20211409 Ver 1_U-6223 avoidance and minimization_20210921

6/9/20
U-6223 Streams and Wetlands Avoidance and Minimization Measures
The purpose of this document is to provide a record of the avoidance and minimization efforts that have
been and are anticipated to be implemented in the design and construction of project U-6223 in
Johnston County.
U-6223 proposes to construct a new-location roadway connection between US 70 Business where it
intersects with NC 42 east and Little Creek Church Road and to realign the intersection of Little Creek
Church Road and Ranch Road. These actions will provide a network connection that will allow direct
access to US 70 Bypass from NC 42, improving the existing condition which requires travel on US 70
Business near the center of Clayton. Ranch Road interchanges with US 70 Bypass approximately 1.5
miles south of the project location. It is anticipated that Ranch Road, and the new connector built with
U-6223, will be re-shielded to be NC 42.

Jurisdictional Features
Jurisdictional features in the project area include a perennial stream and several sections of wetlands.
The stream and wetlands cross the path of the proposed new-location road at an angle such that there
was no option to simply shift the roadway to one side or the other to avoid impacts.

Avoiding a second impact
The 2045 CAMPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan includes a widening of Ranch Road to the US 70
Bypass. This project is not yet included in the STIP but is anticipated by Division 4 to be completed in the
foreseeable future. Functional design of the U-6223 roadway includes a four-lane typical section near
the intersection with US 70 Business, which serves the intersection’s traffic needs and establishes the
wider typical section now that will not need to be further widened when Ranch Road/NC 42 is widened
in the future. This four-lane typical section extends through the stream and wetland area crossing, so
these resources would not need to be impacted again by a future widening to four lanes.

Consideration of a narrower median
A narrower median was considered to minimize stream and wetland impacts through the stream
crossing area; however, the full median is recommended. Commercial development planned at the
northwest quadrant of the intersection between NC 42 and US 70 Business is expected to request access
from NC 42. Full movement access is not likely to be allowed because of the proximity to the
intersection due to operational and safety concerns. The full median width is needed to allow
directional access which would allow left turns into the new-development parcel from NC 42 eastbound
but would not allow left turns onto NC 42 coming out of the development.