20210344 Ver 1_Ashe bridge 122 PCN_20210512

Wanucha, Dave
From:Hining, Kevin J
Sent:Wednesday, May 12, 2021 7:50 AM
To:Beckwith, Loretta A CIV USARMY CESAW (USA); Wanucha, Dave
Subject:Ashe bridge 122 PCN
Hey Lori and Dave,

I just submitted a PCN for a bridge replacement in northeast Ashe County. I attached a summary letter to the PCN, but
wanted to mention a couple items of interest on this one…..

1. The bridge is on the North Fork New River, ¼ mile upstream of it’s confluence with the South Fork New
River. So, it is ¼ mile upstream from a wild and scenic river.

2. It’s a large river, but with very limited/low recreational use. The entire watershed is remote, with very limited
public access areas and no outfitter use that I’m aware of. So, I expect there to be an extremely low risk of a
safety issue with river users. We still plan to put signage up at the upstream access and require the contractor
to halt all overhead work when river users are observed floating nr the bridge. I also mention the low river
usage because the design does involve large pipes in the causeway, to get the river blockage below the 50%
threshold. I know that pipes in the causeway can be a safety issue, but the pipes they plan to use are quite
large (72” diameter), they will only be used when necessary and for only as long as needed, and as mentioned,
we expect very minimal river traffic. Given it’s closeness to the South Fork New, I’m sure one concern would be
paddlers venturing up the river from the more moderately used South Fork. However, there are several small
drops in elevation/riffle/swift current that would make any upstream paddling very difficult.

Thanks a bunch and hope you both have a great week,

Kevin

Kevin Hining
Division 11 Environmental Officer
North Carolina Department of Transportation

828-386-7202 cell
[e-mail]

801 Statesville Rd.
PO Box 250
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

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