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Home My WebLink About20240534 Ver 1_BP13.R024 Madison 152 CE_20240411DocuSign Envelope ID: EBD5945E-BCA1-49A0-9946-F5CCC55705DE Type I or II Categorical Exclusion Action Classification Form Project No.: BP13.R024 A. Project Description: Replace Bridge No. 152 on SR 1318 (Big Laurel Road) over Spillcorn Creek in Madison County northwest of Mars Hill. The replacement structure will be a 21-inch Cored Slab bridge approximately 58-feet long. The proposed bridge will be widened to two 10-foot travel lanes with variable offsets on existing alignment. The bridge length is based on preliminary design information. 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 170-feet from the west end of the bridge and 172-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 1318 (Big Laurel Road) has a Rural Minor Collector classification and will utilize Sub -Regional Tier Standards with a 15 mile per hour design speed. Traffic will be maintained by an on -site detour during construction. The project is shown in Figure 1. B. Description of Need and Purpose: The purpose of the proposed project is to replace a structurally deficient bridge. NCDOT records indicate Bridge No. 152 was built in 1951. The bridge is considered structurally deficient due to a superstructure and superstructure appraisals of 4 out of 9, and a deck geometry of 2 out of 9 according to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) standards. The posted weight limit on the bridge is down to 21 tons for SV and 27 tons for TTST. Replacement of the bridge will result in safer traffic operations. C. Categorical Exclusion Action Classification: Type: I(A) - Ground Disturbing Action D. Proposed Improvements: 23 CFR 771.117 (c) 28. Bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replace existing at -grade railroad crossings, (e)(1-6). E. Special Project Information: replacement or the construction of grade separation to if the actions meet the constraints in 23 CFR 771.117 Design: • Functional classification: Minor Collector, Rural • Sub -Regional Tier Guidelines • Design Speed: 15-mph • Design Exception: Design Speed o Existing elements within and outside of the project limits such as minimum horizontal curve radius, horizontal SSD, and superelevation do not meet AASHTO guidelines for a 35-mph design speed. Designing the project to meet current standards due to the existing terrain v2019.1 BP13.R024 Type I(A) CE Page 1 DocuSign Envelope ID: EBD5945E-BCA1-49A0-9946-F5CCC55705DE constraints would make it extremely costly and impractical to bring the horizontal curvature up to a higher design speed per the scope of this bridge replacement project. A 15-mph design speed improves the horizontal alignment and the approaches (paved shoulders and guardrail sections). Reducing the design speed balances the need of replacing Bridge No. 152 with the human and natural environments within and outside of the project study area. Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations: There are currently no bicycle, pedestrian, or sidewalk facilities along SR 1318 (Big Laurel 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 1318. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities identified in area and regional plans are not close enough to the Bridge No. 152 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. Public Involvement: Start of Study letters were sent to local officials, and environmental permit and resource agencies with jurisdiction in the proposed project area in December 2021. All comments have been addressed within this document. 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. 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 Resources: An archaeological survey and evaluation were undertaken on December 30, 2021. No previously recorded archaeological sites are within one mile of the bridge. There are no known historic architectural resources within the APE that may yield intact archaeological deposits. The current project is not likely to produce positive results for significant resources due to slopes of 15% or more and disturbance from the road cut. No further archaeological investigations are required for the project within the current defined APE. A finding of No Archaeological Survey Required was rendered for this project on December 30, 2021. Historic Architectural Resources: A historic architectural and landscapes review was conducted on January 11, 2022, yielded one SS and no NR, DE, LD, or SL properties in the area of potential effects (APE). The previously recorded Jack Wallin House (MD020) and its outbuildings, dating to the first half of the twentieth century, is located on a large parcel intersected by the APE, approximately 400 feet east of the existing bridge, screened by woodland, outside the APE, and beyond likely project impact. No historic properties will be affected by this project. A finding of No Survey Required for Historic Architectural and Landscapes was rendered for this project on January 12, 2022. v2019.1 BP13.R024 Type I(A) CE Page 2 DocuSign Envelope ID: EBD5945E-BCA1-49A0-9946-F5CCC55705DE F. Project Impact Criteria Checklists: F2. Ground Disturbing Actions — Type I (Appendix A) & Type II (Appendix B) Proposed improvement(s) that fit Type I Actions (NCDOT-FHWA CE Programmatic Agreement, Appendix A) including 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 18, 21, 22 (ground disturbing), 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, &/or 30; &/or Type 11 Actions (NCDOT-FHWA CE Programmatic Agreement, Appendix B) answer the project impact threshold questions (below) and questions 8 — 31. • If any question 1-7 is checked "Yes" then NCDOT certification for FHWA approval is required. • If any question 8-31 is checked "Yes" then additional information will be required for those questions in Section G. PROJECT IMPACT THRESHOLDS Yes No (FHWA signature required if any of the questions 1-7 are marked "Yes".) 1 Does the project require formal consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ❑ 2 (USFWS) or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)? 2 Does the project result in impacts subject to the conditions of the Bald and Golden ❑ R1 Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)? 3 Does the project generate substantial controversy or public opposition, for any ❑ R1 reason, following appropriate public involvement? 4 Does the project cause disproportionately high and adverse impacts relative to low- ❑ R1 income and/or minority populations? 5 Does the project involve a residential or commercial displacement, or a substantial ❑ R1 amount of right of way acquisition? 6 Does the project require an Individual Section 4(f) approval? ❑ [1 Does the project include adverse effects that cannot be resolved with a 7 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) under Section 106 of the National Historic ❑ R1 Preservation Act (NHPA) or have an adverse effect on a National Historic Landmark (NHL)? If any question 8-31 is checked "Yes" then additional information will be required for those questions in Section G. Other Considerations Yes No 8 Is an Endangered Species Act (ESA) determination unresolved or is the project R1 ❑ covered by a Programmatic Agreement under Section 7? 9 Is the project located in anadromous fish spawning waters? ❑ [1 Does the project impact waters classified as Outstanding Resource Water (ORW), 10 High Quality Water (HQW), Water Supply Watershed Critical Areas, 303(d) listed [1 ❑ impaired water bodies, buffer rules, or Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)? 11 Does the project impact Waters of the United States in any of the designated R1 ❑ mountain trout streams? 12 Does the project require a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Individual ❑ R1 Section 404 Permit? 13 Will the project require an easement from a Federal Energy Regulatory ❑ Commission FERC licensed facility? v2019.1 BP13.R024 Type I(A) CE Page 3 DocuSign Envelope ID: EBD5945E-BCA1-49A0-9946-F5CCC55705DE Other Considerations for Type I and II Ground Disturbing Actions (continued) Yes No Does the project include a Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 14 (NHPA) effects determination other than a No Effect, including archaeological ❑ 2 remains? 15 Does the project involve GeoEnvironmental Sites of Concerns such as gas ❑ 2 stations, dry cleaners, landfills, etc.? Does the project require work encroaching and adversely affecting a regulatory 16 floodway or work affecting the base floodplain (100-year flood) elevations of a ❑ 2 water course or lake, pursuant to Executive Order 11988 and 23 CFR 650 subpart A? 17 Is the project in a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) county and substantially ❑ 2 affects the coastal zone and/or any Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)? 18 Does the project require a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) permit? ❑ 2 19 Does the project involve construction activities in, across, or adjacent to a ❑ 2 designated Wild and Scenic River present within the project area? 20 Does the project involve Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) resources? ❑ [1 21 Does the project impact federal lands (e.g., U.S. Forest Service (USFS), USFWS, ❑ R1 etc.) or Tribal Lands? 22 Does the project involve any changes in access control or the modification or ❑ R1 construction of an interchange on an interstate? 23 Does the project have a permanent adverse effect on local traffic patterns or ❑ R1 community cohesiveness? 24 Will maintenance of traffic cause substantial disruption? ❑ [1 25 Is the project inconsistent with the STIP, and where applicable, the Metropolitan ❑ R1 Planning Or anization's MPO's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)? Does the project require the acquisition of lands under the protection of Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Act, the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act, 26 the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), ❑ R1 Tribal Lands, or other unique areas or special lands that were acquired in fee or easement with public -use money and have deed restrictions or covenants on the property? 27 Does the project involve Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) buyout ❑ R1 properties under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program HMGP ? 28 Does the project include a de minimis or programmatic Section 4(f)? ❑ [1 29 Is the project considered a Type I under the NCDOT Noise Policy? ❑ [1 30 Is there prime or important farmland soil impacted by this project as defined by the ❑ R1 Farmland Protection Policy Act FPPA ? 31 Are there other issues that arose during the project development process that ❑ 2 affected the project decision? v2019.1 BP13.R024 Type I(A) CE Page 4 DocuSign Envelope ID: EBD5945E-BCA1-49A0-9946-F5CCC55705DE G. Additional Documentation as Required from Section F: Question 8: Federally Protected 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: Outstanding Resource Waters Water resources in the study area are part of the French Broad River basin [USGS Hydrologic Unit 06010105]. One stream, Spillcorn Creek, was identified in the study area and has been designated as a cold -water stream. Spillcorn Creek is designated as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW). ORW are a subset of High Quality Waters. The classification is intended to protect unique and special waters having excellent water quality and being of exceptional state or national ecological or recreational significance. Question 11: Trout Streams Spillcorn Creek is identified as trout waters. A letter from NCWRC, December 22,2021, stated that wild trout populations should not be impacted by this project and a trout moratorium is not requested. Stringent sedimentation and erosion control measures and standard recommendations apply to this project. v2019.1 BP13.R024 Type I(A) CE Page 5 DocuSign Envelope ID: EBD5945E-BCA1-49A0-9946-F5CCC55705DE H. Project Commitments: NCDOT PROJECT COMMITMENTS Madison County Replace Bridge No. 152 on SR 1318 (Big Laurel Road) over Spillcorn Creek Project No. BP13.R024 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. BP13.R024 CE Type IA Green Sheet February 2023 Madison Bridge No. 152 DocuSign Envelope ID: EBD5945E-BCA1-49A0-9946-F5CCC55705DE I. Categorical Exclusion Approval: Project No: BP13.R024 Prepared By: DocuSignedby: 2/13/2023 1 5:13 PM EST MtAa'c� Date Stacy B. prf ameenQ [E,1rPM TGS Engineers Reviewed By: DocuSigned by: 2/14/2023 1 1:04 PM PST 0, f Date Roger Bry �, v$mA NCDOT, Division 13 Program Supervisor • If NO grey boxes are checked in Section F (pages 2 and 3), [1 Approved NCDOT approves the Type I or Type II Categorical Exclusion. • If ANY grey boxes are checked in Section F (pages 2 and ❑ Certified 3), NCDOT certifies the Type I or Type II Categorical Exclusion for FHWA approval. • If classified as Type III Categorical Exclusion. DD/ooc�uSig/n�ed by: 2/14/2023 1 4:56 PM EST CG(i Date Eddie Dou -�F a a1 dge Program Manager NCDOT, Division 13 FHWA Approved: For Projects Certified by NCDOT (above), FHWA signature required. N/A Date for John F. Sullivan, III, PE, Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration v2019.1 BP13.R024 Type I(A) CE Page 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: EBD5945E-BCA1-49A0-9946-F5CCC55705DE Legend Bridge 560152 = County Boundary �-0 f3j❑ Laos cv ABRIDGE #560152 �a a`J N ❑ r dsoI. � C O N f z a cod �� Rev o a U a m tr 0 0.25 0.5 1 iiii Miles ' U4. ESRI World Street Basemap NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT VICINITY MAP Date: 11-22-2021 OF TRANSPORTATION WBS No. 17BR13.R.214 Q DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS Madison Co. p �Qv Bridge No. 560152 on SR 1318 Figure 1 '�=A• DIVISION 13 (Big Laurel Rd.) over Spillcorn Creek DocuSign Envelope ID: EBD5945E-BCA1-49A0-9946-F5CCC55705DE