20240440 Ver 1_Bridge 36 Madison MCCL_20240319

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
State Project No.: BP13.R020
Project Location: The proposed project involves replacing Bridge No. 36 over Middle Fork Creek on SR
1515 (Buckner Branch Road) northeast of Mars Hill in Madison County.
Project Description: The purpose of this project is to replace Madison County Bridge No. 36 on SR 1515
(Buckner Branch Road) over Middle Fork Creek (see Figure 1). Bridge No. 36 is a 35-foot long (timber deck
on steel I -beams) single span bridge. The replacement structure will be a proposed 55-foot long by 30-foot
wide, 21-inch cored slab single span bridge. The proposed bridge will be widened to two 10-foot travel lanes
with variable offsets on new alignment to the south. The bridge length is based on preliminary design
information and is set by minimum hydraulic design requirements. The roadway grade of the new structure
will be approximately the same grade as the existing structure.
The approach roadway for the proposed replacement structure will extend approximately 173-feet from the
west end of the bridge and approximately 275-feet from the east of the new bridge. The approaches will be
widened to include two 10-foot travel lanes and 3-foot shoulders (7-feet with guardrail). SR 1515 (Buckner
Branch Road) has a Rural Local classification and will utilize Sub -Regional Tier Standards with a twenty
mile per hour design speed.
Traffic will be maintained on -site during construction. The project is shown in Figure 1.
Anticipated Permit or Consultation Requirements: A Section 404 permit from the US Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) and a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from NC Division of Water Resources
(NCDWR) will likely be required. The USACE holds the final discretion as to what permit will be required to
authorize project construction.
It is anticipated that this project will be submitted as a State Floodplain Compliance (SFC) Type B.
Special Project Information:
Purpose and Need
The purpose of the proposed project is to replace a structurally deficient bridge. The bridge is considered
structurally deficient due to superstructure and substructure appraisals of four out of nine according to
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) standards.
Bridge 560036 was built in 1963 with concrete, steel, and timber. The timber columns are delaminated and
splitting; and the timber abutments are decaying displaying some section loss. Replacement of the bridge
will result in safer traffic operations.
Design
• Functional classification: Local, Rural
• Sub -Regional Tier Guidelines
• Design Speed: 20-mph
• Design Exception: Design Speed
o Existing elements within and outside of the project limits such as minimum horizontal curve radius,
horizontal SSD, superelevation, maximum grade, lane width and vertical SSD do not meet AASHTO
guidelines for a 55-mph design speed. For the proposed design, the existing horizontal and vertical
geometry, lane width, sight distance and maximum grade have been retained with slight
improvements. The existing terrain constraints make it extremely costly and impractical per the
project scope to replace Bridge 36 to bring the horizontal and vertical curvature up to a higher design
speed standard. SR 1515 (Buckner Branch Road) is a dead-end road that serves mountain
residences and is not utilized as an alternate route that would warrant additional traffic.
MCDC April 2023 Bridge 560036
BP13. R020

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
o While this project does not meet all the criteria for 55-mph design speed, it does improve the existing
conditions. The proposed design improves the horizontal alignment of the roadway and the
approaches (paved shoulders and guardrail). Lane widths were widened from 9-feet to 10-feet and
the clear roadway of the bridge increased from 20-feet 4-inches to 27-feet 6-inches. The proposed
improvements provide a safer facility for the traveling public while meeting the purpose and need for
this project.
Bridge Demolition
Bridge No. 36 is constructed of concrete, steel, and timber and should be possible to remove with no
resulting debris in the water based on standard demolition practices.
Complete Streets Assessment
There are currently no bicycle, pedestrian, or sidewalk facilities along SR 1515 (Buckner Branch Road) or in
the project area. There are no local or regional plans that are applicable to the study area. There are
currently no bicycle or pedestrian plans included in the Madison County Comprehensive Transportation Plan
to improve bicycle facilities along SR 1515. The bicycle and pedestrian facilities identified in the area and
regional plans are not close enough to Bridge No. 36 study area to warrant additional analysis. There are no
recorded bicycle or pedestrian crashes within the project study area.
NCDOT's Integrated Mobility Division concurs that separate bicycle facilities and sidewalks are not required
with this project
Tribal Coordination
There are five federally recognized tribes with interests in Madison County (Cherokee Nation,
Catawba Indian Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians,
and Muscogee (Creek) Nation) that were notified of the project in December 2021. The Cherokee Nation
(March 15, 2022) asked to be notified if items of cultural significance are discovered during ground
disturbance activities. All tribes with interests in Madison County will be notified if cultural materials or
human remains are encountered during ground disturbance, construction, or demolition activities.
Archaeological Survey
The NCSHPO online database did not identify any known historic architectural resources eligible or listed
within the APE that may yield intact archaeological deposits. An archaeological survey for the replacement
of Bridge 36 was conducted on January 27, 2022. One site was identified, 31MD481, within the APE. Site
31MD481 was recommended as not eligible for the National Register but the site area outside the APE will
remain unassessed. A finding of No National Register Eligible or Listed Archaeological Sites Present was
rendered on February 15, 2022. However, additional investigations will be needed if the project expands
outside of the current APE.
Mitigation Site
Middle Fork Creek Site K (ONEID # 057-018) is one of multiple mitigation sites developed under TIP No. R-
2518A to offset unavoidable impacts to streams from improvements to US-19. Site K is located along the
western side of US 19 from Station 65+ 40 at Buckner Branch Road to Station 77+20 Lt at Jordan Branch
Road in the French Broad River Basin near Mars Hill. Site K is approximately 7.61 acres. The objective of
Site K is to preserve stream and riparian areas (Figure 2, Environmental Features Map). No temporary or
permanent impacts to the mitigation site are anticipated.
MCDC April 2023 Bridge 560036
BP13. R020

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
PART A: MINIMUM CRITERIA
YES NO
Is the proposed project listed as a type and class of activity allowed under t ® ❑
Minimum Criteria Rule in which environmental documentation is not required?
If the answer to number 1 is "no", then the project does not qualify as a minimum criteria project. A state
Environmental Assessment is required.
If yes, under which category? 9
If either category #8, #12(i) or #15 is used complete Part D of this checklist.
PART B: MINIMUM CRITERIA EXCEPTIONS
YES NO
Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use concentrations that
❑
2. would be expected to create adverse air quality impacts?
Will the proposed activity have secondary impacts or cumulative impacts that may
❑
3. result in a significant adverse impact to human health or the environment?
Is the proposed activity of such an unusual nature or does the proposed activity have
❑
4. such widespread implications, that an uncommon concern for its environmental effects
has been expressed to the Department?
Does the proposed activity have a significant adverse effect on wetlands; surface
❑
5. waters such as rivers, streams, and estuaries; parklands; prime or unique agricultural
lands; or areas of recognized scenic, recreational, archaeological, or historical value?
Will the proposed activity endanger the existence of a species on the Department of
❑
6. Interior's threatened and endangered species list?
Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use concentrations that
❑
7. would be expected to create adverse water quality or ground water impacts?
Is the proposed activity expected to have a significant adverse effect on long-term ❑
8. recreational benefits or shellfish, finfish, wildlife, or their natural habitats?
If any questions 2 through 8 are answered "yes", the proposed project may not qualify as a Minimum Criteria project. A
State Environmental Assessment (SEA) may be required.
PART C: COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS
YES
NO
Is a federally protected threatened or endangered species, or its habitat, likely to be
❑
9. impacted by the proposed action?
Does the action require the placement of temporary or permanent fill in waters of the
®
❑
10. United States?
Does the project require the placement of a significant amount of fill in high quality or
El11.
relatively rare wetland ecosystems, such as mountain bogs or pine savannahs?
Is the proposed action located in an Area of Environmental Concern, as defined in the
❑
12. coastal Area Management Act?
13. Does the project require stream relocation or channel changes?
®
❑
MCDC April 2023
Bridge 560036
BP13. R020

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
Cultural Resources
Will the project have an "effect" on a property or site listed on the National Register of ® ❑
14. Historic Places?
Will the proposed action require acquisition of additional right of way from publicly El15. owned parkland or recreational areas?
16. Project length:
17. Right of Way width:
18. Project completion date:
19. Total acres of newly disturbed ground surface
20. Total acres of wetland impacts:
21. Total linear feet of stream impacts:
22. Project purpose:
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Question 9: Projected Species
Gray bat, Northern long-eared bat, Tricolored bat — A review of the NCNHP records, updated October
2022, indicated no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area. Surveys for these species
will be conducted prior to construction.
Question 10: Regulatory Floodway
This project involves construction activities on or adjacent to FEMA-regulated stream(s) and is
located in a FEMA Detailed Study area. The existing 35-foot long single -span bridge will be replaced
with a 21-inch cored slab bridge. It is anticipated that this project will be submitted as a State
Floodplain Compliance (SFC) Type B. The bridge is located on DFIRM panel 9769.
The Hydraulic Unit will coordinate with the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping (FMP) to determine the
status of the project with regard to applicability of NCDOT's State Floodplain Compliance (SFC), or if
required, approval of a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) and subsequent final Letter of
Map Revision (LOMR).
The Division shall submit sealed as -built construction plans to the Hydraulic Unit upon completion of
project construction, certifying that the drainage structure(s) and roadway embankment that are
located within the 100-year floodplain were built as shown in the construction plan, both horizontally
and vertically.
Question 11: High Quality Water
Water resources in the study area are part of the French Broad River basin [USGS Hydrologic Unit
06010105]. Two streams, Middle Fork Creek, and UT to Middle Fork Creek (SA), were identified in
the study area and have been designated as cold -water streams. Middle Fork Creek is designated as
WS-II, HQW (High Quality Waters). The classification is intended to protect waters used as sources of
water supply for drinking, culinary, or food processing purposes. Project BP13.R020 proposes 196
linear feet of permanent impacts and fifty-two linear feet of temporary impacts to these streams.
The proposed bridge will not have direct discharge into Middle Fork Creek. Stormwater runoff is to the
northwest quadrant of the bridge where it will sheet flow over the paved shoulder in the curve of the
proposed asphalt drive. It will then be diffused in the grassed shoulder and bridge riprap before
reaching the stream.
MCDC April 2023 Bridge 560036
BP13.R020

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
NCDOT MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
Question 13: Stream Channel Change
A channel change is proposed in the southwest quadrant to realign a portion of Stream SA.
BP13.R020 proposes 124 feet of permanent channel change impacts and ten feet of temporary
impacts. All impacts have been minimized to the maximum extent practicable
Question 14: Historic Architecture
A historic architectural and landscapes review was conducted on December 21, 2021, yielded no NR,
DE, LL, SL, or SS properties in the area of potential effects (APE). However, a farm with a c. 1930
bungalow and complement outbuilding, Levi Gaither Buckner House (MD0320), was identified within
the APE and determined eligible for the National Register. An Effects Assessment conducted on
February 23, 2023, rendered a No Adverse Effect due to the temporary easement required to replace
the field access farm lane on the National Register eligible Levi Gaither House (MD0320).
�DocuSignedd by::
Reviewed By: *�t a-UtA, Date: 4/26/2023 1 10:19 AM EDT
�+e A�gc y�rQnmental Specialist II
NCDOT, Division 13
�DocuSigned by:
Approved By: _'L-\'1'WacEQAgMg40FE, Project Development Engineer
NCDOT, Division 13
Date: 4/26/2023 1 12:56 PM EDT
DocuSigned by:
Prepared By: 5 "`C7 Date: 4/26/2023 1 9:17 AM EDT
^^ EEEKDbefi3 4sen, PE, CPM
TGS Engineers
MCDC April 2023
BP13. R020
Bridge 560036

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
PROJECT COMMITMENTS
Madison County
Bridge No. 36 over Middle Fork Creek on SR 1515 (Buckner Branch Road)
Project No. BP13.R020
NCDOT Environmental Analysis Unit, Biological Surveys — Threatened and Endangered
Species
Surveys for the northern long-eared bat, gray bat, and tricolored bat will be conducted during the
appropriate survey window in 2023. Biological conclusions will be rendered for these species at
that time.
NCDOT Hydraulic Design Unit — FEMA Coordination
The Hydraulics Unit will coordinate with the NC Floodplain Mapping Program (FMP) to determine
the status of the project with regard to applicability of NCDOT'S State Floodplain Compliance
(SFC), or if required, approval of a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) and subsequent
final Letter of Map Revision (LOMR).
Division Construction - FEMA
This project involves construction activities on or adjacent to FEMA-regulated stream(s).
Therefore, the Division shall submit sealed as -built construction plans to the Hydraulics Unit upon
completion of project construction, certifying that the drainage structure(s) and roadway
embankment that are located within the 100-year floodplain were built as shown in the
construction plans, both horizontally and vertically.
MCDC April 2023 Green Sheet
BP13.R020 Bridge 560036

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
Legend N
Bridge 560036
= County Boundary
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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT VICINITY MAP Date: 04-14-2023
OF TRANSPORTATION Project No. BP13.R020
Q DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS Madison County
p �Qv Bridge No. 560036 on SR 1515 (Buckner Figure 1
'�=A• DIVISION 13 Branch Rd.) over Middle Fork Creek

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
Legend N
• Bridge 560036 NC Flood Hazard Area Effective >
Q Project Study Area 1 % Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Secondary Route Floodway rt�
US Route
0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
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NC1 Map GIS Parcels
® State Ownership
Stream Line (hydro24k)
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NC Department of
Transportation
_.Miti.nation Site
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0 100 200 400
Feet -..?� .._ . NC OneMap Imagery 2018
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT Environmental Features Map Date: 04-14-2023
OF TRANSPORTATION Project No. BP13.R020
s DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS Madison County
Q4� Bridge No. 560036 on SR 1515 (Buckner Figure 2
'�=A• DIVISION 13 Branch Rd.) over Middle Fork Creek

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
Project Tracking No. (Internal Use
21-12-0008
t HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPES
ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS FORM
This form only pertains to Historic Architecture and Landscapes for this project. It
rr is not valid for Archaeological Resources. You must consult separately with the
Archaeology Group.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project No:
BP13-RO20
County:
Madison
WBS No.:
BP I3.R020.1
Document
Type:
MCC
Fed. Aid No:
Funding:
® State ❑ Federal
Federal
Permits :
® Yes ❑ No
Permit
Typ e s :
USACE
Proiect Description:
Replace Bridge No. 36 on SR 1515 (Buckner Branch Rd) over Buckner Branch.
SUMMARY OF HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPES REVIEW
Description of review activities, results, and conclusions:
Review of HPO quad maps, relevant background reports, historic designations roster, and
indexes was undertaken December 21, 2021. Based on this review there are no NR, LL, SL, DE,
or SS in the Area of Potential Effects (APE). The project area included the Levi Gaither Buckner
House (MD0320) which has been determined eligible for National Register listing. An Effects
Meeting was held on February 23, 2023. The findings are as follows.
ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS
Property Name:
Levi Gaither Buckner House
Status:
DE
Survey Site No.:
MD0320
PIN. -
Effects
❑ No Effect ® No Adverse Effect ❑ Adverse Effect
Explanation of Effects Determination:
Temporary easement to replace the field access farm lane.
List of Environmental Commitments:
None
Historic Architecture and Landscapes EFFECTS ASSESSMENT form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
Page 1 of 2

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
®Map(s) ❑Previous Survey Info. ®Photos ❑Correspondence ®Design Plans
FINDING BY NCDOT AND STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
Historic Architecture and Landscapes —ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS
—DocuSiigned by:
S"� " 02/23/2023
NCDOT Architectural Historian Date
—DocuSigned by:
02/23/2023
State Historic Preservation Office Representative
�DocuSigned by:
(,e►n,{f A, 15#_&WA1
E ...
Federal Agency Representative
Date
02/23/2023
Date
Historic Architecture and Landscapes EFFECTS ASSESSMENT form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
Page 2 of 2

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
Division 13
Madison 560036 TGS
ENGINEERS
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Looking Northwest on SR 1515 (Buckner Branch Rd)
Looking Southeast on SR 1515 (Buckner Branch Rd)
Photos taken 10/18/2022 Page 1 of 4

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
Division 13
Madison 560036 TGS
ENGINEERS
r1rd
Looking North from Bridge #36 to Levi Gaither Buchner House
Looking East from Bridge #36
Photos taken 10/18/2022 Page 2 of 4

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
Division 13
Madison 560036
Looking North towards Levi Gaither Buchner House
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Levi Gaither Buchner House
TGS
ENGINEERS
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Photos taken 10/18/2022 Page 3 of 4

DocuSign Envelope ID: 74A1A08A-D1AF-4C63-B6B5-B5932A147315
Division 13
Madison 560036
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Looking South East towards Bridge #36 from Levi Gaither Buchner House
Looking East from Levi Gaither Buchner House
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ENGINEERS
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Photos taken 10/18/2022 Page 4 of 4