20180839_Emails_20131028

Wainwright, David
From: Richards, John E
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 4:30 PM
To: Brittingham, Cathy
Cc: Williams, Paul C; Wheeler, Tracey L SAW; Wainwright, David; McInnis, Jay
Subject: RE: STIP Project R-5014 - Colington Road Improvements - Screening Email Request
Attachments: R5014_ScopingMin_08082011.pdf; R5014_SAV_Memo_09302013.pdf
Cathy,
The sufficiency rating of Bridge No. 5 is 73 and Bridge No. 6 is 78. Both ratings are from 2011. Attached are the meeting
minutes from the scoping meeting. Regarding your comments about SAV, a survey was conducted (attached) at two site
locations referenced on the aerial map provided. From my reading of the memo, the SAV within the two survey areas
ranged (in percent coverage) from 0-100% or from sparse to dense. As far as impacts go, it looks like we are clear of any
SAV within the Blount Bay Site (figure 2b) but we may getting into the SAV at the Colington Creek Site (figure 2a). I don't
yet have any electronic data (GIS or CADD) to generate impact numbers but just by looking at the memo and maps it
appears there is approximately 0.5±0.25 acres of SAV open water area within the assumed impact area at the Colington
Creek Site.
Let me know if you have any questions or need more information about bringing this into the merger process at CP 4A.
Thanks,
John
John E. Richards, Ill, P.E.
Project Planning Engineer
NCDOT - PDEA
Ph. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
From: Brittingham, Cathy
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 12:36 PM
To: Richards, John E
Cc: Williams, Paul C; Wheeler, Tracey L SAW; Wainwright, David
Subject: RE: STIP Project R-5014 - Colington Road Improvements - Screening Email Request
Hi John,
DCM needs a little more information before we can respond to your question about whether we can agree to
bring this project into the merger process at CP 4A.
It appears as though this project has the potential for significant impacts to Coastal Area Management Act
Areas of Environmental Concern. For example, according to your e-mail and attachments, the estimated
impacts to salt brackish marsh is approximately 3.19 acres.
i

• According to your e-mail, SAV exists within the project study area and within the assumed impact
area. Would you please provide an estimate of how many of the estimated open water impacts would be
in areas with SAVs and/or SAV habitat?
• Would you please provide DCM with a copy of the meeting minutes from the 7/7/11 scoping meeting? I
do not think we were in attendance.
• What is the sufficiency rating for Bridge No. 5 and Bridge No. 6?
Thanks,
Cathy Brittingham
Cathy Brittingham, Transportation Project Coordinator
N.C. Division of Coastal Management
[phone] phone
cathy.brittinghamna,ncdenr.gov
Mailing Address:
1638 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1638
Physical Address:
512 North Salisbury Street
Archdale Building
12th Floor, Room 1204G
Raleigh , NC 27604
E-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to
third parties
From: Richards, John E
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 4:59 PM
To: [e-mail]; Jordan, Gary; Gledhill-earley, Renee; Ron.Lucas(adot.gov; Wilson, Travis W.;
tracey.l.wheeler©usace.army.mil; Wainwright, David; Brittingham, Cathy; Hart, Kevin
Cc: Richards, John E; Lovering, Gary R; Jennings, Jerry D; McInnis, Jay; Hanson, Robert P
Subject: STIP Project R-5014 - Colington Road Improvements - Screening Email Request
Team,
Project R-5014 is programmed in the approved 2012-2018 North Carolina State Transportation Improvement
Program (STIP). The purpose of the proposed project is to reduce roadway flooding and improve the operation of SR
1217 (Colington Road) from the end of the road to US 158 (Croatan Highway). The project is approximately 4.3 miles in
length (Figure 1).
On July 7, 2011 a scoping meeting was held for the subject project. At that time it was not determined if the
project would follow the Merger Process. A citizens informational workshop for the project was held October 22,
2011. Environmental surveys have been completed and project impacts have been estimated based on an assumed
impact area (right of way limits plus 40 feet).
The proposed project involves widening portions of the existing roadway from two 10-foot travel lanes to two
11-foot travel lanes and providing paved shoulders. In addition, the roadway will be raised at certain locations to
prevent flooding.
The proposed project will address the following needs:
• Frequent roadway flooding in certain areas. The roadway will be raised at certain locations by between 1 to 2 feet
to prevent flooding along portions of the roadway.
2

• Along portions of the project, travel lanes are 10 feet wide. This project will widen most of the travel lanes to at
least 11 feet.
• Wide paved shoulders to accommodate off -tracking due to the sharp curves associated with the roadway would be
constructed. The paved shoulders could also accommodate bicyclists.
Currently, the estimated impacts from this project include approximately 4.80 acres of wetlands (green) and
approximately 1.49 acres of open water surface area (blue) and 3,680 linear feet (along bank) of open water
impacts. The attached aerial map shows the wetlands, streams and open water features with the assumed impact area
for review. Once preliminary design is completed a reduction in impacts is expected.
The Wright Brothers National Memorial, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is adjacent to
Colington Road. It is not expected that any right of way would be required -from the Memorial. Any use of land from the
Memorial would be subject to Section 4(f).
Habitat for several endangered species exists in the project area, but no protected species were found during
surveys. It is not expected the project will adversely affect any of the species. Additional coordination will be required
with the National Marine Fisheries regarding the shortnose sturgeon and Atlantic sturgeon.
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) exists within the project study area and within the assumed impact
area. The vegetation was surveyed at two locations near Blount Bay and Colington Creek (see map).
The cost estimate included in the draft 2014-2020 STIP for the project is $4,650,000. This includes $500,000 for
right of way acquisition and $4,350,000 for construction. Right of way acquisition and construction are scheduled for
fiscal years 2015 and 2017, respectively, in the draft STIP.
Based on the limited scope of this project (adding paved shoulders and raising the grade), we believe it would
appropriate to bring this project into the Merger Process at Concurrence Point 4A (Avoidance and
Minimization). Preliminary design is scheduled to be completed this December 2013. A meeting to discuss avoidance
and minimization options would be scheduled in the Spring of 2014. Please let me know whether or not you agree with
bringing this project into the merger process at CP 4A or if you would prefer to meet to discuss this further.
Thank You,
John
John E. Richards, III, P.E.
Project Planning Engineer
NCDOT - PDEA
Ph. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N C Public Records l aw and may be disclosed to third parties

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE EUGENE A. CONTI, JR.
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
August 8, 2011
MEMORANDUM TO: File
FROM: John E. Richards, El °�
Project PlanningEngineer
g
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
SUBJECT: Scoping Meeting Minutes for Improvements to SR 1217 (Colington Road)
from End to US 158 (Croatan Highway), Dare County, Federal -Aid Project
STP-1217(6), WBS 41 162.1.1, TIP Project R-5014
A project scoping meeting was held for the subject project on July 7, 2011. The
following participants were present for the meeting:
Travis Wilson
Chris Militscher
Bill Biddlecome
Steve Lambert
Jerry Jennings
Hardee Cox
Gary Lovering
Anthony West
Randy Henegar
Kelvin Martin
Corey Bousquet
Dayton Martin
Keith Honeycutt
Carl Storch
Steve Mitchell
Harrison Marshall
Eileen Fuchs
Megan Cogburn
Rob Hanson
Jay McInnis
John Richards
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
US Environmental Protection Agency
Army Corps of Engineers (via conference call)
Albemarle RPO
Division One Engineer
Project Management
Roadway Design
Roadway Design
Hydraulics Unit
Utilities Unit
Utilities Unit
Utilities Unit
Location & Surveys
Photogrammetry Unit
Natural Environment Unit
Public Involvement and Community Studies
Public Involvement and Community Studies
Public Involvement and Community Studies
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX [phone] 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

John Richards opened the meeting and provided an overview of the project
schedule. Mr. Richards mentioned that a field visit was conducted by Roadway Design
and Project Development staff on February 21, 2011. The following comments and
questions were discussed:
Existing Conditions
Mr. Richards explained that existing SR 1217 is mostly two lanes, with 16 to 24
feet of pavement. The road transitions to a three -lane section near the Wright Brothers
Memorial and Kill Devil Hills town limits.
The existing road is subject to flooding. SR 1217 is the only access to the
Colington'Community, so emergency access can be an issue when the road is flooded.
Mr. Randy Henegar of the Hydraulics Unit stated the road floods a couple of times a year.
Proposed Improvements
Mr. Richards discussed the proposed typical section which would involve
widening the existing roadway to provide four -foot paved shoulders and two 11-foot travel
lanes. The paved shoulders would accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. Existing
travel lanes vary from 10 feet to 11 feet along portions of SR 1217.
Mr. Henegar stated raising the road to an elevation of 2.5 feet would eliminate the
flooding. He said he doesn't think bridge scour will be a problem, but there is the
potential that eliminating the flooding will increase scour at the bridges because more
water is going under the bridges.
Proposed right of way widths were discussed. Mr. Richards discussed the
proposed typical section would require 60 feet of right of way. This is less than the 80 feet
of right of way mentioned in the Feasibility Study.
Mr. Jerry Jennings mentioned that provisions for turn lanes identified in the
feasibility study have been added at some locations by division projects since the
feasibility study was completed and other turn lanes may not be warranted now.
Sight distance issues were mentioned and that clearing vegetation along the
roadway would help.
Mr. Gary Lovering mentioned operational improvements on SR 1217 from Kill
Devil Hills Town Limits to US 158 at end of project would be most likely be limited at
best and would be dependent on traffic forecast data and available funding.
Design/Flooding Comments
Mr. Chris Militscher inquired how much the roadway would need to be raised. Mr.
Henegar stated it would probably be about one foot with the existing data available. Once
the site is surveyed and detailed studies are conducted, it will be more certain how much
the roadway would need to be raised to address flooding locations.
2

Mr. Militscher asked about raising the grade at existing structures. Mr. Henegar
responded raising the roadway elevation to tie into existing structures should not be a
problem.
Mr. Travis Wilson asked if existing structures would be improved or if any new
structures are to be constructed with this project. It was explained that the existing
structures, built in 1994, along SR 1217 would not need to be improved to accommodate
the improvements identified.
Mr. Wilson asked about flooding at the mitigation areas. Currently it is not known
exactly where water flooding the roadway is originating. It was mentioned that flooding
near Colington Creek mitigation site is possibly originating from a canal near this portion
of the project. It was also stated the flooding is probably due to low grades in the area,
tidal fluctuations and wind -driven currents.
Mr. Henegar mentioned that the project would be designed to maintain current
drainage patterns.
Local Community/Safety Concerns
Mr. Jerry Jennings stated the local residents are interested in a multi -use path and
that it will be a challenge to accommodate this path.
Mr. Richards.mentioned resolutions were passed in June 2011 by the Dare County
Commissioners, Town of Kill Devil Hills, and the Colington Harbour Homeowners
Association to incorporate a multi -use path into any future improvements to SR 1217
(Colington Road).
Ms. Megan Cogburn mentioned that the Fire Department has access on Colington
Road and access would need to be maintained during construction for emergencies.
Mr. Hanson asked about the Division project to realign SR 1217 at the Methodist
Church. Mr. Jennings mentioned a right of way claim on one property which involves
several heirs needs to be settled before the project can be constructed.
Environmental Comments
Mr. Richards mentioned the NC Division of Marine Fisheries requested in their
scoping comments a Secondary Nursery Area moratorium and a Submerged Aquatic
Vegetation (SAV) survey. The Division of Marine Fisheries asked for a moratorium on
' in -water work from February to September.
Mr. Steve Mitchell with the Natural Environment Unit stated that NCDOT has not
agreed to a moratorium for secondary nursery areas in the past. He stated he would
discuss this issue with others in NEU and provide a response to Mr. Richards.
3

Mr. Wilson mentioned that information relating to the two mitigation sites along
Colington Road can be obtained from Ms. Lelani Paugh with NCDOT's Natural
Environment Unit.
Feasibility Study/Project Limits/Cost
Mr. Richards discussed the feasibility study recommendations for safety and
operational improvements totaled more than 36 million dollars. It was stated that a
majority of that cost was due to right of way acquisition and that it did not include funding
for a new multi -use trail along SR 1217. The approved current 2012-2018 TIP provides
for 2.5 million dollars in right of way and construction funding to address current safety
and operational improvements.
Mr. Richards mentioned initial construction costs to only widen portions of the
roadway and resurface from beginning of project to end of project were estimated to be
more than available funding. Raising the roadway elevation by one foot along portions of
the roadway subject to flooding would be additional cost.
Mr. Lovering stated that it will be difficult without traffic projections to determine
what sorts of traffic operations improvements are warranted. It was briefly discussed to
potentially end project at the Kill Devil Hills town limits. Mr. Richards stated the traffic
forecast is due in August.
Mr. Militscher asked about maintaining traffic while raising the grade on portions
of SR 1217 subject to flooding during construction. It would be a concern because SR
1217 is the only access route for residents on Colington Island. It was mentioned the
project would need to be constructed in such a way as to maintain traffic throughout
construction.
Mr. Anthony West mentioned raising the grade on the project will likely be done
by pavement wedging. This method would accommodate widening and raising the grade
while maintaining traffic on SR 1217.
Action Items
• Request estimates for 60 feet of right of way and additional width (to be decided upon)
to accommodate a multi -use path along Colington Road.
• Provide draft letter to Division informing local officials of what is required to
construct multi -use path along Colington Road.
• Obtain verified cost estimate for widening and raising grade where necessary.
• Schedule local officials meeting.
• Traffic forecast due August 6, 2011.
4

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
524 New Hope Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
919-212-1760 / Facsimile 919-212-1707
www.environmentalservicesinc.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Kathy Herring
FROM: Jeff Harbour
DATE: September 30, 2013
RE: R-5014 SAV Surveys, Colington Road, Kill Devil Hills, NC
Environmental Services, Inc., (ES1) has completed a submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) survey
for the proposed R-5014 Improvements project located in Dare County, North Carolina.
Specifically, the project consists of two separate study areas located on Colington Road in Kill
Devil Hills, North Carolina (Figure 1). The first study area, the Colington Creek Site, is located
approximately 1,500 — 2,000 feet east of the bridge over Colington Creek. The second site,
Blount Bay site, is located on the west side of the Blount Bay bridge causeway.
ESI was asked to perform the following tasks as part of this SAV survey:
• Conduct SAV survey within the two study areas as directed by NCDOT staff;
• Collect insitu water quality measurements at each study area at the time of the SAV
survey;
• Use GPS equipment to aid in recording the approximate extent of SAV in each study
area; and
• Provide report documenting the results along with mapping to NCDOT.
ESI senior scientists Jeff Harbour, Kevin Markham and Matt Smith conducted the SAV survey
on August 19-20, 2013.
METHODOLOGY
ESI conducted the SAV assessment pursuant to protocols obtained from NCDOT's Natural
Environment Section (NES) with slight modifications to reflect weather and field conditions and
the NES project manager's discretion. These protocols call for the study area to be assessed via
a series of transects established perpendicular to the shoreline with 1-meter sample plots placed
every 10 meters along those transects. The perpendicular transects are also to be spaced
approximately 10-meters apart. Points assessed along transects were documented via GPS as
either positive (SAV present) or negative (SAV absent). These positive and negative points were
processed and used to create a field -level sketch showing the extent of the SAV (Figs. 2a and

Environmental Services, Inc.
2b). Additionally, the sample plot locations were documented with GPS and the percent
coverage of SAV species in the plot was estimated. Additional data collected as part of the SAV
survey includes Sechhi disc depth, tidal stage, water depth, and the specific insitu measurements
that were requested by the NES from each of the two sites.
The insitu measurements were recorded with a YSITM multi parameter water meter. Note that
certain site conditions required that the sampling methodology be slightly modified to account
for safety and minimal bottom disturbance.
Upon arriving at the Colington Creek Site, ESI was briefed by NES staff on the project purpose
and the limits of the study area. The survey effort for both sites was limited to a distance of
approximately 30 feet from the edge of the existing shoreline per NES instructions based on
project considerations. After the briefing, the SAV survey of the Colington Creek Site was
completed and immediately followed by the survey of the Blount Bay Site. The Blount Bay Site
survey effort was initiated on August 19, 2013 and completed the morning of August 20, 2013.
The approximate location of the sample plots was recorded with GPS. Additional site
reconnaissance was conducted at the Colington Creek Bridge as well as at the Blount Bay Bridge,.
following the completion of the in -water work.
RESULTS
The following SAV species, in order of abundance, were identified: widgeon grass (Ruppia
maritima), Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), and sago pondweed (Potomogeton
pectinatus). Each of these species is adapted to low salinities. Widgeon grass and sago
pondweed are native species. Eurasian watermilfoil is considered a non-native, invasive species.
All three species were observed at the Colington Creek site, but only widgeon grass and Eurasian
watermilfoil were observed at the Blount Bay site.
Colinton Creek Site — The Colington Creek Site contains SAV in sparse to dense amounts
within the limits of the evaluation area (Figure 2a). Note that the SAV extends beyond the limits
of the defined study area. The maximum water depth encountered at this site was approximately
3.5 feet at a distance of approximately 30 — 35 feet from the shoreline. The substrate at this site
was very unstable and consisted of unconsolidated mucky soils up to 3 feet thick underlain by
sandy substrate. The unstable substrate resulted in more difficult conditions in which to
accurately space transects and sample plots. As such, the survey methodology in this location
was slightly modified. However, the survey effort was able to identify the limits of SAV in the
study area. Insitu measurements at the Colington Creek Site were as follows:
• Date — August 19, 2013
• Weather conditions — cloudy with periods of heavy rain
• Water depth — 3.5 feet max
• Secchi dish depth — 12 inches (prior to disturbance from survey effort)
• Tidal stage — Ebbing
• Water temperature — 27.4°C
• Conductivity — 7249 uS/cm
• pH — 8.56
• Dissolved oxygen — 6.71 mg/L
• Salinity — 3.8 ppt
2

Environmental Services, Inc.
The mucky substrate disturbed by the in -water effort created near zero visibility when surveying
the sample plots. As such, a mostly tactile assessment to document the relative coverage
(approximate percentage) of each sample plot was employed. The SAV community identified at
the Colington Creek Site was dominated by widgeon grass with Eurasion watermilfoil
interspersed in lesser amounts. Very small amounts of sago pondweed were identified while
mapping out approximate limits of SAV coverage; however, sago pondweed was not identified
from the sample plots, but may have been missed. The tactile survey methodology that was used
due to the zero visibility may not have been able to adequately differentiate sago pondweed from
the more prevalent and abundant widgeon grass. Sago, pondweed' is assumed to be present in
small amounts sparsely distributed in the Colington Creek study area. The results of the sample
plot assessment are provided in Table 1.
Table 1. SAV Coverage at R-5014, Colington Creek Site
Sample Plot
Total Percent Coverage
Species (Percent Coverage)
1
20%
R. maritima (10%)
M. spicatum (10%)
2
40%
R. maritima (40%)
3
25%
R. maritima (25%)
4
50%
R. maritima (50%)
5
<1%
R. maritima (<1 % )
6
25%
R. maritima (<5%)
M. spicatum (20%)
7
50%
R. maritima (35%)
M. spicatum (15%)
8
30%
R. maritima (10%)
M. spicatum (20%)
9
85%
R. maritima (80%)
M. spicatum (<5%)
10
85%
R. maritima (75%)
M. spicatum (10%)
11
90%
R. maritima (90%)
12
100%
R. maritima (100%)
13
95%
R. maritima (95%)
14
95%
R. maritima (75%)
M. spicatum (20%)
15
80%
R. maritima (40%)
M. spicatum (40%)
16
100%
R. maritima (10%)
M. spicatum (90%)
17
80%
R. maritima (80%)
18
100%
R. maritima (95%)
M. spicatum (5%)
3

Environmental Services, Inc.
The additional reconnaissance conducted at the Colington Creek site revealed scattered patches
of SAV adjacent to the causeway leading to the bridge. Increased water depths limited the SAV
to a thin strip paralleling the shoreline. Widgeon grass appeared to dominate this area along the
causeway.
Blount Bay Site — The Blount Bay study area contains SAV in sparse to dense amounts (Figure
2b). Note that the SAV extends beyond the limits of the defined study area. The maximum
water depth encountered at this site was approximately 3.0 feet at a distance of approximately 30
— 35 feet from the shoreline. The substrate was relatively stable and comprised of sandy material
with a thin surface layer of mucky material. In -water movement at the Blount Bay Site was
much easier than at the Colington Creek site, resulting in better visability.
Insitu measurements at the Blount Bay site were as follows:
• Date — August 19, 2013
• Weather conditions — cloudy (heavy rain earlier in day ended before survey started)
• Water depth — 3.0 feet max
• Secchi dish depth — 14 inches (prior to disturbance from survey effort)
• Tidal stage — Slack tide
• Water temperature — 26.6°C
• Conductivity — 7571 uS/cm
• pH-8.67
• Dissolved oxygen — 8.47 mg/L
• Salinity — 4.0 ppt
The SAV community identified at the Blount Bay site was dominated by widgeon grass. A very
small amount of Eurasian watermilfoil was identified. No sago pondweed was identified but
based on small amount present in wrack line along shore line; this species is likely present in
small amounts sparsely distributed in the Blount Bay study area. The results of the sample plot
assessment are provided in Table 2.
Table 2. SAV Coverage at R-5014, Blount Bay Site
Sample Plot
Total Percent Coverage
Species (Percent Coverage)
1
80%
R. maritima (80%)
2
50%
R. maritima (40%)
M. spicatum (10%)
3
2%
R. maritima (2%)
4
30%
R. maritima (30%)
5
5%
R. maritima (5%)
6
50%
R. maritima (50%)
7
5%
R. maritima (5%)
8
0%
---
9
15%
R. maritima (15%)
10
20%
R. maritima (20%)
11
20%
R. maritima (20%)
12
0%
---
4

Environmental Services, Inc.
The additional reconnaissance conducted at the Blount Bay site revealed an absence of SAV
along the rip -rap shoreline under the bridge. Dense SAV was observed in the southwest
quadrant of the bridge crossing (Figure 2b); however, this area was outside the, defined study
area and no in -water work was conducted in this area.
5

Project Location
Colington Creek/ Blount Bay SAV
Dare County, North Carolina
T.I.P. No. R-5014
Path: P\GeoGra\Projects20121050\09\GIS\Topo.mxo Date: 9/172013 9'25.57 AM

Old le lE 6 EIOZ/LZ/6 alep pxw AvSVouo16.11.0\SIJ\60\OSO\Z I06sioafo,d1e,9oeJ\.d 4led
eZ eJn6LI
H171>i :PI43/uMU J
£ 1.0Z daS alea
60 090ZI.H3 loafaid
ea
t 1.09-8 ON 'd'li
euiloJeO 4poN `Aluno3 GJea
A`dS ices;uno18 paaio uo;fuiloo
ails )189a0 uo}6uillo3 a6eJano3 AVS aleuuxoaddy
GO
ea
ti
•
jje
•
ti
•

Approximate SAV Coverage Blount Bay Site
Colington Creek/ Blount Bay SAV
Dare County, North Carolina
T.I.P. No. R-5014
Path. P \GeoGra1Protects\2012\050\09\GIS\BountBaySAV.mad Date 927/2013 4'28 45 PM

Wainwright, David
From:Richards, John E
Sent:Monday, October 28, 2013 4:59 PM
To:[e-mail]; Jordan, Gary; Gledhill-earley, Renee;
[e-mail]; Wilson, Travis W.; [e-mail]; Wainwright,
David; Brittingham, Cathy; Hart, Kevin
Cc:Richards, John E; Lovering, Gary R; Jennings, Jerry D; McInnis, Jay; Hanson, Robert P
Subject:STIP Project R-5014 - Colington Road Improvements - Screening Email Request
Attachments:R5014_Vic_Map_Fig1.pdf; R5014_Aerial_Fig2_10282013.pdf
Team,

Project R-5014 is programmed in the approved 2012-2018 North Carolina State Transportation Improvement
Program (STIP). The purpose of the proposed project is to reduce roadway flooding and improve the operation of SR
1217 (Colington Road) from the end of the road to US 158 (Croatan Highway). The project is approximately 4.3 miles in
length (Figure 1).

On July 7, 2011 a scoping meeting was held for the subject project. At that time it was not determined if the
project would follow the Merger Process. A citizens informational workshop for the project was held October 22,
2011. Environmental surveys have been completed and project impacts have been estimated based on an assumed
impact area (right of way limits plus 40 feet).

The proposed project involves widening portions of the existing roadway from two 10-foot travel lanes to two
11-foot travel lanes and providing paved shoulders. In addition, the roadway will be raised at certain locations to
prevent flooding.

The proposed project will address the following needs:


Frequent roadway flooding in certain areas. The roadway will be raised at certain locations by between 1 to 2 feet

to prevent flooding along portions of the roadway.

Along portions of the project, travel lanes are 10 feet wide. This project will widen most of the travel lanes to at

least 11 feet.

Wide paved shoulders to accommodate off-tracking due to the sharp curves associated with the roadway would be

constructed. The paved shoulders could also accommodate bicyclists.

Currently, the estimated impacts from this project include approximately 4.80 acres of wetlands (green) and
approximately 1.49 acres of open water surface area (blue) and 3,680 linear feet (along bank) of open water
impacts. The attached aerial map shows the wetlands, streams and open water features with the assumed impact area
for review. Once preliminary design is completed a reduction in impacts is expected.

The Wright Brothers National Memorial, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is adjacent to
Colington Road. It is not expected that any right of way would be required from the Memorial. Any use of land from the
Memorial would be subject to Section 4(f).
Habitat for several endangered species exists in the project area, but no protected species were found during
surveys. It is not expected the project will adversely affect any of the species. Additional coordination will be required
with the National Marine Fisheries regarding the shortnose sturgeon and Atlantic sturgeon.
1

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) exists within the project study area and within the assumed impact
area. The vegetation was surveyed at two locations near Blount Bay and Colington Creek (see map).
The cost estimate included in the draft 2014-2020 STIP for the project is $4,650,000. This includes $500,000 for
right of way acquisition and $4,350,000 for construction. Right of way acquisition and construction are scheduled for
fiscal years 2015 and 2017, respectively, in the draft STIP.

Based on the limited scope of this project (adding paved shoulders and raising the grade), we believe it would
appropriate to bring this project into the Merger Process at Concurrence Point 4A (Avoidance and
Minimization). Preliminary design is scheduled to be completed this December 2013. A meeting to discuss avoidance
and minimization options would be scheduled in the Spring of 2014. Please let me know whether or not you agree with
bringing this project into the merger process at CP 4A or if you would prefer to meet to discuss this further.

Thank You,

John

John E. Richards, III, P.E.
Project Planning Engineer
NCDOT - PDEA
Ph. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]

Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
2

i
i
i
FEET
0 3000 6000
1 ) II
0 600 1200 1800
METERS
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT
SR 1217 (COLINGTON RD)
FROM END OF THE ROAD
TO US 158 (CROATAN HWY)
DARE COUNTY
TIP PROJECT R-5014
FIGURE 1

SE
LFFS
D
O
PUHOJMP
D