US 701 (5)

Issue Date: August 7, 2009
Comment Deadline: September 8, 2009
Corps Action ID #: SAW-2009-00655
TIP Project No.M !49031
The Wilmington District, Corps of Engineers (Corps) has received an application from the
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) regarding a potential future
requirement for Department of the Army authorization to discharge dredged or fill
material into waters of the United States associated with the proposed bypass
interchange at U.S. 701 and N.C. 87, Elizabethtown, Bladen County, North Carolina.
Specific alternative alignments and location information are described below and shown on
the attached plans. This Public Notice and all attached plans are also available on the
Wilmington District Web Site at www.saw.usace.anny.mil/wetlands
Further, NCDOT will hold a Citizens Informational Workshop for the above proposed
highway project on Thursday, August 27, 2009, beginning at 4:00 pm and ending at 7:00
pm, in the Town Council Chambers, Elizabethtown Municipal Building, located at 805
West Broad Street, Elizabethtown, 28337.
Anyone desiring additional information may contact Ms. Kim Gillespie, NCDOT Project
Development and Environmental Analysis Branch at 1548 Mail Service Cent-
NC 27699-1548, phone [phone] ext. 247, fax [phone] email' ' °
kleillespienncdot.flov. Z' D j UPJI
AI ?
Applicant: North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) > C
c/o Dr. Gregory J. Thorpe, PhD, Manager z Cn I c?
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branchg o : v
1598 Mail Service Center ° a
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27699-1548 ??
Authority
The Corps will evaluate this application to compare alternatives that have been carried
forward for study pursuant to applicable procedures under Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act (33 U.S.C. 1344).
In order to more fully integrate Section 404 permit requirements with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and to give careful consideration to our required public
interest review and 404(b)(1) compliance determination, the Corps is soliciting public
comment on the merits of this proposal and the alternatives described below. The Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) and NCDOT will be completing a Categorical
Exclusion (CE) to meet their NEPA requirements. The Corps will be completing an
Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its NEPA requirements. At the close of this
comment permit, the District Commander will evaluate and consider the comments
received as well as the expected adverse and beneficial effects of the proposed road
construction to select the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative (LEDPA).
The District Commander is not authorizing the U.S. 701 and NC 87 Bypass Interchange
project at this time. A final Department of the Army permit could be issued, if at all, only
after our review process is complete, impacts to the aquatic environment have been
minimized to the maximum extent practicable and a compensatory mitigation plan for
unavoidable impacts has been approved.
Location
The proposed bypass interchange is located at U.S. 701 and NC 87, Elizabethtown, Bladen
County, North Carolina (Figure 1). The proposed project is located in Brown's Creek,
unnamed tributaries to Brown's Creek and in wetlands adjacent to those tributaries.
Brown's Creek and its unnamed tributaries are hydrologically connected to the Cape Fear
River, a Section 10 Navigable Waterway. The project is more specifically located at
Latitude 34.6035°N, Longitude -78.6173°W.
Existing Site Conditions
The project is located within the Inner Coastal Plain Physiographic Province in the Cape
Fear River subbasin 03-06-16, USGS 8-digit hydrological unit 03030005. The project area
encompasses approximately 6 square miles. The Biotic resources surrounding the project
area are indicative of the surrounding area, which includes urban (Elizabethtown) and rural
with agriculture and forestlands accounting for the majority of land uses. Topography is
characterized as gently sloping hills, interrupted by floodplains with gentle to steep areas
occurring along drainage ways.
A Final Jurisdictional Determination has not yet been completed for the proposed project,
but tributaries within the project area include Brown's Creek and several unnamed
tributaries to Brown's Creek as well as wetlands adjacent to those tributaries. Wetlands
that may be impacted by the proposed project include riverme and palustrine.
Applicant's Stated Purpose
The applicant's stated purpose of the proposed project is to improve the safety and capacity
of the NC 87 Bypass/U.S. 701 intersection.
The proposed project is intended to address the following needs:
• A number of angle and left-turn accidents have occurred at this location. Several of
these accidents have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. Approximately 35% of
these accidents occurred when a driver on NC 87 failed to stop at the traffic signal.
• The fatal crash rate at this intersection is over six times the statewide average and
over twice the critical rate.
• By the year 2030, the existing signalized intersection will operate at capacity (level
of service E).
Project Description
The following description of the proposed work is taken from data provided by the
applicant. Two alternatives are being considered for the proposed project and are described
below and shown on Figures 2 and 3. Table 1 presents the anticipated effects of the
alternatives. Each alternative would relocate U.S. 701 east of its existing location in order
to maintain traffic during construction and to impact fewer homes and businesses. NC 87
would be carried over U.S. 701 with each alternative.
Table 1. Alternatives Impact Comparison
Alternative 2 Alternative 4
Residential Relocatees 4 4
Business Relocatees 0 2
Wetlands Affected (Acres) 0.89 1.77
Tributary Impacts (Linear Feet) 1,268 1,857
Habitat for Federally Protected
Species? No No
Historic Properties? None are considered
eligible for the
National Register None are considered
eligible for the
National Register
Construction Cost $16,200,000 $15,600,000
Forested Areas Affected Acres 29.08 24.39
Farmland Affected (Acres)* 21.14 11.08
Right of Way Cost $1,335,000 $2,195,000
. Total Cost $17,535,000 $17,795,000
*Actively farmed property, not necessarily prime and important farmland.
Alternative 2
Alternative 2 is a partial cloverleaf interchange with loops and ramps only in the northwest
and southeast quadrants of the interchange (Figure 2). NC 242 would be relocated to tie
into U.S. 701 across from the proposed ramp and loop in the southeast quadrant. The
businesses in the southwest interchange quadrant would not be impacted. This alternative
has four residential relocatees and approximately 0.89 acres of wetland impacts and 1,268
linear feet of tributary impacts. The applicant's concern with Alternative 2 is that at-grade
intersections exist on NC 87 downstream within 1,700 feet of both the northbound and
southbound proposed NC 87 on-ramps which means that on-ramp traffic could conflict
with traffic on NC 87 making a right turn at either of the at-grade intersections.
Alternative 4
Alternative 4 is a partial cloverleaf interchange with loops and ramps only in the northeast
and southwest quadrants of the interchange (Figure 3). The intersection of NC 242 with
U.S. 701 would be relocated approximately 1,000 feet south of its current location to avoid
a business in the southwest interchange quadrant. This alternative takes one business, four
homes, a substation and impacts approximately 1.77 acres of wetlands and has 1,857 linear
feet of tributaries. This alternative was developed in order to eliminate the concern with
the at-grade intersections downstream of the NC 87 on-ramps. Placing the on ramps in the
northeast and southwest quadrants provides greater distance between the ramps and the
intersections.
Tributaries
Tributaries in the project study area were field delineated by NCDOT. The locations of
these tributaries are shown on Figure 4. Table 2 lists information about the tributaries
within the project corridor under study.
Table 2. Characteristics of Water Resources in the Project Area (Figure 4)
Map ID Classification
Brown's Creek SA I Perennial
SA 2 Perennial
SA 3 Perennial
SA 4 Perennial
SA 5 Intermittent
SA 6 Perennial
SA 7 Perennial
SA 8 Perennial
SA 9 Intermittent
SA 10 Perennial
SA 11 Perennial
Unnamed tributary to Brown's Creek
(SA 12) Perennial
Wetlands
Wetlands in the project study area were field delineated by NCDOT using the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual. The locations of these wetlands are
shown on Figure 4. Table 3 lists information about the wetlands within the project corridor
under study.
4
Table 3. Wetlands
Ma ID Cowardin Classification Classification DWQ Wetland Rating
WA PFO1 C Riverine 84
WB PFO1C Riverine 84
WC PEM1J Non-Riverine 17
WE PFO1C Riverine 51
WF PFO1C Non-Riverine 38
WG PFO1C Non-Riverine 33
WH PEM1J Non-Riverine 41
WI PEM1J Non-Riverine 41
WJ PFO1 C Riverine 73
WK PEM1J Non-Riverine 38
WL PEMIJ Non-Riverine 35
WM PEM1J Non-Riverine 44
* Cowardin et al. 1979
PFO (Palustrine forested) - forested wetlands.
PSS (Palustrine scrub-shrub) - dominated by woody vegetation less than 20 feet tall.
PEM (Palustrine emergent) - dominated by herbaceous and hydrophytic plants.
Summary of Anticipated Impacts
Table 4 presents the estimated impacts to surface waters of the detailed study alternatives.
Table 4. Project Effects on Surface Waters
Alternative Wetlands (ac) Tributaries (ft)*
Alternative 2 0.89 1,268
Alternative 4 1.77 1,857
Cultural Resources
NCDOT on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, as the lead Federal Agency for
NEPA, initiated consultation with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources,
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). In a letter dated March 28, 2006, the SHPO
stated that there is one structure of historical or architectural importance in the general area
of the project. This structure is not within the permit area defined by either NCDOT or the
Corps. The letter further states that there are no known archaeological resources that may
be impacted by the project. No further studies are recommended by the SHPO.
Endangered Species
The Corps has reviewed the project area, examined all information provided by the
applicant and consulted the latest North Carolina Natural Heritage Database. The United
States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists six federally protected species for Bladen
County. These species are listed in Table 5 along with NCDOT effect determinations.
Table 5. Federally-Protected Species for Bladen County
Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Federal
Status Biological
Conclusion
Alligator mississippiensis American alligator No T (S/A) N/A
Picoides borealis Red-cockaded woodpecker No E No Effect
Schwalbea americana American chaffseed No E No Effect
Acipenser brevirostrum Shormose sturgeon No E No Effect
Lindera melissafolia Pondberry Yes E No Effect
Lysimachia asperulaefolia Rough-leaved loosestrife No E No Effect
"T (S/A)" denotes Threatened due to similarity of appearance (a species that is
threatened due to similarity of appearance with another listed species and is listed for
its protection).
"E" denotes Endangered (a species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a
significant portion of its range).
According to the applicant, no suitable habitat for red-cockaded woodpecker, American
chaffseed, shortnose sturgeon or rough-leaved loosestrife exists in the project area. A
search of the Natural Heritage Program database, updated February 2008, shows no
occurrences of any of these species within one mile of the project area. Therefore, it may
be concluded the proposed project will have "no effect" on any of these federally protected
species.
Based on the applicant's submittal, wetlands and small ponds that are suitable habitat for
pondberry are present in the project area. Field surveys conducted by NCDOT or its agents
on March 3, 2007 found no individuals within the project area. In addition, a search of the
Natural Heritage Program database, updated February 2008, shows no occurrences of this
species within one mile of the project area. Therefore, it may be concluded the proposed
project will have "no effect" on pondberry.
The bald eagle was declared recovered, and removed (de-listed) from the Federal List of
Threatened and Endangered Species effective August 8, 2007. The bald eagle remains
federally-protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act) (16 U.S.C.
668-668d). The Eagle Act prohibits take of bald and golden eagles and provides a statutory
definition of "take" that includes "disturb".
6
Habitat for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) primarily consists of mature forest in
proximity to large bodies of open water for foraging. Large, dominant trees are utilized for
nesting sites, typically within one mile of open water. Surveys conducted by NCDOT or its
agents on May 10, 2007 found no nesting or foraging habitat within 660 feet of the project -
limits.
Federal Candidate/State-Protected Species
As of June 16, 2009, the USFWS lists no candidate species for Bladen County.
Mitigation
Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts
Additional minimization measures would be considered by NCDOT if the project
progresses. Best Management Practices would be used during construction in order to
minimize the project's effects on these wetlands.
Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts
Compensatory mitigation will be required for project impacts to wetlands and tributaries.
NCDOT will investigate potential on-site stream and wetland compensatory mitigation
opportunities following selection of the preferred' alternative. If on-site mitigation is not
feasible, compensatory mitigation would be provided by North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP), in
accordance with the July 2003 "Memorandum of Agreement Among the North Carolina
Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington
District" (MOA).
Evaluation
The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable
impacts, including cumulative impacts, of the proposed activity on the public interest. That
decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important
resources. The benefit which reasonably may be expected to accrue from the proposal
must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be
relevant to the proposal will be considered including the cumulative effects thereof, among
those are conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands,
historic properties, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain values (in
accordance with Executive Order 11988), land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and
accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety,
food and fiber production, mineral needs, considerations of property ownership, and, in
general, the needs and welfare of the people. For activities involving the discharge of
dredged or fill materials in waters of the United States, the evaluation of the impact of the
activity on the public interest will include application of the Environmental Protection
Agency's 404(b)(1) guidelines.
Commenting Information
The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, State and local
agencies and officials, including any consolidated state viewpoint or written position of the
Governor; Indian Tribes and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the
impacts of this proposed activity. Any comments received will be considered by the Corps
of Engineers to select the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative (LEDPA).
To make this decision, comments are used to assess impacts on endangered species,
historic properties, water quality, general environmental effects and the other public
interest factors listed above. Comments are used in the preparation of a Corps of Engineers
Environmental Assessment (EA) and/or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) pursuant
to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Comments are also used to determine
the need for a public hearing and to determine the overall public interest of the proposed
activity.
Written comments pertinent to the proposed work, as outlined above, will be received
by the Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, until 5pm, September 8, 2009. Comments
should be submitted to Ms. Kimberly Garvey, Wilmington Regulatory Field Office,
69 Darlington Avenue, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403.

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APPLICATION FOR DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT I OMB APPROVAL NO. 0710-0003
(33 CFR 325) Expires December 31, 2004
The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 10 hours per response, although the majority of applications should
require 5 hours or less. This includes the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed,
and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Service Directorate of Information
Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302; and to the Office of Management and Budget,
Paperwork Reduction Project (0710-0003), Washington, DC 20503. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no .
person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information it it does not display a currently valid OMB control number.
Please DO NOT RETURN your form to either of those addresses. Completed applications must be submitted to the District Engineer having jurisdic-
tion over the location of the proposed activity.
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
Authorities: Rivers and Harbors Act, Section 10, 33 USC 403; Clean Water Act, Section 404, 33 USC 1344; Marine Protection; Research, and
Sanctuaries Act, Section 103, 33 USC 1413. Principal Purpose: Information provided on this form will be used in evaluating the application for a
permit. Routine Uses: This information may be shared with the Department of Justice and other federal, state, and local government agencies.
Submission of requested information is voluntary, however, if information is not provided, the permit application cannot be processed nor can a permit
be issued.
One set of original drawings or good reproducible copies which show the location and character of the proposed activity must be attached to this
application (see sample drawings and instructions) and be submitted to the District Engineer. having jurisdiction over the location of the proposed
activity. An application that is not completed in full will be returned.
(ITEMS I THRU 4 TO BE FILLED BY THE CORPS)
1. APPLICATION NO.
5. APPLICANT'S NAME
North Carolina Department of Transportation
DATE APPLICATION COMPLETED
B. AUTHORIZED AGENT'S NAME AND TITLE (an agent is not required)
6. APPLICANT'S ADDRESS 9. AGENT'S ADDRESS
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1548

7. APPLICANT'S PHONE NUMBERS WITH AREA CODE - 10. AGENT'S PHONE NUMBERS WITH AREA CODE
a. Residence a. Residence
b. Business [phone] b. Business
I hereby authorize to act in my behalf as my agent in the processing of this application and to
furnish, upon request, supplemental information in support of this permit application.
APPLICANTS SIGNATURE DATE
NAME, LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT OR ACTIVITY
12. PROJECT NAME OR TITLE (see instructions)
Proposed NC 87 Bypass and US 701 Interchange, Bladen County, NC (TIP Project R-4903)
13. NAME OF WATERSODY, IF KNOWN (if applicable)
Browns Creek and vicinity
15. LOCATION OF PROJECT
Bladen
COUNTY
North Carolina
STATE
16. OTHER LOCATION DESCRIPTIONS, IF KNOWN (see
14. PROJECT STREET AUUHESS (it applicable)
The proposed project constructs an interchange at the intersection of US 701 and NC 87 Bypass.
17. DIRECTIONS TO THE
Please see attached vicinity map and project summary.
ENG FORM 4345, Jul 97 EDITION OF SEP 94. IS OBSOLETE (Proponent: CECW-OR)
FIELD OFFICE CODE 1 3. DATE
18. Nature of Activity (Description of project, include all features)
Construct a partial cloverleaf interchange, with NC 87 Bypass as an overpass over US 701.
19. Project Purpose (Describe the reason or purpose of the project, see instructions)
The purpose of the proposed project is to improve the safety and capacity of the NC 87 Bypass/US 701 intersection.
USE BLOCKS 20-221F DREDGED AND/OR FILL MATERIAL IS TO BE DISCHARGED
20. Reason(s) for Discharge
Construction of the proposed interchange at the NC 87 Bypass/US 701 intersection will result in roadway fill in wetlands and
surface waters.
21. Type(s) of Material Being Discharged and the Amount of Each Type in Cubic Yards
Fill for roadway construction.
22. Surface Area in Acres of Wetlands or Other Waters Filled (see instructions)
See project summary.
23. Is Any Portion of the Work Already Complete? Yes No _JIC_ IF YES, DESCRIBE THE COMPLETED WORK
24. Addresses of Adjoining Property Owners, Lessees, etc., Whose Property Adjoins the Waterbody (if more than can be entered here, please attach a
supplemental list).
See attached mailing labels.
25. List of Other Certifications or Approvals/Denials Received from other Federal, State, or Local Agencies for Work Described in This Application
AGENCY TYPE APPRUVAL' IDENTIFICATION NUMBER DATE APPLIED DATE APPROVED DATE DENIED
..oaiu urrnuae uur 4 nor iebORACV W mniny, umwuiy anu uoou pram permus
26. Application is hereby made for a permit or permits to authorize the work described in this application. 1 certify that the information in this application
is complete and accurate. I further certify that I possess the authority to undertake the work described herein or am acting as the duly authorized
agent of the applicant.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
SIGNATURE OF AGENT DATE
The application must be signed by the person who desires to undertake the proposed activity (applicant) or it may be signed by a duly authorized
agent if the statement in block 11 has been filled out and signed.
18 U.S.C. Section 1001 provides that: Whoever, in any manner within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States, knowingly
and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up any trick scheme, or disguises a material fact or makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or
representations or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing same to contain any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or entry, shall
be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not mare than five years or both.
PROPOSED US 701/NC 87 BYPASS INTERCHANGE
BLADEN COUNTY
TIP PROJECT R-4903
INTRODUCTION
This project involves the construction of an interchange at the existing at-grade
intersection of US 701 with the NC 87 Elizabethtown Bypass. The proposed interchange
construction at the NC 87 Bypass/US.701 intersection is included in the 2009-2015 North
Carolina State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The location is shown in
Figure 1. The project is classified as a Federal Categorical Exclusion.
NEPA/404 MERGER PROCESS DOCUMENTATION
The project is federally funded and is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act.
The meeting for Concurrence Points 1, 2, and 2A was held on April 21, 2009.
Concurrence was reached on Purpose and Need,' Alternatives to be Carried Forward for
Detailed Study, and Bridging Decisions (Concurrence Points 1, 2, and 2A).
PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED
The purpose of the proposed project is to improve the safety and capacity of the
NC 87 Bypass/US 701 intersection.
The proposed project is intended to address the following needs:
A number of angle and left-turn accidents have occurred at this location. Several
of these accidents have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. Approximately
35% of these accidents occurred when a driver on NC 87 failed to stop at the
traffic signal
• The fatal crash rate at this intersection is over six times the statewide average and
over twice the critical rate.
• By the year 2030, the existing signalized intersection will operate at capacity
(level of service E).
Accident Data
i An accident study was conducted for the NC 87/US 701 intersection for the time period
between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2005. During this time, 26 crashes were
reported at the project intersection. One of these crashes was fatal. Forty-six percent of
these crashes were angle and left-turn accidents. Table 1 on the next page compares the
crash rates at this location with the statewide average and the critical rate.
i
R-4903, July 2009, Merger Application
Page 2 of 10
. Table 1
Accident Rates Comparison
Total Accident Rate Fatal Accident Rate
ACC/100MVM (ACC/100MVM)
NC 87/US 701
Intersection (1/03 169.45 6.52
to 12/05
2003-2005 Statewide
Average Four-Lane 123.91 0.56
Rural NC Routes
Critical Rate* 170.74 3.78
ACC/100MVM - Accidents per 100 million vehicle miles
* The critical rate is a statistically derived number that can be used to
identify high accident roadway segments.
As the table above shows, the total accident rate at the NC 871US 701 intersection is
higher than the statewide average and near the critical rate. The fatal accident rate is over
six times the statewide average and twice the critical rate.
NC 87 Bypass within the project area was constructed on new location and completed in
2001. As stated previously, partial control of access exists along this facility. Access is
only allowed from public roads, no direct driveway access is permitted onto the bypass.
The US 701 intersection is the only signalized intersection along the portion of the bypass
that was constructed on new location. The lack of driveways and signals and the design
of the bypass seem to lead drivers to expect an interchange instead of a signal at US 701.
Approximately 35% of the accidents occurring at the US 701 intersection were caused by
drivers on NC 87 not stopping for the traffic signal.
Traffic Carrvina Capacity Without Project
Current (2006) traffic volumes within the study area range from 5,500 vehicles per day
(vpd) to 9,400 vpd along US 701,.and from 3,800 to 6,900 vpd along NC 87 Bypass. By
the year 2030, traffic volumes within the study area will range from 7,800 vpd to 13,700
vpd along US 701, and from 6,400 to 10,900 vpd along NC 87 Bypass.
The intersection is currently operating at a level of service D. By the year 2030, the
intersection will operate at capacity (level of service E).
R-4903, July 2009, Merger Application
Page 3 of 10
COST ESTIMATES AND SCHEDULE
Construction cost estimates for each alternative are presented in Table 1 below. The
project is scheduled to begin right of way acquisition in fiscal year 2011 and will be let to
construction in fiscal year 2013.
Table 1
Alternatives Cost Estimates
Alternative 2 Alternative 4
Wetland/Stream Mitigation $977,000 $1,479,000
Total Construction Cost $16,200,000 $15,600,000
Right of Way Costs $1,335,000 $2,195,000
Total Project Cost $18,512,000 $19,274,000
PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVES SECTION
No-Build Alternative
The "no-build" alternative does not effectively meet the purpose and need for the project.
The fatal crash rate at the intersection was over six times the statewide average and twice
the critical rate between January 2003 and December 2005. The NC 87 Bypass/US 701
intersection was the eighth highest in ranking of potentially hazardous intersection
locations in Bladen County in 2007. The intersection currently operates at level of
service D. By the year 2030, the intersection will operate at capacity (level of service E).
Countermeasure Alternatives
Countermeasure alternatives can include warning lights, rumble strips, additional lanes,
turn lanes, etc. Flashers with warning signs reading "Be Prepared to Stop" have been
installed on NC 87. (These were not installed on US 701.) It is possible the warning
signs have helped some of the traffic issues at this intersection, but an interchange would
reduce the number of accidents even more. For this reason, other alternatives are
recommended.
Directional Crossover
Converting the existing full movement crossover into a directional crossover (superstreet)
would require traffic on US 701 wishing to cross or turn left onto NC 87 to turn right and
travel several hundred feet to make a left turn or u-tum. Due to the amount of traffic at
this intersection, traffic signals would probably still be required, however. This
configuration would probably operate satisfactorily, but the required traffic signals may
still violate driver's expectations on NC 87. For this reason, a directional crossover is not
recommended.

R-4903, July 2009, Merger Application
Page 4 of 10
Interchange Alternatives
Four alternatives were developed for an interchange at US 701. Table 2 below shows a
comparison of the alternatives presented at the April 2009 merger meeting mentioned
above. Two of the four interchange alternatives were selected for detailed study by the
merger team at this meeting. The two alternatives which were dropped from further
consideration are described below.
Table 2
Interchange Alternative Comparison
Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 4
Residential 4 4 6 4
Relocatees
Business 0 0 1 2
Relocatees
Wetlands 1.39 0.89 1.94 1.77
Affected Acres
Stream Impacts 2,387 1,268 2,979 1,857
(Linear Feet)*
Habitat for No No No No
Federally
Protected
Species?
Historic None are None are None are None are
FP roperties? considered eligible considered eligible considered eligible considered eligible
for the National for the National for the National for the National
Register Register Register Register
*Stream information was updated following the April 2009 merger meeting mentioned above.
These are the updated impacts.
Alternative 1
Alternative 1 is a partial cloverleaf interchange with loops and ramps in the northwest
and southeast interchange quadrants. NC 242 is relocated approximately 1,000 feet south
of its existing location, in order to avoid taking two nearby businesses in the southwest
quadrant of the interchange. Alternative 1 has four residential relocatees and
approximately 1.39 acres of wetland impacts. This alternative was not chosen because of
the amount of wetland impacts compared to Xltemative 2.
?,?1 1G 51?-?`M
Alternative 3 2
Alternative 3 is a diamond interchange. The intersection of NC 242 with US 701 would
be relocated approximately 1,000 feet south of its current location, in order to allow
enough distance between the southern interchange ramp intersection and the new
US 701/NC 242 intersection for safety. This alternative has the most impacts of all the
alternatives, with six residential relocatees, one business relocatee, approximately 1.94
acres of wetland impacts and 2561inear feet of stream impacts. Therefore, this
alternative was eliminated from?urther consideration.