20221394 Ver 1_Bridge 990274 Yancey Project Summary_20221007

Bridge 990274 Yancey Project Summary
The project is state funded and USACE is the lead agency. NCDOT proposes to replace an existing 54"
corrugated metal pipe along UT to Little Creek with a 95"x67" corrugated aluminum arch pipe including
a 90 degree headwall at the inlet. The second major structure, along Little Creek, is a 2@10'x7'
reinforced concrete box culvert with a beveled headwall that will replace an existing 1@30'-6" timber
deck on steel I -Beam single span bridge on vertical timber abutments. Substrate is predominantly silt,
sand, gravel, cobbles, and boulders. Little Creek is a 12' wide high gradient stream (3.88%) with max
depth of 12"-18". The stream is coldwater and does support trout. The adjacent area is rural with
maintained farm and pasture. Overhead utility lines are located within project limits. There will be
potential impacts to the jurisdictional stream by French Broad EMC by relocating their overhead
facilities and having Frontier and Country Cable attaching to their poles prior to construction.
A survey of the project area and structure was conducted on May 23, 2018 to check for bat usage and
evaluate the area for the four listed plant species (roan mountain bluet, spreading avens, Virginia
spiraea, and rock gnome lichen), Appalachian elktoe, gray bats and Northern long-eared bats. No signs
of bat usage were found on the structure. In addition, suitable habitat for the Virginia spiraea exists in
the project study area including rocky river banks of second and third order streams. Surveys were
conducted in conjunction with stream delineation in areas of suitable habitat on May 23, 2018. No
individuals were found during the survey. A review of the NHP records, updated April 2018, indicates no
known Virginia spiraea occurrence within 1.0 mile of the study area. This occurrence is located about 2
miles downstream in the Cane River. No suitable habitat were present for the other three plant species.
A review of North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) records, updated April 2018, indicates one
known Appalachian elktoe occurrence (EO ID 21349) within 1.0 mile of the study area. This population is
located about 0.75 mile downstream in the Cane River. Survey time is within the accepted window for
all species.
Project construction will result in removal of 13 trees greater than 3" dbh. No percussive activities or
night work will occur during the project. No permanent lighting will be installed on the project.