R-4903

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
March 7, 2006
Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548
Dear Dr. Thorpe:
This letter is in response to your request for comments from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)
on the potential environmental effects of the proposed interchange at NC 87 and US 701 in Bladen
County, North Carolina (TIP No. R-4903). These comments provide seeping information in accordance
with provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (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).
The Service does not have any specific comments or concerns for this project. However, we reserve the
right to review any federal permits that may be required for this project, at the public notice stage.
Therefore, it is important that resource agency coordination occur early in the planning process in order to
resolve any conflicts that may arise and minimize delays in project implementation. We recommend that
the environmental documentation for this project include the following in sufficient detail to facilitate a
thorough review of the action:
i . A clearly defined and detailed purpose and need for the proposed project, supported by
tabular data, if available, and including a discussion of the project's independent utility;
2. A description of the proposed action with an analysis of all alternatives being considered,
including the upgrading of existing roads and a "no action" alternative;
3. A description of the fish and wildlife resources, and their habitats, within the project impact area
that may be directly or indirectly affected;
4. 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' tile National
Wetlands Inventory (NWI). Wetland boundaries should be determined by using the 1987 J) S
of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
5. The anticipated environmental impacts, both temporary and permanent, that would be likely to
occur as a direct result of the proposed project. The assessment should also include the extent to
which the proposed project would result in secondary impacts to natural resources, and how this
and similar projects contribute to cumulative adverse effects,
6. Design features and construction techniques which would be employed to avoid or minimize
impacts to fish and wildlife resources, both direct and indirect, and including fragmentation and
direct loss of'habitat;
7. Design features, construction techniques, or any other mitigation measures which would be
employed at wetland crossings and stream channel relocations to avoid or minimize impacts to
waters of the US; and,
8. If unavoidable wetland or stream impacts are proposed, project planning should include a
compensatory mitigation plan for offsetting the unavoidable impacts.
Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act requires that all federal action agencies (or their designated
non-federal representatives), in consultation with the Service, insure that any action federally authorized,
funded, or carried out by such agencies is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any
federally-listed threatened or endangered species. A biological assessment/evaluation may be prepared to
fulfill the section 7(a)(2) requirement and will expedite the consultation process. To assist you, a county-
by-county list of federally protected species known to occur in North Carolina and information on their
life histories and habitats can be found on our web page at http://nc_es.l'ws.,i ov/cs/couiilyf'r.Iltml .
Although the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNI-II') database does not indicate any known
occurrences of listed species near the project vicinity, use of the NCNHP data should not be substituted
for actual field surveys if suitable habitat occurs near the project site. The NCNHP database only
indicates the presence of known occurrences of listed species and does not necessarily mean that such
species are not present. It may simply mean that the area has not been surveyed. If suitable habitat
occurs within the project vicinity for any listed species, surveys should be conducted to determine
presence or absence of the species.
if you determine that the proposed action may affect (i.e., likely to adversely affect or not likely to
adversely affect) a listed species, you should notify this office with your determination, the results of your
surveys, survey methodologies, and an analysis of the effects of the action on listed species, including
consideration of direct, indirect, and cumulative effects, before conducting any activities that might affect
the species. I f YOU determine that the proposed action will have no effect (i.e., no beneficial or adverse,
direct or indirect effect) on listed species, then you are not required to contact our office for concurrence.
The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on this project. If you have any questions regarding
our response, please contact Mr. Gary Jordan at [phone], ext. 32.
ncer 1
1 /
Pete Be ?t»in
I cologi a//I Services Supervisor
cc: Richard Spencer, USACE, Wilmington, NC
Nicole Thomson, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Chris Militscher, USEPA, Raleigh. NC
.101111 Sullivan, FHwA, Raleigh, NC

O?O? W A T ?RpG
March 17, 2006
MEMORANDUM
To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator
From: Nicole Thomson, NC Division of Water Quality, Transportation Permitting Un' ??
Subject: Scoping comments on proposed improvements to Intersection of NC 87 and US 701 in Bladen
County, Federal Aid Project No. NHF-87(15), State Project No. WBS 40226.1.1, TIP R-4903.
This office has reviewed the referenced document dated February 6, 2006. The Division of Water Quality
(DWQ) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities that
impact Waters of the U.S., including wetlands. Preliminary analysis of the project reveals the potential
for multiple impacts to perennial streams and jurisdictional wetlands in the project area. More
specifically, impacts to:
Stream Name River Basin Stream
Classification(s) Stream Index
Number
UT Browns Creek Cape Fear C;303(d) 18-45
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:
Project Specific Comments:
1. UT to Browns Creek is class C;303(d) waters of the State. UT to Browns Creek is on the 303(d)
list for impaired use for aquatic life due to urban runoff from storm sewers . DWQ is very
concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project. DWQ
recommends that the most protective sediment and erosion control BMPs be implemented to reduce
the risk of nutrient runoff to UT to Northeast Creek. DWQ requests that road design plans provide
treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the most
recent version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices.
General Project Comments:
1. The environmental document should provide a detailed and itemized presentation of the proposed
impacts to wetlands and streams with corresponding mapping. If mitigation is necessary as
required by 15A NCAC 2H.0506(h), it is preferable to present a conceptual (if not finalized)
mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. Appropriate mitigation plans will be
required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
N',AhCaroli
Transportation Permitting Unit Natural!
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699.1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] / FAX [phone] / Internet: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
An Eaual ODoortunlty/Affirmative Action EmDlover - 50% Recvcled/10% Post Consumer PaDer

2. Environmental assessment alternatives should consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to
streams and wetlands from storm water runoff. These alternatives should include road designs
that allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed
in the most recent version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed
swales, buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality
Certification, the NCDOT is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the
avoidance and minimization of impacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maximum extent
practical. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules 115A NCAC
2H.0506(h) }, mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 1 acre to wetlands. In the
event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate
lost functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as
wetland mitigation.
4. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules (15A NCAC
2H.0506(h)), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single
perennial stream. 'In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed
to replace appropriate lost functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may
be available for use as stream mitigation.
5. DWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project.
NC DOT should address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the
aquatic environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
6. If a bridge is being replaced with a hydraulic conveyance other than another bridge, DWQ
believes the use of a Nationwide Permit may be required. Please contact the US Army Corp of
Engineers to determine the required permit(s).
7. If the old bridge is removed, no discharge of bridge material into surface waters is allowed unless
otherwise authorized by the US ACOE. Strict adherence to the Corps of Engineers guidelines for
bridge demolition will be a condition of the 401 Water Quality Certification.
8. Bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream when possible.
9. Whenever possible, the DWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not
require work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks and do not require stream channel
realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges allow for human and
wildlife passage beneath the structure, do not block fish passage and do not block navigation by
canoeists and boaters.
10. Bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater should be directed
across the bridge and pre-treated through site-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-formed
scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream. Please refer to the most current
version of NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices.
11. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area should be maintained to prevent direct
contact between curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured

concrete should not be discharged to surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and
possible aquatic life and fish kills.
12. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction
contours and elevations. Disturbed areas should be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and
appropriate native woody species should be planted. When using temporary structures the area
should be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or
other mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and root mat intact allows the area to re-
vegetate naturally and minimizes soil disturbance.
13. Placement of culverts and other structures in waters, streams, and wetlands shall be below the
elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and
20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow low
flow passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of culverts and other structures
including temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result
in dis-equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and down stream
of the above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being
maintained if requested in writing by DWQ. If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock
or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact the NC DWQ for
guidance on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be
required.
14. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they should be designed to mimic natural stream cross
section as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or sills where
appropriate. Widening the stream channel should be avoided. Stream channel widening at the
inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing sediment deposition
that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
15. If foundation test borings are necessary; it should be noted in the document. Geotechnical work
is approved under General 401 Certification Number 3494/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
16. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented
and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of North Carolina Sediment and
Erosion Control Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250.
17. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work area unless otherwise
approved by NC DWQ. Approved BMP measures from the most current version of NCDOT
Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and
other diversion structures should be used to prevent excavation in flowing water.
18. Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands and streams.
19. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands
in borrow/waste areas could precipitate compensatory mitigation.
20. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evaluation of
Wetland Significance (NC-CREWS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their inherent
inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit
approval.
21. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams.
This equipment should be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface
waters from leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
22. In most cases, the DWQ prefers the replacement of the existing structure at the same location
with road closure. If road closure is not feasible, a temporary detour should be designed and
located to avoid wetland impacts, minimize the need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing
stream banks. If the structure will be on a new alignment, the old structure should be removed
and the approach fills removed from the 100-year floodplain. Approach fills should be removed
and restored to the natural ground elevation. The area should be stabilized with grass and planted
with native tree species. Tall fescue should not be used in riparian areas.
23. Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner
that precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be properly
designed, sized and installed.
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 Nicole Thomson at [phone].
cc: Richard Spencer, US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington Field Office
Clarence Coleman, Federal Highway Administration, 310 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC 27601
Terry R. Gibson, PE, Division 6 Engineer, PO Box 1150, Fayetteville, NC 28302
James J. Rerko, Division 6 Environmental Officer, PO Box 1150, Fayetteville, NC 28302
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Gary Jordan, US Fish and Wildlife Service
William Gilmore, Ecosystem Enhancement Program
File Copy
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
Project Review Form
Project Number: 06-0261 County: Bladen
Due Date: 03/23/2006
Date Received: 02/28/2006
Project Description: Proposal for interchange construction at NC 87 and US 701 in Bladen County. TIP #R-4903
This Project is being reviewed as indicated below:
Regional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review
Asheville TT Air Soil & Water Marine Fisheries
T- Fayetteville f- Water Coastal Management Water Resources
Mooresville _T Groundwater Wildlife FT Environmental Health
Raleigh
_T
Land Quality Engineer
Wildlife -DOT
T Solid Waste Mgmt
Washington - Radiation Protection
TT Forest Resources
Wilmington Other
Winston-Salem Land Resources
T Parks & Recreation
Water Quality
T Water Quality - DOT
Air Quality
Manager Sign-Off/Region: Date: In-House Reviewer/Agency:
Response (check all applicable)
No objection to project as proposed. No Comment
Insufficient information to complete review Other (specify or attach comments)
Regional Office Only:
Please log into the IBEAM system and update your comments in the DSS (Decision Support System) application,
SEPA module. If you have any questions, please contact:
Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator at [e-mail]
?9'y?q?lijy
RBR4
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5WF o?
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATI
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
February 23, 2006
MEMORANDUM TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT: Bladen County, Intersection of NC 87 and US 701, NCDOT Division 6,
WBS Element 40226.1.1, Federal Aid Project NHF-87(15), TIP Project
R-4903
This is to inform you that the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is
starting the project development, environmental and engineering studies for the proposed interchange
construction at NC 87 and US 701. The project is included in the 2006-2012 North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right of way in fiscal year 2011 and
construction in fiscal year 2012.
Attached for your review and comments are the scoping information sheets for the proposed project.
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 that may be
required by your agency. A scoping meeting will be scheduled with NCDOT staff to discuss the proposed
project in more detail. In order to include your comments in our materials for this meeting, we would
appreciate your response by April 10, 2006. If you would like to attend the scoping meeting, please notify
the project engineer.
It is anticipated that a federally funded Environmental Assessment will be prepared for this
project. This document will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Ms. Kim L. Gillespie, PE, Project
Development Engineer, of this Branch at [phone], Ext. 247. Please include the TIP Project Number
in all correspondence and comments.
GJT/plr
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Ms. Chrys Baggett, Director
State Clearinghouse
Department of Administration
Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
Project Development and Environmental A
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
Attachment
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
184E MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699.1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
PDEA Scoping Procedures
TIP Project: R-4903
Rev 8/31/05
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
Scoping Information Sheet
TIP No.: R-4903 -?
WBS No.: 40226.1.1
Federal Aid No: NHF-87 (15)
Division: 6
. Sent Date: 2/24/06
Revision Date:
Meeting, Date: ?- -,
County: Bladen
Ve
Interchange construction at NC 87 and US 701.
al
To improve the safety and capacity of the NC 87/US 701 intersection.
Metropolitan / Rural Planning Organization Area:
NEPA/404 Merger Candidate?: Yes
Feasibility Study Completed?: Yes
Mid-Carolina Rural Planning Organization
No Not sure
No January 1994 1 Date
Type of Environmental Documents to be Prepared / Proiect Schedule:
Type:
Environmental Document: Federal EA
Federal FONSI
Right of Way:
Let:
Dates:
December 2008
December 2009
FFY 2011
FFY 2012
Air Quality Status: Non-attainment Maintenance Attainment
PDEA Scoping Procedures
a TIP Project: R-4903
Design Criteria:
Length of Project Limits:
Type of Access Control:
(Existing / Proposed)
Structure Inventory:
Functional Classification:
Rev 8/31/05
[Approximately 1 mile
Partial/Full control of access
Bridge #3. See attachment for further bridge information.
Both NC 87 Bypass and US 701 - Rural Minor Arterial
Strategic Corridor Information: Part of Strategic Corridor #43: NC 87 from the
proposed I-20/US 74 to I-95, 65.75 miles
(Expressway)
CTP/Thoroughfare Plan Expressway
Designation (Facility Type):
Roadwav Typical Section:
(Existing / Proposed)
NC 87 Bypass: Four lanes/Four lanes
US 701: Two lanes/Four lanes in interchange area
Typical Section in Compliance with Conformity Determination:
Yes No
Right of Wav:
(Existing / Proposed)
Variable
Existing Posted Speed: US 701: 55 mph Proposed Design Speed: 60 for both routes
NC87B :SSm h
Traffic (AADT):
Current Year:
Design Year:
(2004) NC 87 Bp 6 04 0vpd
US 701: 7800-9400 v pd

Design Standards Applicable:
Railroad Involvement:
t_XJ AASHTO 3R
[None
Cost Estimate:
TIP Estimate:
Current Estimate:
*Traffic projections have been requested.
Lonstructlon: Right of Wa : Total Cost:
$7,500,000 $500,000 $8,000,000
% TTST: *
% Dual: *
% DHV: *
PDEA Scoping Procedures
TIP Project: R-1903
Rev 8/31/05
Bridge Information
(The last Bridge Inventory update date is located beside the bridge or culvert number.)
Bladen County
Bridge #3 (December 20 20051
This bridge is on US 701 and crosses over Browns Creek. The bridge is located south of the
town of Elizabethtown and north of the US 701 SR 1785 intersection. It was built in 1923.
Other information:
• Bridge roadway width = 25.8 ft
• Deck width = 27.9 ft
• Navigable vertical clearance = 0 ft
• Operating rating = 525, inventory rating = 518, sufficiency rating = 48.9
0 2002 ADT = 8600 vph, 2025 ADT = 17,800 vph
Lry ,..swEo?
N y• O
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
?, 9? Ilh? GO.
DEPAR'T'MENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO i 1vegTT
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
February 23, 2006
MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Brian Wrenn
Division of Water Quality/Wetlands
FROM: Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director "
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
SUBJECT: Bladen County, Intersection of NC 87 and US 701, NCDOT Division 6,
WBS Element 40226.1.1, Federal Aid Project NHF-87(15), TIP Project
R-4903
This is to inform you that the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is
starting the project development, environmental and engineering studies for the proposed interchange
construction at NC 87 and US 701. The project is included in the 2006-2012 North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right of way in fiscal year 2011 and
construction in fiscal year 2012.
Attached for your review and comments are the scoping information sheets for the proposed project.
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 that may be
required by your agency. A scoping meeting will be scheduled with NCDOT staff to discuss the proposed
project in more detail. In order to include your comments in our materials for this meeting, we would
appreciate your response by April 10, 2006. If you would like to attend the scoping meeting, please notify
the project engineer.
It is anticipated that a federally funded Environmental Assessment will be prepared for this
project. This document will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Ms. Kim L. Gillespie, PE, Project
Development Engineer, of this Branch at [phone], Ext. 247. Please include the TIP Project Number
in all correspondence and comments.
GJT/plr
Attachment
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE. WWW.NCDOT.ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
PDEA Scopin.- Procedures
TIP Project: R-4903
Rev 8/31/05
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
Scoping Information Sheet
TIP No.: R-4903
WBS No.: 40226.1.1
Federal Aid No: NHF-87 (15)
Division: 6
Sent Date: 2/24/06
Revision Date:
Meetinz Date:
Counto: Bladen
on:
Interchange construction at NC 87 and US 701.
General Yroiect Need:
To improve the safety and capacity of the NC 871US 701 intersection.
Metropolitan / Rural Planning Organization Area:
NEPA/404 Merger Candidate?: Yes
Feasibility Stud Completed?: 1..-J Yes
Mid-Carolina Rural Planning Organization
No L? Not sure
No January 26, 1994 Date
Tyne of Environmental Documents to be Prepared / Project Schedule:
Type:
Environmental Document: Federal EA
Federal FONSI
Right of Way:
Let:
Dates:
December 2008
December 2009
FFY 2011
FFY 2012
Air Quality Status: Non-attainment Maintenance Attainment
PDEA Scoping Procedures
TIP Project: R-4903
Design Criteria:
Length of Project Limits:
Type of Access Control:
(Existing / Proposed)
Structure Inventory:
Functional Classification:
Rev 8/31/05
Approximately 1 mile
Partial/Full control of access
Bridge #3. See attachment for further bridge information.
Both NC 87 Bypass and US 701- Rural Minor Arterial
Strategic Corridor Information:
CTP/Thoroughfare Plan
Designation (Facility Type):
Roadway Typical Section:
(Existing / Proposed)
Part of Strategic Corridor #43: NC 87 from the
proposed I-20/US 74 to I-95, 65.75 miles
(Expressway)
Expressway
NC 87 Bypass: Four lanes/Four lanes
US 701: Two lanes/Four lanes in interchange area
Typical Section in Compliance with Conformity Determination:
Yes ? No
Right of Way:
(Existing / Proposed)
Variable
Existing Posted Speed: US 701: 55 mph Proposed Design Speed: 60 for both routes
NC 87 B : 55 mph
Traffic (AADT):
Current Year:
Design Year:
(2004) NC 87 Bp: 4400-6400vpd
US 701: 7800-9400 v pd

Design Standards Applicable:
Railroad Involvement:
% TTST: *
% Dual: *
% DHV: *
I X J AASHTO 3R
None

Cost Estimate: ^
TIP Estimate:
Current Estimate:
t-OIIStruCllon: t-,i nt or way: total Lost:
$7,500,000 $500,000 $8,000,000
*Traffic projections have been requested.
U I
PDEA Scoping Procedures
TIP Project: R--1903
Rev 8/31/05
Bridge Information
(The last Bridge Inventory update date is located beside the bridge or culvert number.)
Bladen County
Bridge #3 (December 20, 2005)
This bridge is on US 701 and crosses over Browns Creek. The bridge is located south of the
town of Elizabethtown and north of the US 701 SR 1785 intersection. It was built in 1923.
Other information:
• Bridge roadway width = 25.8 ft
a Deck width = 27.9 ft
• Navigable vertical clearance = 0 ft
• Operating rating = 525, inventory rating = 518, sufficiency rating = 48.9
0 2002 ADT = 8600 vph, 2025 ADT = 17,800 vph
,,. sun oy?
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPART MNT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GovERNOR
February 23, 2006
MEMORANDUM TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
This is to inform you that the Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is
starting the project development, environmental and engineering studies for the proposed interchange
construction at NC 87 and US 701. The project is included in the 2006-2012 North Carolina
Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled for right of way in fiscal year 2011 and
construction in fiscal year 2012.
Attached for your review and comments are the scoping information sheets for the proposed project.
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 that may be
required by your agency. A scoping meeting will be scheduled with NCDOT staff to discuss the proposed
project in more detail. In order to include your comments in our materials for this meeting, we would
appreciate your response by April 10, 2006. If you would like to attend the scoping meeting, please notify
the project engineer.
It is anticipated that a federally funded Environmental Assessment will be prepared for this
project. This document will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Ms. Kim L. Gillespie, PE, Project
Development Engineer, of this Branch at [phone], Ext. 247. Please include the TIP Project Number
in all correspondence and comments.
GJT/plr
Mr. John Hennessy
Division of Water Quality/Wetlands
Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D., Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysi
Bladen County, Intersection of NC 87 and US 701, NCD01 T Division 6,
WBS Element 40226.1.1, Federal Aid Project NHF-87(15), TIP Project
R-4903
:.. U
00,
l
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
Attachment
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
N/EBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.ORG
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC
PDEA Scopinb Procedures
TIP Project: R-4903
Rev 8/31/05
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
Scoping Information Sheet
TIP No.: R-4903
WBS No.: 40226. 1.1
Federal Aid No: NHF-87 (15)
Division: 6
Sent Date: 2/24/06
Revision Date:
Meeting Date:
County: Bladen
Yrolect Uescn
Interchange construction at NC 87 and US 701.
ect Need:
To improve the safety and capacity of the NC 871US 701 intersection.
Metropolitan / Rural Planning Organization Area:
NEPA/404 Merger Candidate?: Yes
Feasibility Study Completed?: Yes
Mid-Carolina Rural Planning Organization
® No Not sure
No January 26, 1994 Date
Type of Environmental Documents to be Prepared / Project Schedule:
Type:
Environmental Document: Federal EA
Federal FONSI
Right of Way:
Let:
Dates:
December 2008
December 2009
FFY 2011
FFY 2012
Air Quality Status: Non-attainment Maintenance Attainment
PDEA Scopinb Procedures
TIP Project: R-4903
Design Criteria:
Length of Project Limits:
Type of Access Control:
(Existing / Proposed)
Structure Inventory:
Functional Classification:
Rev 8/31/05
Approximately 1 mile
Partial/Full control of access
Bridge #3. See attachment for further bridge information.
Both NC 87 Bypass and US 701 - Rural Minor Arterial
Strategic Corridor Information:
CTP/Thoroughfare Plan
Designation (Facility Type):
Roadway Typical Section:
(Existing / Proposed)
Part of Strategic Corridor #43: NC 87 from the
proposed I-20/US 74 to I-95, 65.75 miles
(Expressway)
Expressway
NC 87 Bypass: Four lanes/Four lanes
US 701: Two lanes/Four lanes in interchange area
Typical Section in Compliance with Conformity Determination:
Yes No
Right of Way:
(Existing / Proposed)
Variable
Existing Posted Speed: US 701: 55 m7ph
Proposed Design Speed: 60 for both routes
NC 87 B : 55 Traffic (AADT):
Current Year:
Design Year:
(2004) NC 87 Bp: 4400-6400vpd
US 701: 7800-9400 v pd

Design Standards Applicable:
Railroad Involvement:
CJ AASHTO 3R
None
Cost Estimate: ?-
TIP Estimate:
Current Estimate:
%011SUut;uuti: nl Tn[ Or Way: 1oral lost:
$7,500,000 $500,000 $8,000,000
% TTST: *
% Dual: *
% DHV: *
*Traffic projections have been requested.
PDEA Scoping Procedures
TIP Project: R-4903
Rev 8/31/05
Bridge Information
(The last Bridge Inventory update date is located beside the bridge or culvert number.)
Bladen County
Bridge #3 (December 20, 2005)
This bridge is on US 701 and crosses over Browns Creek. The bridge is located south of the
town of Elizabethtown and north of the US 701 SR 1785 intersection. It was built in 1923.
Other information:
0 Bridge roadway width = 25.8 ft
• Deck width = 27.9 ft
0 Navigable vertical clearance = 0 ft
a Operating rating = 525, inventory rating = 518, sufficiency rating = 48.9
0 2002 ADT = 8600 vph, 2025 ADT = 17,800 vph