U-3820

fµW ???
y / dee' 40
04V
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ?N
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR. DAVID MCCOY
GovERNOR May 22, 2000 SECRETARY
MEMORANDUM TO: Mrs. Chrys Baggett, Director
State Clearinghouse
Dept. of Administration C
FROM: William D. Gilmore, P. E., Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
SUBJECT: Proposed Improvements to SR 1401 (Tanner Road), from NC 97 to
SR 1402 (Fountain School Road) at SR 1403 (College Road),
Edgecombe County, Federal Aid Project No. STP-1401(2), State
Project No. 8.2291101, TIP Project U-3820
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch of the Division of
Highways has begun studying the proposed improvements to SR 1401 (Tanner Road), from
NC 97 to SR 1402 (Fountain School Road) at SR 1403 (College Road). The project is included
in the 2000-2006 North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right
of way in fiscal year 2003 and construction in fiscal year 2004.
The subject project proposed to realign Tanner Road (SR 1401) with the NC 97
intersection and realign Tanner Road to bypass the Fountain Road Women's Correctional
Center. These improvements will consist of the construction of two lane facilities utilizing grass
shoulders. The NC 97-Tanner Road intersection will be signalized.
We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating
potential environmental impacts of the project. If applicable, please identify any permits or
approvals which may be required by your agency. Your comments will be used in the
preparation of a federally funded Environmental Assessment. This document will be prepared in
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. It is desirable that your agency respond
by June 22, 2000 so that your comments can be used in the preparation of this document.
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Beverly G. Robinson,
Project Development Engineer, of this Branch at [phone], Ext. 231.
WDG/plr
Attachment
RECEivED
MAY 3 0 2000
N.C. STATE CLEARINC31HOI Jam:
y r?
Mas
a@ pwa •Sa
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR. P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 David McCoy
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
May 22, 2000
MEMORANDUMTO: File
FROM: Beverly G. Robinson
Project Development Engineer
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
SUBJECT: SR 1401 (Tanner Road), from NC 97 to SR 1402 (Fountain
School Road) SR 1403 (College Road), Edgecombe
County, Federal Aid Project No. STP-1401(2), State
Project No. 8.2291101, TIP Project No. U-3820
A scoping meeting was held in the Roadway Design Conference Room (Room
162) Century Center Building A, on May 9, 2000. The following persons were in
attendance:
David Cox North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
John Hennessy North Carolina Division of Water Quality
John Wadsworth Federal Highway Administration
Bob League City of Rocky Mount
Jonathan Boone City of Rocky Mount
Don R. Dupree Division 4
Dennis Jernigan Division 4-Construction
Anna Pennisi Statewide Planning
Rob Allen Photogrammetry
Ron Young Program Development
Ray McIntyre TIP Unit
Lanette Ingham Programming and TIP
Jerome Nix Hydraulics
Jimmy Goodnight Roadway Design
Leon Oliver Roadway Design
Ray Moore Structure Design
Mack Bailey Struct..

Heather Joyner
Nancy Van Dolsen
Janet James
Gary Parker
Pamela Alexander
Keith Honeycutt
Eric Midkiff
Right of Way-Utilities
PD&EA-Historic Architecture
Traffic Control
Traffic Control
Congestion Management
Location and Surveys
PD&EA
Beverly Robinson PD&EA
The following is a summary of the comments made at the meeting and through
written comments:
Purpose and Need
• Improve Safety along SR 1401 (Tanner Road)
Both the northern and southern termini of Tanner Road intersect Fountain School
Road and NC 97 respectively, in a manner that creates a safety hazard.
The intersection of Tanner Road and Fountain School Road is located approximately
600 feet east of a railroad crossing. The crossing is located in a significant curve with
limited sight distance. The development of a Federal Emergency Management Agency
Park (developed for Hurricane Floyd flood victims) in the area has significantly increased
traffic flow at the railroad crossing, especially during A.M. and P.M. peak hours.
Currently, Tanner Road intersects NC 97 at the foot of a bridge. The combination of
poor roadway geometry (insufficient turning radii, etc.) and inadequate sight distance
makes it difficult for vehicles to maneuver a turn onto Tanner Road. This is especially
true for heavy trucks on NC 97 coming from a nearby asphalt plant and rock quarry.
• Economic Development
The property adjacent to Tanner Road is currently the location of several
businesses that produce heavy truck traffic. Tanner Road provides access for these
distribution centers. In addition, there are plans for construction of a livestock area (for
livestock shows, auctions, etc.) on Old Rocky Mount-Battleboro Road which runs parallel
to Tanner Road.
It is anticipated that the Heilig Meyers and Mayola Dairy Distribution centers are
going to experience significant expansion in the future, causing an increase in the traffic on
Tanner Road.
Also, projected traffic generated by development of the livestock arena may cause
through traffic to divert to Tanner Road in order to bypass the facility when there are
events taking place.
• Reduce Potential Congestion
Realignment of the northern and southern termini of Tanner Road will reduce the
potential of traffic congestion in the area and improve travel safety. Implementation of the
project will improve continuity of the thoroughfare as well as correct a system deficiency.
From an engineering standpoint, it is desirable, whenever possible, to correct
problems with thoroughfare continuity such as "dog leg" intersections. Better aligning
these intersections improves traffic operations and flow. Such deficiency in design is
found at both the northern and southern ends of Tanner Road in its relation to College
Road and NC 97, respectively.
It is desirable to close the Fountain School Road railroad crossing for safety
reasons. It is anticipated that this closing will be made feasible by realigning Tanner Road
to improve continuity. By doing this, traffic flow will be led to the College Road railroad
crossing.
Functional Classification
Existing SR 1401 (Tanner Road) is classified as a Rural Local on the functional
classification system and as a Minor Thoroughfare on the 1985 Rocky Mount
Thoroughfare Plan.
The functional classification is in the process of being changed from a Rural Local
to a Rural Minor Collector.
Project Termini
The proposed project will realign SR 1401 (Tanner Road) with the NC 97
intersection and realign a-portion of Tanner Road to bypass the Fountain Road Women's
Correctional Center at SR 1403 (College Road).
The total project length is 1.2 miles.
Existing Typical Section
Tanner Road currently intersects NC 97 and (Fountain School Road) SR 1402.
The existing typical section for Tanner Road is a two-lane 24-foot roadway with 2-ft
paved shoulders. Fountain School Road is a two-lane 21-foot roadway with 4-foot grass
shoulders. College Road currently intersects Fountain School Road and is proposed to
intersect the realigned Tanner Road bypassing the Women's Correctional Center. College
Road is a two-lane 21-foot roadway with 4-feet grass shoulders. NC 97 is a two to three
Proposed Typical Section
Tanner Road-NC 97 intersection will be realigned with the NC 97-SR 1278
intersection. These improvements will include a two to three lane shoulder facility. A
portion of Tanner Road will also be realigned to bypass the Fountain Road Women's
Correctional Facility. These improvements will also include a two to three lane shoulder
facility.
In addition to the improvements mentioned above, the Department will also
investigate the need to study improving existing Tanner Road as possible improvements
for the proposed project. This will be determined as the project progresses.
Right of Way
Tanner Road has an existing right of way width of 80 to 100 feet. Fountain
School Road has an existing right of way width of approximately 60 feet. The right of
way limits along College Road and NC 97 are approximately 60 to 80 feet.
Approximately 100 feet of right of way is proposed for this project.
Intersections
Most of the intersections in the project area are T-intersections. The intersection
of NC 97 and SR 1278 is signalized. NC 97 and Fountain School Road intersections with
Tanner Road are stop sign controlled. Fountain School Road has a pedestrian signal at
the Women's Correctional Center. The Fountain School Road and College Road
intersection is stop sign controlled.
The signal proposed for the realignment of NC 97 and Tanner Road will be
upgraded. _
Thoroughfare Plan
The 1985 Rocky Mount Thoroughfare Plan Report consisted only of the
realignment of Tanner Road (SR 1401) with NC 97. However, since the 1985
Thoroughfare Plan Report was completed, existing and anticipated economic development
in conjunction with increased traffic in the project area has created a revision of the
project's description to its current status. The proposed changes were voted on, and
approved by the local TAC on July 7 1997 and the Thoroughfare Plan was amended to
reflect bypassing the Fountain School Road Women's Correctional Center.
Adjacent Projects
B-3681: -This project proposes to replace Bridge #277 on SR 1»5 for CSX
Railroad. A CE is due to be completed for this project in July 2001. Right of way is
scheduled for this project in April 2002 with construction in April 2004.v
Structures
One existing structure is located along Tanner Road. Bridge #109 crosses a
tributary to Compass Creek. This bridge may be replaced with a box culvert.
Culvert No. 81 carries NC 97 over a Tributary to the Tar River. This culvert is a
double barrel 10X10 reinforced box culvert. This culvert will be replaced.
There are three large corrugated metal pipes along Tanner Road near the Mobile
City Trailer Park.
The Hydraulic Design Unit proposes a detailed flood study for the southern
portion of the project at the NC 97-Tanner Road intersection.
Comments from Location and Surveys
Sid Autry provided the following written comments and recommendations:
At the proposed realignment of SR 1401 (Tanner Road) with the current
intersection of NC 97 and SR 1278, telephone (fiber and cable) lines exist along the south
side of NC 97 and SR 1278. A telephone cable exists along the east side of NC 97. Gas
lines are evident along the west side of NC 97 and water lines also exist along the west
side of NC 97. The telephone cables are owned by CT&T and power lines are owned by
CP&L.
Along Tanner Road, telephone lines exist along both shoulders, power lines are
aerial along the east side, water lines exist south of the Heilig Meyers Distribution Center
and run north of the Heilig Meyer Distribution Center and along the east side.
At the proposed realignment of Tanner Road and the current intersection of SR
1402 (Fountain School Road) and SR 1403 (College Road), telephone, fiber television
cable, gas, and sanitary sewer lines exist along the north side of Fountain School Road and
turn north down College Road along the west side. Water lines are evident along the east
side of College Road. There is no evidence of power lines existing along Fountain School
Road and College Road in the vicinity of their intersection.
Utility impacts near the proposed intersections are medium.
Road near the proposed bypass of the Women's Correctional Center. Impacts should be
minimal with only right of way easements along the frontage. There is a gravesite 70 feet
from the centerline northwest of the church on the westside of Tanner Road.
Approximately 10-12 graves exist.
North Carolina Geodectic Control Monument "Pilot" is located in the northeast
corner of existing Tanner Road and NC 97 intersection.
Hazardous Materials
A geotechnical survey will be required to identify underground storage tanks and
other hazardous material sites in the project area.
Speed Limits
The speed limit along Tanner Road is 45 mph along, 35 mph along Fountain Road
and 35 to 55 mph along NC 97.
Traffic Counts
Current Year (2000) volumes along Tanner Road without improvement range
between 600 to 2300 vpd and Design Year (2025) volumes between 2900 to 4200 vpd.
Current Year volumes along Tanner Road with proposed improvements range
between 1800 to 2500 vpd and Design Year volumes between 3200 to 4500 vpd.
Accidents
Most of the accidents along Tanner Road include animal collisions, left turn same
road, and ran off road right and straight-ahead type accidents.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations
This section of roadway does not correspond to a bicycle TIP request, nor is it a
designated bicycle route. At present there is no indication that there is an unusual number
of bicyclists using this road.
Cultural Resources
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recommends an archaeological
survey be conducted for the proposed project. Two structures should be investigated for
architectural significance.
Natural Resources
No record of threatened or endangered species occurs in the.project vicinity per
NC Wildlife Resources Commission. No survey for mussels is required and there should
be no Fisheries issues .
Division of Water Quality reminded the Department to follow all Tar-Pamlico
Buffer rules. The purpose and need should be justified for the proposed project.
Division of Water Quality also had concerns about the southern end of the project
at the NC 97 intersection and requests that we investigate improving the existing roadway.
Schedule
The project is federally funded.
Mapping for functional design
EA
FONSI
Right of Way Acquisition
Construction
October 2000
August 2001
September 2002
October 2003 FY 04
July 2005 FY 05
Other Project Issues
There is a possible sight distance problem at the intersection of Tanner Road and
Fountain School Road.
There are no existing sidewalks along the proposed project area and no control of
access.
Currently no sidewalks are proposed for the project. No control of access will
remain for the proposed improvements.
Environmental Justice
The proposed project may have a portion on new location. Mobile City Trailer
Park will have impacts from the new location portion of this project. This area appears to
be low income and minority. Environmental Justice issues will be addressed as deemed
necessary.

1404
301
14QZ
> END PROJECT

OCKY MOUNT
,
442
,"

? M
97 97

1

301
3

Aw >43 1.6
.s BEGIN PROJECT

J?
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
MILES
0 1 2 3
Figure I

SR 1401 FROM NC 97 TO SR 1402
EOGECOMBE COUNTY
TIP PROJECT U-3820
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Bill Holman, Secretary Kerr T. Stevens, Director NCDENR
June 16, 2000
MEMORANDUM
To: Melba McGee
Through: John Dorn
From: John E. Hennessy f17
Subject: Scoping comments on proposed improvements to SR 1401 (Tanner Road) from NC 97 to SR
1402 (Fountain School Road) at SR 1403 (College Road) in Edgecombe County, Federal Aid
Project No. STP-1401(2), State Project No. 8.2291101, TIP U-3820, DENR NO.OOE-0646.
Reference your correspondence dated May 22, 2000 in which you requested comments for widening project
TIP U-3820. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the potential for impacts to perennial streams and
jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. Further investigations at a higher resolution should be
undertaken to verify the presence of other streams and/or jurisdictional wetlands in the area. In the event
that any jurisdictional areas are identified, the Division of Water Quality requests that NCDOT consider the
following environmental issues for the proposed project:
A. Review of the project coupled with information presented at the Project Team scoping meeting,
reveals that the more powerful arguments justifying this project surround the safety and capacity
issues.
B. Impacts to wetlands at the southern end of the project in proximity to NC 97 may be avoidable with
a realignment of the road. The DOT should consider realignment options to avoid the referenced
impacts.
C. The project is located in the Tar-Pamlico River. Therefore, the Tar-Pamlico Riparian Buffer Rules
should be considered during the planning of the project. The NCDOT is reminded that they will need
to plan, design, and construct their project so that they comply with all Tar-Pamlico Rules prior to
401 Water Quality Certification issuance.
D. The document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed impacts to
wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping.
E. There should be a discussion on mitigation plans for unavoidable impacts. If mitigation is required,
it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental
documentation. While the NCDWQ realizes that this may not always be practical, it should be noted
that for projects requiring mitigation, appropriate mitigation plans will be required prior to issuance
of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
1621 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper
Mr. William D. Gilmore memo
06/16/00
Page 2
F. Review of the project reveals that no Outstanding Resource Waters, Water Supply Water, High
Quality Waters, or Trout Waters will be impacted during the project implementation. However,
should further analysis reveal the presence of any of the aforementioned waters, the DWQ requests
that DOT strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations entitled "Design Standards in Sensitive
Watersheds" (15A NCAC 04B .0024) throughout design and construction of the project. This would
apply for any area that drains to streams having WS (Water Supply), ORW (Outstanding Resource
Water), HQW (High Quality Water), SA (Shellfish Water) or Tr (Trout Water) classifications.
G. When practical, the DWQ requests that bridges be replaced on the existing location with road
closure. If a detour proves necessary, remediation measures in accordance with the NCDWQ
requirements for General 401 Certification 2726/Nationwide Permit No, 33 (Temporary
Construction, Access and Dewatering) must be followed.
H. Review of the project reveals that no High Quality Waters or Water Supply Waters will be impacted
by the project. However, should further analysis reveal the presence of any of the aforementioned
water resources, the DWQ requests that hazardous spill catch basins be installed at any bridge
crossing a stream classified as HQW or WS (Water Supply). The number of catch basins installed
should be determined by the design of the bridge, so that runoff would enter said basin(s) rather than
flowing directly into the stream.
I. If applicable, DOT should not install the bridge bents in the creek, to the maximum extent
practicable.
Wetland and stream impacts should be avoided (including sediment and erosion control
structures/measures) to the maximum extent practical. If this is not possible, alternatives that
minimize wetland impacts should be chosen. Mitigation for unavoidable impacts will be required by
DWQ for impacts to wetlands in excess of one acre and/or to streams in excess of 150 linear feet.
K. Borrow/waste areas should not be located in wetlands. It is likely that compensatory mitigation will
be required if wetlands are impacted by waste or borrow.
G. DWQ prefers replacement of bridges with bridges. However, if the new structure is to be a culvert, it
should be countersunk to allow unimpeded fish and other aquatic organisms passage through the
crossing.
H. In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0506(b)(6) ), mitigation will be
required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single perennial stream. In the event that
mitigation becomes required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate lost
functions and values. In accordance with the NCDWQ Wetlands Rules (15A NCAC 211.0506
(h)(3) ), the Wetland Restoration Program may be available for use as stream mitigation.
I. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands.
The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed
methods for stormwater management. More specifically, stormwater should not be permitted to
discharge directly into the creek. Instead, stormwater should be designed to drain to a properly
designed stormwater detention facility/apparatus.
K. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps and soil surveys is a useful office tool,
their inherent inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior
to permit approval.
Mr. William D. Gilmore memo
06/16/00
Page 3
Thank you for requesting our input at this time. The DOT is reminded that issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification requires that appropriate measures be instituted to ensure that water quality standards are met
and designated uses are not degraded or lost. If you have any questions or require additional information,
please contact John Hennessy at [phone] or John-Henness y @ h2o. enr. state. nc.us.
cc: Eric Alsmeyer, Corps of Engineers
Tom McCartney, USFWS
David Cox, NCWRC
Personal Files
Central Files
C:\ncdot\TIP U-3820\comments\U-3820 scoping comments.doc
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
June 26, 2000
Mr. William D. Gilmore, P.E., Manager
NCDOT
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1548
Dear Mr. Gilmore:
E
J1 JUL -a MM
Thank you for your May 22, 2000 request for information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) on the potential environmental impacts of the proposed improvements to the
SR 1401 (Tanner Road), from NC 97 to SR 1402 (Fountain School Road) at SR 1403,
Edgecombe County, North Carolina (TIP No. U-3820). This report provides scoping
information and is provided in accordance with provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination
Act (FWCA) (16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973,
as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). This report also serves as initial scoping comments to
federal and state resource agencies for use in their permitting and/or certification processes for
this project.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to realign SR 1401 with
the NC 97 intersection and realign SR 1401 to bypass the Fountain Road Women's Correctional
Center. These improvements will consist of the construction of two-lane facilities utilizing grass
shoulders. The NC 97/SR 1401 intersection will be signalized. The total project length is 1.2
miles. The following recommendations are provided to assist you in your planning process and
to facilitate a thorough and timely review of the project.
Generally, the Service recommends that wetland impacts be avoided and minimized to the
maximum extent practical as outlined in Section 404 (b)(1) of the Clean Water Act Amendments
of 1977. In regard to avoidance and minimization of impacts, we recommend that proposed
highway projects be aligned along or adjacent to existing roadways, utility corridors, or
previously developed areas in order to minimize habitat fragmentation and encroachment. Areas
exhibiting high biodiversity or ecological value important to the watershed and region should be
avoided. Crossings of streams and associated wetland systems should use existing crossings
and/or occur on a structure wherever feasible. Where bridging is not feasible, culvert structures
that maintain natural water flows and hydraulic regimes without scouring, or impeding fish and
wildlife passage, should be employed. Highway shoulder and median widths should be reduced
through wetland areas. Roadway embankments and fill areas should be stabilized by using

appropriate erosion control devices and techniques. Wherever appropriate, construction in
sensitive areas should occur outside fish spawning and migratory bird nesting seasons.
The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) map of the Rocky Mount 7.5 Minute Quadrangle shows
wetland resources in the specific work area. However, while the NWI maps are useful for
providing an overview of a given area, they should not be relied upon in lieu of a detailed
wetland delineation by trained personnel using an acceptable wetland classification
methodology. Therefore, in addition to the above guidance, we recommend that the
environmental documentation for this project include the following in sufficient detail to
facilitate a thorough review of the action.
The extent and acreage of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, that are to be impacted by
filling, dredging, clearing, ditching, or draining. Acres of wetland impact should be
differentiated by habitat type based on the wetland classification scheme of the National
Wetlands Inventory. Wetland boundaries should be determined by using the 1987 Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
2. If unavoidable wetland impacts are proposed, we recommend that every effort be made to
identify compensatory mitigation sites in advance. 'Project planning should include a detailed
compensatory mitigation plan for offsetting unavoidable wetland impacts. Opportunities
to protect mitigation areas in perpetuity, preferably via conservation easement, should be
explored at the outset.
The enclosed list identifies the federally-listed endangered and threatened species, and Federal
Species of Concern (FSC) that are known to occur in Edgecombe County. In particular, we note
that two tributaries of the Tar River, Compass Creek and Hornbeam Branch, either cross the
project area or are in close proximity. The Tar spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansana) occurs in
the Tar River at Rocky Mount. The Service recommends that habitat requirements for the Tar
spinymussel, as well as the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) be compared with the
available habitat at the project site. If suitable habitat is present within the action area of the
project, biological surveys for the listed species should be performed. Environmental
documentation that includes survey methodologies, results, and NCDOT's recommendations
based on those results should be provided to this office for review and comment.
FSC's are those plant and animal species for which the Service remains concerned, but further
biological research and field study are needed to resolve their conservation status. Although
FSC's receive no statutory protection under the ESA, we encourage the NCDOT to be alert to
their potential presence, and to make every reasonable effort to conserve them if found. The
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program should be contacted for information on species under
state protection.

The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on this project. Please continue to advise us
during the progression of the planning process, including your official determination of the
impacts of this project. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact Tom
McCartney at 919-856-4520, ext. 32.
Sincerely,
Dr. Garland . Pardue
Ecological Services Supervisor
Enclosures
cc:
COE, Raleigh, NC (Eric Alsmeyer)
NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC (John Hennessey)
NCDNR, Northside, NC (David Cox)
FHWA, Raleigh, NC (Nicholas Graf)
EPA, Atlanta, GA (Ted Bisterfield)
FWS/R4:TMcCartney:TM:06/23/00:919/856-4520 extension 32:\U-3820.tip