NCDOT_MCDC_Timber Bridges FY24_ 02-13-24

NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
The following questions provide direction in determining when the Department is
required to prepare SEPA environmental documents for state -funded construction and
maintenance activities. Answer questions for Parts A through C by checking either
"Yes" or "No". Complete Part D of the checklist when NCDOT's Minimum Criteria
Rule categories 98, 12(i) or 915 are used.
TIP Project No.: N/A
State Project No.: BR-0250, BR-0251, BR-0252
Project Location:
Bridge No.
Latitude, Longitude
Location
BR-0250
050149
36.1043,-81.9931
Replace Bridge No. 050149 over Horse Creek on SR
1186 (Herman Buchanan Road), Avery County.
130252
35.9475,-81.4862
Replace Bridge No. 130252 over UT to Zacks Fork Creek
on SR 1549 (Spring Meadow Road), Caldwell County.
940231
36.2790,-81.6755 �replace
Bridge No. 940231 over Norris Fork Creek on
337 (Ball Branch Road), Watauga Co.
BR-0251
560072
35.9243,-82.6103
Replace Bridge No. 560072 over Little Foster Creek on
SR 1341 (Foster Creek Road), Madison County.
560074
35.9381,-82.5999
Replace Bridge No. 560074 over Foster Creek on SR
1341 (Foster Creek Road), Madison County.
560381
35.9080,-82.6408
Replace Bridge No. 560381 over Big Laurel Creek on SR
1339 (Jarrett Cove Road), Madison County.
560500
35.9117,-82.6573
Replace Bridge No. 560500 over Big Laurel Creek on SR
1336 Buckner Branch Road), Madison County.
560515
35.9111,-82.6573
Replace Bridge No. 560515 over Buckner Branch on SR
1336 Buckner Branch Road), Madison County.
BR-0252
870133
35.1432,-82.6404
Replace Bridge No. 870133 over Walker Creek on SR
1557 (Haskell Jones Road), Transylvania County.
870160
35.1698,-82.8934
Replace Bridge No. 870160 over Richland Creek on SR
1312 (Richland Creek Road), Transylvania County.
870161
35.1412,-82.8820
Replace Bridge No. 870161 over North Fork Flat Creek
on SR 1319 (Homer McCall Road), Transylvania County.
870189
35.1035,-82.8212
Replace Bridge No. 870189 over Shoal Creek on SR 1141
(Babb Road), Transylvania County.
Project Description: NCDOT will replace twelve small timber bridges on existing
alignment. Project BR-0250 includes three small timber bridges in Division 11, BR-0251
includes five small timber bridges in Division 13, and BR-0252 includes four small
timber bridge replacements in 14.

The existing bridge abutments will be replaced with concrete end bents, except Madison
Bridge 560500 (BR-0251) where existing concrete abutments currently exist. A new
timber deck will be placed on new rolled beams for each bridge. An asphalt overlay will
finish the driving surface. The bridge deck rails will be replaced in -kind with timber
bridge deck rails. Minimal roadway approach work/improvements are anticipated though
some temporary roadway improvements may be required to maintain traffic during
construction of the bridges. Minimal right-of-way and/or easements may be required.
Each bridge replacement is detailed below:
Bridge No.
Existing Structure Description
Proposed Structure Description
BR-0250
Constructed 1968; 26.0'x20.3'
Single span timber deck bridge
050149
single span timber deck bridge;
31.75'x26.0' with concrete cap micro -piles
AADT (2016) 310 vpd
end bents, steel beam stringers, and timber
deck rails within the existing alignment.
Single span timber deck bridge
Constructed 1956; 19.0'xl8.3'
25.00'x20.0' with concrete abutment on
130252
single span timber deck bridge;
spread footing for one end bent, concrete
AADT (2016) 380 vpd
cap micro -piles on other end bent, steel
beam stringers, and timber deck rails
within the existing alignment.
Constructed 1966; 41.0'x20.0'
Single span timber deck bridge
single span timber deck bridge;
47.33'x25.0' with concrete cap steel H-
940231
AADT (2016) 290 vpd
piles end bents, steel beam stringers, and
timber deck rails within the existing
alignment.
BR-0251
Single span timber deck bridge
Constructed 1971; 19.0'x25.3'
32.17'x26.0' with concrete cap steel H-
560072
single span timber deck bridge;
piles end bents, steel beam stringers, and
AADT (2019) 200 vpd
timber deck rails within the existing
alignment.
Single span timber deck bridge
Constructed 1971; 27.0'x25.4'
34.83'x26.0' with concrete abutment on
560074
single span timber deck bridge;
spread footing end bents, steel beam
AADT (2019) 200 vpd
stringers, and timber deck rails within the
existing alignment.
Single span timber deck bridge
Constructed 1956; 41.0'xl9.0'
46.67'x19.0' with concrete abutment on
560381
single span timber deck bridge;
spread footing end bents, steel beam
AADT (2000) 40 vpd
stringers, and timber deck rails within the
existing alignment.
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Bridge No.
Existing Structure Description
Proposed Structure Description
Constructed 1957; 46.0'x12.1'
Single span timber deck bridge
560500
single span timber deck bridge;
56.5'x12.25' with concrete cap micro -piles
AADT (1995) 20 vpd
end bents, steel beam stringers, and timber
deck rails within the existing alignment.
Constructed 1970; 16.7'xl2.1'
Single span timber deck bridge 23.0'x12.5'
560515
single span timber deck bridge;
with concrete abutment on spread footing
AADT (1995) 20 vpd
end bents, steel beam stringers, and timber
deck rails within the existing alignment.
BR-0252
Single span timber deck bridge
Constructed 1973; 19.0'x20.1'
25.25'x20.00' with concrete cap micro-
870133
single span timber deck bridge;
piles end bents, steel beam stringers, and
AADT (1996) 100 vpd
timber deck rails within the existing
alignment.
Single span timber deck bridge
Constructed 1962; 21.0'xl7.8'
26.17'x18.00' with concrete cap micro-
870160
single span timber deck bridge;
piles end bents, steel beam stringers, and
AADT (2000) 40 vpd
timber deck rails within the existing
alignment.
Constructed 1962; 26.0'xl8.2'
Single span timber deck bridge
870161
single span timber deck bridge;
31.25'x18.00' with concrete cap steel H-piles
AADT (1995) 30 vpd
end bents, steel beam stringers, and timber
deck rails within the existing alignment.
Single span timber deck bridge
Constructed 1963; 23.0'xl8.1'
29.41'xl8.00' with concrete cap steel H-
870189
single span timber deck bridge;
piles end bents, steel beam stringers, and
AADT (1995) 250 vpd
timber deck rails within the existing
alignment.
Notes: AADT (annual average daily traffic) values were sourced from the most recent reoccurring 24-
month Routine Structure Safety Re orts or each bridge; vpdvehicles per day.
Anticipated Permit or Consultation Requirements: As parts of these projects may
impact jurisdictional resources, a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Nationwide
Permit will likely be required. The USACE holds the final discretion as to what permit
will be required to authorize these project constructions. A Water Quality Certification
from the NC Division of Water Resources (DWR) will also be required for each of these
bridge replacement projects.
The following table identifies the applicability of the USACE Trout Watershed Map and
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) classification for each bridge replacement site:
Bridge No. Creek Name USACE's Trout Outstanding Resource
Watershed Map Waters
BR-0250
050149 Horse Creek Yes No
02/26/24 3 of 13

130252
UT Zack's Fork Creek
No
No
940231
Norris Branch
Yes
Yes
BR-0251
560072
Little Foster Creek
Yes
Yes
560074
Foster Creek
Yes
Yes
560381
Big Laurel Creek
Yes*
Yes
560500
Big Laurel Creek
Yes*
Yes
560515
Buckner Branch
Yes*
Yes
BR-0252
870133
Walker Creek
Yes
No
870160
Richland Creek
Yes
No
870161
North Fork Flat Creek
Yes
No
870189
Shoal Creek
Yes
No
*Trout moratorium waived per NCWRC letter dated October 6, 2023
ORW classifications are subject to a special management strategy specified in 15A
NCAC 2B .0225, i.e., Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) rule.
Special Project Information:
Purpose and Need: The purpose and need of the projects are to maintain public road
transportation and EMS access to private properties currently being serviced by the
existing timber bridges.
Threatened and Endangeredpecies: The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists
the following federally protected species within the project study areas under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA). For each species, a discussion of the presence or absence
of habitat is included in the projects Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR)'. Since
the NRTR's were completed, aquatic surveys for the protected mussel species and bat
surveys for the protected bat species have been completed. The table below reflects the
updated Biological Conclusions:
Bridge No.
Protected Species
--Biological Conclusion
BR-0250
050149
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
Virginia Big -eared bat
Bog turtle
No effect
Appalachian Elktoe
' BR-0250 NRTRs: https://connect.ncdot.gov/site/Preconstruction/division/div11BR-
0250/ATLAS%20Deliverables/BR-0250 NRTRAddendum.pdf (note that Wilkes County Bridge 960423
was surveyed for this project but is not being advanced and is, therefore, not included in this MCDC.);
BR-0251 NRTRs: hLtps:Hcomect.ncdot. ovg /site/preconstruction/division/divl3BR-
0251/ATLAS%20Deliverables/BR-0251 NRTR.pdf; BR-0252 NRTRs:
httns://comect.ncdot. iaov/site/Preconsti uction/division/div l4/BR-0252/ATLAS%20Deliverables/BR-
0252 NRTR.pdf
02/26/24 4 of 13

Bridge No.
Protected Species
Biological Conclusion
Virginia S iraea
Rock Gnome Lichen
130252
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
Virginia Big -eared bat
Bog turtle
No effect
Dwarf -flowered Heartleaf
940231
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
Virginia Big -eared bat
Bog turtle
No effect
Green Floater
Virginia Spiraea
BR-0251
560072
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
560074
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
560381
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
560500
Graybat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
560515
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
BR-0252
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
Bog turtle
No effect
870133
Appalachian Elktoe
MANLAA
Longsolid
Tennessee Clubshell
Mountain Sweet Pitcher plant
No effect
Small Whorled Po onia
Swamp Pink
Virginia Spiraea
02/26/24 5 of 13

Bridge No.
Protected Species
Biological Conclusion
Rock Gnome Lichen
870160
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
Bog turtle
No effect
Appalachian Elktoe
MANLAA
Mountain Sweet Pitcher plant
No effect
Small Whorled Po onia
Swamp Pink
Virginia Spiraea
Rock Gnome Lichen
870161
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
Bog turtle
No effect
Appalachian Elktoe
MANLAA
Mountain Sweet Pitcher plant
No effect
Small Whorled Po onia
Swamp Pink
Virginia Spiraea
Rock Gnome Lichen
870189
Gray bat
MANLAA
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
Bog turtle
No effect
Appalachian Elktoe
MANLAA
Mountain Sweet Pitcher plant
No effect
Small Whorled Po onia
Swamp Pink
Virginia Spiraea
Rock Gnome Lichen
The NCDOT Biological Surveys Group (BSG) surveyed the sites for bats during the
summer of 2023 and prepared Bat Memos with survey results. The BSG followed up the
Bat Memos with a Biological Conclusion of May Affect Not Likely to Adversely Affect
(MANLAA) for each of the above endangered bat species based on the presence of suitable
foraging and commuting habitat. No evidence of federally listed bats was found on any of the
structures; no caves or mines are in the vicinity of the bridge replacements; and a large area
of alternative available suitable habitat exists in the vicinities of all eleven bridge
replacements. Tree clearing in the project footprint will be conducted during the winter
months (i.e., October 15 to April 1) for all bridges. Nightwork is not anticipated for any of
the bridges. No blasting is needed for any of these bridge projects. Permanent lighting does
not exist at any of the bridges and no new lighting is planned to be included with the bridge
replacements. Since the above avoidance and minimization measures, such as prohibiting tree
02/26/24 6 of 13

clearing during the active season can be implemented, the Biological Conclusion for
federally listed bats are MANLAA. Copies of the referenced Biological Conclusions memo
are available on the Connect NCDOT website.2
Aquatic surveys (i.e., mussels surveys) were conducted in the summer of 2023 for each
bridge replacement with federally protected mussel species within their identified project
study areas.
Based on the lack bivalve mollusk evidence and stream characteristics observed at the
time of the assessment, including small waterway size, high gradient, and substrate
composed primarily larger substrate sizes (i.e., highly limited interstitial space), Horse
Creek (Avery County Bridge 050149 [BR-0250]) does not provide suitable habitat for
Appalachian Elktoe.3
Similarly, the lack bivalve mollusk evidence and stream characteristics observed at the
time of the assessment, including small waterway size, high gradient, and substrate
composed primarily larger substrate sizes (i.e., highly limited interstitial space), Norris
Fork (Watauga County Bridge 940231 [BR-0250]) does not provide suitable habitat for
Green Floater.4
All BR-0252 bridge replacements have federally protected mussel species associated with
the project study areas. The BSG provided a Biological Conclusion of "May Affect Not
Likely to Adversely Affect" for the Appalachian elktoe, Longsolid, and Tennessee
clubshell. These survey reports will be available on the project Connect once complete.
Cultural Resources: NCDOT architectural historians and archaeologists reviewed each
bridge replacement. The following table summarizes the cultural resources reviews:
Bridge No.
Historic Architecture Conclusion
Archaeology Conclusion
BR-0250
050149
No historic properties affected
No archaeological survey required
130252
No survey required
No archaeological survey required
2 BR-0250 BC Memo: https:Hconnect.ncdot.gov/site/Preconstruction/division/div11BR-
0250/Natural%20Environment/BR-0250%20Updated%20bat%20memo.pdf; BR-0251 BC Memo:
hitps://comect.ncdot. ovg /site/preconstruction/division/divl3BR-0251/Natural%20EnvironmentBR-
0251%20Updated%20Bat%20memo.pdf; BR-0252 BC Memo:
hitps://connect.ncdot.gov/site/Preconsti uction/division/div l4/BR-0252/Natural%2OEnvironmentBR-
0252%20Updated%20bat%20memo%20Transylvania.pdf
3 Avery County Bridge 050149 (BR-0250) Aquatic Species Memo:
hLtps://comect.ncdot.gov/site/Preconstiuction/division/divl I/BR-
0250/Project%20Development%20CollaborationBR-
0250%20Aquatic%20Species%20Survey%20Report.pdf#search=docid%3APZ WRFRC26R2C%2D 192758
1161 %2D 19%200R%20dlcdocid%3APZWRFRC26R2C%2D 1927581161 %2D 19
4 Watauga County Bridge 940231 (BR-0250) Aquatic Species Memo:
hitps://connect.ncdot.gov/site/Preconsti uction/division/div 11/BR-0250/Natural%20Environment/BR-
0250%20Aquatic%20Species%20Survey%20Report%20Bridge%20231.pdf#search=docid%3APZ WRFRC
26R2C%2D 1927581161 %2D20%200R%20dlcdocid%3APZ WRFRC26R2C%2D 1927581161 %2D20
02/26/24 7 of 13

Bridge No.
Historic Architecture Conclusion
chaeology Conclusion
940231
No survey required
eligible or listed archaeological
LN
s present
BR-0251
560072
No survey required
No eligible or listed archaeological
sites present
560074
No survey required
No eligible or listed archaeological
sites present
560381
No historic properties affected
No eligible or listed archaeological
sites present
560500
No historic properties affected
No archaeological survey required
560515
No survey required
No archaeological survey required
BR-0252
870133
No historic properties affected
No eligible or listed archaeological
sites present
870160
No survey required
No eligible or listed archaeological
sites present
870161
No survey required
No eligible or listed archaeological
sites present
870189
No survey required
No eligible or listed archaeological
sites present
NCDOT sent coordination letters to the following Native Tribes on December 13, 2023:
• Catawba Indian Nation*
• Cherokee Nation
• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• Muscogee (Creek) Nation*
• Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
• United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
*A response was received from these Native Tribes.
NCDOT "No Eligible or Listed Archaeological Sites Present Forms" were forwarded to
Native Tribes with an interest in the area January 16, 2024 and February XX, 2024.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations: These bridge replacements were coordinated
with NCDOT-IMD. Because the NCDOT-IMD Estimation Map indicates that the project
study areas fall within low demand areas; because they fall outside municipal boundaries;
and because the scope of the projects are limited to structure replacement (does not
include roadway improvements), no bicycle or pedestrian accommodations are included
in this project.
Construction Techniques: Bridge replacements will be stage constructed or provide a
temporary on -site detour because these structures provide the only access route to
residents and local EMS operations. In general, few residents will be inconvenienced by
02/26/24 8 of 13

each bridge replacement. NCDOT will coordinate with local EMS prior to construction.
Bridge replacement construction operations are expected to last approximately 120 days.
NCDOT will construct a temporary detour structure upstream of the existing structure
with temporary pavement for all bridges except Bridge No. 0500149 which will be stage
constructed. Temporary structures will be constructed with a load rating equal to the
current posting. The existing structures will be removed and reconstructed. Traffic will be
shifted to the new structure and the temporary detour structure and temporary pavement
removed, regraded, and planted.
The following table summarizes the current posting and clear roadway width available
for each on -site detour:
State
Project
No.
Bridge
Current Posting
On -site Detour
ear
Clear
Roadway
y
Width
Coun Ty
Bridge
No.
SV
(ton)
TTST
(ton)
BR-0250
Avery
050149
11
15
10'-0"
Caldwell
130252
10
17
12'-0"
Watauga
940231
13
17
12'-0"
BR-0251
Madison
560072
15
22
12'-0"
560074
12
18
12'-0"
560381
24
30
10'-0"
560500
15
20
10'-0"
560515
19
28
10'-0"
BR-0252
Transylvania
870133
19
27
10'-0"
870160
Not Posted
10'-0"
870161
19
27
10'-0"
870189
1 15
21
j 10'-0"
Notes: SVSingle Vehicle (dump truck, school bus, etc); TTST=Truck Tractor; Semi -
Trailer (logging truck, 18-wheelers, etc.)
Public Involvement: NCDOT mailed postcard notifications to property owners that would
be impacted by construction of the bridge replacements on December 6, 2023. The
postcards included information about the proposed replacement bridge as well as
anticipated right of way and construction schedules.
Two telephone voicemail comments were received in response to the postcards. The
project team returned these calls December 12, 2023, and left voicemails with
commenters that further explained the project. No return calls have been received and it
is assumed property owner concerns were addressed.
02/26/24 9 of 13

PART A: MINIMUM CRITERIA
Item I to be completed by the Project Manager. YES NO
1. Is the proposed project listed as a type and class of activity allowed ® ❑
under the Minimum Criteria Rule in which environmental
documentation is not required?
If the answer to number 1 is "no", then the project does not qualify as a
minimum criteria project. A state Environmental Assessment is required.
If yes, under which category? 9. Reconstruction of existing crossroad or railroad separations and
existing stream crossings, including, but not limited to, pipes,
culverts, and bridges.
If either category #8, #12(i) or #15 is used complete Part D of this checklist.
PART B: MINIMUM CRITERIA EXCEPTIONS
Items 2 — 4 to be completed by the Project Manager.
YES
NO
-A
2_ Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use
❑
❑
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse air quality
impacts?
3. Will the proposed activity have secondary impacts or cumulative
❑
❑
impacts that may result in a significant adverse impact to human health
or the environment?
4. Is the proposed activity of such an unusual nature or does the proposed
❑
❑
activity have such widespread implications, that an uncommon concern
for its environmental effects has been expressed to the Department?
Item 5-8 to be completed by Division Environmental Offi=
5. Does the proposed activity have a significant adverse effect on ❑ ❑
wetlands; surface waters such as rivers, streams, and estuaries;
parklands; prime or unique agricultural lands; or areas of recognized
scenic, recreational, archaeological, or historical value?
6. Will the proposed activity endanger the existence of a species on the ❑ ❑
Department of Interior's threatened and endangered species list?
7. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use ❑ ❑
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse water quality or
ground water impacts?
8. Is the proposed activity expected to have a significant adverse effect on ❑ ❑
long-term recreational benefits or shellfish, finfish, wildlife, or their
natural habitats?
02/26/24 10 of 13

If any questions 2 through 8 are answered "yes ", the proposed project may not qualify as a
Minimum Criteria project. A state Environmental Assessment (EA) may be required. For
assistance, contact the Environmental Policy Unit at (919) 7076253 or [e-mail].
PART C: COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Items 9-12 to be completed by Division Environmental Officer
YES NO
9. Is a federally protected threatened or endangered species, or its
❑
habitat, likely to be impacted by the proposed action?
10. Does the action require the placement of temporary or permanent
® ❑
fill in waters of the United States?
11. Does the project require the placement of a significant amount of
❑
fill in high quality or relatively rare wetland ecosystems, such as
mountain bogs or pine savannahs?
12. Is the proposed action located in an Area of Environmental
❑
Concern, as defined in the coastal Area Management Act?
FI—tems 13 —15 to be completed by the Project Manager.
13. Does the project require stream relocation or channel changes?
❑
Cultural Resources
14. Will the project have an "effect" on a property or site listed on the ❑
National Register of Historic Places?
15. Will the proposed action require acquisition of additional right of ❑
way from publicly owned parkland or recreational areas?
Questions in Part " C" are designed to assist the Project Manager and the Division
Environmental Officer in determining whether a permit or consultation with a state or
federal resource agency may be required. If any questions in Part "C" are answered
11 yes ", follow the appropriate permitting procedures prior to beginning project
construction.
02/26/24 11 of 13

PART D:( To be completed when either category #8, 120) or #15 of the rules are
used.
Items 16- 22 to be completed by Division Environmental Officer.
16. Project length:
17. Right of Way width:
18. Project completion date:
19. Total acres of newly disturbed ground
surface:
20. Total acres of wetland impacts:
21. Total linear feet of stream impacts:
22. Project purpose:
Reviewed by:
Nick Pierce, PE
Structures Management Unit, Project
Manager
John Jamison
Environmental Policy Unit
Date:
Date:
02/26/24 12 of 13

NCDOT PROJECT COMMITMENTS
Bridge Program No. BR-0250
Replace three Timber Bridges (050149, 130252, 940231) on
Existing Alignment
Avery, Caldwell, and Watauga Counties
Federal Aid Project No. N/A
WBS Element: 50843.1.1
COMMITMENTS FROM PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
Section 7 Endangered Species Act (ESA) Commitments:
• With reference to the Section 7 determinations associated with endangered bat
species the NCDOT-Division 11 Bridge Program Manager will implement a tree
clearing moratorium between April 1 and October 15.
NCWRC Trout and High Quality Waters
• Horse Creek (Bridge 050149) and Norris Fork (Bridge 940231) are designated by
the NC Wildlife Resources Commission as Trout Waters. As a result, in -water
work and land disturbance within the 25-foot trout buffer is prohibited from
October 15 to April 15 to avoid impacts to trout reproduction. In addition, Norris
Fork is designated as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW). NCDOT will
implement Design Standards in Sensitive Waters for these bridges.
Construction in FEMA Floodplain
This project involves construction activities on or adjacent to FEMA-regulated
stream(s). Therefore, the Division shall: (1) construct all vertical and horizontal
elements within the floodplain as designed; and (2) consult with the Hydraulics
Unit of any planned deviation of these elements within the floodplain prior to
commencing any such changes; and (3) submit sealed as -built construction plans
to the Hydraulics Unit upon completion of project construction. The Hydraulics
Unit will then verify either: (1) the drainage structure(s) and roadway
embankment located within the 100-year floodplain were built as shown in the
construction plans, both horizontally and vertically; or (2) any changes made to
the plans were reviewed and approved to meet FEMA SFHA compliance; or (3)
appropriate mitigation measures will be achieved prior to project close-out.
*NOTE: The commitment will be added to the Project Commitments Dashboard on
Connect upon the review and approval of the draft Green Sheet.

NCDOT PROJECT COMMITMENTS
Bridge Program No. BR-0251
Replace five Timber Bridges (560072, 560074, 560381, 560500, 560515) on
Existing Alignment
Madison County
Federal Aid Project No. N/A
WBS Element: 50844.1.1
COMMITMENTS FROM PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
Section 7 Endangered Species Act (ESA) Commitments
• With reference to the Section 7 determinations associated with endangered bat
species identified in the November 17, 2023, NCDOT Biological Surveys Group,
NCDOT-Division 13 will commit to implement a tree clearing moratorium
between April 1 and October 15.
NCWRC Trout and High Quality Waters
• Foster Creek and Big Laurel Creek are designated by the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission as Trout Waters. As a result, in -water work and land disturbance
within the 25-foot trout buffer is prohibited from October 15 to April 15 to avoid
impacts to trout reproduction for Foster Creek. The moratorium is waived for Big
Laurel Creek. However, Foster Creek, Little Foster Creek, and Big Laurel Creek
are designated as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW). NCDOT will implement
Design Standards in Sensitive Watershed for Madison County Bridges 560072,
560074, 560381, 560500, and 560515.
Construction in FEMA Floodplain
• This project involves construction activities on or adjacent to FEMA-regulated
stream(s). Therefore, the Division shall: (1) construct all vertical and horizontal
elements within the floodplain as designed; and (2) consult with the Hydraulics
Unit of any planned deviation of these elements within the floodplain prior to
commencing any such changes; and (3) submit sealed as -built construction plans
to the Hydraulics Unit upon completion of project construction. The Hydraulics
Unit will then verify either: (1) the drainage structure(s) and roadway
embankment located within the 100-year floodplain were built as shown in the
construction plans, both horizontally and vertically; or (2) any changes made to
the plans were reviewed and approved to meet FEMA SFHA compliance; or (3)
appropriate mitigation measures will be achieved prior to project close-out.
*NOTE: The commitment will be added to the Project Commitments Dashboard on
Connect upon the review and approval of the draft Green Sheet.

NCDOT PROJECT COMMITMENTS
Bridge Program No. BR-0252
Replace four Timber Bridges (870133, 870160, 870161, 870189) on
Existing Alignment
Transylvania County
Federal Aid Project No. N/A
WBS Element: 508445.1.1
COMMITMENTS FROM PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
Section 7 Endangered Species Act (ESA) Commitments
With reference to the Section 7 determinations associated with endangered bat
species, NCDOT-Division 14 will commit to implement a tree clearing
moratorium between April 1 and October 15.
NCWRC Trout and High Quality Waters
• Walker Creek (Bridge 870133), Richland Creek (Bridge 870160), Flat Creek
(Bridge 870161), and Shoal Creek (Bridge 870189) are designated by the NC
Wildlife Resources Commission as Trout Waters. As a result, in -water work and
land disturbance within the 25-foot trout buffer is prohibited from October 15 to
April 15 to avoid impacts to trout reproduction. In addition, NCDOT will
implement Design Standards in Sensitive Watershed for these bridges.
Construction in FEMA Floodplain
• This project involves construction activities on or adjacent to FEMA-regulated
stream(s). Therefore, the Division shall: (1) construct all vertical and horizontal
elements within the floodplain as designed; and (2) consult with the Hydraulics
Unit of any planned deviation of these elements within the floodplain prior to
commencing any such changes; and (3) submit sealed as -built construction plans
to the Hydraulics Unit upon completion of project construction. The Hydraulics
Unit will then verify either: (1) the drainage structure(s) and roadway
embankment located within the 100-year floodplain were built as shown in the
construction plans, both horizontally and vertically; or (2) any changes made to
the plans were reviewed and approved to meet FEMA SFHA compliance; or (3)
appropriate mitigation measures will be achieved prior to project close-out.
*NOTE: The commitment will be added to the Project Commitments Dashboard on
Connect upon the review and approval of the draft Green Sheet.