR 1394) to Concord Mills Boulevard (SR 2894) in Cabarrus County during the period from
March 1, 2009 to February 29, 2012. Four promin ent collision types made up 69 percent of the total
crashes along Derita Road (SR 1445). Of the 70 reported crashes, 13 were angle collisions; 7 were
animal collisions; 7 were left turn on same roadway collisions; and 21 were rear-end slow or stop
collisions. Rear-end slow or st op crash types are an indicator of c ongested conditions and/or turning
movements along existing Derita Road (SR 1445) and re present the effect such conditions can have on
driver behavior. One fatal crash occurred along Derita Road (SR 1445) during the three-year period.
Table 3 lists the simple comparison of crash rates al ong the approximately 2.6-mile stretch of Derita Road
(SR 1445) compared to the statewide averages for 2008 to 2010 and the critical crash rate for Derita
Road (SR 1445) and statewide.
Table 3. Crash Rates Comparison
Existing Derita Road (SR 1445)
Crash Rate
per 100 MVM
Statewide Average Crash Rate for
2 Lane Undivided
Urban Primary Routes
per 100 MWM (2008-2010)
Total 266.56 217.18
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TIP U-4910
5
Existing Derita Road (SR 1445)
Crash Rate
per 100 MVM
Statewide Average Crash Rate for
2 Lane Undivided
Urban Primary Routes
per 100 MWM (2008-2010)
*2008-2010 Critical
Crash Rate 323.49 270.56
Fatal 3.81 0.70
Non-Fatal 91.39 73.44
Night 83.78 44.53
Wet 38.08 36.75
ACC/100MWM – Accidents per 100 million vehicle miles
* The critical rate is a statistically derived number that ca n be used to identify high accident roadway segments. The
critical rate is a 95% confidence level that some thing else than chance is causing the accidents.
The total crash rate for Derita Road (SR 1445) was 266.56 per 100-million vehicle miles. This is slightly
higher than the statewide three-year crash rate (2008-2010) for urban primary routes, which was 217.18
per 100-million vehicle miles. The 2008-2010 critical cr ash rate along existing Derita Road is higher than
the statewide average. A noted safe ty concern would be sight distance for drivers turning onto Derita
Road from side streets and/or driveways. The pr oposed improvements to Derita Road are anticipated to
reduce these safety concerns and the addition of a median throughout the project should reduce traffic
conflicts at intersections and reduce congesti on (queuing) and thereby should reduce the rear-
end/congestion related crashes.
3. Highway Capacity Analyses
The highway capacity analyses were conducted in accordance with the latest NCDOT Congestion
Management Unit’s Capacity Analysis Guidelines for the TIP projects , dated February 15, 2006. They
also were performed based on methodologies from the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2000), Special
Report 209 . Traffic modeling software used in the capacity analyses were Synchro 7.0 and SimTraffic 7.0,
Version 7 (Build 773, Rev 8). Additional information and the detailed analyses is included in the Final
Capacity Analysis Report for Derita Road (February, 2012).
The traffic carrying ability of a roadwa y is described by levels of servic e (LOS) that range from LOS A to
LOS F. LOS A represents unrestricted maneuv erability and operating speeds. LOS B represents
reduced maneuverability and operating speeds. LOS C represents restricted maneuverability and
operating speeds closer to the speed limit. LOS D represents severely restricted maneuverability and
unstable, low operating speeds. This LOS (LOS D) is considered acceptable in developed urban areas.
LOS E represents operating conditions at or near the capacity level. LOS F represents breakdown
conditions characterized by stop and go travel.
Capacity analyses were performed for 2011 AM and PM peak periods for all intersections analyzed.
Levels of service and delay by intersection for Deri ta Road (SR 1445) for Existing 2011, 2035 No-Build,
and 2035 Build are summarized in Table 4, Table 5, and Table 6. For comparison purposes, Table 7
presents levels of service and delays for the prop osed improvements using the 2035 No-Build forecast.
Categorical Exclusion
TIP U-4910
6
Table 4. 2011 Existing LOS and Delay by Intersection
Intersection
AM Peak PM Peak
LOS Delay
(sec) LOS Delay
(sec)
Concord Mills Boulevard / Christenbury Parkway at Derita
Road (Signalized) D 35.1 C 33.8
Lowes Driveway at Derita Road (Unsignalized) C 18.5 C 18.0
Thunder Road at Derita Road (Signalized) B 17.9 B 18.4
Jetstream Boulevard at Derita Road (Unsignalized) D 25.5 D 34.6
Aviation Boulevard / Westwind Boulevard at Derita Road
(Unsignalized) F 64.7 F 151.4
Northwind Drive at Derita Road (Unsignalized) C 20.7 C 23.7
Altacrest Drive at Derita Road (Unsignalized) C 21.6 C 22.9
Mistywood Lane at Derita Road (Unsignalized) C 21.6 C 22.9
Myint Lane at Derita Road (Unsignalized) C 18.5 C 21.6
Westmoreland Drive at Derita Road (Unsignalized) C 17.4 C 21.6
Poplar Tent Road at Derita Road / Odell School Road
(Signalized) E 70.2 D 53.9
Table 5. 2035 No-Build LOS and Delay by Intersection*
Intersection
AM Peak PM Peak
LOS Delay
(sec) LOS Delay
(sec)
Concord Mills Boulevard / Christenbury Parkway at Derita
Road (Signalized) D 43.0 D 36.9
Lowes Driveway at Derita Road (Unsignalized) E 42.2 F 74.0
Thunder Road at Derita Road (Signalized) C 28.7 C 29.2
Jetstream Boulevard at Derita Road (Unsignalized) F 97.9 F 348.7
Aviation Boulevard / Westwind Boulevard at Derita Road
(Unsignalized) F 900+ F 900+
Northwind Drive at Derita Road (Unsignalized) F 76.5 F 228.5
Altacrest Drive at Derita Road (Unsignalized) C 21.5 C 24.3
Mistywood Lane at Derita Road (Unsignalized) C 22.2 C 24.7
Myint Lane at Derita Road (Unsignalized) E 40.2 F 62.7
Westmoreland Drive at Derita Road (Unsignalized) E 40.5 E 36.3
Categorical Exclusion
TIP U-4910
7
Intersection
AM Peak PM Peak
LOS Delay
(sec) LOS Delay
(sec)
Poplar Tent Road at Derita Road / Odell School Road
(Signalized) A 9.7 B 13.0
Poplar Tent Road at WB U-Turn (Signalized) C 21.3 C 32.9
Poplar Tent Road at EB U-Turn (Signalized) C 30.2 C 22.1
* - Traffic volumes in the No-Build 2035 scenario were based on a constrained model meaning vehicles
that desired to use Derita Road (SR 1445) chose othe r routes due to congestion caused by the lack of
adequate traffic capacity.
Table 6 . 2035 Build LOS and Delay by Intersection**
Intersection
AM Peak PM Peak
LOS Delay
(sec) LOS Delay
(sec)
Concord Mills Boulevard / Christenbury Parkway at Derita
Road (Signalized) D 48.0 D 51.6
Lowes Driveway at Derita Road (Unsignalized) F 900+ F 900+
Thunder Road at Derita Road (Signalized) C 23.0 C 27.1
Jetstream Boulevard at Derita Road (Unsignalized) B 14.3 C 24.1
Aviation Boulevard / Westwind Boulevard at Derita Road
(Signalized) B 17.5 C 32.8
Northwind Drive at Derita Road (Unsignalized) A 4.1 B 10.1
Altacrest Drive at Derita Road (Unsignalized) B 11.6 C 17.8
Mistywood Lane at Derita Road (Unsignalized) F 64.7 F 126.2
Myint Lane at Derita Road (Unsignalized) C 15.4 F 63.4
Westmoreland Drive at Derita Road (Unsignalized) F 101.7 F 900+
Poplar Tent Road at Derita Road / Odell School Road
(Signalized) B 18.9 D 55.0
Poplar Tent Road at WB U-Turn (Signalized) C 20.2 C 26.4
Poplar Tent Road at EB U-Turn (Signalized) C 29.5 B 14.1
** - It can be noted that an increase in the capacity for the Build 2035 scenario (unconstrained model)
due to widening appears to be offset by the doubling of traffic from the Future No-Build traffic forecast
volumes and the Future Build traffic volumes. Sinc e these traffic volumes are double in the Build
Scenario, LOS and delay may be slightly worse than No -Build conditions. However, it should be noted
that with the proposed improvements, Derita Road can accommodate higher traffic volumes due to the
traffic carrying capacity of the roadway (doubli ng) hence a benefit to the network capacity.
Categorical Exclusion
TIP U-4910
8
As noted in the table above, with improvements, Deri ta Road (SR 1445) can accommodate higher traffic
volumes. However, due to the difference in projecte d traffic volumes in the Fu ture No-Build and Future
Build conditions (projected volumes double), the as sociated delays and level of service do not appear to
improve but Derita Road can accommodate higher tra ffic volumes due to the traffic carrying capacity of
the roadway (doubling) hence a benef it to the network capacity.
III. PROPOSED IM PROVEMENTS
A. Roadway
The proposed project consists of widening approximately 2.6 miles of Derita Road (SR 1445), between
Concord Mills Boulevard (SR 2894) and Poplar Tent Ro ad (SR 1394), to a four-lane divided facility with a
23-foot wide median (30-foot wide if / where doubl e left turn lanes are needed). The City of Concord
proposes a best-fit alignment to widen the route. Full traffic movements will be provided at major
intersections and left-turns / u-turns will be ac commodated at select locations between major
intersections. Along the project corridor, the two-lane road will be widened to four lanes with a 23-foot
wide raised grass median. Figure 3 shows the typical section of what the road might look like with the
median. As illustrated, the typical section includes 14-foot outside lanes for shared use with bicyclists.
Curb and gutter will be added, along with sidewalks, to both sides of the roadway.
This proposed project involves the replacement of Bridge No. 3 on Derita Road (SR 1445) over Rocky
River in Cabarrus County. According to the Bri dge Inspection Report, Bridge No. 3 was constructed in
1983 and has a sufficiency rating of 80.1. Typically, it is not NCDOT standard practice to replace bridges
unless the sufficiency rating is below 50. However, the existing bridge is proposed to be replaced due to
vertical grade issues and horizontal sight distance i ssues at Jetstream Boulevar d and Aviation Boulevard.
The proposed grade of the roadway will need to be ra ised to provide freeboard above the design storm
and base flood. The proposed low chord should be se t a minimum elevation of 604.2 to provide one foot
of freeboard above the 100-year st orm elevation. The length of the proposed bridge and recommended
roadway elevation may be adjusted (increased or decreased) to accommodate design floods as
determined in the final hydrologic study and hydraulic design.
There is an existing culvert crossing on Derita Road (SR 1445) just south of Edenbury Drive over an
unnamed tributary to Rocky River. The existing culvert is a 3@ 73” x 55” CMP Arch. Since the culvert is
not in a FEMA Study Area, any ext ension or replacement of the struct ure is required to be designed to
match or lower the existing 100-year storm elevation in the vicinity of the cros sing. The existing culvert
has a standard headwall with square edge inlet and over topping of the existing road occurs when the
headwater on the culvert is approximately 7 feet. It is proposed to remove and replace the existing
culvert with 3 @ 11’ x 8’ RCBC (rei nforced concrete box culvert).
Table 9 lists the proposed design improvements along Derita Road (SR 1445).
Table 9 . Proposed Roadway Improvements
Proposed Design Improvements Description
Proposed No. Lanes 4 lanes
Proposed Lane Width 12’ inside lanes; 14’ outside lanes for shared
use with bicyclists
Proposed Raised Median Width 23’
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Proposed Design Improvements Description
Proposed Total Shoulder Width 13’
Proposed Right of Way 105’
Proposed Design Speed 50 mph
Proposed Speed Limit 45 mph
Proposed Culvert 3 @ 11’ x 8’ RCBC
Proposed Bridge One bridge over Rocky River
Bicycle / Pedestrian Accommodations 14’ outside lane for shared use with
bicyclists
Utilities to be Relocated Water and sewer
B. Intersection Treatment and Type of Control
Full movement intersections are anticipated to be prov ided at Derita Road’s intersections with Concord
Mills Boulevard (SR 2894), Aviation Boulevard NW / Westwind Boulevard NW, and Thunder Road. Other
intersecting routes will have inte rsections where one or more turnin g movements are limited. At the
Derita Road (SR 1445) and Poplar Tent Road (SR 1394) intersection, all movements will be permitted
except left turns (as designated for TIP I-3803B). I-3803B improvements along Poplar Tent Road (SR
1394) extend to I-85 as shown in Figure 4. I-3803B was LET to construction in 2011 and is scheduled to
be completed by October 1, 2014. Leftovers and u-turns will be pr ovided for other side streets as
possible. Other minor roads and driveways may be conv erted to right-in and right-out intersections. Full
access at these intersections is anti cipated to mitigate any access issues . U-turn traffic will be considered
when designing the full access intersections. The propo sed intersection access control is summarized in
Table 10.
Table 10. Proposed Intersection Access Control
Side Street Proposed Access Control
Poplar Tent Rd. Full movement except left turns
Westmoreland Dr. Full movement
Myint Ln. Right in / right out and left over from
southbound Derita Road (SR 1445)
Mistywood Ln. Right in / right out and left over from
southbound Derita Road (SR 1445)
Altacrest Dr. Right in /right out and left over from
southbound Derita Road (SR 1445)
Northwind Dr. Full movement
Aviation Blvd. / Westwind Blvd. Full movement
Jetstream Blvd. Right in / right out
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Side Street Proposed Access Control
Thunder Rd. Full movement
Concord Mills Blvd. Full movement
C. Maintenance of Traffic
During construction, two-way traffic will be maintained on existing street s along the project. Coordination
will occur with local resident and business owners to maintain access to properties during construction.
D. Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations
The design accommodates bicycle traffic through th e use of 14-foot outside lanes along Derita Road
(SR 1445). NCDOT should evaluate whether pedestrian crossi ngs should be considered for sections of
roadway that contain sidewalks. The City of Concor d is planning to build sidewalks along both sides of
Derita Road for the entire project length to facilit ate the connectivity between the planned Rocky River
Greenway and the project.
IV. ESTIMATED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED ACTION
A. Natural Environment Resources
1. Streams
Water resources in the study area are located in t he Yadkin River basin (US Geologic Survey Hydrologic
Unit Code 03040105, DWQ subbasin 03-07-11). The pr oject area is bisected by the Rocky River and
includes low ridges at both ends of the project. Four streams were identified in the study area and their
length, classification, and impacts are included in Tabl e 11. The proposed project is anticipated to impact
approximately 391 linear feet of stream s. Stream impacts were calculated by measuring the length of
delineated streams located within the proposed construction limits.
Table 11. Jurisdictional Characteristics of Water Resources in the Study Area
Map ID Length (ft.) Classification
Compensatory
Mitigation
Required
Impacts
Linear Feet
(lf.)
Rocky River 354 Perennial Yes 0.0
Stream 1 97 (all intermittent) Intermittent Yes 0.0
Stream 2 255 Perennial Yes 181
Stream 3 210 Perennial Yes 210
Total 391
There are no designated trout waters, Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), or Primary Nursery Areas (PNA)
present in the study area. There are no designa ted High Quality Waters (HQW) or water supply
watersheds (WS-I or WS-II) within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area. The North Carolina 2010 Final
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303(d) list of impaired waters ident ifies the Rocky River within the study area as impaired water due to
excessive turbidity and copper.
2. Wetlands
Six wetland areas, encompassing 0.33 total acres, were identified within the project corridor (Table 12).
US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) wetland del ineation forms and the NCDWQ wetland rating forms
for each site were prepared. Wetland sites 1 and 2 are in maintained / disturbed communities and
Wetlands 3-6 are located in mesic mixed hardwood fo rest. The proposed project is anticipated to impact
approximately 0.17 acres of wetlands. Wetland impac ts were calculated by measuring the area of
delineated acres located within the proposed construction limits.
Table 12. Jurisdictional Characteristics of Water Resources in the Study Area
Map ID NCWAM Classification Hydrologic
Classification
NCDWQ
Rating
Impacts
Area (ac.)
W1 Headwater Forest Riparian 62 0.00
W2 Bottomland Hardwood
Forest Riparian 50 0.01
W3 Bottomland Hardwood
Forest Riparian 72 0.05
W4 Bottomland Hardwood
Forest Riparian 18 0.04
W5 Bottomland Hardwood
Forest Riparian 36 0.07
W6 Bottomland Hardwood
Forest Riparian 36 0.00
Total 0.17
3. Threatened and Endangered Species
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list two species (as of September 22, 2010) under federal
protection for Cabarrus County: Carolina heelsplitter mussel (Lasmigona decorate ) and Schweinitz’s
sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii ). A brief description of each specie s’ habitat requirements is provided
below, along with the Biological Conclusion rendered bas ed on survey results in t he study area. Habitat
requirements for each species are based on the curr ent best available information from referenced
literature and / or USFWS. Information for these species is contained in Table 13.
Table 13. Federally Protected Species Listed for Cabarrus County
Common Name Scientific Name Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological
Conclusion
Carolina heelsplitter Lasmigona decorate E Yes No Effect
Schweinitz’s sunflower Helianthus schweinitzii E Yes No Effect
E – Endangered
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Carolina heelsplitter
USFWS optimal survey window: year round
Habitat Description: The historic range of the Ca rolina heelsplitter included widespread distributions in
the Catawba and Pee Dee River systems in Nort h Carolina and the Pee Dee and Savannah River
systems and possibly the Saluda River in South Carolina. Historic records report the Carolina
heelsplitter occurring in small to large streams and rivers as well as ponds, probably mill ponds
on small streams. The Carolina heelsplitter is no w restricted to cool, clean, shallow and heavily
shaded streams with moderate gradients. Pref erred streams typically have stable streambanks
and channels with defined riffle, pool, and run sequen ces. Furthermore, t hese streams have little
or no fine sediment present. Periodic natural fl ooding also appears to be a requirement for the
species.
The decline of the Carolina heelsplitter is attributed to siltation and habitat alterations caused by
agricultural, forestry, and development activities ; road and golf course construction; runoff and
discharge of municipal, industrial, and agricul tural pollutants; impoundments, channelization,
dredging, and sand mining; and other factors having an adverse effect on the aquatic
environment.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
The USFWS and the NC National Heritage Prog ram (NHP) list the occurrence of Carolina
heelsplitter as historic in Cabarrus County. The historic distribution of the Carolina heelsplitter
included the Catawba and Pee Dee River syst ems in North Carolina and the Pee Dee and
Savannah River systems and possibly the Saluda Rive r in South Carolina. In Union County, NC,
two small populations are known to occur, on e in Waxhaw Creek (Catawba River system) and
one in Goose Creek (Pee Dee River system). The Rocky River has experienced heavy
sedimentation in the project area. Substrat e was exclusively sand and silt and was not clean
gravel that the species has been shown to prefer. Habitat is marginal at best in the Rocky River
in the project study area and no cu rrent populations exist in the Pee Dee system in Cabarrus
County. The Rocky River has been surveyed numer ous times by NCDOT biologists in recent
years and no populations of Carolina heelspli tter have been found. The NCDOT Biological
Surveys Unit supports a No Effe ct Biological Conclusion. This project will have no effect on any
Carolina heelsplitter populations.
Schweinitz’s sunflower
USFWS optimal survey window: Late August - October
Habitat Description: The species occurs in clearings and edges of upland woods on moist to dryish clays,
clay-loams, or sandy clay-loams that often have high gravel content and are moderately
podzolized. Schweinitz's sunflower usually grow s in open habitats not typical of the current
general landscape in the piedmont of the Carolinas . Some of the associated species, many of
which are also rare, have affinities to glade and prairie habitats of the Midwest. Other species are
associated with fire-maintained sandhills and savannas of the Atlantic Coastal Plain and
piedmont. The habitat of this sunflower tends to be dominated by members of the aster, pea, and
grass families, an association emphasizing a ffinities of the habitat to both longleaf pine-
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dominated sandhills and savannas of the southeas tern coastal plain and to glades, barrens, and
prairies of the Midwest and Plains.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
AECOM biologists initially surveyed the project area on October 8, 2009 for the presence of
Helianthus schweinitzii . Suitable habitat for the sunflower was found in numerous locations within
the project study area. Maintained roadsides occurring under power lines were common on both
sides of the existing road and provided ample upla nd habitat in the early successional condition
preferred by the species. Another sunflowe r species (woodland sunflower) and asters were
observed in bloom during the site visit, but no H. schweinitzii was observed. Two separate
populations of Schweinitz’s sunflower are locat ed 1.9 miles south of the southern end of the
project and 1.9 miles southwest of the project’s southern end. These populations will not be
impacted by this project. A resurvey of the project corridor was performed on September 28,
2011, as the results from initial survey in 2009 were about to expire and be considered out-of-
date. No populations of Schweinitz’s sunf lower were found in the project area during the
resurvey. This project will have No Effect on current Schweinitz’s sunflower populations.
4. GeoEnvironmental
A Limited Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was conducted along the proposed Derita Road
(SR 1445) corridor. The main purpose of this invest igation was to identify properties within the project
corridor that might contain hazardous materials and result in future env ironmental liability, if acquired.
These hazards include, but are not limited to: undergrou nd storage tanks (USTs), hazardous waste sites,
regulated landfills, and unregulated dumpsites.
Several locations were identified with a potential for env ironmental liability. Ther e are currently two sites
within the project corridor where USTs are present , three sites containing above ground storage tanks
(ASTs), and one site containing other environmental co ncerns. However, the proposed project is not
anticipated to have any impacts of thes e sites which are described below.
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Facilities
The Circle K #1490 is an active gasoline stati on and convenience store located on the northwest
quadrant of the intersection of Derita Road (SR 1445) and Poplar T ent Road (SR 1394). This station
contains one 20,000-gallon and one 12,000-gallon gasoline UST, one 10,000-gallon diesel fuel UST, and
one 5,000-gallon kerosene UST. No monitoring wells were observed at the site during a site visit.
Firefold is a retail / storage facility for comput ers, electronics, and accessories and is located
approximately 500 feet northeast of the intersection of Derita Road (SR 1445) and Thunder Road. A
3,000- to 5,000-gallon UST is located under a pad at the rear of the building. No UST Permit or
groundwater monitoring wells were observ ed at the facility during a site visit.
Above Ground Storage Tank (AST) Facilities
The NASCAR Research and Development site is used as a research facility and is located on the west
side of Derita Road (SR 1445) at the intersection of Derita Road (SR 1445) and Westwinds Boulevard.
Two 500-gallon gasoline ASTs are located approximate ly 100 feet west of the Derita Road (SR 1445)
centerline. The facility also maintains a 100-gallon container for used motor oil.
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Roush Fenway Racing is a NASCAR race team shop where research, design, and car assembly takes
place. This site is located on the east side of Derita Road (SR 1445) and occupies the land between
Jetstream Boulevard and Aviation Boulevard. Gaso line and waste motor oil are stored in two 500-gallon
ASTs at the site.
Blythe Development is located on the southeast quadrant of the intersection of Poplar Tent Road (SR
1394) and Derita Road (SR 1445) and is a heavy equipment and truck maintenance facility for the Blythe
Development fleet. Two ASTs, one 1,500-gallon and one 1,000-gallon, are used for off-road and on-road
diesel fuel storage. Adjacent to the fuel tanks and under a canopy are additional ASTs. Two 500-gallon
tanks contain new transmission oil and waste motor oil; two 1,000-gallon tanks contain new engine oil
and hydraulic oil; two 250-gallon tanks contain gear oil; and one 200-gallon tank contains new antifreeze.
Other Recognized Environmental Conditions
A Crown Lift Trucks site is located on Westmoreland Drive. This property is a forklift / lift truck
refurbishing facility and work at the facility includes the use of propane, degreasers with no on-site long-
term storage, and battery storage. The batteries, m any of which are more than 2,000 pounds in weight,
are temporarily stored at the inside rear of the building and are periodically disposed of off-site.
B. Human Environment Resources
1. Land Use and Population
Portions of the project lie within the City of C oncord and Cabarrus County planning jurisdictions. The
portion of the corridor within the City of Concord planning jurisdiction includes medium to low density
residential, commercial, mixed-use, village and plann ed unit development, and industrial land uses. The
portion of the project corridor within the Cabarrus County planning jurisdiction includes the Christenbury
Farms planned unit development, low-density resident ial development, and industrial land uses. The
proposed project is anticipated to have a static impact on land uses within the project corridor.
Between 2000 and 2010, the Demographic Study Area (DSA) increased from 2,148 people to 7,567
people (2.5 percent annually). During the same time period, the City of Concord population increased
from 55,977 people to 79,066 people (4.1 percent annually) while the Cabarrus County population
increased from 131,063 people to 178,011 people (3.6 percent annually). According to the North
Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, the populat ion of Cabarrus County is expected to grow
to 260,235 by July 2030 (2.3 percent annually).
2. Historic Properties
Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Pr eservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation’s Regulations for Compliance with Secti on 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800, a review of the
project has been conducted. There are no historic resources which would be affected by the proposed
project. Correspondence from SHPO dated May 24, 2011 is attached in Appendix A.
3. Archaeology
Based on the May 24, 2011, letter from SHPO (s ee Appendix A), no archaeological survey was
recommended for this project.
4. Summary of Community Impacts
Community impact topics are discussed in Table 14.
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15
Table 14. Summary of Community Impacts
V. AGENCY / PUBLIC COORDINATION
A. Agency Coordination
Comments regarding the proposed project were request ed from various federal, state, and local agencies
and are detailed in Table 15.
Copies of the comments received are included in Appendix A.
Resource Impacts
Relocations No relocations are anticipated as a result of this project.
Low Income / Minority Relocations No low income / minority relocations are anticipated as a
result of this project.
Environmental Justice
Communities
According to the 2010 U.S. Ce nsus, the percentage of the
population in the Demographi c Study Area (DSA) living
below the poverty level is lower than the percentage of the
Cabarrus County population living below the poverty level
(5.3 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively). The minority
population in the DSA is 25 percent, while the minority
population in Cabarrus County is 24.6 percent. The project
is not expected to result in disproportionately high and
adverse impacts on an Environmental Justice population.
VADS / EVADS
There are no Voluntary Agricu ltural Districts (VADs) /
Enhanced Voluntary Ag ricultural Districts (EVADs) located
within the project vicinity.
Noise
Noise modeling efforts identified five residential receptors
that were impacted by traffic noise. Two receptors are noise
impacts under current conditions, while three receptors are
predicted as noise impacts in future conditions, regardless of
project improvements. An as sessment has determined that
no noise abatement measures are considered reasonable
and feasible for this project.
Air Quality
The proposed project is not anticipated to have air quality
impacts due to improved traffic carrying capacity from the
widening of Derita Road. For further information on the air
quality analysis and impact assessment for the proposed
project, please refer to the Final Air Quality Impact
Assessment dated October 2012.
Indirect and Cumulative Effects
The analysis of the potential indirect and cumulative effects
of this project suggests that development activities in the
area will not be altered by project construction.
Section 6(f) / 4(f) There are no areas protected under Section 6(f) or Section
4(f) in the project vicinity.
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Table 15. Agency Coordination
Comments Received?
Agency Yes No
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) X
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) X
N.C. State Environmental Clearinghouse X
N.C. Dept. of Cultural Resources (NCDCR) X
N.C. Dept. of Environmental & Natural Resources (NCDENR) /
Env. Health X
NCDENR / Natural Heritage Program (NHP) X
NCDENR / Forest Resources X
NCDENR / Parks and Recreation X
NCDENR / Soils and Water Conservation X
NCDENR / Div. of Water Quality (DWQ) X
N.C. Dept. of Public Instruction-School Planning X
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) X
N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety X
N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services X
B. Public Coordination
Two public workshops were held for the proposed pr oject. The attendance and number of comments at
these workshops is listed in Table 16.
Table 16. Public Coordination
Event Date # Attendees # Comments
Citizens Informational Workshop No. 1 July 19, 2011 53 16
Citizens Informational Workshop No. 2 March 15, 2012 45 14
The first Public Information Workshop was held on July 19, 2011 at the Concord Regional Airport
Conference Room, beginning at 4:00 PM and ending at 7:00 PM. The purpose of the meeting was to
introduce interested parties to the project, gat her data and answer questions. The meeting was
advertised through a newsletter mailed to approximately 210 citizen households and local media
announcements. There were approximately 53 attendees.
A second Public Information Workshop was held on March 15, 2012 at the Concord Fire Station #9
Meeting Room, beginning at 4:00 PM and ending at 7:00 PM. The purpose of this meeting was to update
stakeholders on the project planning and design proce ss, review the roadway and bridge design plans
showing the anticipated property impacts for the proposed design, and gather data and answer questions.
The meeting was advertised through a newsletter mail ed to approximately 210 citizen households and
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17
local media announcements. There were approximat ely 45 attendees; 14 comment sheets were received
at the conclusion of the workshop.
The workshop was set up as follows:
1. A greeting table was set up at the entrance to the meeting room where attendees signed in and
received copies of project handouts.
2. Throughout the meeting room, the displays fo r the Derita Road widening project were shown,
including;
a. four vicinity maps, each mounted to foam board and displayed on an easel,
b. four large format maps disp laying the recommended alternative,
c. a kid’s corner.
Listed below are the general comments and questions heard during the workshop and/or included on the
comment sheets:
1. With the proposed design, the road in front of the Holland parcel is right in right out only. The
parcel is 82 acres and zoned GI-SU. This parcel could potentially require heavy truck flow. It
would not be practical to make a u-turn with class-8 trucks.
2. The widening of Derita Road is much neede d; however, residents of Mistywood Lane need the
left turn exist from Mistywood. Havi ng to travel ¾ mile is undesirable.
3. How will traffic be handl ed during construction?
4. Sidewalks along the proposed design are unnecessary and a waste of tax-payer money.
5. The proposed median in front of the Depot Self Storage driveway will cause a negative impact on
the business. A large percentage of commercial customers with trailers, large trucks, moving
trucks, boats on trailers, and large R.V.s use the driveway to access the business. Using the
proposed turn around near the Rocky River Brid ge is going to be awkward and may cause many
customers to find a facility with easier accessibilit y. The owners strongly feel that an open four-
lanes with a center turn lane is a much safer option. The owners do not have a large number of
vehicles accessing the property at one time, so ther e would not be a long line of traffic waiting to
turn into the property.
6. Please provide as much information up front as possible for budgeting purposes, maps and EOT
(edge of travel lanes).
7. The Twin Creeks development should be able to turn left out of the subdivision. Too many
people are impacted.
8. Any improvement to Poplar Tent / I-85 interc hange / Derita Road will be welcome. Adjusting to
different traffic patterns will take time, but safety and traffic flow are prioritized with the design.
9. The stop light at the Thunder Road / Derita Road intersection when making a left turn from Derita
takes forever, even when there is no traffic. The fa ct that there is not a left turn out of Altacrest
will cause as much traffic with u-turns at Mistywood Lane as the turn itself.
10. The property west of Derita is zoned industrial. For access to that property and for access to the
expanded airport property (2 nd runway), the intersection at Mistywood Lane needs to be full
movement.
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11. Myint Lane long-term plan is to be a second entrance into Concord Regional Airport. Restricting
access by eliminating the left turn can be problemat ic for vehicles and trucks using that entrance.
The Transportation & Land Use Committee of t he Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce
adopted the following resolution concerning Derita on August 16, 2012:
Whereas, the City of Concord and the Nort h Carolina Department of Transportation are
receiving public input on the design of the wideni ng of Derita Road between Poplar Tent Road
and Concord Mills Parkway; and
Whereas, Derita Road serves the Concord Regional Airport, which airport supports the economic
activity of the NASCAR “Air Force ” and our air services sector; and
Whereas, Derita Road will provide future econom ic development and future job growth by
providing access to hundreds of acres of industrially zoned property; and
Whereas, much of this industrially zoned pr operty is now only partially developed, and over 300
acres is completely undeveloped; and
Whereas, the traffic models that have been used to develop access criteria for Derita Road are
statistical models which do not properly acc ount for the imperatives of economic development,
nor do they account for the special nature of traffic between the NASCAR Research &
Development Center and the Concord Regional Airport:
Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, that the Boar d of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce
requests the City of Concord and the North Caro lina Department of Trans portation modify the
proposed plans for the widening of Derita Road in three respects: First, that the-full movement
intersection of Derita Road and Aviation Blvd. be sig nalized as part of this project; Second, that
the intersection of Derita Road and Northwi nds Drive be maintained as a full-movement
intersection as currently shown on the plans, and t hat intersection be signalized in the future
when warrants show that to be appropriate; and, Third, that in anticipation of future industrial
development both east and west of Derita Ro ad, the intersection of Mistywood Lane be
redesigned as a full-movement intersection, to also be signalized in the future when warrants
show that to be appropriate.
VI. NEPA / 404 MERGER PROCESS
Merger is a process to streamline the project development and permitting proc esses, agreed to by the
USACE, NCDENR (DWQ, DCM), FHWA and NCDOT and supported by other stakeholder agencies and
local units of government. To this effect, the Me rger process provides a forum for appropriate agency
representatives to discuss and reach consensus on ways to facilitate meeting the regulatory requirements
of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act during the NEPA/SEPA decision-makin g phase of transportation
projects. Agency representatives meet to discuss and build consensus on purpose and need,
alternatives for study, selection of the Least Envi ronmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA)
and minimization of impacts. Based on anticipated impacts and coordination with the USACE, NCDOT,
NCDENR, and FHWA, it was agreed that the proposed project should not go into the Merger process
after using the screening criteria guidelines contai ned in the Merger Process Guidelines. The signed
correspondence letter is attached in Appendix A.
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VII. BASIS FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
Based on the studies performed for t he proposed project, it is concluded t hat the project will not result in
significant social, economic, or environmental impacts, and that the categorical exclusion classification,
as defined in 40 CFR 1508.4 and 23 CFR 771.117, is appropriate.
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VIII. REFERENCES
AECOM. Air Quality Analysis Technical Memorandum. March, 2012.
AECOM. Capacity Analysis Final Report for Derita Road. February, 2012.
AECOM. Community Impact Assessment. January, 2012.
AECOM. Final Natural Resources Technical Report for Derita Road Improvements.
January, 2012.
AECOM. Indirect and Cumulative Effects for Derita Road Improvements. January, 2012.
AECOM. Noise Impact Assessment Technical Memorandum for Derita Road Improvements.
March, 2012.
City of Concord. Land Use Plan Update. Approved May 10, 2007. http://www.concordncgov/
Departments/Planning/Area-Plans/Land-Use-Plan
City of Concord. Transportation Plan.
http://www.concordnc.gov/Departments/Tr ansportation/Transportation-Plan-Maps July 15, 2011.
NCDENR. 2007. Basin-Wide Assessment Report of the Yadkin River Basin . Environmental
Sciences Branch, Water Quality Section, Division of Water Quality, Raleigh, North
Carolina.
NCDENR. 2010. North Carolina Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List (2006
Integrated 305(b) and 303(d) Report). Division of Water Quality, Raleigh, North
Carolina. Final
NCDENR. 2011. “Water Quality Stream Classifications for Streams in North Carolina.” Water
Quality Section . http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/bims/reports/reportsWB.html (accessed June
28, 2011).
U.S. Census Bureau. 2000 and 2010. http://www.census.gov
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2011. “Endangered Species/ Section 7 Program in
North Carolina.” North Carolina Ecological Services. http://www.fws.gov/nc-
es/es/countyfr.html (last updated 30 June 2011).
Figure
1
Vicinity Map
§¨¦ 85
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Æ Æ 73 Derita Road TIP Project U-4910
Cabarrus County, North Carolina
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Figure
3
Typical Section
Derita Road TIP Project U-4910
Cabarrus County, North Carolina
WBS Element 40373.1.1
Date:
June 2012
APPENDIX A
Agency Correspondence