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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2555 ,MSTNro (j^T 199 t, STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TPANSPORTATION JAMES B. HUNT JR. GOVERNOR DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 GARLAND B. GARRETT JR. SECRETARY October 7, 1997 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Ms. Cyndi Bell DWQ - DENR Michele James Project Planning Engineer SUBJECT: Proposed widening of NC 73/Catawba Avenue, from SR 2145 (Sam Furr Road) to SR 2195 (Torrence Chapel Road), Mecklenburg County, State Project No. 6.671042, TIP No. R-2555 On August 28, 1997, a scoping meeting was held for the subject project. The following individuals attended the meeting: Eugene Tarascio Geotech Dan Duffield Hydraulics V. Marcus Lowery Location & Surveys - Division 10 Keith Johnston Photogrammetry Richard Davis Planning & Environmental Teresa Hart Planning & Environmental Michele James Planning & Environmental Laura Slusher Planning & Environmental Ray McIntyre Program Development David Rhodes Program Development Don Sellers Right of Way Kathy Lassiter Roadway Design Glenda Gibson Roadway Design Craig Lewis Town of Cornelius Barry Webb Town of Cornelius Gary Faulkner Traffic Engineering - Congestion Management Derrick Lewis Traffic Engineering - Congestion Management Doumit Ishak Traffic Engineering - Signals & Geometrics Hemang Surd Traffic Engineering - Signals & Geometrics 2 After a brief overview of the project, the following items were discussed: Due to rapid growth in the project area, Division 10 and Town of Cornelius officials would like this project accelerated. It was noted that any revisions to the current project schedule will be coordinated and approved by the Program and Development Branch. 2. In anticipation of this project, the Town of Cornelius had started acquiring right of way and moving utilities along the project route. According to Craig Lewis, land had been reserved/dedicated at a width of 100 feet from Torrence Chapel Road to Jetton Road. Currently, Catawba Avenue ranges from a 2 lane to 5 lane shoulder section. The proposed improvement will widen the existing roadway to a 5 lane curb and gutter section. For the proposed project, town officials recommend a divided median facility. The town is also recommending bicycle accommodations be included with this project. 4. Subsequent to the scoping meeting, Roadway Design coordinated with Congestion Management to determine what preliminary designs would be feasible. It was decided that from SR 2195 (Torrence Chapel Road) to SR 2151 (Jetton Road), a five lane curb and gutter section and a five lane curb and gutter section with a 20-foot raised median would be studied. From SR 2151 (Jetton Road) to SR 2145 (Sam Furr Road), both a five lane shoulder section and a live lane curb and gutter section with a 20-foot raised median would be considered. Two new traffic signals will be added along Catawba Avenue; one at Westmoreland Road and the other at Knox Road, which is being realigned by the Town of Cornelius. Due to the proximity of the traffic signals between Torrence Chapel Road and Jetton Road, Signals & Geometries will look at placing these signals on a coordinated system. 6. The request for updated traffic counts has been made and these counts will be made available as soon as they are received from the Charlotte DOT. 7. The Town of Cornelius has requested additional landscaping be included on this project. The NCDOT indicated there is a certain percent of money allocated for landscaping based on the type of facility. It was then noted any additional monies spent would have to be approved by DOT's Program and Development Branch. Mr. Lowery of Locations and Surveys performed a field inspection of the utilities and reported the existence of the following along Catawba Avenue: sanitary sewer, water, phone, gas and aerial cable. These will need to be relocated before work can begin on the project. 9. Mr. Duffield of Hydraulics reported no major hydraulic structures existed on the project route and the existing outfalls would be maintained. Some drainage easements may be required. 3 10. Debbie Bevin called prior to the scoping meeting and stated there are three properties in the project area with files, but they are not on the National Register. She also stated the Archaeology section had no comments. MJ/plr State of North Carolina Department of Environment 9AA and Natural Resources M1 i 0 Division of Water Quality A 2md 17 James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Wayne McDevitt, Secretary N A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director E November 21, 1997 MEMORANDUM TO: Melba McGee, DENR SEPA Coordinator FROM: Michelle Suverkrubbe, DWQ SEPA Coordinator RE: Comments on DOT Scoping #98-8311; WQS# 11876 Catawba Avenue Widening 3 TIP R-2555; Mecklenburg County The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) requests that the following topics be discussed in the environmental document: A. Identify the streams potentially impacted by the project. The current stream classifications and use support ratings for these streams should be included. This information is available from DWQ through the following contacts: Liz Kovasckitz - Classifications - 919-733-5083, ext. 572 Carol Metz - Use Support Ratings - 919-733-5083, ext. 562 B . Identify the linear feet of stream channelization/relocations. If the original stream banks were vegetated, it is requested that the channelized/relocated stream banks be revegetated. C. Number and locations of all proposed stream crossings. D. Will permanent spill catch basins be utilized? DWQ requests that these catch basins be placed at all water supply stream crossings. Identify the responsible party for maintenance. E. Identify the stormwater controls (permanent and temporary) to be employed. F. The following wetlands information should be included in the EA, as appropriate: 1. Identify the federal manual used for identifying and delineating jurisdictional wetlands. If no wetlands are found, the EA should still include information on how this determination was made, including the methods used in surveying for their presence and the qualifications of the survey staff in delineating jurisdictional wetlands. 2. If wetlands are to be impacted by the project, have they been avoided as much as possible? (Please ensure that sediment and erosion control measures are not placed in wetlands). P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone 919-733-5083 FAX 919-715-5637 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 1 0% post-consumer paper 98-0311 DOT Scoping November 21, 1997 Page 2 3. Have wetland impacts been minimized? 4. Mitigation measures to compensate for habitat losses. 5. Wetland impacts by plant communities affected. 6. Quality of wetlands impacted. 7. Total wetland impacts. 8. List the 401 General Certification numbers requested from DWQ. G . If wetlands are anticipated to be impacted by the project, the following measures should be taken to reduce the impacts - 1. Wetland impacts should be avoided (including placement of sediment and erosion control structures / measures outside of wetlands). If this is not possible, alternatives that minimize wetland impacts should be chosen. Mitigation for unavoidable impacts will be required if impacts are greater than one acre. 2. Borrow/waste areas should avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable. Prior to the approval of any borrow/waste site in a wetland, the contractor shall obtain a 401 Certification from DWQ. 3. Please provide a conceptual wetland mitigation plan, if appropriate, to help the environmental review. The mitigation plan may state the following: a. Compensatory mitigation will be considered only after wetland impacts have been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent possible. b. On-site, in-kind mitigation is the preferred method of mitigation. In- kind mitigation within the same watershed is preferred over out-of- kind mitigation. C. Mitigation should be in the following order: restoration, creation, enhancement, and lastly preservation- H . The EA should discuss (in detail) project alternatives that alleviate traffic problems without road widening construction, such as mass-transit and traffic congestion management techniques. I. The North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires that the EA or EIS for this project evaluate all direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on the environment. It is the relationship between transportation projects and their impacts to changes in land uses that the environmental document should focus its indirect impacts section. This section of the document should discuss the known relationship between new or widened roads, highways and interchanges and resulting inducements for urban development along the project right-of-way, at interchanges and along connecting arterials. The EA must further address the long- term environmental impacts of this road project, including the potential indirect impacts of the induced urban development on all aspects of the environment. To address this issue, the EA should answer the following questions - i) What is the estimated traffic projections for the project corridor, at interchanges and all connecting arterials (and what current and future land use figures were used in this estimate)? 98-0311 DOT Scoping November 21, 1997 Page 3 ii) Will this project provide additional traffic handling capacity and/or improved traffic safety and control features to connecting roads, such as turn lanes and traffic signs and signals? iii) How will traffic patterns and traffic quantities on cross streets (including planned interchanges) in the project corridor change due to the proposed project? How will land uses along these secondary roads be influenced by the access or increased traffic flow provided by this project? iv) How does this project comply with local governments' land use and metropolitan transportation plans? V) Will this project provide new or improved access to vacant or undeveloped parcels of land in the road right-of-way, at planned interchanges, or along connecting arterials? vi) Will these less-developable parcels become more likely to develop into urban uses with the provision of public road access, adequate road frontage or traffic safety and control features from the project? vii) Will this road widening serve as an inducement to additional urban development in the project right-of-way, given the provision of additional traffic handling capacities, and the existence (or likelihood of existence in the future), of other essential public infrastructure improvements (e.g. sewer, water and electricity) in the area? To what degree will this road widening encourage further urbanization of this corridor? To what degree will this bypass affect land uses in the areas to be bypassed? viii) If inducements for urban development are predicted as a result of the road improvements, these impacts should be defined in the environmental document and should be considered indirect impacts of the transportation project. ix) What measures have DOT and the local governments in the project area agreed to in order to restrict development potential along the road right-of- way, at interchanges and along connecting arterials to reduce the potential indirect land use changes and environmental impacts? X) What environmental resources could be affected by the identified urban development that will be allowed or encouraged by the road improvements? What degree of impact to these resources will be anticipated? What impacts may be significant in nature? Specific to the regulatory authority of DWQ, the EA should discuss the types and severity of point and non-point source water quality impacts anticipated from both the new road project and this additional development. xi) What regulations are currently in place at the local government level that would address these significant potential indirect environmental impacts? xii) The environmental document should discuss these environmental impacts (and others that are applicable to the individual project), and quantify them when possible. In addition to reporting on the types and significance of each direct and indirect impact of the project, the document should define how DOT (with their authorities and resources) and affected local governments (with land use control in the project area) are planning to avoid, reduce or mitigate these impacts to a level of insignificance. For Environmental Assessments (EA's), the SEPA rules and statutes require that prior to issuance of a FONSI, any identified significant environmental impacts must be avoided, minimized or mitigated to a level less than significant, or a FONSI should not be issued. Therefore, an EA for this project should show how the indirect effects of the project, including those effects of urban development, are not 98-0311 DOT Scoping November 21, 1997 Page 4 going to significantly impact the environment, including water quality. If significant impacts are unresolved, a FONSI cannot be issued and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be prepared. J. The following discussion is meant to help explain the direct and indirect impacts issue in terms of water quality. All of these issues, as applicable to the specifics of the project, should be discussed in a DOT environmental document: In evaluating the direct water quality effects of a transportation improvement project, typical concerns involve wetland, aquatic habitat and stream impacts from construction, the current quality of the waters and ecosystem of the streams and rivers to be affected by construction activities, the potential effect of spills and run- off from the road on water quality, how that might effect overall stream health and the other users of that water, etc. An indirect impact analysis of a transportation project should evaluate increases in development in the vicinity of the road project if the project will be providing new or improved access to future growth areas that are currently undeveloped. Indirect water quality impacts of induced development might include: increases in ground and surface water withdrawals to supply water for development; increases in wastewater collection and treatment capacity, potentially including increases in surface water discharges; and, increases in amounts of urban stormwater in the project service area and along connector streets that experience increases in land development due to the project. Land-disturbing activities associated with road construction and land development may also result in increased stream sedimentation and secondary wetland impacts. And over the longer term, development features such as increased impervious surface areas and stormwater drainage systems will only exacerbate water quality problems. Predictable impacts could include more rapid and erosive stream flow in creeks and streams, loss of aquatic habitat and wetlands and more efficient delivery of pollutants (such as fertilizers, pesticides, sediment and automobile byproducts) to surface waters. These impacts could be of special concern if the project is proposed in an area with state and federally endangered species or if the waters are high quality, nutrient sensitive, or used for public water supply. K. Please note that a 401 Water Quality Certification cannot be issued until the conditions of NCAC 15A: 01C.0402 (Limitations on Actions During NCEPA Process) are met. This regulation prevents DWQ from issuing the 401 Certification until a FONSI or Record of Decision (ROD) (for and EIS) has been issued by the Department requiring the document It is recommended that if the 401 Certification application is submitted for review prior to the sign off, the applicant states that the 401 should not be issued until the applicant informs DWQ that the FONSI or ROD has been signed off by the Department Written concurrence of 401 Water Quality Certification may be required for this project. Applications requesting coverage under our General Certification 14 or General Permit 31 (with wetland impact) will require written concurrence. Please be aware that 401 Certification may be denied if wetland or water impacts have not been avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. 98-0311 DOT Scoping November 21, 1997 Page 5 Please have the applicant give me a call at 919-733-5083, ext. 567 if they have any questions on these comments. RECEIVED DEC u 1 1997 mis:\980311 DOT Scoping- widening ACES cc: Cyndi Bell - DWQ - Non-Discharge Branch, Wetlands/401 Unit R a-10 (o /U C ?j ?• I U C e I 1 V ti o, R-131 r, ,? V ?? 06-T U L a a / 1 ,H o ?? m. 4 0 COUNTY OF LINCOLN, NORTH CAROLINA T15) WEST MAIN STREET, 3Rf) FLOOR CITI7ENS (-ENTER, I.INCO[-NTON, NORTH CAROLINA 2£3092 IN PARIMEN] OI- I'U[31 I(- WORKS (704) 716-8497 IAX (704) 735-0273 May 22, 1998 John Dorney Division of Water Quality NCDENR 4401 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 Dear Mr. Dorney: P *y'? s 1 am writing in regards to an application for a Department of the Army after-the-fact permit being requested by Waterside Landing Properties, LLC, Action ID No. 199830440. Based on the plan included with the Public Notice, the applicant proposes to construct a stormwater basin with a littoral shelf within a 50-foot buffer along NC 16 and NC 73. As part of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approval of the project, the 50-foot buffer along NC 73 is to be reserved for future right-of-way dedication. Attached is a copy of the Commissioners approval. Therefore, such a stormwater basin should not be allowed in the buffer along NC 73. If you have any questions, please call me at 704-736-8498. Sin rely, Do 41 as Chapman, P E. County Engineer cc: Judy Frances, Zoning Administrator Richard French, County Manager Vag- attachments Motioned by Commissioner Terry Brotherton. Seconded by Commissioner Larry Craig. Factual Reasons Cited: The use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining or abutting property unless the use is a public necessity. Vote: Unanimous. 4. The location and character of use, if developed according to the plan as submitted and approved, will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and will be in general conformity with the Land Use Plan for the area in question. Yes X No _ Motioned by Commissioner James Hallman. Seconded by Commissioner Beth Saine. Factual Reason Cited: The location and character of use, if developed according to the plan, will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and will be in general conformity with the Land Use Plan for the area in question. Vote: Unanimous. After having held a public hearing on January 6, 1997 and in light of the finding of facts listed herein, the following action was taken by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners: Commissioner Larry Craig motioned that the Conditional Use Permit be approved with the three "fair and reasonable conditions" attached. Seconded by Commissioner James Hallman. Vote: Unanimous. In recommending said conditional use, the following conditions were recommended by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners: Fifty (50) foot landscape buffer along NC Highway 73 be reserved for future right of way dedication. 2. All final phases of project must be approved by the Board of Commissioners. 3. Water and Sewer lines to be installed by the developer and once they are completed be dedicated to the County. una?rman Lincoln County Board of Commissioners January 20, 1997 Clerk to Board of Commissioners January 20, 1997 ?8 Cornelius, From the Realigned Torrenc to Jetton Road Mecklenburg State Project T.I.P. R NC 73 e Chapel Road (SR 2195) (SR 2151) County 6.671042 -2555 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION STATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT/FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT N. C. Department of Transportation Division of Highways In Compliance with the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act For further information Contact: Mr. L. J. Ward, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch North Carolina Department of Transportation P. 0. Box 25201 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 Phone (919) 733-3141 APPROVED: 3 ate i L.ri.- ward, N.L., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE SUMMARY ....................................................... i 1. BASIS FOR PROPOSED ACTION ................................ 1 A. Existing Conditions .......................... 1 B. Traffic Volumes and Capacity ........................ 1 C. Anticipated Safety Benefits ......................... 1 D. Benefits to State, Region, and Community ............ 2 II. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION .................................... 2 A. General Description ................................. 2 B. Historical Resume ................................... 2 C. Proposed Improvements for Recommended Alternative ... 2 1. Length of Project .............................. 2. Design Speed ...... ... ........................ 3. Cross Section Description ...................... 4. Right-of-Way ................................... 5. Access Control .......... . ..... 6. Intersection Treatment and Type of Control ..... 7. Railroad Work Required ......................... 8. Bridge Work Required ........................... 9. Parking ........................................ 10. Sidewalks ...................................... 11. Bicycles ....................................... 12. Staging ... ........ .............. 13. Special Permits Required of the Division of Highways .................................. 14. Restricted Sight Distance ...................... 15. Grades and Curvature ........................... 16. Utilities ...................................... 17. Speed Zones .................................... 18. Landscaping .. ................................ 19. Project Termini ................................ 20. Geodetic Markers ............................... 21 Estimate of Cost ............................... 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 III. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED .................................. 6 A. Public Transportation ............................... B. No-Build Alternative ................................ C. Postponement ........................................ IV. LAND USE PLANNING ........................................ 6 6 6 6 A. Scope and Status of Planning ........................ 6 B. Existing Land Use ................................... 6 C. Existing Zoning ..... ............................. 7 D. Relation of Project, Plans, and Uses ................ 7 E. Farmland ............................................ 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) PAGE V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS AND THE PROBABLE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT .............................................. 7 A. Neighborhood Characteristics ........................ 7 B. Economic Factors .................................... 8 - C. Social Impacts ...................................... 8 D. Cultural Resources ................................. 9 E. Air Quality Analysis ................................ 9 F. Highway Traffic Noise/Construction Noise Analysis.... 12 G. Ecological Analysis ................................. 16 1. Plant Communities .............................. 16 2. Animal Communities ............................. 16 3. Wetlands ....................................... 17 4. Geology and Soils .............................. 17 5. Rare/Endangered Species ........................ 18 6. Mitigation ..................................... 20 H. Construction Impacts .. ............... .......... 20 1. Underground Storage Tanks/Hazardous Materials........ 21 VI. COMMENTS AND COORDINATION ................................ 21 APPENDIX State Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact Prepared by the Planning and Environmental Branch of the Division of Highways North Carolina Department of Transportation SUMMARY 1. Description of Action - The North Carolina Department of Trans- portation, Division of Highways, proposes to widen NC 73 from Jetton Road (SR 2151) to Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195) in Cornelius (see Appendix for Figures 1 and 3). The proposed improvement will also include the realignment of Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195) to intersect NC 73 approximately 270 feet south of the existing intersection. The total length of the proposed improvements to NC 73 and Torrence Chapel Road is approximately 1.10 miles. The recommended improvement will widen NC 73 from Jetton Road (SR 2151) to a 33-foot shoulder section for 0.68 miles, then to a 64-foot, face to face, curb and gutter section for 0.23 mile. The recommended improvement for Torrence Chapel Road is a three lane, 37-foot, curb and gutter cross section which will taper into a 48-foot, face to face, curb and gutter cross section at the intersection of NC 73 and SR 2195. The length of this improvement is 0.19 mile. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $1,600,000. 2. Summary of Environmental Impacts - The proposed action will have a positive overall impact on the area involved by providing improved access to the existing and future development along the project corridor and by reducing congestion and accident potential on NC 73 and Torrence Chapel Road. No residences or businesses will be relocated due to the proposed improvements. There may be some erosion and siltation during the construction period, and there will be some delay and inconvenience to motorist during construction; however, these effects will be short-term in nature. No significant effects to animal or plant life are expected and no recreational facilities or historic sites will be involved. Noise levels could increase during construction but this will be temporary. The future noise levels are expected to increase 2 to 4 dBA. 3. Alternatives Considered - Due to the nature of this project, the widening of an existing roadway and the realignment of an existing facility, no alternative corridor alignments were considered and no alternatives to the proposed multi-lane cross sections were considered. These cross sections were recommended because they provide adequate capacity to accommodate anticipated future traffic volumes and provide sufficient width for motorists utilizing this section of NC 73 and SR 2195. The "do nothing" alternative was considered, but rejected because of the need to increase the traffic carrying capacity along this corridor. 4. Coordination - Several Federal, State, and local agencies were consulted uring the preparation of this environmental assessment/ finding of no significant impact. Comments from the following were received and considered during the preparation of this document: N. C. State Clearinghouse N. C. Department of Cultural Resources N. C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources N. C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety N. C. Department of Public Instruction U. S. Army Corps of Engineers U. S. Soil Conservation Service U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Auxiliary Services Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Town of Cornelius 5. Basis for Finding of No Significant Impact - Based on an analysis of potential environmental impacts of the proposed project, it has been determined that no significant adverse effect on the quality of the human environment will result from the construction of the proposed project. BASIS FOR PROPOSED ACTION A. Existing Conditions NC 73 is predominantly a two lane roadway between Jetton Road (SR 2151) and Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195). This two lane roadway is 24 feet wide with 2 to 6-foot unpaved shoulders except at the intersection of Jetton Road where an additional lane have been constructed to accommodate left turns. At the end of the project, east of SR 2195 the existing roadway is a five lane, shoudler section. The existing right-of-way width is 60 feet along NC 73. Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195) is also a two lane, 24-foot wide roadway, with 2 to 4-foot unpaved shoulders. The existing right-of-way width along SR 2195 is 60 feet. B. Traffic Volume and Capacit Traditionally, NC 73 has been a major traffic artery in Mecklenburg County. With the recent and continuing residential and extensive commercial development, NC 73 will continue to be a major traffic artery for the foreseeable future. The estimated 1992 traffic volumes, along NC 73, range from a low of 7200 vehicles per day (vpd) to a high of 14,500 vpd. These volumes are expected to increase to 19,000 and 25,000 vpd, respectively by the year 2012. Traffic volumes on SR 2195 are expected to increase from 10,800 vpd in 1992 to 19,300 vpd in 2012 (See Figure 5). At the present time, NC 73 is operating at level of service (LOS) F during peak periods. Level of service F is characterized as breakdown flow, stop conditions. Upon completion of the project the level of service will improve to level of service C or better throughout the project length. Level of service C describes operation as approaching capacity and is characterized as stable flow with tolerable delays at critical sections during peak periods. However, based on the projected average daily traffic for the year 2012, additional improvements to the proposed three lane section may be necessary to provide tolerable operating conditions throughout the planning period. C. Anticipated Safety Benefits During the period from January 1, 1987 to April 30, 1990, there were 28 accidents on NC 73 between SR 2195 and SR 2151. There were 2 fatalities and 10 other accidents involving injuries. The estimated property damage resulting from these accidents was $85,275. These accidents resulted in an accident rate of 286.0 accidents per 100 million vehicle miles of travel (ACC/100MVM). This rate is approaching the state- wide average of 292.1 ACC/100MVM for all North Carolina routes during the same period. The primary type of accident on this section of NC 73 was rear-end collisions involving slowing or stopping vehicles at inter- sections and driveways. These accidents accounted for 35.7 percent of all accidents. The proposed improvements, with one or two through lanes in each travel direction and a continuous center left turn lane, will reduce the potential for this type of accident. The center turn lane will provide 2 motorists with a place to stop and wait for traffic to clear before making a left turn without having to stop in a travel lane. The additional through lane will allow drivers to slow down for a right turn into a driveway without slowing the entire through movement as they do now. D. Benefits to State, Region, and Community The proposed widening of NC 73 and the realignment of SR 2195 will provide relief to traffic congestion along this corridor. It will also improve access into the commercial developments located along this project. The improved access to the area, savings in operating costs, reduced accident potential, reduced travel times, and the general improvement in the ease and convenience of travel will benefit the State and Region, as well as, the local community. II. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION A. General Description The North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Highways proposes to widen NC 73 from Jetton Road (SR 2151) to Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195) and realign Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195) to intersect NC 73 approximately 270 feet west of the existing intersection. NC 73 will be widened to a three lane shoulder section for 0.68 mile then to a five lane curb and gutter roadway for 0.23 mile. Torrence Chapel Road will transition from an existing two-lane, 24-foot roadway to a 48-foot, face to face, curb and gutter cross section at the intersection of NC 73 and SR 2195. A right-turn lane will be included at this intersection. The estimated cost of this improvement will be $1,600,000. B. Historical Resume In November P989, the North Carolina Department of Transportation released the "North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program 1990-1996" (T.I.P.). This program included the widening of NC 73 from south of SR 2144 to SR 2195 (3.7 miles). Right-of-way acquisition and construction were scheduled for fiscal years 1990 and 1992, respectively. A cost estimate of $4,725,000 was included for this improvement. However, in 1991 the scope of the project changed. The present proposed project consists of realigning Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195) to intersect NC 73 approximately 270 feet west of the existing intersection and widening NC 73 from Jetton Road (SR 2151) to the realigned SR 2195 (1.10 miles). The new cost estimate is $1,600,000. The project will be funded with State funds. C. Proposed Improvements for Recommended Alternative 1. Length of Project The proposed project is approximately 1.10 miles in length, including 0.91 miles on NC 73 and 0.19 miles on Torrence Chapel Road. 3 2. Desian Speed The design speed will be in conformance with the existing roadway alignment or a minimum of 50 miles per hour. Design speed is a correlation of the physical features of a highway which influence vehicle operation and reflects the degree of safety and mobility desired along a highway. Design speed is not to be interpreted as a recommended posted speed limit. 3. Cross Section Description Two multi-lane cross sections are proposed for the widening of NC 73. Commencing at Jetton Road, a three lane, 33-foot, shoulder section is recommended for a distance of 0.68 mile. This cross section will provide a continuous center left turn lane and a through lane in each direction. The recommended pavement marking is for three 11-foot lanes in this cross section. NC 73 then transitions to a five lane, 64-foot, face-to-face of curbs, curb and gutter cross section for a distance of 0.23 mile. This cross section will provide a continuous center left turn lane and two through travel lanes in each direction. The recommended pavement marking is for five 12-foot lanes. The realigned 0.19 mile section of Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195) will be a three lane, 37-foot, curb and gutter cross section which tapers to a 48-foot, face to face, curb and gutter cross section, at the intersection of NC 73. 4. Right-of-way A 100-foot right-of-way width is proposed for the five lane section along NC 73. A 60-foot right-of-way width is recommended for the three lane section along NC 73 and for the realignment of SR 2195. Temporary easements may be required to contain construction at various locations along the project. 5. Access Control No control of access is recommended for the proposed project. 6. Intersection Treatment and Tvve of Control All intersections on the proposed project are at grade. Currently, a traffic signal is located at the intersection of Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195) and NC 73. This signal will be removed and another signal will be placed at the new intersection of Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195) and NC 73. The existing Torrence Chapel Road will become a driveway entrance for businesses adjacent to the existing facility. It is also recommended that at the intersection of existing Torrence Chapel Road and the realignment of Torrence Chapel Road pavement on the existing facility be removed. The existing Torrence Chapel Road will then be realigned to form a "T" intersection with the proposed facility. This improvement is desirable from a traffic operational standpoint. The removal of this 4 pavement will provide for continuous movement on the proposed Torrence Chapel Road while traffic continues to have access to businesses fronting the existing facility. The cost of these improvements are included in the construction cost. 7. Railroad Work Required No railroad work will be required on the proposed project. • 8. Bridge Work Required No bridge work will be required on the proposed project. It is anticipated that any drainage structures will be retained and extended. 9. Parking Parking is not presently permitted and will not be provided for or allowed along the project. 10. Sidewalks Presently, no sidewalks exist along the project and none are proposed. 11. Bicycles No special accommodations for bicycles are recommended for the proposed project. 12. Staging No staging of construction is recommended. 13. Special Permits Required of the Division of Highways The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers was contacted concerning the proposed project. As a result of this coordination and a field review by an NCDOT biologist, North Carolina Department of Transportation is cognizant that this improvement will not involve any wetlands or surface waters. No special permits from the U. S. Army Corps of'Engineers under Section 404 will be required. 14. Restricted Siaht Distance There is no restriction of sight distances on the proposed project. 15. Grades and Curvature There are no existing or proposed grades greater than 2 percent. The maximum horizontal curve on the existing alignments is 4 degrees. The maximum proposed horizontal curvature is 4 degrees. 5 16. Utilities Existing utilities within the corridor of the proposed project include: water and sewer (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department), electricity (Duke Power), natural gas (Transco Pipeline), telephone (Southern Bell), and cable television (Vision Cable). 17. Speed Zones The existing speed limit along NC 73 and SR 2195 is 45 mph. The speed limit is expected to remain the same after completion of the project. 18. Landscaping No landscaping is recommended beyond seeding and mulching of disturbed areas. 19. Project Termini The proposed widening of NC 73 will commence at the intersection of Jetton Road (SR 2151) and terminate just east of the existing Torrence Chapel Road. The western terminal of the proposed project is at the intersection of Jetton Road and NC 73. At this location NC 73 is a three lane shoulder section. The eastern terminal is just east of the existing Torrence Chapel Road. At this location, NC 73 is a five lane shoulder section; therefore only minor lane adjustments will be required. 20. Geodetic Markers One vertical geodetic survey marker may be impacted due to the proposed improvements along NC 73. However, NCDOT is aware that the N. C. Geodetic Survey should be contacted prior to construction. 21. Estimate of Cost Construction Right-of-Way Total Cost $ 1,000,000 600,000 ** $ 1,600,000 * Includes engineering and contingencies. ** Includes acquisition and utility costs. 6 III. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED The following alternatives were considered in addition to the recommended action. A. Public Transportation The Town of Cornelius does not have a public transportation system at the present time. The privately owned automobile is the major form of transportation for the residents. The development of a public transportation system is not considered to be a economical alternative to the widening of a 0.91 mile portion of NC 73 and realigning a 0.19 mile portion of Torrence Chapel Road (SR 2195). B. No-Build Alternative Since this section of NC 73 has already exceeded its practical capacity during peak periods of the day, the "No-Build Alternative" is not considered to be feasible. As traffic demand increases, service will continue to deteriorate and the increased congestion would be accompanied by increased travel times and higher operating costs. Without the proposed improvements, motorists along NC 73 would not enjoy the safety benefits that are expected to accompany the improvements. As congestion continues to increase on the unimproved highway, the accident potential of the highway would worsen. The "No-Build Alternative" was therefore rejected. C. Postponement Postponement of the proposed improvements is not considered to be a feasible alternative. Congestion along NC 73 and Torrence Chapel Road will continue to mount, and traffic operation will continue to deteriorate. IV. LAND USE PLANNING A. Scope and Status of Plannin The proposed project lies in the planning and zoning jurisdiction of the Town of Cornelius. The Town of Cornelius has a land use plan, but due to recent growth at an unanticipated rate, the plan is effectively out of date. The Town updated its zoning ordinance to better accommodate that growth in 1988. B. Existing Land?Use The proposed improvements lie in an area currently undergoing rapid changes in land use, from a rural character to more suburban and resort-type uses. Lake Norman, located near the proposed improvements is an important factor in the development of the area. 7 Land use includes a mix of uses, but can be characterized as strip commercial development. Much of the commercial development in the area is geared toward people using Lake Norman, and provide recreational equipment and services. Development along NC 73 is not as intensive as is found in other areas, but driveways onto the roadway are frequent and development is expected to continue. Some subdivisions are also accessed from NC 73. Mecklenburg County is planning a 100-150 acre park accessed from Turner Road, off NC 73. The park will be located along the Lake, and will not front on NC 73. It is likely that the park will be completed within the next three years. C. Existing Zoning The Town of Cornelius zoning ordinance is the best indication of anticipated land use changes in the area. Most of the land adjacent to NC 73 and the I-77 service is zoned either B-2, General Business District, or B-3, Highway Business District. Both districts permit high volume commercial enterprises and services. Some multi-family zoning districts are also located along the roadway. Land beyond the roadway is generally zoned for residential development. D. Relation of Project, Plans, and Uses Within its jurisdiction, the Town of Cornelius desires commercial development along NC 73. Therefore, the proposed road improvements will be helpful in accommodating these anticipated land use changes. House Bill 156, The Water Supply Watershed Protection Act, authorized the Department of the Environment, Health, and Natural Resources to develop regulations to control development that may indirectly affect drinking water quality. Two zones were established around water supply sources, the half-mile critical area and the five-mile protected area. Very restrictive regulations have been adopted to control development type and density within that critical area. The proposed improvements are located within the critical area of the Lake Norman water supply reservoir. In support of the Act, and accompanying regulations, NCDOT has recently completed a set of Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters. E. Farmland The land to be impacted by the proposed project is already committed by the local planning authorities to non-agricultural uses. Therefore, further consideration of potential farmland impacts is not required. V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS AND THE PROBABLE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT A. Neighborhood Characteristics The proposed project is located in Mecklenburg County. Mecklenburg County was formed in 1762 from Anson County. It is located in the south central section of the state and is bounded by the state of South Carolina 8 and Gaston, Lincoln, Iredell, Cabbarrus, and Union Counties. Mecklenburg County has a current population of 511,433 (taken from 1990 census report). The target community of the proposed project is the town of Cornelius. Cornelius is a small town 26 miles north of the city of Charlotte and 8 miles south of the town of Mooresville. Based on the 1990 census report, Cornelius has a total population of 2,581. The proposed improvement is within an area of primarily commercial development consisting of banks, shopping areas, and fast food restaurants. On the north side of the existing facility, west of Bethel Church Road (SR 2189), is the Lake Norman Medical Park. Cornelius gets its water supply from Lake Norman. It receives a maximum daily capacity of 148,000 gallons with a peak load of 200,000 gallons. Cornelius has the capability to store up to 275,000 gallons. The town of Cornelius has a wastewater treatment plant described as the advanced secondary type. It has the capacity of 3 million GPD, with the available surplus of 2.49 million GPD. B. Economic Factors Employment statistical information gathered by the North Carolina Employment Commission indicated that for the month of April 1991, Mecklenburg County had a labor force of 281,610. Out of this total, 270,070 persons were gainfully employed. This left an unemployment total of 11,540 or 4.1 percent. The town of Cornelius is represented in these employment statistics. Cornelius has an economic development program. It consists of a local development corporation and a Chamber of Commerce. In addition, there are 37 industrial parks available in the general area. The list of these parks are available upon special requests. There is a variety of commercial establishments along the proposed project site. Each one of these commercial entities has an impact on the economy in the area. Therefore, it appears that by improving NC 73 as proposed will enhance and insure continued economic growth for the county and the town of Cornelius. Based on this study, it appears that the commercial establishments along the proposed project will not be adversely impacted. C. Social Impacts The proposed action will not disrupt community cohesion and no families or businesses will be relocated by the project. The proposed project will have a positive impact on businesses along NC 73 and SR 2195. The proposed improvements will provide for improved access and visibility to the businesses in the area. 9 D. Cultural Resources A review of the files at the Office of State Archaeology indicates that there are no archaeological sites recorded in the project area. The likelihood of the project encountering any significant archaeological sites is low, given the limited scope of the project and the extensive modern development in the project area. Therefore, it is recommended that no further archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project. This project is subject to compliance with North Carolina General Statute 121-12. The area of potential effect on historic architectural properties for this project was delineated, and the area was reviewed by DOT staff. The North Carolina State Preservation Office was consulted. These efforts revealed no properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places located within the area of potential effect. (See correspondence in Appendix). Since there are no National Register listed properties within the area of potential effect, this completes compliance with GS 121-12(a). E. Air Quality Analysis Air pollution is produced many different ways. Emissions from industrial and internal combustion engines are the most prevalent sources. Other sources of common outdoor air pollution are solid waste disposal, forest fires and burning in general. The impact resulting from the construction of a new highway or the improvement of an existing highway can range from aggravating existing air pollution problems to improving the ambient air conditions. Motor vehicles are known to emit carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NO), hydrocarbons (HC), particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (S02), and lead (Pb) (listed in order of decreasing emission rate). The primary pollutant emitted from automobiles is carbon monoxide. Automobiles are considered to be the major source of CO in the project area. For these reasons, most of the analysis presented are concerned with determining expected carbon monoxide levels in the vicinity of the project. In order to determine the ambient CO concentration at a receptor near a highway, two concentration components must be used: local and background. The local component is due to CO emissions from cars operating on highways in the near vicinity (i.e., distances within 100 meters) of the receptor location. The background component is due to CO emissions from cars operating on streets further from the receptor location. In this study, the local component was determined using line source computer modeling and the background component was determined by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources (NCDEHNR). These two concentration components were determined separately, then added together to determine the ambient CO concentration for comparison to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). 10 Automobiles are generally regarded as sources of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides emitted from cars are carried into the atmosphere where they react with sunlight to form ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Area-wide automotive emissions of HC and NO are expected to decrease in the future due to the continued installation and maintenance of pollution control devices on new cars, and thus help lower ambient ozone and nitrogen dioxide levels. The photochemical reactions that form ozone and nitrogen dioxide require several hours to occur. For this reason, the peak levels of ozone generally occur 10 to 20 kilometers downwind of the source of hydrocarbon emissions. Urban areas as a whole are regarded as sources of hydrocarbons, not individual streets and highways. The emissions of all sources in an urban area mix together in the atmosphere, and in the presence of sunlight, the mixture reacts to form ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and other photochemical oxidants. The best example of this type of air pollution is the smog which forms in Los Angeles, California. Automobiles are not generally regarded as significant sources of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. Nationwide, highway sources account for less than seven percent of particulate matter emissions and less than two percent of sulfur dioxide emissions. Particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions are predominantly the result of non-highway sources (e.g., industrial, commercial, and agricultural). Because emissions of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide from cars are very low, there is no reason to suspect that traffic on the project will cause air quality standards for particulate matter and sulfur dioxide to be exceeded. Automobiles emit lead as a result of burning gasoline containing tetraethyl lead which is added by refineries to increase the octane rating of the fuel. Newer cars with catalytic converters burn unleaded gasoline eliminating lead emissions. Also, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required the reduction in the lead content of leaded gasolines. The overall average lead content of gasoline in 1974 was 2 grams per gallon. By 1989, this composite average had dropped to 0.01 grams per gallon. In the future, lead emissions are expected to decrease as more cars use unleaded fuels and as the lead content of leaded gasoline is reduced. "The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 makes the sale, supply, or transport of leaded gasoline or lead additives unlawful after December 31, 1995." Because of these reasons, it is not expected that traffic on the proposed project will cause the NAAQS for lead to be exceeded. A microscale air quality analysis was performed to determine future CO concentrations resulting from the proposed highway improvements. "CAL3QHC - A Modeling Methodology For Predicting Pollutant Concentrations Near Roadway Intersections" was used to predict the CO concentration at the nearest sensitive receptors to the project. Inputs into the mathematical model to estimate hourly CO concentrations consisted of a level roadway under normal conditions with predicted traffic volumes, vehicle emission factors, and "worst case" 11 meteorological parameters. The traffic volumes are based on the annual average daily traffic projections. Carbon monoxide vehicle emission factors were calculated for the design year 2012 and for ten years prior (2002) using the EPA publication "Mobile Source Emission Factors" and the MOBILE4 mobile source emissions computer model. The background CO concentration for the project area was estimated to be 1.9 parts per million (ppm). Consultation with the Air Quality Section, Division of Environmental Management, North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources indicated that an ambient CO concentration of 1.9 ppm is suitable for most suburban/rural areas. The intersection of NC 73 and the realigned SR 2195 was used to analyze the air quality for this project. The "worst case" air quality receptors were determined to be Receptor #1 (R-23), located in the Northwest quadrant and receptor #3 (R-26), located in the Northeast quadrant. Also, receptor R- 24 (Southwest quadrant) was analyzed for "worst case" air quality conditions. The "build" one hour CO concen- trations for years,2002 and 2012 for these receptors are as follows: One Hour CO Concentrations (PPM) " Build" "No Build" Receptor 2002 2012 2002 2012 R-23 3.7 3.5 2.3 2.3 R-24 3.3 3.2 2.3 2.3 R-26 3.6 3.5 2.3 2.3 Comparison of the predicted CO concentrations with the NAAQS (maximum permitted for 1-hour averaging period = 35 ppm; 8-hour averaging period = 9 ppm) indicates no violation of these standards. Since the results of the "worst case" 1- hour CO analysis is less than 9 ppm, it can be concluded that the 8-hour CO level does not exceed the standard. See Tables Al, A2, A3 and A4 for input data. The project is located within the Metropolitan-Charlotte Interstate Air Quality Control Region. This project is in an air quality nonattainment area which has transportation control measures in the State Implementation Plan (SIP) which was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 19, 1981. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has determined that both the Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) conform to the SIP. The FHWA has determined that this project is included in the TIP for the Charlotte-Metropolitan planning area. Therefore, pursuant to Title 23, code of Federal Regulations (CRF), Part 770, this project conforms to the SIP. During construction of the proposed project, all materials resulting from clearing and grubbing, demolition or other operations will be removed from the project, burned or otherwise disposed of by the Contractor. Any 12 burning will be done in accordance with applicable local laws and ordinances and regulations of the North Carolina SIP for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. Care will be taken to insure that burning will be done at the greatest practical distance from dwellings and not when atmospheric conditions are such as to create a hazard to the public. Burning will be performed under constant surveillance. Measures will,be taken in allaying the dust generated by construction when the control of dust is necessary for the protection and comfort of motorists or area residents. F. Highway Traffic Noise/Construction Noise Analysis This analysis was performed to determine the effect of the proposed project on noise levels in the immediate project area (Figure N1). This investigation includes an inventory of existing noise sensitive land uses and a field survey of ambient (existing) noise levels in the study area. It also includes a comparison of the predicted noise levels and the ambient noise levels to determine if traffic noise impacts can be expected resulting from the proposed project. Traffic noise impacts are determined from the current procedures for the abatement of highway traffic noise and construction noise, appearing as Part 772 of Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If traffic noise impacts are predicted, examination and evaluation of alternative noise abatement measures for reducing or eliminating the noise impacts must be considered. Noise is basically defined as unwanted sound. It is emitted from many sources including airplanes, factories, railroads, power generation plants, and highway vehicles. Highway noise, or traffic noise, is usually a composite of noises from engine exhaust, drive train, and tire-roadway interaction. The magnitude of noise is usually described by its sound pressure. Since the range of sound pressure varies greatly, a logarithmic scale is used to relate sound pressures to some common reference level, usually the decibel (dB). Sound pressures described in decibels are called sound pressure levels and are often defined in terms of frequency weighted scales (A, B, C, or D). The weighted-A scale is used almost exclusively in vehicle noise measurements because it places most emphasis on the frequency range to which the human ear is most sensitive (1,000-6,000 Hertz). Sound levels measured using A-weighting are often expressed as dBA. Throughout this report, references will be made to dBA, which means an A-weighted decibel level. Several examples of noise pressure levels in dBA are listed in Table N1. Review of Table N1 indicates that most individuals in urbanized areas are exposed to fairly high noise levels from many sources as they go about their daily activities. The degree of disturbance or annoyance of unwanted sound depends essentially on three things: 1) the amount and nature of the intruding noise, 2) the relationship between the background noise and the intruding noise, and 3) the type of activity occurring where the noise is heard. 13 Over a period of time, individuals tend to accept the noises which intrude into their lives. Particularly if noises occur at predicted intervals and are expected. Attempts have been made to regulate many of these types of noises including airplane noises, factory noise, railroad noise, and highway traffic noise. In relation to highway traffic noise, methods of analysis and control have developed rapidly over the past few years. In order to determine that highway noise levels are or are not compatible with various land uses, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed noise abatement criteria and procedures to be used in the planning and design of highways. These abatement criteria and procedures are set forth in the aforementioned Federal reference (Title 23 CFR, Part 772). A summary of the noise abatement criteria for various land uses is presented in Table N2. The Leq, or equivalent sound level, is the level of constant sound which in a given situation and time period has the same energy as does time varying sound. In other words, the fluctuating sound levels of traffic noise are represented in terms of a steady noise level with the same energy content. An ambient noise measurement was taken in the vicinity of the project to determine the existing noise level. The purpose of this noise level information was to quantify the existing acoustic environment and to provide a base for assessing the impact of noise level increases. The field data was also used to establish ambient noise levels for residences, businesses, and other noise sensitive receivers in the vicinity of the project. A noise measurement was taken 450 feet south west of SR 2189 (Lake Norman Plaza). Existing roadway and traffic conditions along NC 73 were incorporated in the most current traffic noise prediction model to compute the existing Leq noise level. For validity purposes, this computed value was compared with the 66.3 dBA noise level which was measured 50 feet from the center line of the near lane. The computed existing Leq noise level was within 2 dBA of the measured noise level. Hence, the traffic noise prediction model is a reliable tool in computing noise levels. The prediction of highway traffic noise is a complicated procedure. In general, the traffic situation is composed of a large number of variables which describe different cars driving at different speeds through a continually changing highway configuration and surrounding terrain. Obviously, to assess the problem certain assumptions and simplifications must be made. The procedure used to predict future noise levels in this study was the Noise Barrier Cost Reduction Procedure, STAMINA 2.0 and OPTIMA (revised March, 1983). The BCR (Barrier Cost Reduction) procedure is based upon the FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108). The BCR traffic noise prediction model uses the number and type of vehicles on the planned roadway, their speeds, the physical characteristics of the road (curves, hills, depressed, elevated, etc.), receptor location and height, and, if applicable, barrier type, barrier ground elevation, and barrier top elevation. 14 In this regard, it is to be noted that only preliminary alignment was available for use in this noise analysis. The proposed roadway improvement will consist of widening NC 73 from the realigned SR 2195 to SR 2151 to a 64 foot, face to face, curb and gutter section for 0.23 miles then to a 33 foot shoulder section for 0.68 miles. The proposed project was modeled assuming no special noise abatement measures would be incorporated. Only those existing natural or man-made barriers which could be modeled were included. The roadway sections and proposed intersections were assumed to be flat and at-grade. Thus, this analysis represents "worst-case" topographic conditions. The noise predictions made in this report are highway-related noise predictions for the traffic conditions during the year being analyzed. Peak hour design and Level-of-Service (LOS) C volumes were compared, and the volumes resulting in the noisiest conditions were used with proposed posted speed limits. Thus, during all other time periods, the noise levels will be no greater than those indicated in this report. The STAMINA 2.0 computer model was utilized to determine the number of land uses (by type) which, during the peak hour in the design year 2012, would be exposed to noise levels approaching or exceeding the FHWA noise abatement criteria and those land uses predicted to experience a substantial noise increase. The basic approach was to select receptor locations such as 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 feet from the center of the near traffic lane (adaptable to both sides of the roadway). The location of these receptors were determined by the change in projected traffic volumes along the proposed project. The result of this procedure was a grid of receptor points along the project. Using this grid, noise levels were calculated for each identified receptor. The total number of impacted receptors, whether by approaching or exceeding the FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) or by a substantial increase in exterior noise levels are given in Table N3. The business identified in the table is predicted to approach or exceed the FHWA NAC. Other information included in Table N3 is the maximum extent of the 72 and 67 dBA noise level contours. This information should assist local authorities in exercising land use control over the remaining undeveloped lands adjacent to the roadway in local jurisdiction and to prevent further development of incompatible activities and land uses. The traffic noise impacts in terms of increased exterior noise levels are predicted to range from +2 to +4 dBA, these are indicated in Table N4. Increases in exterior noise levels of this magnitude are common on widening projects since the majority of these areas already have highway traffic noise in their acoustic environment. When real life noises are heard, level changes of 2 to 3 dBA are barely perceptible. A 5 dBA change is more readily noticeable, and a 10 dBA change is judged by most people as a doubling or a halving of the loudness of the sound. Traffic noise impacts occur when the predicted traffic noise levels either (a) approach or exceed the FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC), with approach meaning within 1 dBA, or (b) substantially exceed existing 15 noise levels, as defined in the lower portion of Table N2. Noise abatement measures must be considered when either of the two preceding conditions exist. , Physical measures to abate anticipated traffic noise levels can often be applied with a measurable degree of success by the application of solid mass, attenuable measures to effectively diffract, absorb, and reflect highway traffic noise emissions. Solid mass, attenuable measures may include earthen berms or artificial abatement walls. The project will maintain no control of access, meaning most commercial establishments and residences will have direct driveway connections to the proposed roadway, and all intersections will adjoin the project at grade. For a noise barrier to provide sufficient noise reduction it must be of substantial height and length as to shield the receptor from significant sections of the highway. Access openings in the barrier severely reduce the noise reduction provided by the barrier. It then becomes economically unreasonable to construct a barrier for a small noise reduction. Safety at access openings (driveways, crossing streets, etc.) due to restricted sight distance is also a concern. Furthermore, to provide a sufficient reduction, a barrier's length would normally be eight times the distance from the barrier to the receptor. For example, a receptor located 50 feet from the barrier would normally require a barrier 400 feet long. An access opening of 40 feet (10 percent of the area) would limit its noise reduction to approximately 4 dBA (FUNDAMENTAL AND ABATEMENT OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC NOISE, Report No. FHWA-HHI-HEV-73-7976-1, USDOT, chapter 5, section 3.2, page 5-27). Based on past project experience, these factors effectively negate the effectiveness of any physical abatement measures and none are recommended for this project. The traffic noise impact for the "Do Nothing", or "No Build", alternative was also considered. No receptors will be impacted whether by approaching or exceeding FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC). Likewise, no receptors will be impacted by substantial increases in exterior noise levels, since these increases ranged from 2 to 4 dBA. As previously stated, this small increase would be a barely perceptible change to individuals living and working in the area. The major construction elements of this project are expected to be earth removal, hauling, grading, and paving. General construction noise impacts, such as temporary speech interference for passersby and those individuals living or working near the project, can be expected particularly from paving operations and from the earth moving equipment during grading operations. Overall, construction noise impacts are expected to be minimal, since the construction noise is relatively short in duration and is generally restricted to daytime hours. Furthermore, the transmission loss characteristics of surrounding manmade structures and natural features are believed to be sufficient to moderate the effects of intrusive construction noise. 16 The projected increase in noise levels and associated noise impacts for a proposed widening project of this nature are expected. Based on these preliminary studies, no traffic noise abatement is reasonable or feasible along this project, due to the uncontrolled access feature of the facility and the isolated condition of the impacted receptor, and none is proposed. This evaluation completes the highway traffic noise requirements, and unless a major project change develops, no additional reports are required for this project. G. Ecological Analysis 1. Plant Communities A roadside plant community exists along both sides of NC 73. The roadside community is frequently maintained by mowing activities. The ROADSIDE PLANT COMMUNITY is dominated by tall fescue (Festuca sp.) and is maintained on a regular basis. Other species found along the project alignment include common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), onion (Allium sp.), clover (Trifolium sp.) and bitter cress (Cardamine sp.). Anticipated impacts to the plant communities include the destruction of the existing roadside community and the creation of a new roadside community. 2. Animal Communities Amphibians common in the vicinity of the project include American toad (Bufo americanus) and Fowler's toad (Bufo woodhousei). Reptiles likely to occur in the area include eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina), eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus), ground skunk (Scincella lateralis), rat snake (Elaphe obsoeta), and copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Birds common in the vicinity of the project include red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), white- throated sparrow (Zonotrichis albicollis), american robin (Turdus migratorius) and eastern bluebird (- Si- ' sialis). Mammals such as Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), gray fox (Urocyon cinerioar enteus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), eastern cottontail (S vila us floridanus) and white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) are likely to be common inhabitants of the area. Table 1. Animals Visually Observed in the Study Area COMMON NAME N NAME red-tailed hawk American crow European starling Virginia opossum Carolina wren * eastern cottontail American robin northern mockingbird * note: spoor evidence only. 17 The subject project will affect terrestrial wildlife by destroying habitats for both borrowing animals and those animals which may forage along roadsides. 3. Wetlands There are no wetlands or surface waters located in the subject project study area. No "Waters of the United States" impacts that fall under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers, will occur from proposed construction. "Waters of the United States" include both wetlands and deep water habitats. 4. Geology and Soils Land use within this portion of the Peidmont physiographic province consists of a mixture of recreational and commercial activities. On a regional scale, the topography is characterized by gently rolling interstream areas with slopes of 8 to 10 percent and elevations ranging from 780 to 824 feet above median sea level. Although the region is primarily uplands, a narrow floodplain area is located near McDowells Creek with elevations ranging from 730 to 750 feet above median sea level. Surface waters within the region are drained to the southwest by tributaries of the Catawba River. According to the Geologic Map of North Carolina (1985), the principal geologic unit underlying the study area consists of Late Proterozoic to Middle Paleozic quartz diorite of the Charlotte Metavolcanic Belt. Based on a visual inspection of soils throughout the study area, it is anticipated that the soil profile will consist primarily of residual sandy clay loam (A-4, A-6) underlain by a clayey to clayey loam subsoil (A-7). A listing of hydric soils in North Carolina does not show any hydric soil series for Mecklenburg County. While this information suggests that hydric soils are probably not present in the project area, it is not to be conclusive evidence. By inference, the same statement may be made about the existence (or nonexistence) of wetlands in the project area. Although no mineral deposits of economic importance are known within the study area, one gravel quarry was noted near the intersection of NC 73 and SR 2159. However, based on the scope of the proposed improvement, this site is not expected to be effected by the project. Adequate sources of borrow materials are anticipated throughout most of the uplands areas. Roadway construction is expected to primarily involve some shallow cuts and fills with appropriate drainage improvements. Soils within the study area are expected to present a slight to moderate erosion hazard. Appropriate erosion control measures should be utilized to avoid the potential siltation of adjacent surface waters. 18 5. Rare/Endangered Species Federal law states that any action, which has the potential to result in a negative impact to federally- protected plants or animals, is subject to review by the USFWS (and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service), under one or more provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. The USFWS and other wildlife resource agencies also exercise jurisdiction over protected species in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1979. Plants and animals, which have a protected status of Special Concern (SC), Threatened (T) or Endangered (E) are protected by North Carolina law. Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed Endangered (PE) and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. As of July 23, 1992, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists two federally protected species for Mecklenburg County; Carolina heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata) and Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii). The Proposed Endangered (PE) Carolina heelsplitter was know historically from several locations within the Catawba River the Pee Dee River systems. Presently this mussel is known only from two populations in North Carolina. These populations are located in Waxhaw Creek and Goose Creek in Union County. The shell of the Carolina heelsplitter is ovate, trapezoidal, unsculptured and greenish, yellowish or brownish in color with greenish or blackish rays. The nacre is the umbo and in older specimens the entire nacre may be mottled orange. The umbo is flattened and the beaks are depressed and project a little above the hinge line. The shell averages 78 mm in length, 43 mm in height and 27 mm in width. The thin lateral teeth may or may not be well developed. The Carolina heelsplitter has been found in creeks, streams and rivers. Individuals are most often found in shaded areas, either in a ponded portion of a small stream, or in runs along steep banks with a moderate current. Water less than three feet deep and substrates that are composed of soft mud, sand, muddy-sand and sandy-gravel are preferred. No habitat for the Carolina heelsplitter exists in the subject project area. Construction of this project will not impact Lasmigona decorata. The federally Endangered (E) Schweinitz sunflower, a rhizomatous perennial herb, grows 1 to 2 meters tall from a cluster of carrot-like tuberous roots. The stems are usually solitary, branching only at or above mid-stem, with the branches held in candelabrumstyle arches. The narrowly lanceolate opposite leaves are scabrous above, resin-dotted and loosely soft-white-hairy beneath and entire (or occasionally with a few small teeth). The leaves are 19 approximately 18 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. Yellow flowers approximately 5.5 cm in diameter can be witnessed from September to October. Stems are often deep red in color and the fruit of this species is a smooth, dark gray-brown achene about 5 mm long. This plant is endemic to the piedmont of the Carolinas occurring in clearings and edges of upland woods on moist to dryish clays, clay-loams, or sandy clay-loams that often have a high gravel content and are moderately podzolized. Potential habitat for this species exists in the study area. Verification of the presence of this species is possible only between September and October when flowering takes place. However, a field visit was conducted on July 27, 1992. Plant-by-plant searches were performed in less well maintained areas and fencerows to determine if any sunflower species were present. No sunflower species were located in the subject project area, thus, it can be concluded that the project, as currently designed, will not impact Helianthus schweinitzii, therefore no further surveys are required. Candidate species are species which are not legally protected under the Endangered Species Act and are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as Threatened or Endangered. Federal Candidate Species Listed for Mecklenburg County SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS HABITAT Aster georgianus Georgia aster C2 Yes Lotus helleri * Heller's trefoil C2 Yes Nestronia umbellula nestronia C2 NO indicates no specimen from Mecklenburg county in at least 20 years. "C2" are candidate species presently under review for federal listing for which information indicates that listing as Endangered or Threatened is possibly appropriate, but for which adequate data on biological vulnerability and threat(s) are not currently known or on file to support propose rules. Plants or animals with state designations of Endangered (E), Threatened (T) or Special Concern (SC) are granted protection by the State Endangered Species Act and the N.C. Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979, administered and enforced by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the N.C. Department of Agriculture. NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH NC 73 FROM THE REALIGNED TORRENCE CHAPEL ROAD (SR 2195) TO JETTON ROAD (SR 2151) CORNELIUS, MECKLENBURG COUNTY R-2555 FIG. 1 2272 2189 .;p- 21 11 1 2334 2327 ? c 2326 2193 2307 rrir:. 21a: 2195 23 F• F •::: .• ........ ..... .. E: is C!? 1 P 21 2159 r.: b'' 13 2697 . Cptp 'l TIC wbp w P 7 2197 ."A F'4 S A ve. a c c 2745 ? •16 Z A v? n 'o 'o I 73 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH NC 73 FROM THE REALIGNED TORRENCE CHAPEL ROAD (SR 2195) TO JETTON ROAD (SR 2151) CORNELIUS, MECKLENBURG COUNTY R-2555 0 mile 1 /4 FIG. 2 ', yr.; N ?nA t-? i O z M M N* Ul- l u, z Ul m w 0 a z 0 m C mm a t ¦ c N A Ut N A A N N ru N N A N .A V N x7 r n I N :U A A N :U ry A N N :O A cn N N CD T? i T rn /V /N ''VwwI VI 2 n (Z rn -L co N v mn m N _N A V A OD N x N C m 00 2 O C z MM 16 * Ul Z Ul m m 0 z 0 m m Ul 0 N 1 N v n 3 N N7 µ A A N A U1 N A N N fU CD N A r A J N A fA N N x, A 2 Z m /wwMwyy ? 2 °a m On L/ C T m v O ,V a v m a mn MT1 i / N ;u A U, N ;yj A N N xl WN N W N X) N A J N A CD N NXj µ cn TABLE N1 HEARING: SOUNDS BOMBARDING US DAILY 7 140 Shotgun blast, jet 100 ft away at takeoff PAIN Motor test chamber HUMAN EAR PAIN THRESHOLD 130 Firecrackers 120 Severe thunder, pneumatic jackhammer Hockey crowd Amplified rock music UNCOMFORTABLY LOUD 110 Textile loom 100 Subway train, elevated train, farm tractor Power lawn mower, newspaper press Heavy city traffic, noisy factory LOUD 90 D Diesel truck 40 mph 50 ft, away E 80 Crowded restaurant, garbage disposal C Average factory, vacuum cleaner I Passenger car 50 mph 50 ft. away MODERATELY LOUD B 10 E Quiet typewriter L 60 Singing birds, window air-conditioner S Quiet automobile Normal conversation, average office QUIET 50 Household refrigerator Quiet office VERY QUIET 40 Average home 30 Dripping faucet whisper 5 feet away 20 Light rainfall, rustle of leaves AVERAGE PERSON'S THRESHOLD OF HEARING Whisper JUST AUDIBLE 10 0 THRESHOLD FOR ACUTE HEARING Sources: World Book, Rand McNally Atlas of the Human Body, Encyclopedia Americana, "Industrial Noise and Hearing Conversation" by J. B. Olishifski and B. R. Harford Researched by N. Jane Hunt and published in the Chicago Tribune in an illustrated graphic by Tom Heinz.) TABLE N2 NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA Hourly A-weighted Sound Level - decibels (dBA) Activity Category Leq(h) Description of Activity Category A 57 Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary significance and serve an important public (Exterior) need and where the preservation of those qualities is essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended purpose. B 67 Picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active sports areas, parks, residences, motels, (Exterior) hotels, schools, churches, libraries, and hospitals. C 72 Developed lands, properties, or activities not included in Categories A or B above. (Exterior) D -- Undeveloped lands S 52 Residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms, schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, and (Interior) auditoriums. Source: Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CRF) Part 772, U. S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration DEFINITION OF SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE Hourly A-weighted Sound Level - decibels (M) A Existing Noise Level Increase in dBA from Existing Noise in Leq(h) Levels to Future Noise Levels < 50 > 15 > 50 > 10 Source: = Carolina pgpartment gi I=p4Itat19 Bl Abatement Guidel19e5. TABLE N3 FHWA NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA SUMMARY NC 73, from south of SR 2151 to the realigned SR 2195, Cornelius, Mecklenburg County, State Project 1 6.71042, TIP I R-2555 Maximum Predicted Contour Approximate Number of Impacted Leq Noise Levels' Distances: Receptors According to dBA (Maximum) Title 23 CFR Part 772 Description 50, 100, 200, 72 dBA 67 dBA A B C D E SR 2151 to SR 2189 68 64 59 <25' 76, 0 0 0 0 0 SR 2189 to SR 2159 69 65 59 <25' 80' 0 0 0 0 0 SR 2159 to 1300' east of SR 2159 68 64 59 <251 75, 0 0 0 0 0 1300' east of SR 2159 to SR 2195 69 65 59 <25' 93' 0 0 1 0 0 TOTAL 0 0 1 0 0 1501, 1001, and 200' distances are measured from center of nearest travel lane. 272 dBA and 67 dBA contour distances are measured from center of proposed roadway. TABLE N4 i- Section SR 2151 to SR 2189 SR 2189 to SR 2159 SR 2159 to 1300' E of SR 2159 1300' E of SR 2159 to SR 2195 TOTAL EXTERIOR NOISE LEVEL INCREASE SUMMARY NC 73, from south of SR 2151 to the realigned SR 2195, Cornelius, Mecklenburg County, State Project 1 6.71042, TIP # R-2555 Substantial Receptor Exterior Noise Level Increases Noise Level <=0 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 11-12 13-14 15-16 17-18 19-20 21-22 23.24 >= 25 Increase' 0 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 &M - 'As Defined in Table N2 by 10 1Zg R Abatement Guidelines. 23 a 21 s 719! tit JJ 23 t? •2 7776 772 ^\ V 3 7 7190 E:;:;:;?::::;:z:.?''' Kira:: ?fg••,r•::::> 32 73 iii •i'eiiii? :iii:::::: ?? Fj:;::'t' E' : BEGIN PROJECT 21151 iii::... <"?•? r:ti::? iii;:;; iFii:?:::ii:ii; • .:?? 2717. 0 73 •Or j:•. 1?:`0 21 77 2 12 t•.•. 1v 77 T L I* FIGURE N1 - PROJECT LOCATION NC 73, from south of SR 2151 to the realigned SR 2195, Cornelius, Mecklenburg County, State Project # 6.71042, TIP # R-2555 TABLE Al CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - MARCH, 1990 VERSION JOB: R-2555 / NC 73 RUN: NC 73 (2002 NO BUILD) DATE: 05/20/1992 TIME: 07:26:45.06 SITE & METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES ------------------------------- VS : .0 CM/S VD : .0 CM/S ZO : 10. CN U : 1.0 M/S CLAS : 5 (E) ATIM : 60. MINUTES MI%H : 400. M AMB : 1.9 PPM LINE VARIABLES -------------- LINE DESCRIPTION + LINE COORDINATES (M) + LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH EF H W V/C QUEUE + %1 Y1 %2 Y2 + (M) (DEG) (G/MI) (M) (M) (VEH) ------------------------+......------------------------------.... ---------------------------------------------------------- 1. NC 73 EB APPR + 12.2 396.2 1213 213.4 + 213. 149. AG 940. 9.3 .0 93 2. NC 73 EB DIP + 121.9 213.4 222.5 24.4 + 214. 152. AG 940. 9.3 .0 9.8 3. NC 73 WB APPR + 234.7 30.5 128.0 216.4 + 214. 330. AG 940. 9.3 .0 9.8 4. NC 73 WB DEP + 128.0 216.4 16.8 397.8 + 213. 328. AG 940. 9.3 .0 9.8 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS ------------------ + COORDINATES (M) + RECEPTOR + g Y Z + ------------------------- +-------------------------------------+ 1. REC 23 (NW CORNER) + 143.3 265.2 1.8 + 2. REC 24 (SW CORNER) + 53.3 266.7 1.8 + 3. REC 26 (NE CORNER) + 170.7 199.6 118 + r- TABLE A2 CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - MARCH, 1990 VERSION JOB: R-2555 / NC 73 RUN: HC 73 (2012 NO BUILD) DATE: 05/20/1992 TIME: 07:31:25.84 SITE & METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES ------------------------------- VS = .0 CM/S VD = .0 CM/S ZO = 10. CM U = 1.0 M/S CLAS : 5 (E) ATIM = 60. MINUTES MI%H = 400. M AMB = 1.9 PPM LINE VARIABLES -------------- LINE DESCRIPTION * LINE COORDINATES (M) * LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH EF H W V/C QUEUE * %1 Y1 Y2 Y2 * (M) (DEG) (G/MI) (M) (M) (VEH) ........................ *---------------------------------------- *---------------------------------------------------------- 1. HC 73 EB APPR * 12.2 396.2 121.9 213.4 * 213. 149. AG 940. 9.0 .0 9.8 2. NC 73 EB DIP * 121.9 213.4 222.5 24.4 * 214. 152. AG 940. 9.0 .0 9.8 3. NC 73 WB APPR * 234.7 30.5 128.0 216.4 * 214. 330. AG 940. 9.0 .0 9.6 4. NC 73 WB DIP * 128.0 216.4 16.8 397.8 * 213. 328. AG 940. 9.0 .0 9.8 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS ------------------ * COORDINATES (M) RECEPTOR * % Y Z ......................... *----------------------------------...e 1. REC 23 (NW CORNER) * 143.3 265.2 1.8 2. REC 24 (SW CORNER) * 53.3 266.7 1.8 3. REC 26 (NE CORNER) * 170.7 199.6 1.8 TABLE A3 CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION KODIL - MARCH, 1990 VERSION JOB: R-2555 / NC 73 AND SR 2195 RUN: NC 73 AND SR 2195 (2002 BUILD) DATE: 05/19/1992 TIKI: 12:42:59.08 SITE & METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES ------------------------------- VS = .0 CM/S VD : .0 CK/S ZO : 10. CK U = 1.0 K/S CLAS = 5 (E) ATIK : 60. MINUTES KI%H : 400. K AKB = 1.9 PPM LINE VARIABLES LINE DESCRIPTION t LINE COORDINATES (K) t LENGTH BRG TYPE VPH IF H W V/C QUEUE t %1 Y1 12 Y2 (M) (DEG) (G/MI) (H) (M) (VEH) --- --------------------- ............. ........ .......... ......... :.. ................... ............... .... ..... ..... ........ 1. L. POOL NB APPR ' 3.7 67.5 105.2 10016 t 102. 83. AG 540. 9.3 .0 9.8 2. L. POOL NB QUEUE t 89.6 98.8 -416.7 32.3 ' 511. 263. AG 187. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.47 85.1 3. L. POOL NBLT QUEUE t 8910 102.1 78.8 100.7 ' 10. 262. AG 158. 100.0 .0 3.0 .18 1.7 4. L. POOL NB DIP "A" t 105.2 100.6 179.5 110.3 t 75. 83. AG 200. 9.3 .0 9.8 5. L. POOL NB DIP "B" t 179.5 110.3 214.9 108.8 t 35. 92. AG 200. 9.3 .0 9.8 6. L. POOL NB DEP "C" t 214.9 108.8 248.4 101.8 34. 102. AG 200. 9.3 .0 9.8 7. SR 2195 SB APPR "A" t 232.6 112.8 194.5 118.3 t 38. 278. AG 965. 9.3 .0 9.8 8. SR 2195 SB APPR "B" t 194.5 118.3 103.0 108.8 t 92. 264. AG 965. 9.3 .0 9.8 9. SR 2195 SB QUEUE to"t 121.9 110.9 1493 113.8 t 28. B4. AG 187. 100.0 .0 3.7 .67 4.7 10. SR 2195 SB QUEUE "B"t 194.5 118.3 122.3 114.2 t 28. 98. AG 187. 100.0 .0 3.7 .67 4.7 11. SR 2195 SBLT QUE.'A"t 122.5 107.3 823.8 166.5 t 706. 84. AG 158. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.37 117.6 12. SR 2195 SBLT QUB."Bit 179.2 113.7 884.5 88.9 t 706. 92. AG 158. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.37 117.6 13. SR 2195 SBRT QUEUE t 120.7 114.6 126.4 115.2 t 6. 84. AG 187. 100.0 .0 3.7 .14 1.0 14. SR 2195 SB DEP t 103.0 108.8 2.1 100.6 t 101. 265. AG 200. 9.3 .0 12.8 15. NC 73 IB APPR t 73.2 196.0 97.8 106.1 t 93. 165. AG 1085. 9.3 .0 13.7 16. NC 73 EB QUEUE t 92.7 124.7 73.3 195.6 t 74. 345. AG 308. 100.0 .0 7.6 .94 12.3 17. NC 73 EBLT QUEUE t 98.1 126.5 94.3 141.0 t 15. 345. AG 233. 100.0 .0 4.3 tiff 2.5 18. NC 73 EB DIP t 97.8 106.1 123.4 2.4 t 107. 166. AG 940. 9.3 .0 13.4 19. NC 73 WB APPR t 133.8 4.3 108.2 107.3 t 106. 346. AG 1900. 9.3 .0 9.8 20. NC 73 WB QUEUE t 111.9 93.6 301.0 -676.3 t 793. 166. AG 132. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.31 132.1 21. NC 73 WBLT QUEUE t 107.9 92.4 211.2 -317.8 t 423. 166. AG 211. 100.0 .0 4.3 2.00 70.5 22. NC 73 WBRT QUEUE t 115.2 94.5 139.7 -4.2 t 102. 166. AG 132. 100.0 .0 3.0 1.00 16.9 23. NC 73 WB DEP t 108.2 107.3 84.4 199.3 t 95. 346. AG 940. 9.3 .0 11.6 RECEPTOR LOCATIONS t COORDINATES (K) : RECEPTOR t % Y Z t ............ .... ......... t ........----------------------------.t 1. REC 23 (NW CORNER) t 134.7 146.9 118 t 2. REC 24 (SW CORNER) t 48.8 175.3 1.8 3. RIC 26 (NE CORNER) t 141.4 80.8 1.8 t TABLE A4 CAL3QHC: LINE SOURCE DISPERSION MODEL - MARCH, 1990 VERSION JOB: R-2555 / HC 73 AND SR 2195 DATE: 05/19/1992 TIME: 13:00:19.36 SITE & METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES ------------------------------- VS : .0 CM/S VD : .0 CM/S U : 1.0 M/S CLAS : 5 (E) LINE VARIABLES RUN: NC 73 AND SR 2195 (2012 BUILD) ZO : 10. CM ATIM : 60. MINUTES MI%H : 400. M AMB : 1.9 PPM LINK DESCRIPTION * LINE COORDINATES (M) * S1 Yi K2 Y2 ........................ *........................................ 1. L. POOL NB APPR * 3.7 87.5 105.2 10016 2. L. POOL NB QUEUE * 89.6 98.8 -416.7 32.3 3. L. POOL NBLT QUEUE * 89.0 102.1 78.8 100.7 4. L. POOL NB DEP "A" * 105.2 100.6 179.5 110.3 5. L. POOL NB DEP "B" * 179.5 110.3 214.9 108.8 6. L. POOL NB DEP "C" * 214.9 108.8 248.4 101.8 7. SR 1195 SB APPR "A" * 232.6 112.8 194.5 118.3 8. SR 2195 SB APPR "B" * 194.5 118.3 103.0 108.8 9. SR 2195 SB QUEUE "A"* 121.9 110.9 149.9 113.8 10. SR 2195 SB QUEUE "B"* 194.5 118.3 222.3 114.2 11. SR 2195 SILT QUE.*A"* 122.5 107.3 823.8 186.5 12. SR 2195 SBLT QUI."B"* 179.2 113.7 884.5 88.9 13. SR 2195 SBRT QUEUE * 120.7 114.6 126.4 115.2 14. SR 2195 SB DIP * 103.0 10818 2.1 100.6 * 15. NC 73 EB APPR * 73.2 19610 97.8 106.1 * 16. NC 73 EB QUEUE * 92.7 124.7 73.3 19516 17. NC 73 EBLT QUEUE * 98.1 126.5 94.3 141.0 18. NC 73 EB DIP * 97.8 106.1 123.4 2.4 19. NC 73 WB APPR * 133.8 4.3 108.2 107.3 20. NC 73 WB QUEUE * 111.9 93.6 301.0 -676.3 21. HC 73 WBLT QUEUE * 107.9 92.4 211.2 -317.8 22. NC 73 WBRT QUEUE * 115.2 94.5 139.7 -4.2 23. NC 73 WB DEP * 108.2 107.3 8414 199.3 * RECEPTOR LOCATIONS ------------------ * COORDINATES (N) RECEPTOR * % Y Z * ......................... *..................................... * 1. REC 23 (NW CORNER) * 134.7 146.9 1.8 * 2. REC 24 (SW CORNER) * 48.8 175.3 1.8 * 3. REC 26 (HE CORNER) * 141.4 8018 1.8 1 LENGTH BRG TYPE (M) (DEG) ---------------- 102. 83. AG 511. 263. AG 10. 262. AG 75. 83. AG 35. 92. AG 34. 102. AG 38. 278. AG 92. 264. AG 28. 84. AG 28. 98. AG 706. 84. AG 706. 92. AG 6. 84. AG 101. 265. AG 93. 165. AG 14. 345. AG 15. 345. AG 107. 166. AG 106. 346. AG 793. 166. AG 423. 166. AG 102. 166. AG 95. 346. AG VPH EF H W V/C QUEUE (G/MI) (M) (N) (VEH) ---------------------------------- 540. 9.0 .0 9.8 176. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.47 85.1 148. 100.0 .0 3.0 .18 1.7 200. 9.0 .0 9.8 200. 9.0 .0 9.8 200. 9.0 .0 9.8 965. 9.0 .0 9.8 965. 9.0 .0 9.8 176. 100.0 .0 3.7 .67 4.7 176. 100.0 .0 3.7 .67 4.7 148. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.37 117.6 148. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.37 117.6 176. 100.0 .0 3.7 .14 13 200. 9.0 .0 12.8 1085. 9.0 .0 13.7 289. 100.0 .0 7.6 .94 12.3 218. 100.0 .0 4.3 **** 2.5 940. 9.0 .0 13.4 1900. 9.0 .0 9.8 124. 100.0 .0 3.7 1.31 132.1 198. 100.0 .0 4.3 2.00 70.5 124. 100.0 .0 3.0 1.00 16.9 940. 9.0 .0 11.6 North Carolina James G. Martin, Governor • Patric Dorsey, Secretary July 10, 1991 MEMORANDUM O n• SfA7F o ultural Resources J CMU r Division of Archives and History William S. Price, Jr., Director TO: L. J. Ward, P.E.,-1MMTnger Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways Department of Transportation -- / 1 C ? FROM: David Brook, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer SUBJECT: Improvements to NC 73 in Cornelius from south of SR 2144 to SR 2195, Mecklenburg County, State Project 6.671042, TIP R-2555, CH 91-E-4220-0884 We have received notification from the State Clearinghouse concerning the above project. We have conducted a search of our maps and files and have located the following structures of historical or architectural importance within the general area of the project: J. Washam House. South side of NC 73, 0.25 mile east of interchange with US 21. William A. Brown House. North side of SR 2151, 0.13 mile west of junction with NC 73. House. West side of NC 73, 0.13 mile north of junction with SR 2148. Alexander House. North side of SR 2147 at junction with NC 73. House. Southeast side of NC 73, 0.06 mile south of junction with SR 2145. None of the above properties have been evaluated for National Register eligibility. A map is enclosed which shows the approximate locations of these historic structures. 109 EastJones Street 0 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 L. J. Ward July 10, 1991, Page Two There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based on our present knowledge of the area, it is unlikely that any archaeological resources which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places will be affected by the project construction. We, therefore, recommend that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project. While we note that this project is to be state funded, the potential for federal permits may require further consultation and compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. These comments are made in accord with G.S. 121-12(a) and Executive Order XVI. If you have any questions regarding them, please contact Ms. Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 733-4763. DB:slw Enclosure cc: State Clearinghouse B. Church SIATf RECOV ED AUG 1 1 1997 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES -1, S1'AhlOf NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAWS B. HUN] JR. DIVISION OF HIGI IWAYS GARLAND Q. GARRETT JR. G(WFMO?R 11.0. R)X ), Z'ML RALLIGI I, N.C. 2761152,01 S1 (AU 1ARY July 28, 1997 MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Cyndi Bell DEM - DEHNR - Water Quality Section FROM: H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager /Vi 36 --V, eI Planning and Environmental Branch SUBJECT: Review of Scoping Sheets for NC 73 from SR 2145 (Sam Furr Road) to SR 2195 (Torrence Chapel Road); Mecklenburg County, State Project No. 6.671042, TIP No. R-2555 Attached for your review and comments are the Scoping sheets for the subject project (See attached map for project location). The purpose of these sheets and the related review procedure is to have an early "meeting of the minds" as to the scope of work that should be performed and thereby enable us to better implement the project. A Scoping meeting for this project is scheduled for August 28, 1997 at 10:00 A. M. in the Planning and Environmental Branch Conference Room (Room 470). You may provide us with your comments at the meeting or mail them to uS prior to that date. Thank you for your assistance in this part of our planning process. If there are any questions about the meeting or the Scoping sheets, please call Michele James, Project Planning Engineer, at 733-7844, Ext. 213. .) 2 " . ??11 L' Z- x p Attachment 2 r-, C ? N Date Revision Date Project Development Stage Programming Planning Design TIP #R 2555 Project # 6.671042 F.A. Project # N/A Division 10 County Mecklenburg Route NC 73 Functional Classification Minor Arterial Length 5.27 km (3.27 miles) Purpose of Project: To widen the existing NC 73 to a five lane curb and gutter roadway in order to provide the needed traffic carrying capacity and to increase the safety of the roadway. Description of project (including specific limits) and major elements of work: The project consist of widening NC 73 to a 5-lane, 19.2 meter or 20.4 meter (64-foot or 68-foot), curb and gutter facility from SR 2145 (Sam Furr Road) to SR 2195 (Torrence Chapel Road). Sidewalks are also being considered for this project. Type of environmental document to be prepared: SEA/FONSI Environmental study schedule: SEA/FONSI BEGIN JULY 1997 Will there be special funding participation by municipality, developers, or other? Yes No X If yes, by whom and amount: ($) or (%) How and when will this be paid? Type of Facility: Minor Arterial PROJECT SCOPING SHEET Type of Access Control: Full Partial None X Type of Roadway: The existing facility consists of two, three, and four lane shoulder sections throughout the project length. The existing pavement width varies from 12.2- meters (24-feet) to 14.4-meters (48-feet). The lengths for the two-lane, three-lane and four lane sections are 2.73 km (1.69 miles), 2.38 km (1.48 miles) and .16 km (0.10 miles), respectively. Interchanges Grade Separations Stream Crossings Typical Section of Roadway: The proposed cross section is a five-lane, 19.2 meter or 20.4 meter (64-foot or 68-foot), curb and gutter facility. Sidewalks are also being considered for this project. Traffic: Current Design Year Design Standards Applicable: AASHTO _ X 311 Design Speed: 50 mph Preliminary Resurfacing Design: Preliminary Pavement Design: Current Cost Estimate: 64' F-F % Trucks Construction Cost (including engineering and contingencies)... $ 7.039, Right of Way Cost (including rel., util., and acquisition)....... $ Force Account Items ................................... $ Preliminary Engineering ..................... . ......... $ Total Cost ................................................. $_7,039.000 TIP Cost Estimate: Construction ..........................................$ 4,600,000 Right of Way ......................................... $ 7,300,000 Preliminary Engineering (including prior years costs)......... $ 1.146, 000 Total Cost ........................................... $ 13,046,000 2 List any special features, such as railroad involvement, which could affect cost or schedule of project: ITEMS REQUIRED (X) COMMENTS 64' F-F COST Estimated Costs of Improvements: _ X Pavement _Surface ...................................... $ 1,463,850 Resurfacing ................................... $ Milling & Recycling (Removal) .................... $ Turnouts .................................... $ Shoulders: Paved ............................ $ Earth ............................. _ $ X Earthwork.... ***''**********'''****''***'****''** J 649.100 Subsurface Items: ..... *'**''***'**'***** ... ****''*' $ X Subgrade and Stabilization ........................... $ 308;,700 _X Drainage (List any special items) ....................... $ 703,900 Sub-Drainage ...................................... $ Structures: Width x Length Bridge Rehabilitation x ......... $ New Bridge x ......... $ Widen Bridge x ......... $ Remove Bridge x ......... $ New Culverts: Size Length Fill Ht. ..... $ Culvert Extension .............................. $ Retaining Walls: Type Avg. Ht. Skew ..... $ Noise Walls .................................. $ Any Other Misc. Structures ...................... $ X Concrete Curb & Gutter ............................. $ 312,835 X Concrete Sidewalk .................................. $211,200 Guardrail ......................................... $ Fencing: W.W. and/or C.L. ............ $ _X Erosion Control .................................... $ 62,700 Landscape ........................................ $ Lighting .......................................... $ _ X Traffic Control ..................................... $ 130.800 Signing: New ................................ $ Upgrading ........................... $ _X Traffic Signals I New ........................... $ 40,000 _ 2 Revised ........................ $ 40,000 RR Signals: New .............................. $ Revised ........................... $ With or Without Arms ............... $ If 3R: Drainage Safety Enhancement .............. $ Roadside Safety Enhancement ............. $ Realignment for Safety Upgrade............ $ X Pavement Markings: Paint Thermo _ x Markers _ x ......... $ 81,750 Delineators ........................................ $ PROJECT SCOPING SHEET Other (Mob.andMisc.) ..................................... $ 1,413,550 X(Clearing & Grubbing) ............................... $ 42,000 . XAUtility construction- water) ........................... $ 604,310 X _kLeft turn lane -SR 2147) .............................$ 59,305 CONTRACT COST (Subtotal): $ 6,113,000 Contingencies & Engineering .............................. $ 926,000 PE Costs .............................................. $ Force Account .......................................... $ Subtotal: $ 7,039,000 X_Right of Way: Will Contain within Existing Right of Way: Yes No X- Existing Right of Way Width: 60-100 Feet New Right of Way Needed: Width Est. Cost $ Easements: Type Width Est. Cost $ Utilities: $ Right of Way Subtotal: $ Total Estimated Cost: (Includes R/W) $ Cost Estimates Prepared By: Doug Lane Date: 7/24/97 Scoping Sheets Prepared By: ,. 9 Date: 'l a5 7 The above scoping has been revie ed and approved* by: Highway Design Roadway Structure Design Services Geotechnical Hydraulics Loc. & Surveys Photogrammetry Prel. Est. Engr. Planning & Environ. Right of Way R/W Utilities Traffic Engineering Project Management County Manager City/Municipality Others INIT. DATE INIT. DATE Board of Tran. Member Mgr. Program & Policy Chief Engineer-Precons Chief Engineer-Oper. Secondary Roads Off. Construction Branch Roadside Environmental Maintenance Branch Bridge Maintenance Statewide Planning Division Engineer Bicycle Coordinator Program Development FHWA Dept. of Cult. Res. Dept. of EH & NR Scope Sheets for local officials will be sent to the Division Engineer for handling. Comments or Remarks: 4 PROJECT_SCOPING SHEET *If you are not in agreement with proposed project or scoping, note your proposed revisions in Comments or Remarks Section and initial and date after comments. ?mun? •Dendsd? ornelius o.d Dam 3 3 aI J i ' ® ' untersvlll ? \ . ?Nnuniorn I ? s-- ount Holly 2? ?J I Newell NORTH CAROLINA I -?? MECKLENBURG COU Dm Chactotte' x 51: Alle, n . ? Mint Ilil 1 I a ECKLEN r 511 i°m., x I I \ 4'c 'k i 9 51 in ille 2 - 3,Jnd - ' END PROJECT - , BEGIN PROJECT ' 7 P its ?^ ?' ? • NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ' TRANSPORTATION ' DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS i PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH NC 73, SR 2145 (SAM FURR ROAD) TO SR 2195 (TORRENCE CHAPEL ROAD), NEAR THE CITY OF CORNELIUS, MECKLENBURG COUNTY, T.I.P. NO. R-2555 nr_I loc , j Current Cost Estimate: 68' F-F Construction Cost (including engineering and contingencies)... $ 7,400,000 Right of Way Cost (including rel., util., and acquisition)...... $ Force Account Items ................................. $ Preliminary Engineering .............................. Total Cost ........................................ TIP Cost Estimate: $ 7„400,000 Construction ....................................... $ 4,600,000 Right of Way ...................................... $ 7,300,000 Preliminary Engineering ..(including prior year costs) ........ $ 1, 146, 000 Total Cost ........................................ $ 13,046,000 List any special features, such as railroad involvement, which could affect cost or schedule of project: ITEMS REQUIRED (X) COMMENTS 68' F-F COST Estimated Costs of Improvements: X Pavement X Surface ...................................... $ 1.611,310 Resurfacing ................................... $ Milling & Recycling (Removal) .................... $ Turnouts .................................... $ Shoulders: Paved ............................ $ Earth ............................. $ _Earthwork ........................................ $ 697,050 Subsurface Items: ...... ............................ $ X Subgrade and Stabilization ........................... $ 343,125 X Drainage (List any special items) ....................... $ 720,250 Sub-Drainage ...................................... $ Structures: Width x Length Bridge Rehabilitation x ......... $ New Bridge x ......... $ Widen Bridge x ......... $ Remove Bridge x ......... $ New Culverts: Size Length Fill Ht. ..... $ Culvert Extension .............................. $ Retaining Walls: Type Avg. Ht. Skew ..... $ Noise Walls .................................. $ Any Other Misc. Structures ...................... $ X Concrete Curb & Gutter ............................. $ 312,835 _ X Concrete Sidewalk .................................. $ 211,200 Guardrail ......................................... $ Fencing: W.W. and/or C.L. ............. $ X Erosion Control .................................... $62,700 Landscape ........................................ $ Lighting .......................................... $ X Traffic Control ..................................... $ 130,800 Signing: New ................................ $ Upgrading ........................... $ X Traffic Signals I_New ........................... $ 40,000 _2 Revised ........................ $ 40.000 RR Signals: New .............................. $ Revised ........................... $ With or Without Arms ............... $ If 3R: Drainage Safety Enhancement .............. $ Roadside Safety Enhancement ............. $ Realignment for Safety Upgrade............ $ X Pavement Markings: Paint Thermo x Markers x ......... $ 81,750 Delineators ........................................ $ 4 Other (Mob.andMisc.) .....................................$ 1,489,365 _X (Clearing & Grubbing) ............................... $ 50,000 X (Utility construction- water) ............................$ 604,310 X (Left turn lane -SR 2147 ..............................$ 59,305 CONTRACT COST (Subtotal): $ 6,454,000 Contingencies & Engineering .............................. $ 946.000 PE Costs .............................................. $ Force Account .......................................... $ Subtotal: $ 7,400,000 _ X Right of Way: Will Contain within Exist Right of Way: Yes No } _ Existing Right of Way Width: 60-100 Feet New Right of Way Needed: Width Est. Cost Easements: Type Width Est. Cost Utilities: Right of Way Subtotal: $ Total Estimated Cost: (Includes R/W) $ Cost Estimates Prepared By: Doug Lane Date: 7/24/97 Scoping Sheets Prepared By: Date: 7025 7 The above scoping has been reviewed an approved* by: INIT. DATE Highway Design Roadway Structure Design Services Geotechnical Hydraulics Loc. & Surveys Photogrammetry Prel. Est. Engr. Planning & Environ. Right of Way R/W Utilities Traffic Engineering Project Management County Manager City/Municipality Others INIT. DATE Board of Tran. Member Mgr. Program & Policy Chief Engineer-Precons Chief Engineer-Oper. Secondary Roads Off. Construction Branch Roadside Environmental Maintenance Branch Bridge Maintenance Statewide Planning Division Engineer Bicycle Coordinator Program Development FHWA Dept. of Cult. Res. Dept. of EH & NR Scope Sheet for local officials will be sent to Division Engineer for handling. S 1j U i??, 21 c C lU N \ V ? o CY v v e o O .Y 0 a 0 o O'N d t a g(? I r c 0