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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012_Informational meeting packet to agenciesSTATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE EUGENE A. CONTI, JR. GOVERNOR SECRETARY December 13, 2012 Merger Team Informational Meeting NC 215 from US 64 at Cherryfield to SR 1326 South of Balsam Grove, Transylvania County, Federal Aid Project No. STP 215 (1), State Project No. 8.1000601, TIP Project No. R -2594. WBS Element 34475.1.1 Purpose of the Update The Merger Team last met to review this project in 2007. Since that tune, NCDOT has coordinated with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (NC -HPO) about the effect of the project on resources protected under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, developed /revised alternatives in an attempt to minimize these effects, and completed a detailed constrictability report. The purpose of the November 8, 2012, meeting is update the Merger Team about these activities, as well as to provide the latest stream crossing recommendations and cost information to the Merger Team for their review and input. Concurrence Team History Concurrence Point 1: Purpose and Need of the Project Concurrence Point 2: Project Alternatives to be Carried Forward A Merger Team meeting was held on July 7, 2000. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Concurrence Point 1, the Purpose and Need of the proposed improvements to NC 215 as well as Concurrence Point 2, the project alternatives to be carried forward. At that tune, concurrence was not reached. The second Merger Team meeting was held on October 18, 2000. The Merger Team reached agreement at this time for both Concurrence Points 1 and 2. The signed Concurrence Forms are attached. Two constriction alternatives ( "Improve Existing" and "New Location ", described below) and the No Build Alternative were carried over for fiirther evaluation. Concurrence Point 2(a) On November 4 and 5, 2002, the Merger Team conducted a field site visit to review the stream crossings and proposed strictures for the NC 215 improvements. Based on decisions reached at the field meeting, preliminary crossings strictures were agreed upon MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919 - 707 -6000 LOCATION: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: 919- 707 -6052 CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING A PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1000 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE 1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW..NCDOT.ORG /DOH /PRECONSTRUCT /PE/ RALEIGH NC 27610 RALEIGH NC 27699 -1548 by the Merger Team. The third Merger Team meeting was held on May 18, 2004. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss Concurrence Point 2a, concurrence on major stream crossing stricture types and lengths. Concurrence was reached on the stream crossing strictures at the 2a meeting. The signed Concurrence Form, maps, and table are attached. Subsequent to the 2002 meeting, updated hydraulics information led to proposed changes to several crossing strictures on NC 215. Based on this new information, a second Concurrence Point 2a meeting was held on August 14, 2007, at which time the Merger Team reached concurrence on the following crossing strictures: New Location Alternative • Major crossing strictures (crossings lOR, 20R, 40R, and 60R) will be bridged • Culverts or concrete pipes will be utilized for all other stream crossings on this alternative. Improve Existing Alternative • Crossings 310E and 40E will be bridged • All other crossings strictures will be extended or replaced The signed Concurrence Form and table are attached. Proiect Overview NCDOT proposes to improve NC 215 from US 64 to Macedonia Church Road (SR 13126) in Transylvania County (see Figure 1). This 5.9 -mile portion of NC 215 is a narrow, curvy, two -lane mountain roadway located partly within the Pisgah National Forest and is part of a Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. Portions of the route lie between nearly vertical rock walls on one side and steep cut slopes leading to the North Fork French Broad on the other side. These topographical constraints, as well as the scenic and environmental concerns within the Pisgah National Forest present constriction challenges. The existing roadway alignment is characterized by numerous curves and restricted sight distance. The sharpest curves reach a maximum of 75 degrees. Current design speeds range from 15 to 31 5 mph. In some areas, the soil shoulders are failing and the guardrails are settling, thereby potentially compromising the ability to protect vehicles from running off the roadway. Routine roadway maintenance is needed every few years to patch cracks in the failing pavement surface. In addition, the narrow (8 -foot) travel lanes provide difficulty for buses and large vehicles using the facility. Two alignment alternatives were originally considered in this study: • "Improve Existing" Alternative — This proposed alternative widens existing NC 215 to the extent practical and straighten areas of the road with dangerous curves. The road would be unproved from two 8 -foot lanes to two 11 -foot lanes; shoulders would be increased from approximately 3 feet to 8 feet. • "New Location" Alternative — This proposed alternative relocates NC 215 from the US 64 /01d US 64 intersection in Cherryfield to the NC 215/ Macedonia Church Road (SR 13126) intersection near Balsam Grove. The new roadway would consist of two 12- foot lanes with 8 -foot shoulders. This alternative would include measures to preserve the scenery and natural resources along the new roadway. Proiect History Initiated in response to citizens' concerns about the poor alignment of NC 215, NCDOT began the planning studies for the development of a new location to existing NC 215 in 1993 and completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) in 1998. In 1999, high project costs, low projected traffic volumes, and stakeholder concerns about a new location facility in within US Forest Service (USFS) lands led to the development of an alternative to improve existing NC 215. A history of the NEPA/404 Merger Process and public involvement activities are shown below: • Initiation of Merger Process March, 2000 • Concurrence Point 1 (Purpose and Need) October 18, 2000 • Concurrence Point 2 (Alternatives Analysis) October 18, 2000 • Citizen's Information Workshop September 25, 2001 • Meeting with Agencies, USFS August 19, 2002 • Concurrence Point 2a Field Meeting November 2 &4, 2002 • Concurrence Point 2a Agreement May 18, 2004 • Meeting with Public Officials, USFS March 6, 2007 • Revised Concurrence Point 2a Agreement August 14, 2007 • Initial Effects Determination for Project Alternatives June 23, 2008 • Citizen's Informational Workshop October 28, 2008 • Local Official's Informational Meeting October 28, 2008 • Section 106 Effects Determination for Revised Project Alternatives December 21, 2010 • Draft Constructability Report to NCDOT for Review December 30, 2010 • Constructability Review Meeting July 18, 2011 • Constructability Report Finalized October 1, 2012 Proiect Status Initial 0rltnral Resource Effects Determinations NCDOT, FHWA, and NC -HPO met on June 23, 2008 to determine the potential impacts to cultural resources associated with the NC 215 build alternatives. The following resources were evaluated: Summer Cottage Historic District, NRHP Eligible under Criteria A (Social History) and C (architecture). The Improve Existing alternative presented to NC -HPO in 2008 would impact the Summer Cottage Historic District. The preliminary design had cut /fill impacts within the eligible boundary of the district. Based on a design review, NCDOT determined that retaining walls would not be a good option for minimizing slope impacts in this area, as the walls would need to be approximately 40 feet tall in some locations. It was determined that the Improve Existing alternative would have an adverse effect on the resource. Gloucester Gap Road NRHP Eligible under Criteria A (Events/History). The New Location alternative presented to NC -HPO in 2008 would impact Gloucester Gap Road. Gloucester Gap Road, in addition to having been initially identified as an archaeological resource, is also a historic architecture resource. The design presented crossed the resource in several locations: It would require bridges be constricted at low- integrity portions of the resource in the vicinity of Jason Branch and Sawmill Creels. There were also impacts to moderate and high integrity areas of the resource in the vicinity of three USFS logging roads as well as impacts in the vicinity of Big Mountain Branch. It was determined that the New Location alternative would have an adverse effect on the resource. Revised Designs Based on the above effects to the determinations, NCDOT developed and revised project alternatives to avoid or minimize impacts to cultural resources in the project area. This included the following modifications to existing designs: • The Improve Existing alternative was modified to pass to the south of the Summer Cottage Historic District, eliminating the direct impacts associated with the Improve Existing alternative. NCDOT Roadway approved these designs in June 2010. • A second New Location alternative (revised 3b) was developed to the west of the current New Location Alternative in the vicinity of Big Mountain Branch. This design eliminates impacts to high- and moderate- integrity areas of Gloucester Gap Road. NCDOT Roadway approved these designs in June 2010. NCDOT developed visualizations to assess viewsheds impacts for hikers walking through high or moderate integrity sections of Gloucester Gap Road. All current alternatives are included in Figure 2. NCDOT, FHWA, USFS, and NC -HPO met on December 21, 2010 to determine the potential impacts to cultural resources associated with the revised NC 215 build alternatives. It was determined that the revised Improve Existing Alternative had no adverse effect on the Summer Cottage Historic District. It was also determined that the New Location alternative (revised 3b) had an adverse effect on Gloucester Gap Road due to changes in setting and visual impacts associated with bridges in the vicinity of Big Mountain Branch. USF,S Tvpical ,Section Request NCDOT had initially recommended 11 -foot lanes for the Improve Existing Alternative and 12 -foot travel lanes for the New Location Alternative. Both alternatives would include 8- foot shoulders, four feet of which would be paved to fiinction as a bicycle lane, since NC 215 is currently listed in Transylvania County as County Bicycle Route 5. This would satisfy the purpose and need of the project, which was to improve the safety of this portion of NC 215 and would provide a conservative estimate of the potential impacts of the project. USFS requested that a narrower typical section be used, similar to that developed for the Cherohala Skyway. They stated a preference to minimizing impacts to USFS lands. After a review of updated traffic and current design standards, FHWA and NCDOT determined that a typical section for all build alternatives that included 11 -foot travel lanes with six - foot shoulder, the first four feet of which will be paved could be used. It was decided that these designs would be reflected in the FEIS. C'onstructability Report Based on information provided in the Draft Constrictability Report, NCDOT met on May 25, 2011 and determined that an outside Constrictability Review would be appropriate for the project to develop realistic estimates of constriction duration and design issues, specifically those associated with the Improve Existing Alternative. The Constrictability Review was conducted on July 18, 2011 and included three contractors familiar with the challenges associated with constriction in the North Carolina mountains. Based on contractor input, traffic maintenance issues, and the need to dispose of fill outside USFS lands, it is unlikely that it would be possible for waste disposal operations for any build alternative to exceed 7,500 cubic yards per day. Under this scenario, disposing of 8 million cubic yards of waste would take three years even if 24 -hour operations were employed. Some concurrent work, such as utilities relocations, could be performed during these operations. Contractors further estimated that limiting waste disposal to on -road equipment only would add another 12 to 18 months to the constriction schedule. Restrictions on blasting could add an additional 18 months to the project, and it is anticipated that a year would be required for final cleanup and performance of asphalt pavement. Based on this information, it is estimated that constriction of the Improve Existing Alternative under the likely site conditions would take approximately six and a half to seven years. Subsequent correspondence further indicated that if traffic is required to be maintained on -site, constriction could take up to eight years. The contractors and NCDOT concluded that, because of the added time, money, and inconvenience to area residents, school buses, and emergency services (EMS) the Improve Existing alternative has substantial constrictability concerns. The New Location alternatives would not have the traffic maintenance issues or blasting restrictions associated with the Improve Existing alternative. Off -site detours would not be necessary. Under the likely constriction conditions, the estimated constriction time of the "New Location" alternative is approximately three to five years. This timeframe is considered to be a feasible option from a constrictability standpoint, as it would not substantially affect area residents, school buses, or EMS during constriction. (101111ty Input On September 13, 2011, NCDOT received communications from Transylvania County officials with regards to the suitability of an extended off -site detour should the "Improve Existing Alternative" be chosen. The Transylvania County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution favoring the "New Location Alternative" due to the expected duration of the off -site detour required for an "Improve Existing Alternative ". Transylvania County Schools voiced their support for a "New Location Alternative" and cited the increased costs and travel tunes for students associated with potential off -site detours. On October 28, 2011, Transylvania County EMS expressed their opposition to delays associated with off -site detours. In subsequent correspondence, EMS officials stated that they opposed the Improve Existing alternative for three reasons: • Off -site detours create significant barriers to the provision of emergency services to Balsam Grove - They note that the area has an aging population and has frequent need for EMS services. In 2011, County EMS responded to 81 requests for medical services in the Balsam Grove area, 54 of which were classified as advanced life support medical emergencies. • Existing challenges to providing care to Balsam Grove - Currently, response tunes to Balsam Grove are less than optimal for positive patient outcomes. Off -site detours, would substantially increase response tunes, especially in areas of the county to the Northeast of NC 215, which is served only by the Rosman, Quebec, and Brevard EMS units. • Off site detours would limit mutual aid capabilities - Rosman Fire Rescue is the primary mutual aid department for the Balsam Grove Fire Department, providing support during fire- related incidents to ensure adequate water flow and manpower capabilities. The results of the constrictability review and stakeholder input were included in the final version of the Constrictability Review, which was completed in October 1, 2012. Current Activities NCDOT is currently working with USFS to conduct Forest Service surveys for the project build alternatives. NCDOT is working to conduct preliminary verifications of streams and wetlands in the project area, with review by USACE and NCDWQ. NCDOT is also in the process of developing a project website and planning fiiture public involvement activities. Impact Matrix See enclosed matrices at conclusion of packet. Table 1 shows the impacts for all alternatives. Table 1. Current Impact Estimates Associated with the Project Build Alternatives Item Improve Existing (W /Detour) New Location 3a New Location 3b Length 5.41 miles 3.71 miles 3.69 miles Clearing /grubbing 156 acres 137 acres 147 acres Stream Impacts (maximum) 1,788 to 1,798 feet* 2,901 feet* 4,914 feet ** Wetland Impacts 0 acres 0 acres 0 acres On -site Restoration Potential Yes Yes Yes Utility Impacts One -cable telephone pole 35 0 0 Electric distribution poles (1- phase) 31 0 0 Cemeteries 1 (31TV799) 0 0 Relocations 2 Business, 1 Residential None None Other Impacts Alligator Rock 0 0 Archaeological Sites 1 (31TV800) 3 (31TV801, 31TV802, 31TV859) 0 Historic Architecture sites/ (4(f) Summer Cottage District/ No Adverse Effect Gloucester Gap Road /Adverse Effect Gloucester Gap Road /Adverse Effect Estimated Construction Duration 6.5 -7 Nears (8 Nears if traffic maintained on -site) 3 -5 years 3 -5 Nears Estimated Costs Construction Costs $77,400,000 $75,800,000 $85,200,000 Utilities Costs $621,024 $276,593 $276,593 Right of Way Costs $4,018,350 $3,247,150 $3,321,860 Estimated Stream Mitigation Costs $1,208,690 $1,215,480 $ 1,961,080 $3,294,150 Detour User Costs $26,038,000 $0 $0 Detour Construction Costs $1,473,018 $0 $0 Total Costs $110,760,000 to 5110,765,900 81,284,800 592,045,600 *- buffered impacts (25-feet) from slopestakes includes a culvert on Big Beanvallow Creek as per the hydraulics report recommendation. Bridging would reduce impacts by 260 feet * *- this is classified as a functional design, so typically the design would be buffered by 40 feet. Impacts buffered by 25 feet to alloy, direct comparison (impacts with a 40 -foot buffer are 5,290 feet) ** *New Location alternatives include stream impacts associated with replacing the culvert on Jason's Branch on existing NC 21 (additional 41 feet of stream impacts) Proposed Project Schedule Task USFS Surveys Streain/Wetland Verif, DEIS Public Hearings LEDPA Meeting Jul-13 Aug- 13 Sep -13 Oct- 13 Nov- 13 Dec- 13 Jun- 14 Oct- 14 Nov - 14 Dec014 95% 100% 80% 100% 95% 100% 100% 100% DEIS assumes 6 months for NCDOT/FHWA review, 4 months from DEIS to hearing Double black lines indicate time breaks in activities for reviews, etc.