20200187 Ver 1_Avery Bridge #1 replacement project summary_20200204

ST�7E�.
ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
February 4, 2020
Subject: Nationwide Permit #3
Replace Bridge #1 on SR 1349 with a new bridge
Avery County, North Carolina
Project Number: 17BP.11.R.175
JAMEs H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is scheduled to replace Avery Bridge #1 with
another bridge at the same location. In order to maintain traffic during the project the new bridge
will be built prior to tearing down the old bridge, and as result, will be on a slightly different
alignment. The existing bridge, built in 1955, is a narrow (18' wide) 70' long bridge consisting of
a timber floor on I -beams with reinforced concrete abutments and pier. The proposed bridge will
utilize two 45' cored slabs for an overall length of 90', and will be 33' wide.
Stream Impacts
Reason for
Existing
Proposed
Permanent
Temporary
Total
impact
Structure(s)
Structure(s)
Impacts
Impacts
Impacts
Bridge
18' wide, 70'
33' wide, 90'
29' of bank
90' for dewatering
119"
replacement
long timber
long cored slab
hardening
and workpad
bride
bride
construction
Stormwater
none
Dissipater pad
23' of bank
I I' of dewatering
34'2
pipe outlet
below 15" RCP
hardening below
stabilization
pipe outlet
15" RCP pipe
Perm. Fill/Riprap Impacts = 52 ft
Total Project Impacts =153 ft
' The bridge abutment on the south side of the old bridge will be removed and replaced with rip rap, which
will result in no new permanent impacts. The new permanent impacts from bank hardening represents rip
rap that is placed beyond the footprint of the old abutment. The 90' of temporary impacts are a result of
dewatering to install the previously mentioned rip rap (25'), as well as temporary workpads for removing
the existing interior bridge bent (40') and constructing the new interior bridge bent (25').
2As part of the stormwater plans, a 15" RCP will be installed just upstream of the south side of the new
bridge. This pipe is non jurisdictional and serves to transport stormwater from the roadway to the Linville
River. A 23' foot rip rap pad will be constructed below the pipe outlet to help prevent erosion from
stormwater carried through the pipe, as well as stormwater runoff from the new bridge.
As mentioned in the table, the removal of the old bridge and the construction of the new bridge
will require temporary dewatering during abutment removal and riprap installation. An impervious
dike will be constructed adjacent to the proposed impact area to isolate the work area. Any dirty
water located inside the construction area will be pumped into a silt bag before leaving the project.

Once the new bank stabilization is in place, the impervious dikes will be removed, and
preconstruction streambed elevations will be restored. At no time, will 50% or more of the rivers
flow be blocked. In fact, most of the river that is shown as being dewatered during the old bridge
bent removal is ponded water with little to no flow.
Construction of this project will require impacts to waters of the United States in the Catawba
River Basin, but well upstream of where the Catawba River buffer protection program rules apply.
The existing bridge crosses the Linville River (Class: C; Trout) and is located in a trout watershed.
This project does not drain to designated critical habitat.
This project was reviewed for the presence of threatened and endangered species using the NCNHP
database, and through visual observation. The NCNHP search indicates that there are no records
for threatened or endangered species, important natural communities, natural areas, or
conservation/managed areas within the proposed project boundary. The NLEB is listed as a
protected species in this county, but the project is over a mile away from the closest USFWS
identified red HUC / consultation area. Furthermore, a survey of the bridge revealed no signs of
bats or bat usage. We do not anticipate any impact to any other federally listed species.
Cultural resource compliance work has been completed (see attachments). No archaeological
resources or historic properties will be affected by this project. The EBCI, UKBCI, Cherokee,
Catawba, and Muscogee Nations were contacted regarding this project. Only the Cherokee and
Catawba Nations responded, and neither had any issues with the project.
As requested by NCWRC, this project will implement a moratorium prohibiting in -stream work
and land disturbance within the 25-foot trout buffer from October 15 to April 15 to protect the egg
and fry stages of trout.
If further information is required, please let me know. Your early review and consideration will be
appreciated.
Sincerely, art
Kevin Hining
Division Environmental Officer