R-5899 Start of Study Hybrid Distribution Package

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER J.ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY DIVISION 3
5501 BARBADOS BLVD.
CASTLE HAYNE, NC 28429
Telephone: [phone]
Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968
Website: www.ncdot.gov
Physical Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY DIVISION 3
5501 BARBADOS BLVD.
CASTLE HAYNE, NC 28429
MEMORANDUM
September 11, 2023
FROM: Zachary Howard, EI
NCDOT Project Manager
NCDOT Division 3
SUBJECT: Project Information for the Intersection Improvements at NC 210 and SR 1560
(Watts Landing Road) in Pender County as project R-5899.
WBS: 48355.1.1
NCDOT Division 3 is beginning the project development, environmental, and engineering studies
for the intersection improvements project (R-5899) at the intersection of NC 210 and SR 1560
(Watts Landing Road) in Pender County. The project proposes to construct a roundabout at the
intersection. The project is programmed for right of way in 2024 and letting in 2027. Figure 1
shows the study area map for the proposed project. NCDOT anticipates preparing a Categorical
Exclusion (CE) as the environmental document for the project. NCDOT has made the preliminary
determination that the project will not proceed through the Merger Process.
In lieu of holding an in-person scoping meeting, NCDOT is providing the attached project
information and maps. We welcome your input on the proposed project (R-5899), and would
appreciate any information that may be helpful in evaluating the potential environmental effects.
If applicable, please identify any permits or approvals that may be required by your organization.
Please provide your input by October 11, 2023.
If you have any questions concerning the project, please contact Project Manager Zach Howard at
[e-mail] or 910-341-2000. Please include the project number in all correspondence
and comments.
Sincerely,
Zachary Howard, EI
Project Manager
NCDOT Division 3
Attachments
Project Data Sheet
Study Area Map
Environmental Features Map
DocuSign Envelope ID: 457BC4EE-31F6-4562-A3A3-1C10E6B4D454
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Legend
Study Area
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Figure 1.Study Area MapSTIP Project R-5899Intersection Improvements atWatts Landing Road and NC 210 inPender County, NC
0 150 300Feet
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Date: 9/11/2023Sources: NCDOT, NC OneMap. 2023.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 457BC4EE-31F6-4562-A3A3-1C10E6B4D454
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Legend
NC CREWS Potential WetlandUSFWS NWI WetlandStudy AreaNC Public Trust AEC Stream
Figure 2. Environmental Features MapSTIP Project R-5899Intersection Improvements atWatts Landing Road and NC 210 inPender County, NC
0 250 500Feet ¯Date: 9/11/2023Sources: NCDOT, NC OneMap. 2023.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 457BC4EE-31F6-4562-A3A3-1C10E6B4D454

North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Data Sheet

Essential Project Information STIP Project Name R-5899 STIP Number WBS: 48355.1.1 County Pender County NCDOT Division Division 3 ROW Date 12/15/2024 LET Date 03/18/2027 Schedule Considerations None anticipated at this time. Cost Estimates ROW: $1.2M; Construction: $3.9M; Utilities: $42K Funding Type State
Proposed Project Details
Project Description Construct roundabout at the intersection of NC 210 and SR 1560 (Watts Landing Road) in Pender County.
Project Limits Dandelion Lane and Empien Sidbury Road on NC 210 and Watts Landing Road from NC 210 to approximately Carters Way, 0.5 mile.
Typical Section Two 12-foot travel lanes, curb and gutter within the roundabout area and 5-foot paved shoulders on roundabout approaches. Access Control None. Design Speed 45 MPH
Right-of-Way Width The proposed R/W is not yet determined.
Physical or Engineering Constraints
Streams and wetlands are located within the project study area. Avoidance and minimization measures should be utilized in these locations and proper coordination with agencies should take place. Other Considerations N/A Survey Request Date 05/30/2023 Design Plan Not known at this time. Construction Recommendation The Construction Recommendation Excel Sheet is not available at this time. Consultant Involvement Notice to Proceed was signed on 7/20/2023
Project History
Planning Studies Cape Fear Rural Planning Organization (RPO) 2011 Topsail Area
Comprehensive Transportation Plan (TACTP) SPOT Description N/A Feasibility Studies None Problem Statement N/A
Alternatives Previously Dismissed and Why
Three-leg signalized intersection: This option posed sight distance concerns where the tree line may obstruct driver visibility around the curve on NC 210, creating a potential safety hazard for cars approaching the traffic signal. Additionally, the preliminary traffic analysis indicated that construction of a signal at this intersection was only warranted during weekend peak hours starting in 2045.

DocuSign Envelope ID: 457BC4EE-31F6-4562-A3A3-1C10E6B4D454

Purpose & Need
Purpose The purpose of the project is to improve capacity and operations along NC 210. The secondary purpose of the project is to improve safety at the intersection.
Need(s)
NC 210 from US 17 to Little Kinston Road (SR 1538) in Surf City is projected to be over capacity by 2030. NC 210 is a major facility through the Topsail Area connecting US 17 and Topsail Island and is a vital facility that provides access to Surf City, North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach. Additionally, the curvature of the intersection poses safety concerns for drivers, limiting sight distance on NC 210 and Watts Landing Road. Supporting Data N/A
Alternatives Currently Under Consideration
Alternative 1 Construction of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of NC 210 and Watts Landing Road.
Alternative 2 Construction of a single-lane roundabout with slip lanes at the intersection of NC 210 and Watts Landing Road. Alternative 3 No-Build
Public and Agency Coordination
Anticipated Permits The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will determine what type of permit, if any, will be used. There are potential impacts to streams and therefore a permit will likely be required.
Federal Agency Involvement The lead federal agency will be the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Public Involvement Strategy A public input site and newsletter will be created for the project. A small group meeting may take place for impacted residents.
Merger Screening Date Based on the Merger Pre-screening form, the project is not recommended for the Merger Process. Potential Merger Triggers No potential merger triggers are anticipated at this time.
Existing Conditions Functional Classification Rural, Local Strategic Highway Corridor No AADT NC 210: 14,500 vpd; Watts Landing Rd: 1,500 vpd Access Control None Typical Section 2-lane road undivided with 12-foot lanes Right-of-Way Width NC 210: 25ft; Watts Landing Road: 20ft. Posted Speed 45 MPH Structures (bridges, RCBC, etc.) None.
Railroad Involvement None. Other Adjacent STIP Projects W-5803B, R-5877, R-5900
Preliminary Resource Inventory Table Utilities One utility owner is within the project limits (Duke Energy)
Hazardous Materials No registered underground storage tanks (USTs) are located within the project study area.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 457BC4EE-31F6-4562-A3A3-1C10E6B4D454

Known Potentially-Eligible National Register of Historic Places Sites/Districts
A request has been submitted to NCDOT Cultural Resources for a historic architecture screening. The screening will determine the likelihood of historic structure(s) standing in the Area of Potential Effects (APE) and determine the need for a survey.
Other Cultural Resources
A request has been submitted to NCDOT Cultural Resources for an archaeology screening. The screening will determine the likelihood of archaeological resources in the Area of Potential Effects (APE) and determine the need for a survey.
Wetlands
A preliminary ATLAS screening revealed that wetlands are present in the project study area, however, field investigations completed for the Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) will confirm if wetlands are present.
Streams
One stream (UT 12 to Virginia Creek) is present in the study area. The stream is a High Quality Water (HQW). Field investigations completed for the Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) will confirm the presence of additional streams in the project study area. FEMA Floodplain Detailed Study Area Based on Flood Risk Information System data, the study area is not within a FEMA Floodplain Detailed Study Area
Water Supply Watersheds Based on ATLAS screening, there are no Water Supply Watersheds present in the study area. Riparian Buffer Rules N/A Active Agriculture There are no active agriculture fields within the project study area. Parks, Greenways, Game Lands, Section 4(f) & Section 6(f) Properties These resources are not present in the project study area.
Environmental Justice Populations
Based on the NCDOT 2023 Demographic Snapshot Tool, Census Tract CT 9201.05, BG 1 in the study area exceeds the threshold for population living in poverty and has a minority population that exceeds the county average. Other Resources (i.e., Wild and Scenic Rivers, TVA, Scenic Byways, etc.)
UT 12 to Virginia Creek is listed as a NC Public Trust Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) stream.

Project Management Approval The need for the proposed change is sufficient to justify the impacts to the scope, schedule, and budget.
Project Manager Name Signature Date
Supervisor Name Signature Date

DocuSign Envelope ID: 457BC4EE-31F6-4562-A3A3-1C10E6B4D454