SR 1370 Tryon Road

Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Project Review Form
Project Number: 09-0084 County: Wake
Due Date: 11/05/2008
Date Received: 09/25/2008
Protect Description: Realign and widen SR 1370 (Tryon Rd) to multi-lanes, from US70-401/NC50 (Wilmington St)
to W of Bridge #259 & replace Bridge #259 on SR 1370 over Norfolk Southern RR, Wake
County U-4432
is Project is being reviewed as m ica e e ow
Regional Office Regional Office Area In-House Review
Asheville Air Soil & Water Marine Fisheries
Fayetteville Water Coastal Management Water Resources
Mooresville Aquifer Protection Wildlife Environmental Health
Raleigh Land Quality Engineer ? Wildlife - DOT Solid Waste Mgmt
Washington ? Forest Resources Radiation Protection
Wilmington Land Resources Other
Parks & Recreation
Winston-Salem
_ Water Quality
\' Water Quality - DOT
Air Quality

Manager Sign-Off/Region Date In-House Reviewer/Agency
Response (check all applicable)
No objection to project as proposed No Comment
Insufficient information to complete review Other (specify or attach comments)
If you have any questions, please contact
Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator at [e-mail]
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WAKE COUNTY
SR 1 370 (TRYON ROAD) IMPROVEMENTS, WEST OF
BRIDGE NO. 259 OVER NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY TO
US 70-401/NC 50(WILMINGTON STREET),
INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE NO. 259 OVER
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY
T.I.P. PROJECT NO. U-4432
WBS ELEMENT 35029.1.1
STATE PROJECT NO. 8.24091 01
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT/
STATE FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
SUBMITTED BY
THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
IN COMPLIANCE WITH
THE NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
APPROVED:
' 6'
DATE
n v
?o GREGORY J. THORPE, PIFIID , MANAGER
f* PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
WAKE COUNTY
SR 1 370 (TRYON ROAD) IMPROVEMENTS, WEST OF
BRIDGE NO. 259 OVER NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY TO
US 70-401/NC 50(WILMINGTON STREET),
INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE NO. 259 OVER
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY
T.I.P. PROJECT NO. U-4432
WBS ELEMENT 35029.1.1
STATE PROJECT NO. 8.2409101
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT/
STATE FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
AUGUST 2008
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DOCUMENTATION PREPARED BY: $po??Ll%% CA#?o
MULKEY ENGINEERS & CONSULTANTS
SEAL
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J.A. BISSETT, JR., P.E.
PRINCIPAL
DOCUMENTATION PREPARED FOR:
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
'z &====
THERESA ELLERBY
PROJECT MANAGER
i
STACY BERHAUSEN, P.E.
GROUP LEADER - WESTERN REGION
NICOLE M. t3ENNETT, HIUI-
PROJECT MANAGER
PROJECT COMMITMENTS
Wake County
SR 1370 (Tryon Road) Improvements, West of Bridge No 259 over Norfolk Southern Railway
to US 70-401 /NC 50(Wilmington Street), Including Replacement of Bridge No 259 over
Norfolk Southern Railway
TIP Project No U-4432
State Project No 82409101
WBS Element 35029 1 1
STRUCTURES
AASHTO standard wide outside lanes (14 feet) will be provided to accommodate bicycle traffic
Bicycle safe bridge railing will be provided
ROADWAY DESIGN, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Construction of a sidewalk will be dependent upon a cost-sharing and maintenance agreement
between NCDOT and the City of Raleigh for funding and maintenance of sidewalks on both
sides of Tryon Road along the proposed project As outlined in NCDOT's Pedertnan Policy
Guidelines dated October 1, 2000, NCDOT will share 50 percent of the construction cost of the
sidewalk The City of Raleigh will be responsible for the remaining 50 percent of construction
cost
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The study area will be resurveyed for Michaux's sumac prior to construction
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS, ROADWAY DESIGN
During final design, permit requirements will be re-evaluated if construction activities extend
beyond the existing fill slope
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Page 1 of 1
AUGUST 2008
GREEN SHEET
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Project Commitments..... ....... ......... ... .. ............ .......... ... ..1
Table of Contents .................................................................... ...... ..... ..... .. 1
S 0 Summary .. .................................................................. ........ ..............1
S l Type of Action 1
S2 Additional Information 1
S3 Description of Proposed Action 1
S4 Summary of Purpose and Need 2
S5 Preferred Alternative 2
S6 Summary of Environmental Effects 3
S7 Perinuts Required 3
SS Coordination 3
1.0 Description of Proposed Action ........ ....... .. ........... ....... ............. 1-1
1 1 General Description 1-1
12 Cost Estimates 1-1
2.0 Purpose and Need for Project .............. ... .. .. ............... .................. 2-1
21 Project Purpose 2-1
22 Existing Conditions 2-1
221 Functional Classification 2-1
222 Existing Roadway Typical Section 2-1
223 Right-of-way 2-1
224 Access Control 2-1
225 Speed Limit 2-2
226 Intersections 2-2
227 Railroad Crossings and Structures 2-2
23 Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities 2-2
231 Utilities 2-2
2 3 2 School Bus Usage 2-3
233 Transit 2-3
234 Traffic Carrying Capacity 2-3
24 Accident Analysis 2-5
25 Transportation and Thoroughfare Plans 2-6
251 Local Thoroughfare Plans and Projects 2-6
2 5 2 NCDOT Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2-7
3 0 Proposed Improvements....... ... .... . ............. ... .. 3-1
31 General Description 3-1
32 Roadway Typical Section 3-2
33 Proposed Alignment 3-2
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TOC -1
AUGUST 200B
3 4 Right-of-way/Access Control 3-2
35 Design Speed 3-2
36 Intersections 3-2
37 Service Roads 3-3
38 Railroad Crossings and Structures 3-3
39 Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities 3-3
310 Utilities 3-3
311 Landscaping 3-3
3 12 Noise Barriers 3-4
3 13 Work zone, Traffic Control and Construction Phasing 3-4
4 0 Alternatives ............. ... .. .... . ............................... 4-1
41 Build Alternatives 4-1
411 Alternative 2 4-1
4 12 Alternative 3 4-1
413 Alternative 5 (Preferred) 4-2
42 Alternatives Not Considered for Detailed Study 4-2
5.0 Environmental Effects of Proposed Action.. ........ ............................. ...5-1
51 Cultural Resources 5-1
51 1 Historic Architectural Resources 5-1
512 Archaeological resources 5-2
52 Social and Economic Effects 5-2
521 Community Characteristics 5-2
522 Neighborhoods and Communities 5-5
523 Relocation of Residences and Businesses 5-6
524 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities 5-6
525 Public Facilities 5-6
526 Community Services 5-7
527 Economic Effects 5-7
528 Summary of Social and Economic Effects 5-7
53 Land Use 5-8
5 3 1 Existing Land Use and Zoning 5-8
5 3 2 Compatibility with Local Plans 5-8
54 Farmland 5-8
55 Natural Resources 5-8
551 Biotic Resources 5-9
5 5 2 Aquatic Communities 5-10
553 Summary of Anticipated Effects 5-11
56 Water Resources 5-12
561 Characteristics of Surface Waters 5-12
5 6 2 Best Usage Classification and Water Quality 5-13
57 Summary of Anticipated Impacts to Water Resources 5-14
58 Jurisdictional Topics 5-14
581 Waters of the United States 5-14
582 Surface Waters 5-14
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TOC _2
AUGUST 2008
5 8 3 Wetlands 5-14
5 8 4 Neuse River buffer Rules 5-15
585 Summary of Anticipated Effects 5-15
586 Anticipated Permits 5-16
59 Rare and Protected Species 5-16
591 Federally-Protected Species 5-16
Source US Fish and Wildlife Service 5-16
592 Federal Species of Concern and State-Protected Species 5-18
5 10 Flood Hazard Evaluation 5-23
511 Traffic Noise Analysis 5-23
5 11 1 Ambient Noise Levels 5-24
5 112 Analysis Results 5-25
5 113 Noise Abatement Alternatives 5-25
5 114 Construction Noise 5-26
5115 Summary 5-26
5 12 Air Quality Analysis 5-26
5 12 1 Carbon Monoxide 5-27
5 12 2 Air Quality Analysis Results 5-27
5 12 3 Mobile Source Air Toxics 5-27
5 12 4 Construction Air Quality Effects 5-28
5 12 5 Summary 5-28
5 13 Hazardous Material and Underground Storage Tanks 5-28
5 14 Indirect and Cumulative Effects 5-29
5 141 Property Values, Forecasted Population Growth, and Market for
Development 5-29
5 14 2 Historic Resources 5-30
5 14 3 Water Quality and the Natural Environment 5-30
5 14 4 Public Facihties 5-31
5 14 5 Travel Time Savings 5-32
5 14 6 ICE Conclusions 5-32
6.0 Comments, Coordination, and Pubhc Involvement........ . .... ........ ... 6-1
61 Comments Received from Federal, State, and Local Agencies 6-1
62 Citizens Informational Workshop 6-1
63 Other Coordination 6-2
7.0 Finding of No Significant Impact ....... ......... ...... .. .... 7-1
71 Type of Action 7-1
72 Project Summary 7-1
73 Basis for Finding of No Significant Impact 7-2
8.0 List of References and Techmcal Reports ..................... ........... ....... 8-1
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TOC -3
AUGUST 2008
List of Tables
Table 1-1 Estimated Project Costs 1-2
Table 2-1 2006 and 2030 Build Level of Service and Delay (seconds) - Scenario A' 2-4
Table 2-2 2006 and 2030 Bad Level of Service and Delay (seconds) - Scenario B' 2-5
Table 2-3 Accident Data 2-6
Table 5-1 Population by Race 5-3
Table 5-2 Age Distribution 5-4
Table 5-3 Income and Poverty Status 5-4
Table 5-4 Educational Status 5-4
Table 5-5 Impacts to Public Facilities 5-6
Table 5-6 Impacts to Vegetative Communities (acres) 5-11
Table 5-7 Approximate Stream Dimensions of the UTs to Swift Creek 5-12
Table 5-8 Threatened and Endangered Species Listed for Wake County, NC 5-16
Table 5-9 Federal Species of Concern and State-Listed Species for Wake County, NC 5-20
Table 5-10 Noise Abatement Criteria 5-23
Table 5-11 Criteria for Substantial Increase in Noise Level 5-24
Table 5-12 Ambient Noise Monitoring Locations 5-24
Table 5-13 Anticipated Noise Impacts 5-25
Table 5-14 Cumulative Impacts to Vegetative Communities (acres) 5-30
Table 5-15 Cumulative Impact to Waters of the United States 5-31
Table 5-16 Cumulative Impact to Neuse River Buffers 5-31
Table 5-17 Alternatives Comparison Table 5-33
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Project Location 1-3
Figure 2-1 Current and Proposed Projects in Study Area 2-9
Figure 3-1A Proposed Improvements 3-5
Figure 3-1B Proposed Improvements 3-6
Figure 3-2 Proposed Roadway Typical Section 3-7
Figure 3-3 Proposed Structure Typical Section 3-8
Figure 4-1A Alignment Alternatives 4-3
Figure 4-1B Ahgnment Alternatives 4-4
Figure 5-1 Demographic Study Area 5-35
Figure 5-2 Project Area Zoning 5-36
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TOC -4
AUGUST 2008
Appendices
Appendix A Agency Correspondence
Appendix B City of Raleigh Certificate of Appropriateness
Appendix C Public Involvement
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TQC -5
AUGUST 2008
•
8.0 SUMMARY
S.1 . TYPE OF ACTION
This is a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Administrative Action, State
Environmental Assessment/State Finding of No Significant Impact
S.2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The following person can be contacted for additional information concerning this document and
the proposed action
Gregory J Thorpe, PhD, Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1548
[phone]
S.3. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to improve SR 1370 (Tryon Road),
west of Bridge No 259 over Norfolk Southern Railway to US 70-401 /NC 50 (Wilmington
Street) Improvements include widening Tryon Road to four lanes and replacing Bridge No 259
over Norfolk Southern Railway The proposed project is located in Wake County (see Figure
1-1), within City of Raleigh jurisdiction A small portion of the study area south of Tryon Road
near junction Boulevard is under Town of Garner jurisdiction The proposed improvements
will be located entirely within the City of Raleigh The total length of the project is 0 86 mile
As part of a separate project, portions of Tryon Road within the study area are being improved
by a private developer These improvements are part of the development of Renaissance Park, a
community under construction in the study area (see Figure 2-1) The developer has realigned
Tryon Road from just east of junction Boulevard to just west of the Renaissance Park western
entrance The developer will complete the tie-in of the realignment east of junction Boulevard
to existing Tryon Road The developer's improvements also include constructing a temporary
connector road between Bridge No 259 and the western terminus of the developer's project
Construction of this road is nearly complete Sidewalks have been constructed along the north
and south side of Tryon Road within the Renaissance Park development The developer will
widen Tryon Road to the north between Grenelle Road and Wilmington Street
• NCDOT's actions as part of U-4432 will include widening Tryon Road from Par Drive to
Bridge No 259, replacing and widening the bridge, constructing the roadway on new alignment
from the bridge to just west of the Renaissance Park western entrance, paving the outside lane
on the south side of Tryon Road from the Renaissance Park western entrance to junction
• Boulevard, and constructing an additional lane on the south side of Tryon Road from just west
• of Grenelle Road to Wilmington Street NCDOT will add right turn lanes on westbound and
eastbound Tryon Road at junction Boulevard In addition, NCDOT will construct sidewalks on
•
•
•
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AUGUST 2008
S-1
both sides of Tryon Road These will connect to sidewalks constructed by the developer of
Renaissance Park to provide continuous sidewalks on both sides of Tryon Road from Par Drive
to Wilmington Street Construction of sidewalks will be dependent upon a cost-sharing and
maintenance agreement between NCDOT and the City of Raleigh As outlined in NCDOT's
Pedestnan Pobg Guideknes dated October 1, 2000, NCDOT will share 50 percent of the
construction cost of the sidewalk The City of Raleigh will be responsible for the remaining 50
percent of construction cost
The proposed project is included in the 2009-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
It is programmed for planning and environmental study only The nght-of-way and
construction are unfunded in the TIP
The estimated cost of the proposed project is $5,850,000, which includes $5,300,000 for
construction, $215,000 for utilities, and $335,000 for right-of-way acquisition
The City of Raleigh plans to widen Tryon Road from Norfolk Southern Railway to Lake
Wheeler Road The project is currently funded for completion in 2020 according to the Capital
Area Metropolitan Long Range Transportation Plan (adopted September 2004) The project is
proposed as a four-lane median-divided cross-section with curb and gutter and sidewalks It will
tie into the proposed improvements for U-4432 at Par Drive
5.4. SUMMARY OF PURPOSE AND NEED
The purpose of the proposed action is to improve the traffic carrying capacity of Tryon Road,
improve the roadway alignment, and replace a functionally obsolete bridge
Some portions of Tryon Road within the project area currently operate at level of service (LOS)
F, and at least one approach on all intersections along the mainline area is projected to operate
below the nunimum acceptable LOS D by the year 2030 The proposed action will improve
traffic flow and increase the traffic carrying capacity of Tryon Road
The sufficiency rating of Bridge No 259 is 48 1 The bridge is functionally obsolete due to
several factors the sharp curvature on the bridge, insufficient sight distance of the eastern
approach to the bridge, insufficient vertical clearance, and narrow clear roadway width on the
bridge for the posted design speed Replacing this bridge and improving the horizontal roadway
alignment on Tryon Road will provide safer, more efficient traffic operations and will bring the
bridge up to current standards
B.S. PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE
The preferred alternative will widen Tryon Road to the north along the existing alignment from
Par Drive to Bridge No 259 from two lanes to four lanes with curb and gutter, a raised median
of varying width, 12-foot inside lanes, 14-foot outside lanes to accommodate bicycle traffic, and
a 10-foot berm (see Figures 3-1A and 3-1B) Five-foot sidewalks will be included on both sides
of the road for the entire length of the project The approach to the bridge will be realigned
from the east on new alignment north of the existing bridge centerline From east of the bridge
to Grenelle Road, the roadway will follow a new alignment and tie-in to existing Tryon Road just
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT S-2
AUGUST 2008
• east of junction Boulevard From Grenelle Road to Wilmington Street, the roadway will follow
• the existing alignment
The City of Raleigh supports the preferred alternative
• S.G. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
• Table S-1 summarizes environmental effects of the proposed project The project is not
• anticipated to result in any significant impacts to the natural or human environment No
relocations are anticipated The project is not expected to have any notable social or economic
effects No substantial noise impacts are anticipated No impacts to air quality are anticipated
No impacts to wetlands, streams or Neuse River buffers are anticipated No impacts to
• farmlands are anticipated The project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Michaux's
• sumac A survey will be conducted prior to construction Impacts to vegetative communities
are expected to be approximately 1 07 acres
•
•
•
•
•
There will be no impacts to cultural resources as a result of the proposed project Right-of-way
impacts will occur to the Raleigh Golf Association (RGA) golf course NCDOT has
coordinated with RGA throughout the planning process to minimize impacts to the maximum
extent practicable
Impacts associated with the developer's improvements to Tryon Road and the City of Raleigh's
future widening project, which will tie into U-4432, are not included in the calculation of
impacts They are discussed in Chapter 5, under Indirect and Cumulative Effects As there will
not be an increase in the traffic carrying capacity and little, if any, new access provided, project
U-4432 is not likely to have any significant amount of development or cause changes in land use
as discussed in Section 5 14, Indirect and Cumulative Effects
S.7. PERMITS REQUIRED
No permits are anticipated as part of the proposed immprovements for U-4432 During final
design, permit requirements will be re-evaluated if construction activities extend beyond the
existing fill slope
S.B. COORDINATION
The proposed project has been coordinated with appropriate federal, state and local agencies, as
well as the public Agency and municipal correspondence received during the scoping process is
included in Appendix A In addition to agency coordination, a project newsletter was
distributed and a public workshop was held The newsletter is included in Appendix C
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AUGUST 2008
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1.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION
1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to improve SR 1370 (Tryon Road),
west of Bridge No 259 over Norfolk Southern Railway to US 70-401 /NC 50 (Wilmington Street),
including the replacement of Bridge No 259 over Norfolk Southern Railway Improvements
include widening Tryon Road from two lanes to four lanes with curb and gutter, and constructing a
raised median of varying width, 12-foot inside lanes, 14-foot outside lanes to accommodate bicycle
traffic, and a 10-foot berm Five-foot sidewalks will be included on both sides of the road for the
entire length of the project The City of Raleigh has agreed to enter into a cost-sharing agreement
with NCDOT for costs associated with the sidewalks (see Appendix A) Construction of a sidewalk
will be dependent upon a cost-sharing and maintenance agreement between the NCDOT and the
City of Raleigh The proposed project is located in Wake County (see Figure 1-1), primarily within
City of Raleigh extraterritorial jurisdiction A portion of land south of Tryon Road, between the
railroad tracks and junction Boulevard, is under Town of Garner jurisdiction The total length of the
project is 0 86 mile
As part of a separate project, portions of Tryon Road within the study area are being improved by a
private developer These improvements are part of the development of Renaissance Park, a
community under construction in the study area (see Figure 2-1) The developer's improvements
include constructing a temporary connector road between Bridge No 259 and the western terminus
of the developer's project The developer has realigned Tryon Road from just west of the
Renaissance Park western entrance to east of junction Boulevard The developer also will complete
the tie-in of the realignment east of junction Boulevard to existing Tryon Road and widen Tryon
Road to the north between Grenelle Road and Wilmington Street The developer has constructed
sidewalks along the north side of Tryon Road from the Renaissance Park west entrance to just east
of junction Boulevard Sidewalks have been constructed along the south side of Tryon Road from
Voltaire Drive to just east of junction Boulevard
NCDOT's actions as part of U-4432 will include widening Tryon Road from Par Drive to Bridge
• No 259, replacing and widening the bridge, constructing the roadway on new alignment from the
• bridge to just west of the Renaissance Park western entrance, paving the outside lane on the south
side of Tryon Road from the Renaissance Park western entrance to junction Boulevard, and
constructing an additional lane on the south side of Tryon Road from just west of Grenelle Road to
• Wilmington Street NCDOT also will add right turn lanes on westbound and eastbound Tryon
Road at junction Boulevard In addition, NCDOT will construct sidewalks on both sides of Tryon
Road These will connect to sidewalks constructed by the developer of Renaissance Park to provide
continuous sidewalks on both sides of Tryon Road from Par Drive to Wilmington Street These
• improvements are discussed in more detail and illustrated in Chapter 3
r_1
L J
• 1.2 COST ESTIMATES
• The estimated costs of the project are provided in Table 1-1
• U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Z-Z
• Aur.LIST 2008
•
•
Table 1-1 Estimated Project Costs
Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 5
(preferred)
Construction Cost $5,300,000 $5,300,000 $5,300,000
Uty Cost $215,000 $215,000 $215,000
Right-of-way Cost $335,000 $475,000 $335,000
Total Cost $5,850,000 $5,990,000 $5,850,000
The 2009-2015 Transportation Improvement Program identifies $500,000 for planning and
environmental studies for U-4432 Right-of-way and construction are currently unfunded
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 1-2
AUGUST 2006
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PROPOSED WIDENING & RE-ALIGNMENT
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
= PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND
. .
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Project Location
SR 1370 (Tryon Road)
From West of Bridge No. 259 to
US 70 - 401 (Wilmington Street)
Wake County
TIP U-4432

0 miles 0.5 I.0
FIGURE NO.
1-1
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•
•
•
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0
0
0
0
s
•
0
0
0
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•
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•
2.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PROJECT
2.1 PROJECT PURPOSE
The purpose of the proposed action is to improve the traffic carrying capacity of Tryon Road,
improve the roadway alignment, and replace a functionally obsolete bridge
Some portions of Tryon Road within the project area currently operate at level of service (LOS) F,
and at least one approach on all intersections along the mainline area is projected to operate below
the minimum acceptable LOS D by the year 2030 Traffic operations are discussed in Section 2 3 4
The proposed action will improve traffic flow and increase the carrying capacity of Tryon Road
The sufficiency rating of Bridge No 259 is 48 1 The bridge is functionally obsolete due to several
factors the sharp curvature on the bridge, insufficient sight distance of the eastern approach to the
bridge, insufficient vertical clearance, and narrow clear roadway width on the bridge for the posted
design speed Replacing this bridge and improving the horizontal roadway alignment on Tryon
Road will provide safer, more efficient traffic operations and will bring the bridge up to current
standards
2.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS
2.2.1 FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION
Tryon Road is classified as a Minor Urban Arterial in the North Carolina Statewide Functional
Classification System However, it functions more like an Urban Collector since it carries traffic to
US 70-401 /Wilmington Street, a heavily traveled commuter route US 70-401 leads to I-440/I-40
approximately 15 miles north of the Tryon Road intersection
2.2.2 EXISTING ROADWAY TYPICAL SECTION
Within the project area, Tryon Road is a two-lane roadway with grassed shoulders Approximately
0 8 mile east of Bridge No 259, in the immediate vicinity of US 70-401 /Wilmington Street, Tryon
Road has been widened to a six-lane curb and gutter facility West of Bridge No 259 for
approximately 1 10 miles, in the vicinity of Lake Wheeler Road, the roadway has been widened to a
four-lane curb and gutter divided facility with a 16-foot raised median
2.2.3 RIGHT-OF-WAY
The existing right-of-way on Tryon Road is 60 feet Near US 70-401 /Wilmington Street, it vanes
from 105 feet to approximately 130 feet
2.2.4 ACCESS CONTROL
No control of access currently exists along Tryon Road
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AUGUST 2008
2-1
2.2.5 SPEED LIMIT
A curve warning sign west of Bridge No 259 advises a speed of 35 miles per hour (mph) The curve
has a radius of 275 feet and a safe design speed of 30 mph The posted speed limit is 45 mph east of
Bridge No 259
2.2.6 INTERSECTIONS
Roads that intersect Tryon Road in the project area include Par Drive, Withers Road, Junction
Boulevard, Grenelle Road, and Wilmington Street Only the intersection at Wilmington Street is
signalized All others are stop-signed controlled All intersections are at grade
2.2.7 RAILROAD CROSSINGS AND STRUCTURES
Bridge No 259 crosses over railroad tracks belonging to Norfolk Southern Railroad The crossing is
grade separated
Bridge No 259 was built in 1936 It is a two-lane facility located in a curve It has a clear roadway
width of 24 feet, three spans and totals 130 feet in length The vertical clearance is 21 feet 5 inches
The current sufficiency rating is 48 1 Bridge No 259 is currently posted at 39 tons for single
vehicles and Legal Gross Weight for truck-tractor semi trailer traffic
2.3 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES
Tryon Road is designated as a Primary Corridor in the City-Wide Bicycle Transportation Network
(Raleigh Comprehensive Plan, February 2007) The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
(CAMPO) 2030 Long Kange Transportation Plan (adopted September 15, 2004) shows Tryon Road as a
recommended incidental bike project These projects are located along routes that have inadequate
bicycle facilities and which correspond to road projects projected to be completed after 2010
Bicycle accommodations are recommended to be included in these projects Sidewalks are on both
sides of Bridge No 259
2.3.1 UTILITIES
According to the Kaleagh Comprehensive Plan, an existing water line extends along the north side of
Tryon Road Fire hydrants are visible on the north side of Tryon Road at Withers Road, at Fairway
Drive, and in Renaissance Park A sewer line is visible along the north side of Tryon Road west of
Withers Road
Overhead power lines extend westward along the north side of Tryon Road from the intersection at
Wilmington Street, crossing over Tryon Road to the south side near Grenelle Road They extend on
the south side to Withers Road, follow Withers Road, and extend back out along the south side of
Tryon Road where it begins to run parallel to the railroad tracks Power lines cross back over to the
north side just east of Bridge No 259 where they remain for the rest of the study area
Warning signs for underground fiber optic cable are posted along the north and south sides of
Tryon Road
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2-2
AUGUST 2008
•
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2.3.2 SCHOOL BUS USAGE
Six school buses cross Bridge No 259 twice daily There are no schools in the project area
2.3.3 TRANSIT
Tryon Road is served by Capital Area Transit (CAT) Route 7 This route extends from downtown
Raleigh, through the project area on Tryon Road, Junction Boulevard, and out to shopping areas on
Wilmington Street
2.3.4 TRAFFIC CARRYING CAPACITY
The level of service (LOS) at each intersection along Tryon Road between Wilmington Street and
Par Drive was analyzed with projected traffic for design years 2006 and 2030 The 2006 average
daily traffic (ADT) along Tryon Road was projected to be 15,800 vehicles per day (vpd) Truck
traffic was estimated at five percent dual tired vehicles and three percent truck-tractor semi trailer
The projected 2030 ADT is 31,000 vpd Truck traffic remains at five percent dual tired vehicles and
three percent truck-tractor semi trailer
Both AM and PM peak hour volumes were analyzed to determine intersection LOS The level of
service analysis includes the improvements to Tryon Road associated with Renaissance Park Level
of service provides a qualitative measure that characterizes the operational conditions within a traffic
stream and the perception of traffic service by motorists and passengers These conditions are
generally described in terms such as speed and travel time, freedom to maneuver, traffic
interruptions, and comfort and convenience Levels range from A to F LOS A represents no
congestion and LOS F represents more traffic demand than road capacity
Table 2-1 shows the effect of increasing traffic on levels of service for the intersections without
additional traffic signals or left turn lanes The results show that, at each intersection along the
manilne, one or more of the approaches operate at a level of service below the minimum acceptable
standard of D Both northbound and southbound lefts from Tryon Road onto junction Boulevard
are projected to operate at LOS F during peak hours Similarly, both northbound and southbound
lefts from Tryon Road into the western entrance to Renaissance Park, and southbound lefts from
Tryon Road onto Par Drive are projected to operate at LOS F
An additional level of service analysis was performed with traffic signals added at junction
Boulevard, the Renaissance Park entrance (see Figure 2-1), Par Drive and Junction Boulevard at Old
Tryon Road Left turn lanes were added on Tryon Road at junction Boulevard and the Renaissance
Park entrance The analysis included both single and dual left turn lanes on Tryon Road at the
entrance to Renaissance Park Table 2-2 shows that levels of service improved at all four
intersections with the addition of left turn lanes and signals There was no noticeable improvement
in level of service at the Renaissance Park entrance with the addition of dual left turn lanes, but delay
unproved slightly for all approaches The intersection of junction Boulevard and Old Tryon Road
fails as an unsignalzed intersection because of a small volume of eastbound left turns conflicting
with a relatively large through volume on junction Boulevard Signahzing this intersection will
improve its operation to LOS A, however, analysis indicates it is unlikely the intersection will
warrant signalzation in 2030
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AUGUST 2008
2-3
Table 2-1 2006 and 2030 Build Level of Service and Delay (seconds) - Scenario A'
2006 2030
Level of Service/ Level of Service/
Delay (sec) Delay (sec) Type of
Control
Intersection AM PM AM PM
Tryon Road at Wilmington Street (79 2) (95 1) (2 9 9) F (296 5) Signalized
Tryon Road at Grenelle Road (? ) B (10 7) (23 7) (36 2) Unsignahzed
Tryon Road at junction Boulevard Unsignahzed
NB lefts Qunction Blvd) F
(*) F
(*) F
(*) F
(*)
SB lefts (Junction Blvd) F
(1799) F
(2576) F
(*) F
(*)
EB Lefts (Tryon Rd) A
(9 2) A
(99) C
(155) C
(199)
WB Lefts (Tryon Rd) B (12 6) B (115) (461 4) F (263 9)
Withers Road at Old Tryon Road2 Unsignahzed
NB lefts (Withers Rd) A
(86) A
(87) A
(88) A
(89)
WB lefts (Old Tryon Rd) A
(64) A
(64) A
(74) A
(74)
Renaissance Park entrance at Old A A A A
Tryon Road' (86) (86 ) (86) (86)
Tryon Road at Renaissance Park entrance Unsignahzed
NB lefts (Renaissance Park) F
(*) F
(*) F
(*) F
(*)
SB lefts (Renaissance Park) F
(*) F
(*) F
(*) F
(*)
EB lefts (Tryon Road) B
(110) B
(121) E
(466) F
(938)
WB lefts (Tryon Road) B
(105) A
(97) D
(291) C
(204)
Tryon Road at Par Drive Unsignahzed
SB lefts (Par Drive) F
(1173) F
(918) F
(*) F
(*)
EB lefts (Tryon Road) A
(99) B
(109) C
(214) D
(311)
'Scenario A Proposed infrastructure with all intersections, except Wilmington Street, unsignahzed
'-Exisung Tryon Road ahgnment (see Figure 3-1)
*Delay too large to calculate
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2-4
AUGUST 2008
Table 2-2 2006 and 2030 Build Level of Service and Delay (seconds) - Scenario B'
2006
Level of Service/
Delay (sec) 2030
Level of Service/
Delay (sec)
Intersection AM
(delay) PM
(delay) AM
(delay) PM
(delay) Type of
Control
Tryon Road at junction Boulevard C (23 9) C (23 9) D (513) D (519) Signalized
Tryon Road at Renaissance Parke C (27 7) C (28 8) E (718) E (65 2) Signalized
Tryon Road at Renaissance Parka C (25 5) C (26 9) E (63 9) E (616) Signalized
Junction Boulevard at Old Tryon Road A (4 5) A (5 2) A(67) A (7 4) Signahzed
Tryon Road at Par Drive A (6 5) A (6 3) B (10 4) A(95) Signalized
'Scenario B Proposed infrastructure with signals and left turns added as noted
'--Single left turn lane on Tryon Road
'Dual left turn lanes on Tryon Road
2.4 ACCIDENT ANALYSIS
Traffic accident information was analyzed in the project area for the period of December 1, 2004 to
November 30, 2007 The information is summarized Table 2-3
Ninety-four accidents were recorded along Tryon Road from Par Drive to Wilmington Street
Most of these were rear end and angle crashes Of the intersections studied, Tryon Road and
Wilmington Street had the highest number of accidents with 157 The most common accident type
there was rear end collisions
At 646 08 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles, the crash rate on Tryon Road from Par Drive to
Wilmington Street was substantially higher than the statewide crash rate for similar roadways and
slightly higher than the Wake County rate
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2-5
AUGUST 2008
Table 2-3 Accident Data
Number Total
of Crash Angle Left Turn Rear End Sideswipe Other
Crashes Rate'
Intersection of Tryon
Road and US 70- 157 194 54 43 7 58 25 24
401/Wilmington Street
Intersection of Tryon
Road and Grenelle 4 2946 1 1 0 1 1
Road
Intersection of Tryon
Road and junction 6 42 15 2 1 2 0 1
Boulevard
Intersection of Tryon
Road and Withers 4 28 32 0 0 1 1 2
Road
Intersection of Tryon

Road and Par Drive 3 2029 0 1 0 0 2
Tryon Road from Par

Drive to US 70 94 646 08 23 8 24 12 27
2003-2005 Statewide
Crash Rates for Urban 112,008 479 56
Secondary Roads
2001-2003 Wake Co
Crash Rates for Urban 18,552 636 26
Secondary Roads
Source NCDOT Traffic Engineering and Safety Systems Branch
'Crash rates are per 100 million vehicle mules
2.5 TRANSPORTATION AND THOROUGHFARE PLANS
2.5.1 LOCAL THOROUGHFARE PLANS AND PROJECTS
In addition to U-4432, five Tryon Road widening projects are shown in the Ca malArea MPO 2030
Long Range Tramportation Plan (adopted September 2004) All projects propose to widen Tryon Road
to four lanes Project descriptions are as follows
• Town of Cary
o A38a Widening of Tryon Road from Keisler Drive to Cary Parkway is funded for
completion in 2009
o A 38b Widening of Tryon Road from Cary Parkway to Jones Franklin Road is
funded for completion in 2009
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2-6
AUGUST 2008
• City of Raleigh
o A 38c Widening of Tryon Road from Jones Franklin Road to Dillard Drive is
currently under construction The project is expected to be complete in 2009
o A 45b Widening from Gorman Street to Lake Wheeler Road is complete
o A46a Widening from Lake Wheeler Road to Norfolk Southern Railway is funded for
completion in 2020 This project will connect to U-4432 (see Figure 2-1)
2.5.2 NCDOT TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PRO13RAM (TIP)
The 2009-2015 TIP identifies one project, B-4946, in the vicinity of U-4432 Project B-4946 is at
the US 70/US 401 split south of Tryon Road This project replaces Bridge No 251 on US 401 and
is scheduled for right-of-way in 2011 and construction in 2012 No other TIP projects are located
nearby
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2-7
AUGUST 2008

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3.0 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
3.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The proposed improvements consist of widening Tryon Road from Par Drive, west of Bridge No
259 over Norfolk Southern Railway to US 70-401/NC 50 (Wilmington Street), and replacing Bridge
No 259 The road will be widened to a four-lane facility with a median of varying width (see
Section 3 2), and includes five-foot sidewalks on both sides of the road for the entire length of the
project, 12-foot inside lanes, and 14-foot outside lanes to accommodate bicyclists The total length
of the project is 0 86 mile The proposed improvements are shown in Figure 3-1
Some improvements to Tryon Road are being constructed by a private developer as part of the
Renaissance Park development These improvements, which are shown in Figure 3-1, are separate
from U-4432 The developer has relocated Tryon Road on new alignment from east of junction
Boulevard to east of Bridge No 259 Junction Boulevard has been extended to the relocated Tryon
Road The portion of existing Tryon Road west of junction Boulevard will remain in place and will
dead-end just north of the curve past Withers Road Most of the construction of a temporary
connector between existing Tryon Road at the bridge and the western terminus of the new location
portion constructed by the developer is complete (see Figure 3-1) The connector will be removed
when U-4432 is complete The developer has graded the new location portion of Tryon Road from
west of the Renaissance Park western entrance to the bridge This section of roadway will be
constructed by NCDOT as part of U-4432 The improvements to Tryon Road by the developer are
expected to be complete in late 2008
NCDOT's actions as part of U-4432 will consist of
• Constructing an additional lane on the south side of Tryon Road from Wilmington Street to
just west of Grenelle Road
• Adding right turn lanes on westbound and eastbound Tryon Road at junction Boulevard
• Paving the outside lane on the south side of Tryon Road from the Renaissance Park western
entrance to junction Boulevard This will require replacement of the sidewalk constructed
by the developer on the south side of Tryon Road between Voltaire Drive and Junction
Boulevard
• Removing the temporary connector and constructing the roadway on new alignment from
Bridge No 259 to just west of the Renaissance Park western entrance This will tie into the
realigned roadway already constructed by the developer of Renaissance Park
• Replacing and widening Bridge No 259 to four lanes
• Widening Tryon Road to four lanes to the north from Par Drive to Bridge No 259
• Removing pavement on existing Tryon Road from junction Boulevard eastward for
approximately 640 feet (see Figure 3-1B)
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AuGuST 2008
3-1
• Constructing sidewalks along both sides of Tryon Road, including the new structure, from
Par Drive to Wilmmgton Street These sidewalks will connect to sidewalks already
constructed as part of the Renaissance Park development
3.2 ROADWAY TYPICAL SECTION
The proposed roadway improvements will provide a four-lane curb and gutter facility with a raised
median of varying width The outside travel lanes will be 14 feet to accommodate bicycle traffic
Sidewalks will be included on both sides of Tryon Road The median is 17 5 feet from the east end
of the bridge for approximately 40 feet, where it transitions to a width of 23 feet The 23-foot
median continues until lust west of junction Boulevard At Junction Boulevard, the median widens
to 30 feet to accommodate dual left turns The 30-foot median continues until lust west of Grenelle
Road From there to the eastern end of the project, the median width is generally 10 5 feet
Proposed roadway typical sections with the primary median widths (17 5 feet, 23 feet and 30 feet)
are shown in Figure 3-2
3.3 PROPOSED ALIGNMENT
From Par Drive to Bridge No 259, the proposed improvements generally follow the existing
alignment The approach to the bridge will be realigned from the east on new location north of
Bridge No 259 The new bridge centerline will be located north of the existing bridge centerline
and skewed to the railroad at a 62 degree angle From Bridge No 259 the roadway will follow a
new, straighter alignment, which will tie into the new roadway constructed by the developer
approximately 1,000 feet east of the bridge The roadway will continue to follow a new alignment
eastward to Grenelle Road From Grenelle Road to Wilmington Street, the roadway follows the
existing alignment
West of the bridge, the City of Raleigh's proposed alignment for the future widening of Tryon Road
to Lake Wheeler Road will connect to U-4432 at Par Drive
3.4 RIGHT-OF-WAY/ACCESS CONTROL
The minimum right-of-way width will vary between 105 feet and 120 feet
No driveway control of access is proposed for the project Median breaks will occur only at
intersections Leftovers will be provided at Grenelle Road Traffic exiting Grenelle Road will have
to turn right onto Tryon Road and make a U-turn at junction Boulevard in order to go east on
Tryon Road
3.5 DESIGN SPEED
The proposed design speed is 50 mph
3.6 INTERSECTIONS
A signal is proposed at the junction Boulevard/Tryon Road intersection Other intersections will
remain stop sign controlled until signals are warranted Dual left turn lanes are also proposed at the
junction Boulevard/Tryon Road intersection Right turn lanes are also proposed on eastbound and
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 3-2
AUGUST 2008
westbound Tryon Road at junction Boulevard A right turn lane and a left turn lane are proposed at
the Par Drive/Tryon Road intersection
3.7 SERVICE ROADS
No service roads are proposed as part of this project An existing service road along WiliYungton
Street at the eastern end of the project will be removed (see Figure 3-1A) Access to the businesses
that currently use this service road will be provided via a driveway across from Grenelle Road
3.B RAILROAD CROSSINGS AND STRUCTURES
The existing railroad crossing will remain grade separated Bridge No 259 carrying Tryon Road
over Norfolk Southern Railway will be replaced and widened to four lanes with a median varying in
width from 15 75 feet to 17 5 feet In response to a telephone request from a representative of
Norfolk Southern, an abutment has been included on the east side of the bridge to accommodate a
maintenance road (personal communication with Norfolk Southern Railway representative, July 18,
2005)
Bridge No 259 is proposed to be replaced with a structure approximately 180 feet long The bridge
length is based on preliminary design information required for standard vertical and horizontal
clearances over Norfolk Southern Railway The proposed structure will consist of four lanes and
have a clear roadway width of 73 5 feet and five-foot sidewalks on both sides The structure typical
section is shown in Figure 3-3
3.9 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES
Five-foot sidewalks will be provided on both sides of the roadway for the entire length of the
project, and across the new structure The developer of Renaissance Park has constructed sidewalks
along the north side of the realigned portion of Tryon Road, from the Renaissance Park western
entrance to just east of junction Boulevard, and along the south side from Voltaire Drive to just east
of junction Boulevard Construction of sidewalks will be dependent upon a cost-sharing and
maintenance agreement between NCDOT and the City of Raleigh (see Appendix A) As outlined in
NCDOT's Pedestrian Policy Guidelines dated October 1, 2000, NCDOT will share 50 percent of
the construction cost of the sidewalk The City of Raleigh will be responsible for the remaining 50
percent of construction cost Fourteen-foot outside lanes will be provided to accommodate bicycle
traffic
3.1 O UTILITIES
Field review of the project area revealed overhead power lines, underground fiber optic cable, and
water and sewer lines in the area Utilities along the project will be relocated prior to construction
Impacts are expected to be medium
3.1 1 LANDSCAPING
Disturbed areas along the project will be reseeded with grass
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 3-3
AUGUST 2008
3.1 2 NOISE BARRIERS
One business will experience noise impacts Based on preliminary studies, traffic noise abatement is
not recommended (see Section 5 11)
3.1 3 WORK ZONE, TRAFFIC CONTROL AND CONSTRUCTION PHASING
During construction, traffic will be maintained on-site and the proposed bridge will be stage-
constructed Traffic will be shifted to the temporary connector, most of which has been constructed
by the developer of Renaissance Park This connector will be removed by NCDOT when U-4432 is
complete
r
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 3-4
AUGUST 2006
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4.0 ALTERNATIVES
4.1 BUILD ALTERNATIVES
• Three alignment alternatives were evaluated (see Figure 4-1) The typical section consists of 12-foot
• inside lanes, 14-foot outside lanes, and a 10-foot berm The median width will transition from 17 5
feet from the east end of the bridge for approximately 40 feet to a width of 23 feet until just west of
junction Boulevard West of Junction Boulevard, the median width widens to 30 feet to
• accommodate dual left turns From west of Grenelle Road to the eastern end of the project, the
• median width vanes, but is generally 10 5 feet (See Figure 3-2) All include realigning the approach
to the bridge from the east on new alignment All follow the existing alignment from Grenelle Road
to Wilmington Street Impacts of the Build Alternatives are discussed in Chapter 5 and summarized
• in Table 5-17 The alignment alternatives generally differ in three ways
• How the re-aligned portion ties into the bridge and the bridge's angle to the railroad
• • The tie-in with the City of Raleigh's future widening project at Par Drive Two community
• facilities, the Raleigh Golf Association (RGA) golf course and Delta Sigma Phi property
(former Carolina Pines Hotel and designated local landmark) are located at the western end
of the proposed project The City of Raleigh's future widening project will have impacts of
varying degrees to these two resources, depending on the tie-in at Par Drive (see Chapter 5
• for discussion) The Raleigh Historic Districts Commission approved a Certificate of
Appropriateness (COA) for the City's future widening project that ties in to Alternative 3,
described below in Section 4 3 2
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• • How the alignment passes through the Renaissance Park development The development,
already under construction, was developed using an alignment matching Alternative 2,
described below in Section 4 3 1
• 4.1.1 ALTERNATIVE 2
Alternative 2 realigns the approach to the bridge from the east on new alignment north of Bridge
No 259 The proposed new bridge centerline is located north of the existing bridge centerline and
• is angled above the railroad at 62 degrees With Alternative 2, the City of Raleigh's future alignment
• is symmetrical between the Delta Sigma Phi (former Carolina Pines Hotel) property and the RGA
club house Alternative 2 was not recommended because of impacts to the Raleigh Golf
Association (see Section 5 2 5)
• 4.1.2 ALTERNATIVE 3
Alternative 3 realigns the approach to the bridge from the east on new alignment north of Bridge
• No 259 The proposed new bridge centerline is located north of the existing bridge centerline and is
• angled above the railroad at 66 degrees With Alternative 3, the City's future alignment holds the
existing south edge of pavement and widens the roadway to the north at the Delta Sigma Phi
property Alternative 3 was not recommended because of right-of-way impacts to Renaissance Park
• The Raleigh Historic Districts Commission supports Alternative 3
•
•
•
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AUGUST 2008
4-1
4.1.3 ALTERNATIVE 5 (PREFERRED)
Alternative 5 is a combination of Alternatives 2 and 3 (see Figure 4-1) It maintains the alignment
of Alternative 2 east of the bridge to avoid impacts to Renaissance Park West of the bridge to Par
Drive, the alignment for Alternative 5 is the same as Alternative 3 Alternative 5 was chosen as the
NCDOT's preferred alternative because it minimizes impacts to Renaissance Park and is more
economical than Alternative 2 The City of Raleigh supports Alternative 5
4.2 ALTERNATIVES NOT CONSIDERED FOR DETAILED STUDY
Alternative 1 is the same as Alternative 2, except it has a 30-foot median the entire length of the
project This alternative was eliminated from consideration because of proposed right-of-way
impacts
Alternative 4 realigns the approach to the bridge from the east on new alignment south of Bridge
No 259 The proposed new bridge centerline is located approximately 75 feet south of the existing
bridge centerline and is skewed to the railroad at a 55 degree angle With this alternative, the future
City alignment holds the existing north edge of pavement and widens the roadway to the south at the
Delta Sigma Phi property This alternative was eliminated from consideration because of substantial
impacts to the golf course
The No-Build Alternative is not recommended because it does not meet the purpose and need of
the project to improve the traffic carrying capacity, improve the roadway alignment, and replace a
functionally obsolete bridge The No-Build Alternative will not directly impact human and natural
resources However, the No-Build Alternative will not provide any transportation improvements to
address roadway and structure deficiencies along Tryon Road
The Transportation System Management (TSM) Alternative includes limited construction
activities designed to maximize the traffic flow and efficiency of the present transportation system
Possible TSM improvement options within the project area include adding traffic signals, widening
intersections to add turn lanes, combining and eliminating driveway accesses, and other similar
capacity improvements Many of these improvements are included as part of the proposed
improvements They are discussed in Sections 3 4 and 3 6
The Mass Transit Alternative includes options such as adding bus or rail service for the area The
project area is currently served by Capital Area Transit (see 2 3 3) While the Mass Transit
Alternative may improve traffic congestion, it does not address the roadway alignment or the
substandard bridge
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 4-2
AUGUST 2008
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5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED ACTION
This section describes the anticipated effects of the proposed improvements As mentioned
throughout this document, the proposed project is one of three within the same general area The
other two are the improvements being made to Tryon Road by the developer of Renaissance Park
and the second is the City of Raleigh's future widening of Tryon Road from Norfolk Southern
Railway to Lake Wheeler Road (see Figure 2-1) Impacts resulting from those two projects are
discussed in Section 5 14, Indirect and Cumulative Impacts and are not included as direct impacts
for U-4432
5.1 CULTURAL RESOURCES
This project is subject to NCGS 121-12(a) which directs the head of any State agency having direct
or indirect jurisdiction over a proposed State or state-assisted undertaking, or the head of any State
department, board, commission, or independent agency having authority to build, construct, license,
authorize, assist, or approve any State or state-assisted undertaking, shall, prior to the approval for
the undertaking, take into account the effect of the undertaking on any property listed in the
National Register of Historic Places established pursuant to Public Law 89-665, 16 U S C 470
Where, in the Judgment of the Historical Commission, an undertaking will have an effect upon any
listed property, the head of the appropriate State agency shall afford the Commission a reasonable
opportunity to comment with regard to such undertaking
5.1.1 HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES
• A field survey of the Area of Potential Effects (APE) was conducted in June 1999 by NCDOT
• architectural historians All structures over 50 years of age within the APE were photographed, and
later reviewed by the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (HPO)
• In a memorandum dated September 21, 1999 (see Appendix A), the HPO concurred that the
Carolina Pines Hotel (currently the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house) is eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places under Criterion A for its association with a significant trend in the early-
to-crud twentieth-century economic and social history of the area The HPO concurred that Bridge
No 259 was not eligible for listing In a memorandum dated December 4, 2002 (Appendix A), the
HPO concurred that the Raleigh Golf Association Clubhouse and golf course were not eligible for
listing
North Carolina General Statute 121-12 (a) establishes a procedure for the review of state actions
that affect historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places As the Carolina
Pines Hotel is eligible for, but not actually listed in the National Register, it is not subject to the
provisions of the statute
The Carolina Pines Hotel is listed as a Wake County Historic Landmark Coordination between the
City of Raleigh and the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission is ongoing, as the City had to obtain a
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for its future widening of Tryon Road from Norfolk Southern
Railway to Lake Wheeler Road (see Section 5 14 2)
The proposed project will have no direct impacts to the historic resource
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-1
AUGUST 2008
5.1.2 ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The HPO, in a memorandum dated January 8, 1999, recommended that "no archaeological
investigation be conducted in connection with this project " A copy of the memorandum is
included in Appendix A
5.2 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS
5.2.1 COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS
A detailed description of project area demographics can be found in the Community Impact Assessment
and Indirect and Cumulative Effects Assessment (December 2005) Selected demographics are presented
in Table 5-1 through Table 5-4 The study area includes Census Tract 522 02, Block Groups 2 and
3, and Census Tract 530 02, Block Group 2 The demographic study area is shown in Figure 5-1
POPLJLAT/ON AND RAC/AL C0MPDSIr10N
In 2000, the population of the demographic study area was 14,162 persons The 1990 population
was 11,428 persons, indicating a growth rate of 23 9 percent In comparison, Wake County grew by
33 9 percent during this time
According to the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce (www raleighchamber org) the municipal
population in Raleigh grew 33 9 percent from 1990 to 2000 During this same time period, the
municipal population growth rate was 214 percent for Garner, 49 6 percent for Wake County, and
22 0 percent for North Carolina The population of Wake County is expected exceed one million by
the year 2020
Tract 522 02 has a much larger percentage of Black or African American persons than county and
state levels The percentage of this racial group is more than twice as much as the county and state
percentages, and about four tunes more than in Tract 530 02
Tract 522 02 also has a higher concentration of Hispanic or Latino persons than Tract 530 02, the
county and state levels All block groups also contain substantial concentrations of Hispanic or
Latino persons relative to the larger demographic areas
AiRE MsTRisuriON
Age distributions within the demographic study area are fairly consistent with county and state levels
(Table 5-2) The percentage of persons 65 years and older is lower in the demographic study area
than the state percentage, but comparable to Wake County
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-2
AUGUST 2008
Table 5-1 Population by Race
Tract 522 02 Tract 530 02
k

Population by Race
Block
Block
Block Wa
e
County
North
Carolina
Tract Tract
Group 2 Group 3 Group 2
1,596 688 224 8,046 890 454,544 5,804,656
White
373% 435% 168% 814% 689% 724% 721%
Black or African 2,075 714 815 1,191 332 123,820 11737,545
American 484% 452% 612% 121% 257% 197% 216%
American Indian or 19 10 1 56 7 2,152 99,551
Alaska Native 04% 06% 01% 06% 05% 03% 12%
78 39 16 154 1 21,249 113,689
Asian
18% 25% 12% 16% 01% 34% 14%
Native Hawaiian/Other 5 0 0 5 1 212 3,983
Pacific Islander 01% 00% 00% 01% 01% 01% 01%
376 101 215 271 42 15,548 186,629
Other Race
88% 64% 161% 27% 33% 25% 23%
135 29 61 155 18 10,321 103,260
Two or More Races
32% 18% 46% 15% 14% 16% 13%
4,284 1,581 1,332 9,878 1,291 627,846 8,049,313
All Races Total
100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Hispanic or Latino (of 634 227 306 504 283 33,985 378,963
any race)* 148% 143% 230% 51% 220% 54% 47%
Source United States Census Bureau, Census 2000
* Hispanic or Latino populations are not considered as a single racial group, but are included within all other racial
groups This portion of the table breaks the figures out of other groups to better portray this category of individuals
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-3
AUGUST 2008
Table 5-2 Age Distribution
Age Group Demographic Wake North
Study Area County Carohna
3,715 175,572 2,193,360
19 years and under
262% 280% 272%
6,291 278,011 3,078,043
20-44 years
444% 443% 383%
3,016 127,891 1,808,862
45-64 years
213% 203% 225%
1,140 46,372 969,048
65 years and older
81% 74% 120%
Source United States Census Bureau, Census 2000
/NCOME, POVERTY, ANO EOUCAT/ON STATUS
Differences in median household income in the demographic study area are shown in Table 5-3
The median household income in Tract 522 02 is nearly $20,000 less than that of Tract 530 02 Both
tracts have a lower median household income than Wake County
The percentage of persons below the poverty level is higher in Tract 522 02 than in the county and
state, while Tract 530 02 is comparable to county figures and better than state figures
Table 5-4 shows that Tract 522 02 trails the county and state in educational attainment Tract 530 02
is close to the county in the percentage of high school graduates, and has a higher percentage of
high school graduates than the state While this tract has a lower percentage of those with a
Bachelor's degree or higher than the county, it fares better than the state in this category
Table 5-3 Income and Poverty Status
Tract
522 02 Tract
530 02 Wake
County North
Carohna
Median Household Income (1999) $31,000 $50,255 $54,988 $39,184
Persons Below Poverty Level 17 2% 7 3% 7 8% 12 3%
Source United States Census Bureau, Census 2000
Table 5-4 Educational Status
Tract
522 02 Tract
530 02 Wake
County North
Carohna
High School Graduate or Higher 695% 871% 893% 781%
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 189% 335% 439% 225%
Source United States Census Bureau, Census 2000
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-4
AUGUST 2008
•
•
•
i
r
•
•
•
5.2.2 NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES
Residential communities within the area consist of middle income older communities and newer
single-family homes A new master planned community, Renaissance Park, is currently under
construction near Bridge No 259 (see Figure 3-1) It is scheduled to open in 2009 Upon build-out,
the 216-acre community will consist of approximately 1,100 homes and will provide approximately
338,000 square feet of commercial and retail space
No minority or low-income neighborhoods were noted in the study area The Robinwood
community, a low-income and minority neighborhood abuts Renaissance Park to the north, but is
outside the study area
NE/QHOORHOOD COHEB/ON
The proposed project will not separate existing neighborhoods or isolate portions of the existing
community The project has been incorporated into the development plan for Renaissance Park
TRAVEL PATTERNS AND ACCESSIBILITY
Residential communities along Crestline Avenue and Fairway Drive are connected to Tryon Road
just west of the study area The project may cause travel delays during construction for residents of
these neighborhoods accessing Tryon Road Such inconveniences during project construction will
be temporary Once the project is complete, neighborhood access should be similar to conditions
prior to the project
Access to commercial properties will be maintained throughout construction of the project In
general, the proposed improvements are not expected to have a substantial adverse impact on
commercial properties The median may make it less convenient for westbound drivers to access
the businesses on the south side of Tryon Road near Wilmington Street They will have to turn left
or make a U-turn at the Grenelle Road intersection Vehicles delivering homes to a manufactured
home business in this area might have difficulty making this maneuver Accommodating these
vehicles will be addressed during final design If accommodations cannot be made, the vehicles will
need to use alternate routes from the west to allow them to turn right into the establishment In
addition, drivers exiting Grenelle Road will have to turn right onto Tryon Road Drivers who wish
to travel east on Tryon Road towards Wilmington Street will have to make a U-turn at junction
Boulevard
An existing service road along the west side of Wilmington Street will be removed as part of the
project (see Figure 34B) Access to the businesses in the southwest quadrant of Tryon Road and
Wilmington Street will be provided via a driveway across from Grenelle Road (see Figure 3-113)
Withers Road will not connect to the new alignment portion of Tryon Road A portion of existing
Tryon Road will remain in place to allow employees and patrons of businesses along Withers Road
to access (new) Tryon Road via junction Boulevard (see Figure 34A and B)
Commuting patterns in the study area are not expected to change as a direct result of the proposed
project When additional Tryon Road widening projects are completed, travelers may choose this
route as an alternative to Wilmington Street and I-40/440
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-5
AUGUST 2008
5.2.3 RELOCATION OF RESIDENCES AND BUSINESSES
The proposed project will not require the relocation of any homes or businesses
Businesses on the south side of Tryon Road, between Grenelle Road and Wilmington Street, will
lose some of their parking adjacent to Tryon Road
5.2.4 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES
The proposed project will provide 14-foot outside lanes to accommodate bicyclists and sidewalks
for pedestrians These will connect to similar improvements for current and future Tryon Road
projects, ultimately providing a continuous connection of accommodations for cyclists and
pedestrians
5.2.5 PUBLIC FACILITIES
There are no churches, parks, or schools within the project area The Raleigh Golf Association
(RGA) golf course, a private course that is open to the public, is located just west of Bridge No 259
Construction of the proposed project will result in direct impacts to the golf course, including
• Reduction in length of No 14 Hole north of Tryon Road, between Bridge No 259 and Par
Drive
• Loss of first row of parking adjacent to clubhouse (south of Tryon Road) This parking is
currently within NCDOT right-of-way
Table 5-5 Impacts to Public Facilities
Facility (Raleigh Golf Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 5
(preferred)
Association
Parking Loss of entire paved Loss of first row of Loss of first row of
parking lot and part of parking in paved lot parking in paved lot
gravel lot (within (within NCDOT (within NCDOT
NCDOT right-of-way) right-of-way) right-of-way)
Golf Course Reduction in length of Reduction in length of Reduction in length
No 14 Hole north of No 14 Hole north of of No 14 Hole north
Tryon Road Tryon Road of Tryon Road
Loss of putting green
south of Tryon Road
Note Impacts include only those associated with U-4432
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-6
AUGUST 200E
• 5.2.6 COMMUNITY SERVICES
• Emergency services are provided by the City of Raleigh and Town of Garner, as well as Wake
County Wake County Emergency Medical Services contracts with eight non-profit organizations to
provide local services to citizens Garner Emergency Medical Services and Rescue (GEMS) serves
• as one of these contracted organizations The City of Raleigh Fire Department and the Garner
• Volunteer Fire Department serve area citizens as well
• Police services are provided by both the City of Raleigh (District 26) and the Town of Garner
• Substations are located just west of junction Boulevard and on Avent Ferry Road, both outside the
project limits
• Emergency responders and providers of other community services could experience minor
• disruptions in travel during project construction, but the project is not expected to adversely affect
the provision of services in the project area Ultimately, these service providers will benefit from an
improved roadway alignment and replacement of a substandard bridge
• 5.2.7 ECONOMIC EFFECTS
The main employers directly within the project corridor include various retail/service
• establishments, the Raleigh Golf Association, and a few industrial businesses The largest employer
in Wake County is the State of North Carolina, followed by International Business Machines (IBM)
and the Wake County Public School System (Raleigh Chamber of Commerce) Other large
employers include North Carolina State University, WakeMed, GlaxoSmithKlme, and SAS Institute
• The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area is anchored by one of the nation's largest research parks,
• Research Triangle Park, as well as three nationally renowned research universities The area is
consistently ranked among the nation's best economies
• The unemployment rate for Raleigh is comparable to the County and lower than the state's
• unemployment rate (North Carolina Employment Security Commission) The most recent figures
available show Raleigh's unemployment rate at 3 8 percent in June 2007 compared to 3 9 percent for
Wake County and 5 1 percent for the State
• Economic conditions in the study area are not expected to change as a result of the proposed
project
• Changes in access or visibility to local businesses that could result in economic impacts are not
expected When the project is completed and the majority of travelers are diverted to the new
location portion of Tryon Road, there will be less traffic in the vicinity of Withers Road Businesses
in this area are primarily industrial and are not expected to be adversely affected by a reduction in
• drive-by traffic
• 5.2.8 SUMMARY OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS
• The proposed project is not expected to have any notable social or economic effects
• U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-7
AUGUST 2008
•
•
5.3 LAND USE
5.3.1 EXISTING LAND USE AND ZONING
Land use in the vicinity of the project includes a mixture of commercial, residential, industrial, and
open space The Raleigh Golf Association golf course is a prominent feature adjacent to the railroad
tracks at Bridge No 259 Commercial uses comprise a large portion of the area around the project
and are generally located along Wilmington Street
Project area zoning, shown in Figure 5-2, is representative of the land uses in the area It is a
combination of industrial, residential, office and institutional, and neighborhood business A
Watershed Protection Overlay District coincides with the Swift Creek watershed area The area
being developed as Renaissance Park has been rezoned a Planned Development Overlay District
5.3.2 COMPATIBILITY WITH LOCAL PLANS
The proposed project is consistent with the Raleigh Comprehensive Plan (adopted September 2004),
where it is shown as a "major thoroughfare " The portion to be relocated is shown as a "proposed
road " It is also compatible with the Town of Garner Comprehensive Growth Plan (September 2006),
which emphasizes the need to widen and extend major arterials to improve the flow of traffic
The Swift Creek Watershed portion of the plan notes that roadways should be in place before
intense development occurs Improvements to Tryon Road are currently underway by the
developer of Renaissance Park
5.4 FARMLAND
North Carolina Executive Order Number 96, Preservation of Prcme Agncultural and Forest Lands,
requires all state agencies to consider the impact of land acquisition and construction projects on
prune farmland soils, as designated by the Natural Resources Conservation Services (MRCS) Land
within urban areas or which is planned or zoned for urban development is not subject to the same
level of preservation afforded land in rural agricultural areas The proposed project is located within
an area zoned for urban development Therefore, further consideration of farmland impacts is not
required
5.5 NATURAL RESOURCES
Field investigations were conducted by quahfied biologists between October 2003 and January 2004
to assess the existing natural environment within the project area Details of the methodology and
investigations supporting the information provided in this section are provided in the Natural
port (NRTR) (Mulkey, 2003)
Resources Technical Re
Impacts for the proposed project are considered separately from those associated with the
improvements underway by the developer of Renaissance Park Those impacts have been permitted
and mitigated as part of Renaissance Park They are not included in the calculation of impacts
summarized in this section
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-8
Aur.LIST 2008
•
•
•
•
•
•
5.5.1 BIOTIC RESOURCES
TERREBTR/AL CommLJN/r/ES
Three plant communities were identified in the project study area mixed pine-hardwood forest,
bottomland hardwood forest, and man-dominated (maintained easements, lawns, utility rights-of-
way)
Mixed Pine-Hardwood Forest Mixed pine hardwood forest community is present throughout the
upland area of the site and is typically characterized by a variety of hardwood species in the canopy,
a moderate understory, and a sparse herbaceous layer This forested community is best classified as
a variation of Schafale and Weakley's (1990) Dry Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest The DryMesic Oak-
Hickory Forest community is typically dominated by a mixture of oak (Quercus spp) and hickory
(Caga spp) species In forests with a frequent disturbance regime, loblolly pine (Pznus taeda), red
maple (Acer rubrum), and sweetgum (Lzquzdambar styracflua) may become dominant canopy species
In the study area, dominant canopy species found were loblolly pine and sweetgum, while tulip
poplar (Lzrodendron tulo fera), red maple, willow oak (Q phellos), northern red oak (Q rubra), and white
oak (Q alba) were also largely present Understory species include dogwood (Cornus Honda),
blackberry (Kobus argutus), southern arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), hickory saplings, American
holly (Ilex opaca), possumhaw (Ilex deadua), black cherry (Prunus serotzna), blueberry (Vawnzum
stamzneum), red cedar (Junzperus vzrgznzana), greenbriar (Smilax rotund folia), poison ivy (Toxwodendron
radzcans), muscadine grape (Vztzs rotund folza), and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonzcerajaponzca) Dominant
herbaceous species include dog fennel (Eupatonum capall folaum), pokeberry (Phytolacca amencana), and
aster (Aster spp )
Bottomland Hardwood Forest The bottomland forest community is situated along the banks and
adjacent floodplain of the unnamed tributary This forested community is best classified as a
variation of a Piedmont/Mountain Bottomland Forest (Schafale and Weakley, 1990) This
community is characterized by plant species which are tolerant of occasional flooding and
oftentimes contains a dense understory and herbaceous layer Dominant species observed in the
mature canopy were red maple, sweetgum, tulip poplar, and American elm (Ulmus amencana) The
understory tree and shrub layer includes sweetgum and red maple saplings, silky dogwood (C
amomum), southern arrowood, and tag alder (Alnus serrulata) Woody vines observed were greenbriar,
Japanese honeysuckle, and poison ivy The herbaceous community included smartweed (Polygonum
spp ),Japanese stilt grass (Mzcrostegzum vamzneum), jewelweed (Impatiens capenszs), giant cane (Arundznana
gzgantea), marsh-fleabane (Pluchea spp ), and various grasses (family Poaceae), rushes (Juncus spp ), and
sedges (Carex spp )
Man-Dominated Man-dominated communities represent areas that are periodically maintained by
human influences, such as roadside and power line rights-of-way, regularly mowed lawns, fields, and
open areas Man-dominated areas comprise a majority of the study area including old airport land,
roadside maintained areas, and residential lawns The man-dominated roadside areas are primarily
covered with herbaceous vegetation that includes various types of grasses and common weedy
species such as plantain (Plantago sp ), dog fennel, chickweed (Cerastzum sp ), and Indian strawberry
(Duchesnea indica) Various grasses and ornamental shrubs are the dominant vegetation in the
residential and commercial lawns, including Chinese privet (Lzgustrum sinense), crepe myrtle
(Lagerstroemza zndzca), and nandina (Nandzna domestzca)
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AUGUST 200E
5-9
TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE
The bottomland forest, mixed pine-hardwood forest, and man-dominated communities in the
project study area offer a moderate diversity of foraging, nesting, and cover habitat for many species
of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that have adapted to highly impacted and fragmented
landscapes Species that may be associated with these types of communities are described below
An asterisk (*) indicates the species that were directly observed or for which evidence was noted
during field reconnaissance
Reptile species associated with the study area may include the Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carokna),
five-lined skink (Eumeces fascaatus), rough green snake (Opbeodrys aestivus), Eastern milk snake
(Lampropeltzs trzangulum tnangulum), black racer snake* (Coluber constnctor), and brown snake (Storena
dekaya) These reptiles inhabit fields, woodlands, streams, wood piles, and old buildings of the
Piedmont and lower mountains in North Carolina Eastern box turtles eat a wide variety of plants
and small animals, including poisonous mushrooms Five-lined skinks feed on spiders, crickets,
grasshoppers, beetles, and other insects Rough green snakes forage on spiders, moth and butterfly
larvae, crickets, and grasshoppers and will often forage among vines or shrubs along stream banks
The Eastern milk snake forages for rodents in fields and woodlands and will frequently enter barns
in search of food Brown snakes are commonly found under wood or other debris and feed on
slugs and earthworms Black racer snakes are found in pastures, fields, and woodlands
Many bird species may inhabit or migrate through the study area Common inhabitants include red-
bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carohnus), hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus), downy woodpecker (P
pubescens), blue jay (Cyanocatta cnstata), Carolina chickadee* (Pares carobnensis), tufted titmouse
(Baeolopbus bicolor), white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carohnensis), American robin (Turdus mzgratonus),
Northern cardinal (Cardinahs cardanalis), Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), house finch
(Carpodacus mexacanus), Carolina wren (Tbgotborus ludovicianus), dark-eyed junco (Junco byemahs),
American goldfinch (Carduelis tnstas), American crow* (Corvus bracbyrlyncbos), and brown-headed
cowbird (Molotbrus ater) Predatory species may include red-tailed hawk (Buteojamaicensis), Eastern
screech owl (Otus asio), and barred owl (Stnx vana)
A wide variety of mammals are expected to inhabit the study area and surrounding landscape
Virginia opossum (Didepbis viTiniana), woodchuck (Marmota monax), gray squirrel* (Sciurus
carobnensis), Eastern harvest mouse (Reatbrodontomys bumuhs), raccoon* (Procyon lotor), and white-tailed
deer* (Odocoileus virganianus) are species most likely to be found Five unleashed dogs (Canis spp )
were seen in the study area In addition, bats such as the Eastern red (Lasaurus borealis) and big
brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) may also be present in the project study area The Eastern red bat often
hangs in leafy tree tops near the edge of a clearing during summer months This bat species forages
near street or outside lights and eats mosquitoes, flies, true bugs, beetles, and other insects The big
brown bat typically uses man-made structures such as attics, barns, sheds, and bridges for summer
roosts They forage near water and along streams, eating insects such as beetles, flies, mayflies,
stoneflies, and mosquitoes
5.5.2 AQUATIC COMMUNITIES
The aquatic habitat of the unnamed tributaries (UTs) of Swift Creek is expected to be limited
because of the highly developed surrounding area, as well as the small size of the streams
The study area likely contains a small amphibian population of frogs and toads Spring peepers
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-10
AUGUST 2008
•
•
•
(Hyla crucifer), pickerel frogs (Rana palustns), and green frogs (R. clamitans) are most likely to be
present in the study area Spring peepers mainly inhabit woodlands, while pickerel frogs are found
along shaded streams and in wet areas Green frogs live along streams, ponds, and lakes throughout
North Carolina No frog or toad species were observed during the field investigations
Reptiles that spend the vast majority of their lives in aquatic communities and are somewhat
common throughout this portion of North Carolina include the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina),
eastern musk turtle (Sternotberus odoratus), yellowbelly slider (Cbrysemys smpta), and northern water
snake (Nerodia sipedon) Turtles eat small invertebrates, insects, snails, and small aquatic plants, and
they nest both in the water and on dry land Aquatic snakes generally feed upon fish and
amphibians and can be spotted basking on logs in the water or climbing on low, overhanging limbs
Mammals such as the beaver (Castor canadensis) and muskrat (Ondatra !?7betbicus) that use streams and
other water bodies for shelter and food could potentially be impacted by any proposed activities
5.5.3 SUMMARY DF ANTICIPATED EFFECTS
TERREBTR/AL Cammumrma
Impacts to terrestrial communities are shown in Table 5-6 The Mixed Pine Hardwood community
will incur the greatest impacts
Table 5-6 Impacts to Vegetative Communities (acres)
Vegetative Community Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 5
referred
Man-Dominated 0 47 0 60 0 49
Mixed Pine Hardwood 0 58 0 62 0 58
Bottomland Hardwood 0 0 0
Note Impacts include only those associated with U-4432
AQUATIC COMML P417-1ES
Aquatic organisms are very sensitive to the discharges and inputs resulting from construction
Impacts usually associated with in-stream construction include increased channelization and
• scouring of the streambed In-stream construction alters the substrate and impacts adjacent
• streamside vegetation Such disturbances within the substrate lead to increased siltation, which can
clog the gills and/or feeding mechanisms of benthic organisms, fish, and amphibian species
Siltation may also cover benthos with excessive amounts of sediments that inhibit their ability to
• obtain oxygen These organisms are slow to recover and usually do not, once the stream has been
•
•
•
severely impacted
Stringent measures must be taken to avoid spillage and to control runoff Such measures should
include an erosion and sedimentation control plan, provisions for waste materials and storage,
stormwater management measures, and appropriate road maintenance measures NCDOT's Best
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AUGUST 2008
5-11
Management Practices for Protection of Surface haters (BMPs - PSW) and sedimentation control guidelines
should be strictly enforced during the construction stages of the project
The removal of streamside vegetation and placement of fill material during construction contributes
to erosion and possible sedimentation Quick revegetation of these areas helps to reduce the
impacts by supporting the underlying soils Erosion and sedimentation may carry soils, toxic
compounds, trash, and other materials into the aquatic communities at the construction site As a
result, sand bars may be formed both at the site and downstream Increased light penetration from
the removal of streamside vegetation may increase water temperatures Warmer water contains less
oxygen, thus reducing aquatic life that depends on high oxygen concentrations
5.6 WATER RESOURCES
5.6.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF SURFACE WATERS
The proposed project is located within the Neuse River Basin, the third largest basin in the state,
covering approximately 6,235 square miles in the south central portion of eastern North Carolina
The Neuse River basin is one of three basins that are entirely located within North Carolina
boundaries It contains portions of the most highly developed and densely populated areas in the
state
The project study area is located within Neuse River subbasin 03-04-02 and USGS hydrologic unit
03020201 (NCDWQ, 2002) Two unnamed tributaries (UTs) to Swift Creek and four areas of
riparian wetlands make up the Waters of the United States in the study area (see Figure 3-1) The
primary UT to Swift Creek (UT1) within the project study area is depicted on the USGS quad map
as an intermittent stream This stream converges with Swift Creek just above Lake Benson,
approximately 3 5 miles downstream of the project site The other UT to Swift Creek (UT2) is very
short and empties into UT1 near the southern edge of the proposed new location of Tryon Road
UT1 was found to be clear and moderate-flowing during the field investigation The stream channel
was approximately four feet wide in the study area, with a sand-silt-clay substrate A classification
system for stream channels based on fluvial geomorphologic principles and landscape position was
used for this report (Rosgen, 1996) Based on this classification method and field observations
during the site visit, both streams appear to be Type E6 channels that are entrenched but somewhat
stable Specific channel information relating to the UTs to Swift Creek is presented in Table 5-7
Table 5-7 Approximate Stream Dimensions of the UTs to Swift Creek
Channel
Stream Bankfull width Water depth Bank height
width
UT1 to Swift Creek 4 feet 4 feet 3 to 6 inches 3 feet
UT2 to Swift Creek 2 feet 4 feet 0 to 3 inches 2 to 4 feet
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-12
AUGUST 2008
• 5.6.2 BEST USAGE CLASSIFICATION AND WATER QUALITY
• The NCDWQ classifies surface waters of the state based on their intended best uses The UTs are
currently unclassified, however, Swift Creek is designated as WS-III, NSW WS-III waters are
protected as water supplies in generally low to moderately developed watersheds Point source
• discharges of treated wastewater are permitted pursuant to Rules in the North Carolina
Administrative Code, and local programs to control nonpoint source and stormwater discharge of
pollution are required This water supply is suitable for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing,
• wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW) are waters needing
• additional protection because they are subject to excessive microscopic and macroscopic vegetation
• growth Neither high quality waters (HQW), outstanding resource waters (ORW), trout waters (Tr),
nor WS-1 or WS-II water supply watershed waters occur within one mile of the study area No
streams within the study area are designated as North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers or as
• National Wild and Scenic Rivers
• The North Carolina Administrative Code provides a working definition for perennial, intermittent,
and ephemeral streams Perennial streams have water flowing in a well-defined channel for a
majority of the year (greater than 90 percent of the time) Intermittent streams have flowing water
• only during the wetter portion of the year, typically during winter and spring The flow occurs in a
• well-defined channel that often lacks the biological and hydrological characteristics commonly
associated with perennial streams Ephemeral streams, also known as stormwater channels, have
flowing water only during rainfall events and for short periods after precipitation Flow usually
• occurs in low areas that may or may not have a well-defined channel
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires states to develop a list of waters not meeting water
• quality standards or which have impaired uses Waters may be excluded from the list if existing
• control strategies for point and nonpoint source pollution will achieve the standards for uses North
Carolina's 303(d) list is a comprehensive public accounting of all impaired waterbodies in the state
For each segment of a stream included on the 303(d) list that is impaired by a pollutant, a Total
• Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) must be developed for the pollutant that is impairing water quality
• Swift Creek is partially included on the State's 303(d) list for the year 2006 The listed section of
Swift Creek does not encompass the direct receiving waters of the UTs of Swift Creek nor is the
listed section of Swift Creek with 10 mile of the study area
• The Ambient Monitoring System (AMS) is a network of stream, lake, and estuarine water-quality
monitoring stations strategically located for the collection of physical and chemical water quality
data The type of water quality data or parameters collected is determined by the waterbody's
• classification and corresponding water quality standards The AMS determines the "use support"
• status of waterbodies, meaning how well a waterbody supports its designated uses While there are
no AMS monitoring stations along the unnamed tributary in the project vicinity, a monitoring site
identified as "A-8" is located on Swift Creek, approximately eight miles downstream of where the
• unnamed tributary enters Swift Creek This section of Swift Creek has an "impaired" rating
0 The nearest benthic macroinvertebrate sampling site to the study area (B-14) is located on Swift
• Creek, approximately six miles upstream of where the UT1 empties into Swift Creek This site was
• last sampled in 2002, and given a bioclassification rating of fair (NCDWQ, 2002) The North
Carolina Index of Biotic Integrity (NCIBI) is used to assess the biological integrity of streams by
examining the structure and health of the fish community This index incorporates information
about species richness and composition, trophic composition, fish abundance, and fish condition
• U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-13
• AUGUST 200E
•
•
As of April 2000, Swift Creek has a NCIB1 rating of Good-Fair (NCDWQ, 2003a)
Point source chschargers throughout North Carolina are regulated through the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program Dischargers are required by law to register for a
permit There are 52 permitted dischargers in this subbasin of the Neuse River, none of which are
located upstream or within one mile of the study area (NCDWQ, 2002)
5.7 SUMMARY OF ANTICIPATED IMPACTS TO WATER RESOURCES
The primary sources of water quality degradation in urban areas are non-point sources of discharge,
which include surface water runoff and construction activities Short-term impacts to water quality
from construction-related activities include loss of aesthetic values, increased sedimentation, and
turbidity Long-term construction related impacts to water resources include substrate
destabilization, bank erosion, increased turbidity, altered flow rates, and possible temperature
fluctuations within the channel due to removal of streamside vegetation Temporary construction
impacts due to erosion and sedimentation will be minimized through implementation of a stringent
erosion control schedule and the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) Disturbed sites will be
revegetated with herbaceous cover after construction to help reduce runoff and lessen sediment
loadings Direct discharges into streams will be avoided whenever possible
5.8 JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS
5.8.1 WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES
Surface waters and jurisdictional wetlands fall under the broad category Waters of the United States,
as defined in Section 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 328 3 Any action that
proposes to place fill material into these areas falls under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of
Engineers (COE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA 33 USC 1344)
5.8.2 SURFACE WATERS
UT1 to Swift Creek has been determined to be a perennial channel from the confluence of UT2 to
Swift Creek through the remainder of the project study area Upstream of this confluence, UT1
(eastern intermittent stream) has been determined to be an intermittent-important channel UT2 to
Swift Creek (western intermittent stream) has been determined to be an intermittent-unimportant
channel Detailed stream characteristics, including specific water quality designations, are presented
in561
5.8.3 WETLANDS
Five wetlands were delineated during field surveys (WA, WB, WC, WD, WE) These are shown in
Figure 3-1 All of the wetlands delineated within the study area are classified as palustrine, forested,
broad-leaved deciduous, seasonally flooded/ saturated (PF01E) wetlands
Wetlands WA and WB are situated at the northern end of the project corridor adjacent to the
headwaters of UT1 and UT2 of Swift Creek, respectively The vegetation consists primarily of red
maple, sweetgum, tulip poplar, silky dogwood, southern arrowood, greenbnar, Japanese
honeysuckle, blackberry, marsh-fleabane, and various grasses and sedges Soil profiles examined
during the field visit had a fine sandy loam texture, with a low chroma color (2 5Y5/2, grayish
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-14
AUGUST 2008
•
•
•
•
brown) (Munsell, 2000) Drainage patterns were the primary hydrologic indicators throughout the
wetlands Wetlands WA and WB both received a rating of 76 out of a possible 100, based on the
NCDWQ Wetland Rating Worksheet
Wetlands WD and WE are located south of wetlands WA and WB, adjacent to UT1 of Swift Creek
The vegetation consists primarily of red maple, sweetgum, American elm, tag alder, southern
arrowood, giant cane, jewelweed, Japanese stilt grass, and poison ivy Soil profiles examined during
the field visit had a silty loam texture, with a low chroma color (10YR3/1 very dark gray) Drainage
patterns in wetlands and saturation were the primary hydrologic indicators throughout the wetlands
Wetlands WD and WE received ratings of 80 and 76, respectively, out of a possible 100, based on
the NCDWQ Wetland Rating Worksheet
Wetland WC is located downstream (south) of wetlands WD and WE, south of Tryon Road,
adjacent to the UT of Swift Creek The vegetation consists primarily of red maple, sweetgum, tag
alder, Japanese stilt grass, smartweed, muscadine grape, and Japanese honeysuckle Soil profiles
examined during the field visit had a silty clay loam texture with a low chroma color (2 5Y5/1 gray)
Drainage patterns in wetlands and saturation were the primary hydrologic indicators throughout the
wetlands Wetland WC received a rating of 72 out of a possible 100, based on the NCDWQ
Wetland Rating Worksheet
5.8.4 NEUSE RIVER BUFFER RULES
The Neuse River Riparian Buffer Rule applies to 50-foot wide riparian buffers directly adjacent to
perennial and intermittent surface waters in the Neuse River Basin This rule does not apply to
portions of the riparian buffer where a use is existing and ongoing Any change in land use within
the riparian buffer may be characterized as an impact The Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management
Strategy for the Protection and Maintenance of Riparian Buffers (15 A NCAC 2B 0233) provides a
designation for uses that cause impacts to riparian buffers within the Neuse River Basin The buffer
is divided into two areas Zone 1 includes the first 30 feet out from the water and essentially must
remain undisturbed Zone 2 consists of the landward 20 feet which must be vegetated, but allows
for certain land uses Grading and replanting in Zone 2 is allowed provided that the health of the
vegetation in Zone 1 is not compromised
Simple perpendicular bridge crossings are designated Allowable within the riparian buffer The
Allowable designation means that the intended uses may proceed within the riparian buffer provided
that there are no practical alternatives, and that written authorization from the NCDWQ is obtained
prior to project development Allowable with Mitigation buffer impacts for bridge replacement
projects are addressed when parallel impacts to jurisdictional water occur Allowable with Mitigation
buffer impacts require written authorization from the NCDWQ prior to project development
5.8.5 SUMMARY OF ANTICIPATED EFFECTS
No impacts to Waters of the United States or Neuse River Buffers are anticipated as part of the
proposed improvements for U-4432
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-15
AUGUST 2008
5.8.6 ANTICIPATED PERMITS
No permits are anticipated for the proposed action During final design, permit requirements will be
re-evaluated if construction activities extend beyond the existing fill slope
5.9 RARE AND PROTECTED SPECIES
5.9.1 FEDERALLY- PROTECTED SPECIES
Some populations of fauna and flora have been, or are in the process of, decline due to either
natural forces or their inability to coexist with humans Federal law (under the provisions of Section
7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended) requires that any action likely to adversely
affect a species classified as federally protected be subject to review by the USFWS Other species
may receive additional protection under separate laws North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
(NCNHP) maps were reviewed to determine if any protected species have been identified at or near
the study area This map review confirmed that no federally protected species have been
documented within a one-mile radius of the project site Table 5-8 shows the Wake County listing
of federally Threatened or Endangered species
It should be noted that the bald eagle (Hakaeetus leucocephalus) was formerly listed as a Threatened
species for both counties, however, as of August 8, 2007 it has been formally delisted The species
will still receive protection from the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act Both federal laws prohibit "taking" -- killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their
nests or eggs Due to the bald eagle's current delisted status, a biological conclusion is no longer
necessary for this species Suitable habitat for the bald eagle consisting of large areas of open water is
not present within the project area or within one mile of the project study area
Table 5-8 Threatened and Endangered Species Listed for Wake County, NC
Common Name Scienufic Name Federal Listing State Listing
Red-cockaded
woodpecker
Pzcozdes borealzs
Endangered
Endangered
Dwarf wedge mussel Alasmzdonta heterodon Endangered Endangered
Michaux's sumac Rhus mzchauxzz Endangered Endangered-Special
concern
Source US Nish and Wildlife Service
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-16
AUGUST 2008
• Red-cockaded woodpecker (Prcordes boreahs)
Federal Status Endangered
State Status Endangered
• Date Listed October 13, 1970
• Family Picidae
This bird is a small, seven to eight inch tall woodpecker with a black and white barred back and
conspicuous large white cheek surrounded by a black cap, nape, and throat Males have a very small
• red mark at the upper edge of the white cheek and just behind the eye The red-cockaded
• woodpecker (RCW) is found in open pine forests in the southeastern United States The RCW uses
open old growth stands of southern pines (greater than ten inches diameter at breast height),
particularly longleaf pine, for foraging and nesting habitat A forested stand optimally should
• contain at least 50 percent pine and lack a thick understory The RCW is unique among
• woodpeckers because it nests exclusively in living pine trees These birds excavate nests in pines
greater than 60 years old that are contiguous with open, pine dominated, foraging habitat The
S foraging range of the RCW may extend 500 acres and must be contiguous with suitable nesting sites
(USFWS, 2003)
Living pines infected with red-heart disease (Formes pant) are often selected for cavity excavation
Cavities are located from 12 to 100 feet above ground level and below live branches These trees
• can be identified by "candles," a large encrustation of running sap that surrounds the tree Colonies
consist of one to many of these candle trees The RCW lays its eggs in April, May, and June, the
eggs hatch approximately ten to 12 days later (USFWS, 2003)
• Biological Conclusion No Effect
• Suitable habitat for RCW does not exist within the study area The age and size of the pine stands
• within the study area are not suitable for sustaining the red-cockaded woodpecker for nesting or
foraging No individuals or cavity trees were observed during the site reconnaissance Therefore,
this species will not be impacted as a result of project construction
Dwarf wedge mussel (Alasmrdonta heterodon)
Federal Status Endangered
State Status Endangered
Date Listed March 14, 1990
Family Unionidae
• The dwarf wedge mussel is small, rarely exceeding 15 inches in length The shell's outer surface
(periostracum) is usually olive brown or yellowish brown in color, with light green rays that are more
noticeable in juveniles The nacre (inner shell surface) is bluish to silvery white The shell shape is
• subtrapezoidal A unique characteristic of this mussel is its dentition pattern, the right valve
• possesses two lateral teeth, while the left valve has only one This trait is opposite of all other North
American species having lateral teeth Three potential fish host species for the glochidia of the
dwarf wedge mussel are the tessellated darter (Etbeostoma olmstedi), Johnny darter (Etbeostoma nigrum),
and mottled sculpm (Cottus bairdt) (USFWS, 2003)
The dwarf wedge mussel inhabits perennial creeks and rivers with a slow to moderate current and a
sandy, gravelly, or muddy bottom In North Carolina, this mussel is documented in the Neuse and
• U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-17
AUGUST 2008
•
•
•
Tar River systems Dwarf wedge mussel population declines are attributed to industrial, domestic,
and agricultural pollution Loss of habitat due to siltation of streams and chemical pollution,
especially in the highly developed Wake and Johnston County sites, threaten the survival of this
mussel (USFWS, 2003)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Suitable habitat for the dwarf wedge mussel consisting of perennial creeks and rivers with a slow to
moderate current and a sandy, gravelly, or muddy bottom are not present within the project study
area The UTs of Swift Creek are intermittent and do not sustain a large enough flow to support the
dwarf wedge mussel Therefore, the proposed project construction will not impact the dwarf wedge
mussel
Michaux's sumac (Rhus mrchauxrr)
Federal Status Endangered
State Status Endangered - Special Concern
Date Listed September 28, 1989
Family Anacardiaceae
Michaux's sumac is a rhizomatous, densely harry shrub, with erect stems from one to three feet in
height The compound leaves contain evenly serrated, oblong to lanceolate, acuminate leaflets
Most plants are unisexual, however, more recent observations have revealed plants with both male
and female flowers on one plant The flowers are small, borne in a terminal, erect, dense cluster,
and colored greenish yellow to white Flowering usually occurs from June to July, while the fruit, a
red drupe, is produced through the months of August to October Only 36 extant populations are
known, with 31 in North Carolina, three in Virginia, and two populations in Georgia (Russo, 2000)
Michaux's sumac grows in sandy or rocky open woods in association with basic soils It spreads by
producing cloning shoots from the roots of mature plants Apparently, this plant survives best in
areas where some form of periodic disturbance provides open areas At least 12 of the plant's
populations in North Carolina are on highway rights of way, roadsides, or on the edges of artificially
maintained clearings (Russo, 2000)
Biological Conclusion. May Affect-Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Suitable habitat for Michaux's sumac is present in the study area, especially surrounding the
disturbed areas associated with the Renaissance Park development A pedestrian survey was
completed in October 2003 for Michaux's sumac in the study area No individuals or colonies were
observed during the plant-by-plant survey Therefore, this species may be affected, but is not likely
to be adversely affected as a result of project construction USFWS has confirmed this biological
conclusion (Appendix A) Due to the length of time since the last survey was conducted, the area
should be resurveyed prior to construction
5.9.2 FEDERAL SPECIES OF CONCERN AND STATE-PROTECTED
SPECIES
Federal Species of Concern (FSC) are not legally protected under the Endangered Species Act and
are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-18
AUGUST 2008
as Threatened or Endangered Species designated as FSC are defined as taxa which may or may not
be listed in the future These species were formerly Candidate 2 (C2) species or species under
consideration for listing for which there is insufficient information to support listing
Some of these species are listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern by the NCNHP list
of rare plant and animal species and are afforded state protection under the State Endangered
Species Act of 1987 and the North Carolina Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979 Wake
County Federal Species of Concern and state protected species are listed in Table 5-9 along with
their classifications and habitat descriptions
On occasion, NCNHP records differ from USFWS records Sometimes a species may be listed by
one agency and not the other, or there may be discrepancies in whether the species record is
considered Historic or Obscure The USFWS listing is used for species spellings and listings Both
agency records are noted regarding Historic and Obscure status
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-19
AUGUST 2008
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5.1 O FLOOD HAZARD EVALUATION
The study area is not located within a flood hazard zone The zone designations within the study
area are shown on Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panel 37183CO530E (unpriinted) for Wake
County, North Carolina in Incorporated Areas
5.1 1 TRAFFIC NOISE ANALYSIS
A traffic noise analysis was performed to determine the effect of the proposed widening on noise
levels in the immediate project area (Mulkey, March 2004)
The analysis included an inventory of existing noise sensitive land uses and measurements of
ambient (existing) noise levels in the study area These ambient noise levels were compared with
future noise levels to determine if traffic noise impacts will result from the proposed project If
traffic noise impacts are predicted, noise abatement measures for reducing or eliminating the noise
impacts must be considered
Preliminary alignments (symmetrical widening with 23-foot or 30-foot median) for the studied
alternatives were available when the noise analysis was conducted The 30-foot median was assumed
as a worst-case condition Worst-case topographical and traffic volume conditions also were
assumed
To determine whether highway noise levels are compatible with various land uses, the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed noise abatement criteria and procedures to be used
in the planning and design of highways (Table 5-10) For the proposed project, the identified
receptors are residential (Category B) and business (Category C)
Table 5-10 Noise Abatement Criteria
Activity
Category Leq(h) Description of Activity Category
57 Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary significance and
A serve an important public need and where the preservation of those qualities
(Exterior) are essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended purpose

B 67 Picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active sports areas, parks,
(Exterior) residences, motels hotels schools churches libraries and hospitals

C 72 Developed lands, properties, or activities not included in Categories A or B
(Exterior) above
D -- Undeveloped lands
E 52 Residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms, schools, churches,
(Interior) libraries, hospitals, and auditoriums
Source Federal Highway Administration Procedures forAbatement of Higbway Traffic Noise and Construction Noire
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-23
AUGUST 2008
These abatement criteria and procedures are set forth in Part 772 of Title 23 of the Code of Federal
Regulations Noise abatement must be considered when a land use is exposed to noise levels
approaching or exceeding the FHWA noise abatement criteria (NAC) and/or the predicted design
year noise levels substantially exceed existing noise levels as defined in Table 5-11
Table 5-11 Criteria for Substantial Increase in Noise Level
Hourly A-Weighted Sound Level - Decibels (dBA)
Existing Noise Level
Leq(h) Increase in dBA from Existing Noise Levels
to Future Noise Levels
<= 50 >= 15
51 >= 14
52 >= 13
53 >= 12
54 >= 11
>= 55 >= 10
Source Federal Highway Administration Procedures forAbatement of Higbway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise
5.1 1.1 AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS
Ambient noise measurements were taken at four locations along the project corridor (Table 5-12)
This information was collected to quantify the existing acoustic environment and to provide a
baseline reference for assessing the impact of noise level increases Existing noise levels in the
project area measured at 50 feet from the edge of pavement ranged from 44 9 dBA to 70 7 dBA
Table 5-12 Ambient Noise Monitoring Locations
Ambient
Site Location* Description Noise Level
(dBA)
1 Wilmington Street approximately 2,500 feet north of Grassy area 707
Tryon Road
2 Tryon Road - 850 feet west of Par Drive at Golf Course Grassy area 631
3 Bruce Circle at end of paved section Grassy area 449
4 Junction Boulevard - approximately 1,100 feet south of Grassy area 581
Tryon Road
*These sites represent a measurement of traffic noise at 50 feet from the center of the nearest travel lane, unless
otherwise noted
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-24
AUGUST 200E
S. 1 1.2 ANALYSIS RESULTS
Traffic noise impacts occur when the predicted traffic noise levels either approach or exceed the
FHWA noise abatement criteria or substantially exceed existing noise levels Consideration for
noise abatement measures must be given to receptors in the project area when noise impacts are
predicted Table 5-13 presents the anticipated noise impacts One business is expected to approach
or exceed FHWA noise abatement criteria as a result of the proposed project
Table 5-13 Anticipated Noise Impacts
Approximate Number of Impacted Receptors
by Land Use Category
Description A B C D E
Tryon Road west of Bridge No 259 0 0 0 0 0
Tryon Road east of Bridge No 259 0 0 0 0 0
US 70-401 north of Tryon Road 0 0 0 0 0
US 70-401 south of Tryon Road 0 0 1 0 0
The predicted noise level increases for this project range up to +8 6 dBA When real-life noises are
heard, it is possible to barely detect noise level changes of 2-3 dBA A 5-dBA change is more readily
noticeable A 10-dBA change is fudged by most people as a doubling or a halving of the loudness of
sound
The traffic noise impacts for the No-Build Alternative also were considered If the proposed project
did not occur, one business is anticipated to approach or exceed the FHWA NAC Predicted noise
level increases for the No-Build range up to +6 9 dBA As previously noted, a 5-dBA change in
noise levels is more readily noticeable to most people
5.1 1 .3 NOISE ABATEMENT ALTERNATIVES
Since the analysis shows an impacted receptor in the project area, noise abatement measures were
considered
HiiyHWAY ALnYPvmENT CHANQES
Highway alignment shifts for noise abatement involve moving the proposed highway away from
noise sensitive areas The selection of alternate alignments for noise abatement purposes must
consider the balance between noise impacts and other engineering and environmental parameters
This project calls for replacing a bridge and widening the existing facility primarily within the
existing right-of-way and with a portion on new location Thus, substantially altering the horizontal
alignment of the facility is not reasonable or feasible from a planning and design standpoint
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-25
AUGUST 2008
TRANSPORTAT/ON SYSTEM MANAQEMENT
Transportation system management measures which limit vehicle type, speed, volume and time of
operations are often effective noise abatement measures These measures are not considered
appropriate for the proposed project because of their potential negative effect on the capacity and
level of service
NOISE BARRIERS
Noise barriers reduce noise levels by blocking the sound path between a roadway and noise sensitive
areas This measure is most often used on high-speed, controlled access facilities where noise levels
are high and there is adequate space for continuous barriers Noise barriers may be constructed
from a variety of materials, either individually or combined, including concrete, wood, metal, earth
and vegetation
A qualitative barrier evaluation was performed for the impacted receptor In the area predicted to
be affected, this site did not pass the qualitative evaluation The affected business requires direct
driveway access, so a continuous barrier that would be necessary for an effective noise level
reduction is not possible
5.1 1 .4 CONSTRUCTION NOISE
The major construction elements of this project are expected to be earth removal, hauling, grading,
and paving General construction noise impacts, such as temporary speech interference for
passersby and those individuals living or working near the project, can be expected particularly from
paving operations and from the earth moving equipment during grading operations Overall,
construction noise impacts are expected to be minimal, since the construction noise is relatively
short in duration and is generally restricted to daytime hours Furthermore, the transmission loss
characteristics of surrounding wooded areas and other natural and man-made features are believed
to be sufficient to moderate the effects of intrusive construction noise
5.1 1.5 SUMMARY
Based on these preliminary studies, traffic noise abatement is not recommended, and no noise
abatement measures are proposed
In accordance with NCDOT Traffic Noise Abatement Policy, the Federal/State governments are
not responsible for providing noise abatement measures for new development which building
permits are issued within a noise-impacted areas of a proposed highway after the Date of Public
Knowledge The Date of Public Knowledge of the location of a proposed highway project will be
the approval date of the CE, EA/FONSI, ROD, or the Design Public Hearing, whichever comes
later For development occurring after this public knowledge date, local governing bodies are
responsible for ensuring that noise compatible designs are utilized along the proposed facility
5.1 2 AIR QUALITY ANALYSIS
A quantitative study was conducted to determine if the proposed project will cause carbon
monoxide levels to exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) An analysis of
Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs) was also prepared This analysis is summarized in the following
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-26
AUGUST 2008
sections The complete analysis, AirQualaty Anal srs, Improvements to Tryon Road from 1Vest of Brzdge No
259 over Norfolk Southern Railway to 1Vilmington Street (October 2007), is included in the project file
5.1 2.1 CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of
carbon in fuels Elevated CO levels can cause numerous health threats Fifty-six percent of
nationwide CO emissions are from transportation sources Because of this, the focus of CO
monitoring has been on traffic-oriented sites in urban areas where the main source of CO is motor
vehicle exhaust
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses specific designations to describe the air
quality in a given area for certain pollutants If an area is in violation of the NAAQS, it is considered
in non-attainment If an area is not in violation of the NAAQS or if there is not enough
information to determine the air quality, the designation is attainment/unclassified The project is
located in Wake County, which is within the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill non-attainment area for
ozone (03), and the Raleigh-Durham non-attainment area for CO
5.1 2.2 AIR QUALITY ANALYSIS RESULTS
A rmcroscale air quality analysis was performed to determine future CO concentrations resulting
from the proposed project (SEPT, October 2007) "CAL3QHC (2 0) - A Modeling Methodology
for Predicting Pollutant Concentrations near Roadway Intersections" was used to predict the CO
concentration near sensitive receptors A copy of the report can be reviewed in Room 447 (Library)
of the Transportation Building, 1 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina
The intersection of Tryon Road and US 70-401/Wilmington Street was selected as the site in the
study area where the highest CO concentration could be expected and human activity is anticipated
This intersection was chosen to represent the "worst case" condition based on traffic volumes, level
of service, and its proximity to human activity
Carbon monoxide vehicle emission factors were calculated for the years 2010, 2015, and 2030 using
the EPA publication "Mobile Source Emission Factors" and the accompanying MOBILE6 2 mobile
source parameters North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(NCDENR) guidance indicates that the average background concentration of CO used for impact
modeling analysis in Durham and Wake County is 2 9 parts per million (ppm) The predicted one-
hour average CO concentrations at the Tryon Road and US 70-401 /Wilmington Street intersection
for 2010, 2015, and 2030 are 7 8 ppm, 6 1 ppm, and 6 1 ppm, respectively The accompanying eight-
hour CO concentrations for these years are 5 0 ppm, 4 1 ppm, and 4 1 ppm, respectively These
concentrations do not exceed the one-hour (35 ppm) or eight-hour (9 ppm) NAAQS for CO The
project is not expected to cause a violation of the CO NAAQS
5. 1 2.3 MOBILE SOuRCE AIR TOxlcs
Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSATs) are compounds emitted from highway vehicles and non-road
equipment Some toxic compounds are present in fuel and are emitted to the air when the fuel
evaporates or passes through the engine unburned Other toxics are emitted from the incomplete
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-27
AUGUST 200B
combustion of fuels or as secondary combustion products Metal air toxics also result from engine
wear or from impurities in oil or gasoline
Reliable methods do not exist to accurately predict health impacts of MSATs at the project level,
however, it is possible to qualitatively assess the levels of future MSAT emissions under the project
For each alternative, the amount of MSATs emitted is proportional to the vehicle miles traveled
(VMT) assuming other values, such as fleet mix, are the same for each Because the estimated VMT
under each of the alternatives is nearly the same, it is expected that there is no appreciable difference
in overall MSAT emissions among the various alternatives Regardless of the alternative chosen,
emissions will likely be lower than present levels in the design year because of the Environmental
Protection Agency's national control programs that are projected to reduce MSAT emissions by 57
to 97 percent between 2000 and 2020 Future region-wide MSAT levels are expected to be lower
than present levels due to these control programs The project is not expected to cause a violation
related to MSATs
S.1 2.4 CONSTRUCTION AIR QUALITY EFFECTS
During construction of the proposed project, best practices will be followed such as removing all
materials resulting from clearing and grubbing, demolition, or other operations from the project by
burning or other disposal methods by the contractor Burning will be done in accordance with local
and state regulations Construction measures will be taken to reduce dust generated by construction
when the control of the dust is necessary for the protection and comfort of motorists or area
residents
5.1 2.5 SUMMARY
The predicted one-hour average and eight-hour CO concentrations at the Tryon Road and US 70-
401 /Wilmington Street intersection for 2010, 2015, and 2030 do not exceed the one-hour or eight-
hour NAAQS for CO The proposed project is not expected to cause a violation of the CO
NAAQS
It is expected that there is no appreciable difference in overall MSAT emissions among the four
alternatives Emissions will likely be lower than present levels in the design year because of the
EPA's national control programs that are projected to reduce MSAT emissions by 57 to 97 percent
between 2000 and 2020 Therefore, the proposed project is not expected to cause a violation related
to MSATs
Best practices will be followed during construction of the proposed project to minimize actions
associated with reduced air quality Burning will be done in accordance with local and state
regulations, and measures will be taken to reduce dust generated by construction when the control
of the dust is necessary for the protection and comfort of motorists or area residents
S.1 3 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL AND UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS
No hazardous material sites or underground storage tank facilities were identified within the study
area
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5_28
AUGUST 2008
•
•
•
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S
•
•
•
5.1 4 INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
A Community Impact Assessment and Indirect and Cumulative Effects Assessment (CIA/ICE) (Mulkey,
December 2005) was completed for the proposed project A summary of the potential indirect and
cumulative effects and overall conclusions is included in the following sections Additional
information gathered since the time of the original report has been included in this section This
includes summaries of natural resources impacts associated with Renaissance Park Tryon Road
improvements and impacts to RGA and the Delta Sigma Phi property associated with the City of
Raleigh's future widening project
Indirect impacts are those that result from a proposed activity, such as a transportation project,
although they occur later in time and can take place away from the immediate project area An
example is the development of a subdivision along a new or widened roadway that would otherwise
not have occurred The following factors were considered in determining the potential for land use
changes induced by the proposed action change in property values, forecasted annual population
growth, market for development, potential changes related to water quality and the natural
environment, and travel time savings
Cumulative impacts are the collective effects of multiple events and actions (other transportation
projects, development plans, etc) These may or may not be dependent on the proposed action
Impacts associated with Renaissance Park and the City of Raleigh's future widening project are
evaluated in the cumulative impacts discussion
The CIA/ICE determined that the proposed project, by itself, is not expected to have notable
indirect effects However, there could be some notable cumulative effects of the proposed project,
past, current, and future Tryon Road widening projects (discussed in 2 5 1), and the Renaissance
Park development These are described in the following sections
5.1 4.1 PROPERTY VALUES, FORECASTED POPULATION GROWTH, AND
MARKET FOR DEVELOPMENT
PROPERTY VALUES AND MARKET FOR DEVELOPMENT
The proposed project is not expected to have an effect on property values, forecasted population
growth, or the market for development since Renaissance Park was already planned The
development of Renaissance Park, however, does present the opportunity for changes in some of
these factors
The Renaissance Park development could increase the value of properties in close proximity to the
site With the influx of new residents, any remaining land may be viewed as more valuable,
especially for development of service and other business types that could cater to the new
consumers that Renaissance Park will bring to the area
The market for development could shift once Renaissance Park is complete Renaissance Park
abuts Robmwood, a low income and minority neighborhood north of the study area The proximity
of Renaissance Park to Robinwood could make Robinwood attractive for redevelopment While
this could potentially bring in more affluent residents and shoppers to the area, it could also displace
some of the current residents of Robinwood
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5_29
AUGUST 2008
POPU/_.AT/ON GROWTH
If the Robiinwood Commuruty were redeveloped into higher density development, there could be an
increase in the population in the area Since the area is currently developed as residential, it is not
expected that this change would be substantial
5.1 4.2 HISTORIC RESOURCES
The Carolina Pines Hotel (see Figure 3-1) is listed as an individual landmark by the Raleigh Historic
Districts Commission The City's future widening project will cause direct impacts to the historic
resource Because of these impacts, the City applied for a Certificate of Appropriateness from the
Raleigh Historic Districts Commission on November 15, 2007 In its application, the City presented
alignments that tie into Alternatives 2 and 3 The alignment that ties into Alternative 3 will have the
greatest impact to the Carolina Pines Hotel It will require relocation of a rock wall located on the
historic property by approximately 60 feet It also will require the removal of several trees on the
property The Commission approved the City's application with an alignment matching Alternative
3 at a public hearing on December 3, 2007 This approval was contingent upon several conditions,
including a landscape plan, tree removal and replacement guidelines, and guidelines specifying the
distance of the rock wall from the new right-of-way (see Appendix B)
5.1 4.3 WATER QUALITY AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Direct impacts to the Mixed Pine Hardwood Forest community (see 5 5 1) have the potential to
cause indirect effects by altering abundance and diversity of wildlife in the area The cumulative
effects of Renaissance Park and the proposed project could result in greater impacts to wildlife
because of the removal of most of this habitat The cumulative effect of the proposed project and
the improvements to Tryon Road associated with Renaissance Park are shown in Table 5-14
Table 5-14 Cumulative Impacts to Vegetative Communities (acres)
Renaissance
Park' U-44322 Total
Man-Dominated 0 65 0 49 1 14
Mixed Pine Hardwood 7 85 0 58 8 43
Bottomland Hardwood 0 61 0 0 61
'Tryon Road improvements by developer of Renaissance Park
'-Impacts for preferred alternative (Alternative 5)
With the development of Renaissance Park, much of the natural vegetation in this area has been
removed Replacing large amounts of natural vegetation with impervious surfaces has the potential
to negatively affect water quality in the UT to Swift Creek, which could cause a reduction in aquatic
organisms sensitive to pollutants
Improvements to Tryon Road associated with Renaissance Park also will cause impacts to Waters of
the United States and Neuse River Buffers These impacts are shown in Table 5-15 and Table 5-16
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-30
AUGUST 2008
All necessary peanuts for these impacts have been obtained by the developer as part of the
Renaissance Park project
Table 5-15 Cumulative Impact to Waters of the United States
Surface Waters Impacts
Renaissance U-44322 Total
Parkl
Perennial stream from confluence downstream
131 if 0 131 if
(UT1)
Eastern intermittent stream from confluence 0 135 if
135 if
upstream (UT1)
Western intermittent stream from confluence 169 sf
169 sf 0
upstream (UT2)
Wetland at the upstream end of the eastern
82 sf 0 82 sf
interrnnttent stream
if = linear feet, sf = square feet
'Tryon Road improvements by developer of Renaissance Park
21mpacts for preferred alternative (Alternative 5)
Table 5-16 Cumulative Impact to Neuse River Buffers
Perennial stream and eastern intermittent stream
combined (UT1)
Renaissance U-44322 Total
Park'
one 1 (30 ft) 17,053 sf 0 17,053 sf
Zone 2 (20 ft) 7,952 sf 0 7,952 sf
sf = square feet
'Tryon Road improvements by developer of Renaissance Park
'Impacts for preferred alternative (Alternative 5)
No impacts are anticipated to the western intermittent stream (UT2) by either roadway project
5.14.4 PUBLIC FACILITIES
In addition to the impacts to the Raleigh Golf Association (RGA) property caused by the proposed
U-4432 project (Section 5 2 5), the City of Raleigh's future widening project will cause loss of
unpaved parking and relocation of the No 18 green both on the north side of the roadway
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-31
AUGUST 2008
5. 1 4.5 TRAVEL TIME SAVINGS
Once current and future Tryon Road projects are complete, more people may use it as an alternative
commuting route While this may result in travel time savings for commuters who live outside the
project area, it could cause inconveniences to local residents attempting to access Tryon Road The
expected influx of new drivers as a result of Renaissance Park could negate any travel time savings
gained in the immediate vicinity of the proposed project
5.14.6 ICE CONCLUSIONS
The proposed project is not expected to have any notable indirect effects It was not planned to
serve development, and it is not expected to stimulate development Renaissance Park was not
planned as a result of the proposed project
Potential cumulative effects of the proposed project, Renaissance Park, and past, current, and
planned Tryon Road widening projects could be substantial The loss of natural vegetation
associated with Renaissance Park could have a negative effect on water quality and wildlife
Although there are no known plans to redevelop Robi nwood, the potential exists If redevelopment
occurs, it could cause hardship on minority and low-income residents, forcing them to seek
affordable housing elsewhere Positive economic changes could occur, including increased property
values and new businesses locating to the area Additionally, drivers may use Tryon Road as an
alternative commuting route when all roadway projects are complete Travel time savings could be
negated, however, by the additional traffic generated from Renaissance Park Impacts will increase
for the golf course and new impacts will occur at the Delta Sigma Phi property, a locally designated
landmark, with the City of Raleigh's widening project
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5-32
AUGUST 2008
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U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AUGUST 2005
Census Tract 522.02
Block Group 2 `
Begin Project
Census Tract 522.02
Block Group 3
End Project
Census Tract 530.02
Block Group 2
S
f
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Prepared For:
Legend
- Census Tract 522.02
- Census Tract 530.02
Demographic Study Area
SR 1370 (Tryon Road)
From West of Bridge No. 259 to Figure No.
US 70 - 401 /NC 50 (Wilmington Street)
Wake County, U-4432
N 1 60.000
Feet 5_1
0 3,500 7.000 14,000
2000 Census TIGER/Line Data
6.0 COMMENTS, COORDINATION, AND PUBLIC
INVOLVEMENT
6.1 COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES
The proposed project has been coordinated with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies and
municipalities Comments were requested from those listed below An asterisk indicates that
written responses were received These are included in Appendix A
Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Raleigh
Department of Transportation*
Fire Department
Mayor
Planning and Development
Police Department
NC Natural Heritage Program
NC State Historic Preservation Office*
NC Wildlife Resource Commission, Habitat Conservation Program
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Forest Resources*
Division of Soil and Water Conservation
Division of Water Quality
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs*
Norfolk Southern Corporation*
Town of Garner
Triangle Transit Authority
US Army Corp of Engineers*
US Fish & Wildlife Service*
US Geological Survey
Wake County Manager
Wake County Public Schools*
6.2 CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP
A Citizens Informational Workshop was held for the project on July 20, 2006 at the South Raleigh
Civitan Club A newsletter was mailed prior to the meeting (Appendix C) The meeting was
informal and citizens were invited to stop by between the hours of 4 30 and 7 00 p m A Local
Officials Meeting was held prior to the workshop at 2 00 p in Four local officials and thirty citizens
attended the meetings The purpose of the meetings was to present project alternatives and obtain
input from citizens and officials regarding their preferences and concerns Seven written comment
forms were received at the meetings, along with several verbal comments Two additional written
comment forms or letters were received after the meeting The following is a summary of
comments received
Some citizens expressed a preference for Alternative 2 because they thought it minimized impacts to
both the Raleigh Golf Association and the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity property Some expressed
concern over moving the rock wall on the fraternity property The president of RGA expressed the
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 6-1
AUGUST 2008
Association's preference for Alternative 3 because of fewer impacts to the golf course In written
comments, RGA also requested two golf crossings under Tryon Road A business owner expressed
concern about the effect of the proposed median on his business between Grenelle Road and
US 70-401 /Wilmington Street He did not think trucks carrying manufactured homes would be able
to turn left at Grenelle Road to access his business He was also concerned about customers leaving
his business not being able to turn left onto Tryon Road
Other comments noted the importance of pedestrian and bicycle access on the bridge and
minimizing traffic signals in the area Seven of the nine written comments indicated a clear
preference for an alternative These were
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Alternative 4
Alternative 5 had not been developed at the time of the workshop It was developed later to address
the multiple concerns expressed throughout the public involvement and coordination process
6.3 OTHER COORDINATION
Coordination was conducted with stakeholders in the vicinity of the project including RGA, Delta
Sigma Phi Fraternity, and Wakefield Development Company
RALEnyi4 GOLF Ass=AT/ON
Three meetings were held with RGA - July 21, 2005, September 14, 2006, and September 20, 2006
At these meetings, club officials requested golf crossings under Tryon Road and noted their
preference for Alternative 3 They were concerned that the impacts of Alternative 2 could cause the
golf course to close
DELTA SiiymA P/4/
A meeting was held on August 29, 2005 with Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity Fraternity representatives
noted that they would prefer that the wall on their property not be moved In subsequent written
comments, the Fraternity expressed its preference for Alternative 2
WAKEFIELD DEVELOPMENT
Two meetings were held with Wakefield Development Company - July 8, 2005 and April 28, 2006
Project responsibilities and design details were discussed during these meetings
STAK.-HcmDER3 MEETnva
A stakeholders meeting was held on July 12, 2007 to discuss alignment alternatives with RGA and
Delta Sigma Phi representatives RGA again expressed its preference for Alternative 3 and Delta
Sigma Phi noted that it preferred Alternative 2
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 6-2
AUGUST 2008

7.0 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
7.1 TYPE OF ACTION
This is a North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Administrative Action, Finding
of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
The NCDOT has determined that this project will have no significant impact on the human or
• natural environment The Environmental Assessment (EA), which is attached and incorporated by
reference into this FONSI, provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining that an
Environmental Impact Statement is not required for the proposed project The NCDOT takes full
responsibility for the accuracy, scope, and content of the Environmental Assessment
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A copy of the EA/FONSI can be reviewed in Room 447 (Document Resource Center) of the
Transportation Building, 1 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, North Carolina
7.2 PROJECT SUMMARY
The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to improve SR 1370 (Tryon Road),
west of Bridge No 259 over Norfolk Southern Railway to US 70-401 /NC 50 (Wilmington Street),
including the replacement of Bridge No 259 over Norfolk Southern Railway Improvements
include widening SR 1370 (Tryon Road) from two lanes to four lanes with curb and gutter, and
constructing a raised median of varying width, 12-foot inside lanes, 14-foot outside lanes to
accommodate bicycle traffic, five-foot sidewalks on both sides of the road for the entire length of
the project, and a 10-foot berm The total length of the project is 0 86 mile
As part of a separate project, portions of Tryon Road within the study area are being improved by a
private developer These improvements are part of the development of Renaissance Park, a
community under construction in the study area The developer has realigned Tryon Road from just
east of junction Boulevard to lust west of the Renaissance Park western entrance The developer
will complete the tie-in of the realignment east of junction Boulevard to existing Tryon Road The
developer's improvements also include constructing a temporary connector road between Bridge
No 259 and the western terminus of the developer's project Construction of this road is nearly
complete Sidewalks have been constructed along the north and south side of Tryon Road within
the Renaissance Park development The developer will widen Tryon Road to the north between
Grenelle Road and Wilmington Street
NCDOT's actions as part of U-4432 will include widening Tryon Road from Par Drive to Bridge
No 259, replacing and widening the bridge, constructing the roadway on new alignment from the
bridge to just west of the Renaissance Park western entrance, paving the outside lane on the south
side of Tryon Road from the Renaissance Park western entrance to junction Boulevard, and
constructing an additional lane on the south side of Tryon Road from just west of Grenelle Road to
Wilmington Street NCDOT also will add right turn lanes on westbound and eastbound Tryon
Road at junction Boulevard In addition, NCDOT will construct sidewalks on both sides of Tryon
Road These will connect to sidewalks constructed by the developer of Renaissance Park to provide
continuous sidewalks on both sides of Tryon Road from Par Drive to Wilmington Street
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
AUGUST 2008
7-1
The project will improve the carrying capacity of Tryon Road and replace a functionally obsolete
bridge These improvements, particularly an unproved roadway alignment, are anticipated to
enhance safety within the corridor The bridge will be stage constructed
The proposed project does not result in air quality impacts One commercial establishment will be
impacted by noise A noise analysis determined that a barrier at that location would not be effective
No homes or businesses will be relocated as a result of the project
There will be no impacts to historic or cultural resources as a result of the proposed project
There will be impacts to Raleigh Golf Association (RGA) property NCDOT has coordinated with
RGA throughout the planning process to minimize these impacts
No impacts to Waters of the United States or Neuse River Buffers are anticipated as part of the
proposed project
7.3 BASIS FOR FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Based upon a study of the proposed project documented in the Environmental Assessment, review
of underlying reference documents, and comments received from federal, state and local agencies,
and the public, it is the finding of the North Carolina Department of Transportation that this
project will not have a significant adverse impact, individually or cumulatively, upon the human or
natural environment
The preferred alternative for the proposed project is not controversial from an environmental
standpoint No significant impact to natural, ecological, cultural, social and economic, or scenic
resources is expected The proposed project is consistent with local plans and will not disrupt any
communities These conclusions are based on a thorough analysis of the environmental impacts
described in the Environmental Assessment
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 7-2
AUGUST 200B
e.o LIST OF REFERENCES AND TECHNICAL REPORTS
Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization The CapitalArea Metropolitan Planning Organisation
2030 Long Range Transportation Plan www campo-nc us
Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization FY 2007-2013 Transportation Improvement Program
City of Raleigh Raleigh Comprehensive Plan www ralengh-nc org
City of Raleigh Police Department www ralengh-nc org/pohce/chstrict26 htm
City of Raleigh Transportation Services Department September 7, 2007 and June 20, 2008
Personal Communication with Eric Lamb
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 2003 Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Map Service
Center http //mapl msc fema gov/ndms
Garner Police Department www ci garner nc us/pohce
Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs (ICCHP) November 2002-November
2003 Annual Report www dhhs state nc us/ltc/homeless htm
Knmley-Horn and Associates, Inc February 2005 Traffic Impact Analysis, Amelia Park, Raleigh NC
Kunley-Horn and Associates, Inc Apr112003 bake County Transportation Plan
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants June 1, 2006 Revised Traffic Capacity and Analysis Report for Wlidening
of SR 1370 (Tryon Road) from Par Drive to US 70 401 ([?ilmington Street)
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants March 24, 2004 Noise Analysis
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants September 2004 Natural Resources Technical Report, TIP Prodect U-
4432, Improvements to Tryon Road, bake County, North Carohna
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants November 24, 2003 Prehrrminary Hydraulics Study for Environmental
Impact
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants December 2005 Community Impact Assessment & Indirect and
Cumulative Effects Assessment
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants May 2005 Purpose and Need Statement forAdministrative Action
Environmental Document, Widen and Relocate SR 1370 (Tryon Road) from West of Bridge No 259 over
Norfolk Southern Railway to US 70401 (Filmington Street)
N C State Data Center http //demog state nc us (state and county demographic data)
Norfolk Southern Railway July 18, 2005 Personal communication with Phil Decker
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 8-1
AUGUST 2008
North Carolina Department of Transportation Draft 2009-2015 Transportation Improvement Program
www ncdot org
North Carolina Department of Transportation HistorzcArchitectural Resources Survey Deport, Replace
Bridge No 259 on SR 1370 over Norfolk Southern Railroad, 1Vake County, North Carolina, TIP No
U-4432
North Carolina Department of Transportation, Program Development Branch April 9, 2001
Feasibility Study, Tryon Road (SR 1370) from Lake 1Vheeler Road (SR 1009) to US 70/401 /NC
50, Wake County, Division 5
North Carolina Department of Transportation, Traffic Engineering Accident Analysis System
December 1, 2004 to November 30, 2007 Intersection and Strip Analysis Reports
North Carolina Employment Security Commission www ncesc corn
Raleigh Chamber of Commerce www raleighchamber org
Rosgen, Dave, 1996 Applied River Morphology Wddland Hydrology, Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Russo, Mary, 2000 Threatened and Endangered Species in Forests of North Carolina Aguide to assist with
forestry activities A cooperative publication of International Paper, the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation, USFWS, NCWRC, NCNHP, NCDA, USFS, State and Private
Forestry, NCDF, and the NCCES
S&EC Phase I Environmental Assessment, Norfolk Southern Assemblage Properly Apr112004
Schafale, M P and A S Weakley, 1990 Class fcatzon of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, A
Third Approximation North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and
Recreation, Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC
SEPI Engineering Group October 2007 AirQualaty Analysis, Improvements to Tryon Road from Vest of
Bridge No 239 over Norfolk Southern Railway to 1Vilmington Street
Town of Cary Engineering Department June 23, 2008 Personal Communication with Torn Bailey
Town of Garner September 2006 Comprehensive Growth Plan
US Census Bureau General Population and Housing Characteristics 1990 http //factfinder census gov
US Census Bureau Census 2000 Summary Files http / / factfinder census gov
U S Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Title 23 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 772, Procedures for Abatement of Highway Trafc Noise and
Construction Noise
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) http //nc-es fws gov/es/cntyhst/wake html
(Individual species descriptions linked on web page)
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 8-2
AUGUST 2008
Wakefield Development Company Renaissance Park site plan and information
www renaissancepark com
Wakefield Development Company January 13, 2005 Amelia Park
Wakefield Development Company April 2, 2008 Personal communication with Kem Ard (permit
information)
U-4432 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 8-3
AUGUST 21308
APPENDIX A
AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE
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QS??NT OF ryF?y? United States Department of the Interior R
0 FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICED
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
M4MH +?A9 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636.3726 p r- 0
February 4, 2004 ` dfi%?.o c?
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Gregory J Thorpe, PhD
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Enviionmental Analysis
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548
Dear Dr Thorpe
This letter is in response to your letter of January 14, 2004 which provided the U S Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service) with the biological conclusion of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) that the proposed widening of Tryon Road, part on new location, in
Wake County (TIP No. U-4432) may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the federally
endangered Michaux's sumac (Rhus michauxu) These comments are provided in accordance
with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U S C 1531-
1543)
According to the information you submitted, a plant survey was conducted at the project site on
October 6, 2003 Michaux's sumac was not observed Based on the information provided and
other information available, the Service concurs with your determination that the project may
affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Michaux's sumac We believe that the requirements of
section 7 (a)(2) of the ESA have been satisfied for this species We remind you that obligations
under section 7 consultation must be reconsidered if (1) new information reveals impacts of this
identified action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner not previously
considered in this review, (2) this action is subsequently modified in a manner that was not
considered in this review, or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat determined that may be
affected by this identified action
The Service appreciates the opportunity to review this project If you have any questions
regarding our response, please contact Mr Gary Jordan at [phone] (Ext 32)
Sincerely,
Garland B Pardue, PhD
Ecological Services Supervisor
cc: Eric Alsmeyer, USACE, Raleigh, NC
John Hennessy, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Chris Milrtscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC
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F- C?
WPP1?£µT OR United States Department of the Interior °
y
O 9
H FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Mm Cr ?a
Raleigh Field Office < ??C?,;
Post Office Sox 33726 nPrr.,.
?4RCH yRaleigh, North Carolina 276363726
yr dfi? tirs. 0 G
?N A,
October 23, 2003 t nkAL ;;ts?
Gregory J Thorpe, PhD.
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548
Dear Dr Thorpe
This letter is in response to your request for comments from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service) on the potential environmental impacts of the proposed widening and realignment of a
portion of SR 1370 (Tryon Road) from US 70-401 (Wilmington Street) to west of Bridge No
259 and replacement of Bridge No 259 on SR 1370 over Norfolk Southern Railway in Wake
County, North Carolina (TIP No. U-4432) These comments provide scopmg information in
accordance with provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S C 661-667d) and
section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U S.C 1531-1543)
An October 22, 2003 field inspection by Mr Gary Jordan of my staff revealed that most of the
project area is young or early successional, mixed hardwood/pine forest The only stream
observed in the project area was a small, intermittent or possibly ephemeral stream. The
National Wetland inventory map does not indicate the presence of any wetlands, and no wetlands
were observed during Mr. Jordan's brief inspection However, a more detailed inspection should
be conducted by trained personnel It appears that the project will impact some terrestrial
wildlife habitat, however, the value of this habitat has been somewhat degraded by the rapidly
encroaching development from all sides ,
For this proposed project the Service recommends the following general conservation measures
to avoid or minimize environmental impacts to fish and wildlife resources
Wetland and forest impacts should be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent
practical. Areas exhibiting high biodiversity or ecological value important to the
watershed or region should be avoided Proposed highway projects should be aligned
along or adjacent to existing roadways, utility corridors or other previously disturbed
areas in order to minimize habitat loss and fragmentation Highway shoulder and median
widths should be reduced through wetland areas,
2 If unavoidable wetland impacts are proposed, every effort should be made to identify
compensatory mitigation sites in advance Project planning should include a detailed
compensatory mitigation plan for offsetting unavoidable wetland impacts Opportunities
to protect mitigation areas in perpetuity via conservation easements, land trusts or by
other means should be explored at the outset,
3. Activities within designated riparian buffers should be avoided or minimized
There are four federally-protected species listed for Wake County the bald eagle (Halweetus
leucocephalus), red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), dwarf wedgemussel (Alasnudonta
hetef odors) and Michaux's sumac (Rhus michauxu) The project area does not provide any
habitat for these species with the possible exception of Michaux's sumac Information about the
habitat for this species can be found at our web site, http //endangered fws.gov/ If suitable
habitat occurs within the project vicinity for Michaux's sumac, a growing season survey should
be conducted to determine presence or absence All survey documentation must include survey
methodologies and results
We reserve the right to review any federal permits that may be required for this project, at the
public notice stage. Therefore, it is important that resource agency coordination occur early in
the planning process in order to resolve any conflicts that may arise and minimize delays in
project implementation. In addition to the above guidance, we recommend that the
environmental documentation for this project include the following in sufficient detail to
facilitate a thorough review of the action
1 A clearly defined and detailed purpose and need for the proposed project, supported by
tabular data, if available, and including a discussion of the project's independent utility,
2 A description of the proposed action with an analysis of all alternatives being considered,
including the upgrading of existing roads and a "no action" alternative,
3 A description of the fish and wildlife resources, and their habitats, within the project
impact area that may be directly or indirectly affected,
4 The extent and acreage of waters of the U S , including. wetlands, that are to be impacted
by filling, dredging, clearing, ditching, or dra€mng Acres of wetland impact should be
differentiated by habitat type based on the wetland classification scheme of the National
Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Wetland boundaries should be determined by using the 1987
Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and verified by the U S Army Corps of
Engineers,
The anticipated environmental impacts, both temporary and permanent, that would be
likely to occur as a direct result of the proposed project The assessment should also
include the extent to which the proposed project would result in secondary impacts to
natural resources, and how this and similar projects contribute to cumulative adverse
effects;
6 Design features and construction techniques which would be employed to avoid or
minimize the fragmentation or direct loss of wildlife habitat;
7 Design features, construction techniques, or any other mitigation measures which would
be employed at wetland crossings and stream channel relocations to avoid or
minimize impacts to waters of the US, and,
8 If unavoidable wetland or stream impacts are proposed, project planning should include a
detailed compensatory mitigation plan for offsetting the unavoidable impacts.
The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on this project Please continue to advise us
during the progression of the planning process, including your official determination of the
impacts of this project. If you have any questions regarding our response, please contact Mr
Gary Jordan at [phone], ext 32.
Sincerely,
Garland B Pardue, PhD
Ecological Services Supervisor
CC. Eric Alsmeyer, USACE, Raleigh, NC
David Franklin, USACE, Wilmington, NC
John Hennessy, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmore, NC
Chris Militscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS -
WI LMINGTON DISTRICT
Action ID _ 200420103. TIP U-4432 County Wake U S G S Quad. Lake Wheeler
NOTIFICATION OF JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
Project Proponent: NCDOT Consultant: Mulkey Engineers & Consultants
Address: ATTN. Gregory J Thorpe, Ph.D ATTN Mr Harold M Brady
Environmental Mgmt. Director, PDEA PO Box 33127
1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27636
Raleigh, NC 27699-1548
Telephone No : [phone], x237 (T. Ellerby) [phone]
Location of ProDerty fwaterbody, Highway nametnumber, town etc.: Study area for Widening SR 1730 (Tryon Road),
part on new location, south of Raleigh, North Carolina, TIP No U-4432
Indicate Which of the Followins= Apply' .
Based on preliminary information, there may be wetlands, on the above described property. We strongly suggest you have this
property inspected to determine the extent of Department of the Army (DA) jurisdiction. To be considered final, a
jurisdictional determination must be verified by the Corps
There are wetlands in the above described study area subject to the permit requirements of Secton 404 of the Clean Water Act
(CWA)(33 USC § 1344) Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations, this determination may be relied
upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification
We strongly suggest you have the wetlands in your study area delineated Due to the size of your property and/or our present
workload, the Corps may not be able to accomplish this wetland delineation in a timely manner For a more timely delineation,
you may wish to obtain a consultant. To be considered final, any delineation must be verified by the Corps
X On February 2. 2004, the undersigned inspected the Section 404 jurisdictional tine as flagged by your consultants for the subject NCDOT
project A select number of sites were inspected in the study area, and the flagged lines at all these sites were found to accurately reflect the
limits of Corps jurisdiction. The Corps venfies that this ju nsdichonal delineation for-the study area, as depicted in the wetland delineation
information dated December 3, 2003 and Febmary 2, 2004 provided by Mulkey Engineers & Consultant; as shown on the attached
drawings (Fig No 5b), can be relied on for planning purposes and impact assessment, for a period not to exceed five years from the
date of this notification.
There are no waters of the U S , to include wetlands, present in the above described study area which are subject to the permit
requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1344) Unless there is a change in the law or our published
regulations, this determination may be rehed upo for a period not to exceed five years from the date of tins notification.
Corps Regulatory Official.
Date June 1.2004 Expnrati ate June 1, 2009
Placement of dredged or fill material within waters of the US and/or wetlands without a Department of the Army permit may
constitute a violation of Section 301 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1311) If you have any questions regarding the Corps of
Engineers regulatory program, please contact Eric Alsmeyer at telephone number (919) 876 - 8441 extension 23
Basis for Determination: The site contains stream channels of an unnamed tributary of Swift Creek, a tnbutary of the Neuse
River, with indicators of ordinary high water marks, and wetlands adjacent to the tributaries
Corps Regulatory Official Initial); ? ?_
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
• A plat or sketch of the property and the wetland data form must be attached to the file copy of this form.
• A copy of the "Notification of Admuitstaative Appeal Options And Process And Request For Appeal" form must be transmitted
with the property owner/agent copy of this form.
if the property contains isolated wetlands/waters, please indicate in "Remarks" section and attach the "isolated Determination
Information Sheet" to the file copy of this form.
CF' Consultant - Mulkey (H Brady)
NCDOT, Division of Highways File Number 20042010310-4432
Attached is.
70FFERED IAL PROFFERED PERMIT Standard Permit or Letter of
PERMIT Standard Permit or Letter of ermissic
MIT DENTAL
X APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
B_
C
D
E
A:~ INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or object to the permit
• ACCEPT If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final
authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized Your signature
on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the
permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the permit
• OBJECT If you object to the permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein, you may request that the
permit be modified accordingly. You must complete Section II of this form and return the form to the district engineer Your
objections must be received by the district engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice, or you will forfeit your right to app eal
the pernut in the future Upon receipt of your letter, the district engineer will evaluate your objections and may (a) modify
permit to address all of your concerns, (b) modify the permit to address some of your objections, or (c) not modify the permit havins
determined that the permit should be issued as previously written. After evaluating your objections, the district engineer will send
you a proffered permit for your reconsideration, as indicated in Section B below
B. PROFFERED PERMIT You may accept or appeal the permit
• ACCEPT If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final
authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized Your signature
on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the
peanut, including its terms and conditions, and approved junsdictonal determinations associated with the permit
• APPEAL If you choose to decline the proffered permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein, you
may appeal the declined permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of this form
and sending the form to the division engineer This form must be received by the division engineer within 60 days of the date of thi
notice
C PERMIT DENIAL You may appeal the denial of a peanut under the Corps of Engineers Admunistrative Appeal Process by
completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the division engineer This form must be received by the division engineer
within 60 days of the date of this notice
D: APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION You may accept or appeal the approved JD or provide new
information.
• ACCEPT You do not need to notify the Corps to accept an approved JD Failure to notify the Corps within 60 days of the date o
this notice, means that you accept the approved JD in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the approved JD
APPEAL If you disagree with the approved JD, you may appeal the approved JD under the Corps of Engineers Administrative
Appeal Process by completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the division engineer This form must be received b
the division engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice
E• PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION- You do not need to respond to the Corps regarding the
prelumnaryJD The Preliminary JD is not appealable if you wish, you may request an approved ID (which maybe appealed), by
contacting the Corps district for further instruction. Also you may provide new information for further consideration by the Corps to
reevaluate the JD
Date: June 1, 2004
See Section below
r-- -XP'Q ?^-=c.„?r _,? t?T=-• YS `Tu.= r_^L-?^r°-s„g5_w?rcr 'G 't'-?+ jz w^ !11 11, 11, 1. --.rr
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REASONS FOR APPEAL OR OBJECTIONS: (Describe your reasons for appealing the decision or your objections to an
initial proffered permit in clear concise statements You may attach additional information to this form to clarify where your reasons or
objections are addressed in the administrative record )
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. The appeal is limited to a review of the administrative record, the Corps memorandum for the record
of the appeal conference or meeting, and any supplemental information that the review officer has determined is needed to clarify the
administrative record. Neither the appellant nor the Corps may add new information or analyses to the record. However, you may
provide addittonal information to clarify the location of information that is already to the administrative record.
~T
If you have questions regarding this decision and/or the If you only have questions regarding the appeal process you may also
appeal process you may contact contact-
Mr Eric C Alsmeyer, Regulatory Project Manager Mr Arthur Middleton, Adnimistrative Appeal Review Officer
U S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmmgton District CESAD-ET-CO-R
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office U S Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division
6508 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 120 60 Forsyth Street, Room 9M15
Raleigh, North Carolina 27615-6814 Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8801
RIGHT OF ENTRY Your signature below grants the right of entry to Corps of Engineers personnel, and any government consultants,
to conduct investigations of the project site during the course of the appeal process You will be provided a 15 day notice of any site
investigation, and will have the opportunity to participate in all site invests tions
Date- Telephone number
Signature of appellant or agent.
DIVISION ENGINEER:
Commander
U S. Army Engineer Division, South Atlantic
60 Forsyth Street, Room 9M15
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3490
q# DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
(FAN '?i€O
f _ P O BOX 1890
WILMINGTON. NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890 16 REFLY 70 `0`???
ATTErmQVOF January 13, 2004 IVIS 0 4 OF Planning Services Section ncl rr?vs rAi gLtSP
Dr Gregory J Thorpe, Director
Environmental Management, PDEA
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1548 Mad Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548
Dear Dr. Thorpe
This is in response to your letter of October 17, 2003, requesting our comments on
"Widen SR 1370 (Tryon Road) to multi-lanes, part on new location, from US 70-401
(Wilmington Street) to West of Bridge No 259 and Replace Bridge No. 259 on SR 1370
over Norfolk Southern Railway, Wake County, Division 5, Federal Aid Project No
BRSTP-1370(4), State Project No 8 2407201 (U-4432)" (Regulatory Division Action ID
No 200420103)
Our comments involve impacts to flood plains and jurisdictional resources that
include waters, wetlands, and U S Army Corps of Engineers projects The proposed
roadway improvements would not cross any Corps-constructed flood control or
navigation project Enclosed are our comments on the other issues
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this project If we can be of further
assistance, please contact us
Sincerely,
W Coleman Long
Chief, Planning and
Environmental Branch

Enclosure
January 13, 2004
Page 1 of 1
U S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT COMMENTS ON
"Widen SR 1370 (Tryon Road) to multi-lanes, part on new location, from US 70-401 (Wilmington Street) to
West of Bridge No 259 and Replace Bridge No 259 on SR 1370 over Norfolk Southern Railway, Wake
County, Division 5, Federal Aid Project No BRSTP-1370(4), State Project No 8 2407201 (U-4432)"
(Regulatory Division Action ID No 200420103)
1 FLOOD PLAINS POC - Mr Bobby L Willis Planning Services Section, at [phone]
Based on a review of the November 1998 Wake County, North Carolina and Incorporated Areas Flood
Insurance Study Rate Map Index, the pertinent map panel for this location was not printed, usually
indicating that there were no identified flood hazard areas on the panel The conclusion that the site is not
located in a flood hazard area is confirmed by a review of the pertinent United States Geological Survey
topography (or topographic map)
2 WATERS AND WETLANDS- POC - Mr Eric Alsmeyer. NCDOT Regulatory Prolect Manager.
Raleigh Field Office. Regulatory Division, at (9191875-8441, Extension 23
Our Regulatory Division has reviewed the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT)
letter for this proposal and has the following comments
a Prior Department of the Army (DA) permit authorization, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act of 1977, as amended, will be required for the discharge of excavated or fill material into waters
and/or wetlands in conjunction with this project, including temporary impacts for construction access, and
the disposal of construction debris
b Review of the project indicates that the proposed work may involve a minor discharge of fill
material into waters and wetlands When final plans are completed, including the extent and location of
any work within waters of the United States and wetlands, our Regulatory Division would appreciate the
opportunity to review these plans for a project-specific determination of DA permit requirements These
plans should include temporary impacts from any necessary construction access If there are only minor
impacts to waters, including wetlands, the work might be authorized under one or more nationwide or
regional general permits, provided avoidance and minimization are adequately addressed
c The Corps of Engineers must assess the impacts of such activities on the aquatic environment
prior to issuing DA permits Authorization of aquatic fill activities requires that the project be water
dependent and/or that no practicable alternatives are available Our initial review emphasis for NCDOT
projects will focus on the impacts to waters and/or wetlands However, if degradation to other aspects of
the natural environment (e g , habitat of endangered species) is considered to be of greater concern, an
alternative resulting in greater aquatic losses may be chosen as preferred
d In all cases, and in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement between the U S
Environmental Protection Agency and the Corps, the sequencing process of avoidance, minimization, and
compensatory mitigation of unavoidable wetland impacts will be satisfied prior to the final permit decision
A DA permit will not be issued until a final plan for compensatory mitigation is approved Mitigation for
stream impacts will also likely be required
e Based on the information known at this time, and the probable impacts from the proposed project
to stream and wetlands, it is unlikely that the Corps will recommend that the further evaluation of this
project be done within the formal 404/NEPA merger process
Questions or comments pertaining to DA permits may be directed to Mr Eric Alsmeyer
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NORFOLK
SOUTHERN
Norfolk Southern Corporation
99 Spring Street, S W
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404/529-1408
Fax [phone]
?C

?
G t 1
0 , J Carter, Jr
0 Qxx"b { =),
? Chi f Engineer
tar ges and Structures
/
4?A4+'FN i A;tO
'
,
? Philip N Decker
`)
$?c? atiav"
` Engineer
Public Improvements
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Subject Raleigh, North Carolina - Proposed Replacement of the SR-1370, Tryon Road,
Overhead Bridge (No 259, AAR/DOT No 465 792G) at Milepost NS-236 40
State Project No 8 2407201(U-4432), F A Project No BRSTP-1370(4) Wake
County
November 3, 2003
File. 117-16493
Dr GregoryJ Thorpe, Ph D
Environmental Management Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548
Dear Dr Thorpe
Reference is made to your letter dated October 17, 2003 advising us of the subject
upcoming project and requesting any information we may have which may influence an
evaluation of the environmental impact of the project
The proposal is being reviewed by the affected departments within Norfolk
Southern I hope to be in a positron to respond to your inquiry in the very near future
Please contact me at 404/529-1436 should you have questions
./ ," rly?
P N Dec er
Engineer
Public Improvements
Cy
Mr G R Perfettr P E
State Bridge Design Engineer
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Structure Design
1581 Marl Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1581
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11/21/2803 13 32 3135283833
PACE 03
{?- North Cobn.a?IiIdUfe Resources Commission f-0
Ghglei R. Ful vvnod, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO. Melba McGee
Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, DENR
FROM; Travis W. Wilson, Highway Project Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Pro grarn DATE. November 21, 2003
SUBJECT- Request for information from the N. C Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) regarding fish and wildlife concerns for the proposed widening
of SR 1370 (Tryon Road) to multi-lanes, from US 70-01 (Wilmington
Street) to West of bridge No. 259, including the replacement of Bridge
No. 259 on SR 1370 over Norfolk Southern Railway, Wake County, North
Carolina TIP No. U-4432, SCH Project No 04-0117
This memorandum responds to a request from Mr Gregory J. Thorpe of the
NCDOT for our concerns regarding impacts on fisb and wildlife resources resulting from
the subject project Biologists on the staff of the N. C Wildlife Resources Commissioil
(NCWRC) have reviewed the proposed xmprovemehts. Our comments are provided in
accordance with certain provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C.
4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended, 16
U,S C 661.667d)
We have no spectfic concerns regarding this project However, to help facilitate
document preparation and the review process, ovr general informational needs are
outlined below,
1 Description of fishery and wildlife resources witlun the project area,
including a listing of federally or state designated threatened, endangered,
pr apecial concern species. Potential borrow areas to be used for project
copgtruction should be included in the inventories, A listing of desiTiated
plant species can be developed through consultation with
The Natural Heritage Program
X C, Division of Parks and Recreation
1615 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N. C 27699-1615
[phone]
1l??lirigAddrea4e Ditiision of ?nland Ftslienvc - 1721 N1,111 Service CCntct • Raleigh, NC 27x,99-1721
_ . - 1.,1 . ,o, . V..- MILIN 714JY,41
11/21/2003 13 32 9195289835 PAGE 04
Memo 2 November 21, 2003
and,
NCDA Plant Conservation Program
P. 0. Box 27647
Raleigh, N. C. 27611
[phone]
2 Description of any streams or wetlands affected by the protect The need for
channeli_zmg or reloeabrig pottions of streams crossed and the extent of
such activities.
3 Cover type neaps showing wetland acreages impacted by the protect
Wetland acreages should include all project-related areas that may
undergo hydrologic change as a result of ditching, other drainage, or
filling for project construction Wetland identification, may be
accomplished through coordination with the U S Army Corps of
Engineers (COE). If the COE is not consulted, the porson delineating
wetlands should be identified and criteria listed.
4. Cover type maps showing acreages of upland wildlife habitat impacted by
the proposed project. Potential borrow sites should be included
5 The exh-rit to which the project will result in loss, degradation, or
fragmentation of wildlife habitat (wetlands or uplands),
6. Mitigation for avoiding, Toijumizing or compensating for direct and indirect
degradation in habitat quality as well as quantitative losses.
7 A cumulative impact assessment section which analyzes the environmental
effects of highway construction and quantifies the contribution of this
individual project to environmental degradation.
8 A discussion of the probable impacts on natural resources which will result
from secondary development facilitated by the improved road access
9. If construction of this facility is to be coordinated with other state, municipal,
or private development projects, a description of these projects should be
included in the environmental document, and all project sponsors should
be identified.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early plapmag stages for
this protect If we can further assist your office, please contact me at (919) 52$-9986
CC., Gary Jordan, USFWS, Raleigli
Eric Alsmeyer, USACE, Raleigh
North Carohna
Department of Environment and ; I Nlorth C.uohn i
Natural Resource, FOREST Doobion of Forest Resource,
A I SERVICE
aaftwa -,4(,
4CDENJ% -Michael F. Easic), Governor Stanford tit. Adams. Ducetor
Wilhani G Ross Jr , Secretary NAC
2411 Old US 70 Webt
Clayton, NC 27520
November 10, 2003
M El ORANDUM
TO Melba McGee, Office of Legislative Affairs
FROM Bill Pickens, NC Division Forest Resources
SUBJECT DOT Scoping Tryon Rd from US 70 -401 to Bridge #259 in Raleigh
PROJECT # 04-0117 and TIP # U-44432
The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources has reviewed the referenced scopmg document and
offers the following continents that should be addressed in the EA concerning impacts to woodlands
1 Impacts to forest resources may occur as a result of this project To help us evaluate the loss of timber
production the EA should list the total forest land acreage by type that is removed by right of way
construction Efforts should be made to align corridors to minimize impacts to woodlands in the
following order of priority
• Managed, high site index woodland
• Productive forested woodlands
• Managed, lower site index woodlands
• Unique forest ecosysteins
• Unmanaged, fully stocked woodlands
• Unmanaged, cutover woodlands
• Urban woodlands
2 The productivity of the forest soils affected by the proposed project as indicated by the soil series
3 The EA should state the provisions the contractor will take to utilize the merchantable timber removed
during construction Emphasis should be on selling all wood products However, if the wood
products cannot be sold then efforts should be made to haul off the material or turn it into mulch with a
tub gundet This practice will minimize the need for debris burning, and the risk of escaped fires and
smoke management problems to residences, highways, schools, and towns
4 If debits burning is needed, the contractor must comply with the lags and tegulations of open binning
as co,. ered under G S 113-60 21 through G S 113-60 31 Wake County is classified as non-high
hazard counties, and G S 113-60 24 tequiring a regular burning permit would apply Local DFR
rangers of other agents are authoiized to issue this permit
1016 flail ServILC Center Rah iOi Noali Carolwa 27009-1601
{'Iona- riI9 - 71,1-21t)2 \ FAQ 0111 - 7 1 1-01 IS \ (nternrr www dfr,r 1w nr uS
5 The provisions that the contractor will take to prevent erosion and damage to forestland outside the
right-of-way Trees, paiticulatly the loot system, can be permanently damaged by heavy equipment
Efforts should be to avoid skinning of the tree trunk, compacting the soil, adding layers of fill,
exposing the root system, or spilling petroleum or other substances
6 The impact upon any existing greenways in the proposed project area should be addressed
We appreciate the opportunity to comrnent on the proposed project, and encourage the impact on our
forestland be considered during the planning process
cc Barry New

State of North Carolina Reviewing Office
NCDENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources Project Number oueDate
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW - PROJECT COMMENTS
After review of this project it has been determined that the DENR permit(s) and/or approvals indicated may need to be obtained in order for thts pro
to comply with North Carolina Law Questions regarding these permits should be addressed to the Regional Office indicated on the reverse of this fc
All applications, information and guidelines relative to these plans and permits are available from the same Regional Office
PERMITS SPECIAL APPLICATION PROCEDURES or REQUIREMENTS Normal Process 1
(Statutory Time L

0 Permit to construct & operate wastewater treatment Application 90 days before begin construction or award of construction

facilities, sewer system extensions & sewer systems
contracts On site inspection Post-application technical conference usual 30 da
ys
not discharging Into state surface waters, (90 days)
NPDES-permit to discharge into surface water and/or Application 180 days before begin activity On-site inspection preapplicatlon
permit to operate and construct wastewater facilities conference usual Additionalhr,obtain permit toconstruct wastewater treatment 90-120 days
discharging into state surface waters facility-granted after NPDES Peply time, 30 days after receipt of plans or issue (N/A)
z x „ a r'-C, of NPDES permit-whichever Is later
0 Water Use Permit Preapphcation technical conference usually necessary
30 days
1 (WA)
Well Construction Permit Complete application must be received and permit issued prior to the 7 days
installation of a well (15 days)
Dredge and Fill Permit Application copy must be served on each adjacent riparian property owner

On-site Inspection Preappflcationconference usual. Filling may require Easement 55 days

to Fill from N C, Department of Administration and Federal Dredge and Fill Permit (90days)
Permit to construct & operate Air Pollution Abatement
facilities and/or Emission Sources as per 15 A NCAC N/A 60 days
(20 010(L 20 0300, 2H 0600)
Any open burning assocated with subject proposal
must be in compliance with 15 A NCAC 201900
Demolition or renovations of structures containing
'P
?i asbestos material must be in compliance with
15 A NCAC 2D 1110 (a) (1) which requires notification WA 60 days
and removal prior to demolition ContactAsbestos (90 days)
Control-Group 919-7334)820
El Complex Source Permit required under 15 A NCAC
l 2D 0800
0 The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be properly addressed for any land disturbing activity An erosion & sedimentation
control plan will be required if one or more acres to be disturbed Plan filed with proper Regional Office (land Quality Section) at least 30 20 days
days before beginning activity Afeeof540forthefirst acre aranypart Dfan acre (30days)
The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 must be addressed with respect to the referenced Local Ordinance 30 days
Mining Permit On site Inspection usual Surety bond fded with DENR- Bond amount varies with
type mine and number of acres of affected land. Any are mined greater than 30 days
one acre must be permitted The appropriate bond must be received before (60 days)
the permit can be Issued

El North Carolina Burning permit On-srte inspection by N C Division of forest Resources If permit exceeds 4 days 1 day
l (WA)
® Special Ground Clearance Burning Permit-22 counties by N C Division of Forest Resources required 'if more than five 1 day
in coastal N C with organic soils earing activities are involved inspections should be requested
= (N/A)
efore actual burn is planned'
1eastten
Oil Refin ing Facilities N/A 90 120 days
(N/A)
Darn Safety Permit If permit required„ipplication 60 days before begin construction Applicant
must hire N C qualified engineer to prepare plans, inspect construction, certify
construction is according to DENR approved plans May also require permit under
mosquito control program,and a404 permit from Corps of Engineers 30 days
An inspection of site is necessary to verify Hazard Classification. A minimum (60 days)
fee of $200 00 must accompany the application An additional processing fee
based on a percentage of the total project cost will be required upon completion.
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North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
David L S Brook, Administrator
Michael F Easley, Governor
Lisbeth C Evans, Secretary
Jefh-ey J Crow, Deputy Secretary
December 4, 2002
MEMORANDUM
G?I V6,6
Division of Historical Resources
David J Olson, Director
DEC 12 2002 ^ r
TO Greg Thorpe, Manager cnka,
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch yNCDOT Division of Highways FROM David Brook
SUBJECT Bridge Replacement No 259 on SR 1370 over the Norfolk Southern Railroad, B-3524,
Wake County, ER 99-7925
On November 22, 2002, Sarah McBride and Ann Swallow of our staff met with Heather Fearnbach and
Mary Pope Furl on site to discuss the eligibility of the Raleigh Golf Association Clubhouse and Golf
Course Due to the Clubhouse's numerous alterations and large additions, we do not think the property
retains enough integrity to be eligible for hsting in the National Register Therefore, we concur with
NCDOT's recommendation that the Raleigh Golf Association Clubhouse and Golf Course are not eligible
for listing in ffie National Register
The above comments ale made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36
CFR Part 800
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration If you have questions concerning the above comment,
contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763 In all future
communication concerning this piolect, please cite the above referenced tracking number
cc Mary Pope Full-
be Brown/McBride
County
Location Mailing Address Telephone/Far
Administration 507 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh 27699-4617 [phone] •733-8653
Restoration 515 N Blount St, Raleigh , NC 4613 Mail Service Center, Raleigh 27699-4613 [phone].715-4801
4nrvev & Planning 515 N Blount St Raleigh, NC 618 Mail Service Center, Raleigh 27699-4618 [phone] 9715-4801
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North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B Hunt Jr, Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
September 21, 1999
MEMORANDUM
TO- William D. Gilmore, P E., Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
Division of Highways
Department of Transportation
Division of Archives and History
Jeffrey J Crow, Director
FROM. David Brook
?n``-?
Deputy State Histo i Preservation Officer
RE- Replacement of Bridge No 259 on SR 1370, TIP No B-3524, Wake County, ER 00-7423
Thank you for your letter of transmitting the survey report by Nancy Van Dolsen, North Carolina
Department of Transportation for the above referenced protect
For purposes of compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, we concur that
the following properties are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under the criterion cited.
The Carolina Pines Hotel is eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion A for its
association with a significant trend in the early-to-mid twentieth-century economic and social history of
the area
The following properties was determined not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic
Places-
Bridge No 259 over Norfolk Southern Railroad
As for the Raleigh Golf Association Clubhouse and Golf Course, we disagree with the determination that
the property is not eligible for listing in the National Register While we concur that the property is not
. eligible under Criterion B, C and D, we believe that the clubhouse is eligible under Criterion A for the
same reasons that the Carolina Pines Hotel is considered eligible.
• The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
• Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36
CFR Part 800. -
S Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment,
• please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763
109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807
CC. B. Church
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North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B Hunt Jr, Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
January 8, 1999
MEMORANDUM
TO, William D Gilmore, P E , Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
Division of Highways
Department of Transportation ty
1i' ,
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FROM David Brook '?,,4
De u ate o
p ty St stork Preservation Officer
SUBJECT- Bridge Group XIX, Bridge 259 on Tryon
Road over Norfolk Southern Railroad,
Wake County, B-3524, ER 99-7925
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Division of Archives and History
Jeffrey J Crow, Director
- Thank you for your letter of December 8, 1998, concerning the above project
We have conducted a search of our maps and files and have located the following
structures of historical or architectural-importance within the general area of the
project
Bridge 259 This bridge was built in 1936
(former) Carolina Pines Hotel (WA 2467), 1 527 Tryon Road This property is
included on the state study list
We look forward to meeting with an architectural historian from the North Carolina
Department of Transportation to review the aerial and photographs of the project area so
we can make'our survey recommendation
There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area Based
on our present knowledge of the area, it is unlikely that any archaeological
resources which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places will be affected by the project construction We, therefore, recommend that
no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations
for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800
fl:?,
concerning ine auove comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental
review coordinator, at 919/733-4763
DB.slw
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07/17/2008 12.00 9195162168
TRANSPORTATION
re ?
July 18, 2006 y
Ms. Deborah M. Barbour, P E
Director, Pxeconstructwn
NCDQT Division of Highways
1541 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1541
Subject; Bequest for Sidewalk Facilities on NCDQT TIP Projects
Dear Ms. Barbour:
PAGE 02/03
The City of Raleigh hereby requests that the North Carokm Department of Transportation
(NCDdT) incorporate pedestrian facMhes into the project planning and design of all pendmg non-
freeway pmiecls in accordance with NCDO79 Pedestrian Policy Madetizies, effective
October 2, 2000. These proects wiffim the City of RalegNs won include.
w • R-3600-USIA Widening and US 1/New Falls of Neuse Road Interchange

• • U-2823 - US 70 Widening & Corridor Improvements
U-2918 - Westgate Road Widening
• U-3111 - Tryon Road Extension

• • U-4417-Avert Ferry Road/Western Boulevard Improvements
U-4432 - Tryon Road Widening & Realignment
• U-4437 - Hillsborough StreeMue Ridge Road Grade Separation
• • U-4901- Falls of Neuse Road Widening & Realignment
+ W-4404 - Wake Forest Road/1-440 Interchange Improvements
•

• The City of Raleigh hereby agrees to participate in the hmchng of these new sidewalk
fanh ies as staged to a level of 50% of the costs associated with the sidewalk facility The Gty
of Rater shpulates that any existing sidewalk faeaties currently in place along any of these
• roadways will be replaced by NCDQT to facUitate widening and that 100° of the
replacement costs will be borne by NCDOT.
•

• The City of Raleigh understands that, in accordance with NCDOrs current Pedestrian Policy
Guidelines, the standard project section will typically include a 10-foot berm with fine-foot
wide concrete sidewalks, and that the NCDQT will construct all necessary wheelchair ramps
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A
• TELEPHONE (1;11S)890-3070 ` FAX' (919) 890'$080
1NA ?
% 590 • RALEIGH NORTH OAR0L
STR
• P
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7802
• 222 W
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• 11EMCLIM PAPER
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07/17/200B 12: PIA - 919911 f,91 RA TQ4RCPMTATTrW PAf7 FIVAI;
Ms. Deborah Barbour, PB - Sidewalk Requests on TIP Projects
July 18, 2006 - Page 2
The City of Raleigh looks forward to successful completion of all of these projects If you
have any quest;ons about the specifics of any of these projects or if you need any other
inforxmation, please call Eric 'Lamb in oux Public Works Department at [phone] or email
him at eric [e-mail].
Sincerely,

J. Russell Allen
city manager
JRA/ ejl
Cc Kenneth Spaulding - NCDOT Board of Transportation
Nina S Szlosberg - NCDOT Board of Transportation
Jay Bennett, PE - NCDOT Roadway Design Urat
Calvin Leggett, PE - NCDOT Program Development Branch
Mike Stanley, PE - NCDOT Program Development Branch
]on Nance, PE - NCDOT Division 5 Engineer
Gregory J Thorpe, PhD - NCDOT PDEA
Carl R. Dawson, Jr, PE - City of Raleigh Pubhc Works Department
Edison H. Johnson, Jr, PE - Capital Area Metropolitan Plartning Organisation
r
Page 1 of 1
Pam Williams
From: Lamb, Eric [Eric Lamb@ci raleigh nc us]
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 8 51 AM
To: Theresa Ellerby
Subject: U-4432 - Tryon Road Widening & Realignment
Theresa
My apologies for not responding sooner with comments for U-4432 per your request I am short staffed right now and
having a hard time juggling the needs of my division I am emailing these comments to you today, I will also provide
you with a formal reply on letterhead.
In reviewing the outline for the project that you provided, I am generally in agreement with the scope of improvements
Here are some specific comments*
S • I have no preference between the 16-foot median and the 30-foot median alternatives There is some research
• circulating currently that suggests that the use of wider medians on urban thoroughfare facilities leads to higher
accident rates at median openings The City of Raleigh has previously utilized 20-foot medians, which allow for
a 12-foot turn lane and an 8-foot pedestrian refuge at each intersection
. Your field surveys for the new location portion of the project should take into account that the property along the
north side of the project was formerly a municipal airport There is a possibility that wastes associated with the
• airport operation could have been disposed on the site within the alignments under consideration
s Tryon Road is classified as a major thoroughfare, City standards call for all major thoroughfares to provide
sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, and we request that provisions for such be incorporated into this
• project Once funding for this project has been established and a target construction year is agreed upon, the
• Raleigh DOT will proceed to arrange the funding for the 50% match required for sidewalks on TIP projects
e The Raleigh Golf Association has property on both sides of Tryon Road in the vicinity of this project They have
been proactive in discussing their needs and activities as this project has been added to the TIP One key issue
• that could be impacted by the project is the movement of golf carts and pedestrians across Tryon Road at two
existing mid-block crossings One accommodation for this movement may be an extension of the proposed
structure over the railroad to accommodate a pedestrian/cart underpass outside of the railroad right-of-way
• This will have high safety benefits in removing these conflicting flows from one of the existing crossings
[look forward to discussing this project further as the study progresses We are available for any necessary
• coordination meetings at your office or in the field to review any issues If you have any questions or need any
additional information, please call me at [phone] or email me at eric lambfci.raleigh nc us
• Thanks,
• Eric
• Eric J Lamb, PE - --^ eric lamb@ci ralei.crh nc us_
• Manager, Transportation Services Division http-//www raleiah--nc.orcf
• City of Raleigh DOT [phone]
P 0 Box 590, Raleigh, NC 27602 fax[phone]
• 12/3/2.003
Pam Williams
From: Johnson, Ed [ED.Johnson@ci raleigh nc us]
Sent: Monday, April 14, 200311 17 AM
To- Theresa Ellerby
Cc: Lamb, Eric; stacyharris@dot state nc us; Ron D Allen PE, Jim 0. Morrison PE; Dawson, Carl,
Pam Williams
Subject: RE Sidewalks on U-4432 - Tryon Road
Teresa,
Thanks for agreeing to proceed with this project incorporating planning and design for sidewalks on both sides throughout
as requested by the City of Raleigh. As you requested and pursuant to NCDOTs sidewalk policy, this message is to
confirm that the City of Raleigh will commit to maintaining all sidewalk facilities constructed as a part of this project as
specifically set forth and mutually agreed upon In the approved municipal agreement.
If you need anything else, please let me know.
Thanks,
Ed
Edison H. Johnson, Jr. P.E.
Manager, Transportation Services Division
Raleigh Dept of Transportation
222 West Hargett St Suite 301
Raleigh, NC 27602-0590
-----Original Message-----
From: Theresa Elierby [mailto:TEl][e-mail]]
Sent: Mon 4/14/2003 10 40 AM
To: Johnson, Ed
Cc. Lamb, Eric; [e-mail] nc.us; Ron D Allen PE; Jim 0. Morrison PE; Dawson, Carl; Pam Williams
Subject: Re: Sidewalks on U-4432 - Tryon Road
1
Page 1 of 1
Pam Williams
From. Lamb, Eric [Eric Lamb@ci raleigh no us]
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2003 4 27 PM
To: tellerby@dot state no us
Cc stacyharns@dot state no us, Ron D Allen PE, Jim O Morrison PE, Johnson, Ed, Dawson, Carl
Subject: Sidewalks on U-4432 - Tryon Road
Teresa
I spoke with both Ed Johnson and Carl Dawson today concerning sidewalks along your Tryon Road project, U-
4432 1 indicated a desire on the City's behalf to include sidewalks on both sides of the project in our pre-scopmg
meeting Stacy indicated to me on the phone yesterday that there was some discrepancy in the scoping meeting
Monday as to this provision, and that the City was apparently supportive of only providing sidewalks on one side
After discussing the issue with Ed and Carl, we are unanimous in requesting that your project continue this
provision throughout U-4432, including sidewalks on both sides of the new bridge over the railroad The City's
project slated for widening Tryon Road between Lake Wheeler road and the railroad bridge is scoped for
sidewalks on both sides of the roadway at this time At such time as it is appropriate, the City of Raleigh will
pursue a municipal agreement to cover our portion of the costs for these sidewalks within your project
If you have any questions or need further information related to this request, please let me know
Thanks,
Eric Lamb
Eric J. Lamb, PE
Transportation Planning Engineer
City of Raleigh Dept of Transportation
P 0 Box 590, Raleigh, NC 27602
enc lamb@ci raleigh nc us
htt?.//www raleigh nc ora
[phone]
fax[phone]
4/15/2003
7-?,?N an
I l_
WAKE

COUNTY PUBLIC
Department of Transportation
January 8, 1999
Mr William D Gilmore
Department of Transportation
PO Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611-5201
Dear Mr Gilmore
SCHOOL
SYSTEM
I received your request regarding the number of buses that cross Bridge No 259 on SR
1370 (Tryon Road)
We have six (6) buses that cross'-this badge during the course of their routes
transporting students to and from school, which would equate to twelve (12) trips across
this bridge daily
As the date for replacement is finalized, please keep us informed with information
concerning length of closing and possible detours This information can be sent to my
attention at the address below or faxed to my attention at 856-7773
If you need additional information, please let me know
Sincerely,
Wyatt L Currin
Transportation Department
Wake County Public Schools
c Mr Ray Massey
Mr Vern Hatley
001-
JAN 1 4 199'
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APPENDIX B
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
S
APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS - CERTIFIED RECORD
193-07-CA 1526 TRYON ROAD (CAROLINA PINES HOTEL)
Applicant CITY OF RALEIGH C/O ERIC LAMB
Received 11/15/2007 Meeting Date(s)
Submission date + 90 days 2/13/2008 1) 12/3/2007 2) 3)
INTRODUCTION TO THE APPLICATION
Historic District RALEIGH HISTORIC LANDMARK
Zoning 0&1-1
Nature of Project Relocate 272' long historic stone wall 60' north of current location, demolish
and/or prune approximately 20 trees
Staff Notes
¦ The impetus for the project is Tryon Road widening in front of the property and road
realignmentibridge replacement to the east of the property
¦ The Carolina Pines Hotels was designated a Raleigh Historic Landmark under
Ordinance (1999) 611 The designation encompasses the entire parcel of approximately
7 32 acres
The project reviewed and discussed in this COA application is called "Alternative 3" in
the NCDOT documentation This alternative widens the road from the existing
pavement edge on the south toward the historic property and is the worst case scenario
for the historic property Alternative 2, the NCDOT preferred alternative, widens the
road equally from the existing centerline Alternative 4 widens the road away from the
historic property and would have no impact on the historic property A table in the
NCDOT report compares the various alternatives The historic property is referred to as
the "4(f) property" in the table Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of
1966 (49 USC 303) declares a national policy "to preserve the natural beauty of the
countryside and public park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and
historic sites " A transportation program or project requiring the use of land of an
historic site of national, State, or local significance (as determined by the Federal, State,
or local officials having jurisdiction over the site) may be approved only if-
1 there is no prudent and feasible alternative to using that land, and
2 the program or project includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the
park, recreation area, wildlife and waterfowl refuge, or historic site resulting
from the use
Map Shown by Tama Tully
December 3, 2007 COA Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 13
APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF GUIDELINES and DESCRIPTION OF PROTECT
Sections Topic Description of Work
23 Site Features and Plantings Demolish and/or prune approximately 20
trees
24 Fences and Walls Relocate 272' long historic stone wall 60'
north of current location
51 Relocation Relocate 272' long historic stone wall 60'
north of current location
STAFF COMMENTS
Based on the information contained in the application, in staff's judgment
A Demolition and/or pruning of approximately 20 trees is not incongruous in concept
according to Guidelines sections 2 31, 2 32,2 3 6, 23 7 Raleigh City Code Section 10-
2052(a)(2)c 51 states that "An application for a certificate of appropriateness authorizing the
demolition or destruction of a building, structure, or site within the district may not be
denied However, the authorization date of such a certificate may be delayed for a period
of up to three-hundred sixty-five (365) days from the date of approval The maximum
period of delay authorized by this section shall be reduced by the Commission where it
finds that the owner would suffer extreme hardship or be permanently deprived of all
beneficial use of or return from such property by virtue of the delay "
1* The dense pine growth is specifically noted in the designation ordinance as integral to the
property's significance The trees contribute to the overall historic character of the Carolina
Pines Hotel The current 7 32 acre parcel has remained intact since construction of the hotel
and the overall character of the property remains unchanged from the period of
significance
2* No specific information regarding the size and location of impacted trees or which would be
removed versus trimmed is included with the application
3* No certified arborist report is provided The trees are not proposed for removal because of
health or safety issues, but rather because of their location in relationship to the proposed
wall relocation
4* The applicant and NCDOT propose to provide tree protection measures to minimize tree
trimming and disturbance of existing plantings
5* Failure to reduce the period of delay for the removal of the trees would not postpone the
work or result in abandonment of the project There is not a known timeframe for the
construction of this project
6* The applicant proposes to provide a landscape plan for replacement of landscape features
lost by the project and to replace any landscape elements that die within a year of
installation The indeterminate construction timeframe noted in fact 5* provides an
opportunity to plant replacement landscape features in advance of existing plant material
December 3, 2007 COA Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 13
removal, which will allow the replacements to become more established by the time of
construction and enhance the mitigative effect of their planting
B Relocating a 272' long historic stone wall is not incongruous according to Guidelines sections
51 1, 51 2, 513, 515, and 51 6 but may be incongruous according to Guidelines sections
241 and242
1* The original stone wall (c 1933) and circular drive are specifically noted in the designation
ordinance as integral to the property's significance The wall and associated piers
contribute to the overall historic character of the Carolina Pines Hotel The current 7 32 acre
parcel has remained intact since construction of the hotel and the overall character of the
property remains unchanged from the period of significance
2* The stone wall is approximately 272' long, 3' wide, 4 5' tall, and sits approximately 12 to 18'
from the existing pavement The proposed location would set the wall approximately 215'
from the ROW and roughly 35' from the pavement edge
3* The stone wall and circular drive delineate a wide expanse of lawn that slopes down
towards the historic building There is currently an approximate 10' grade difference
between the hotel and the wall The proposed relocation will likely result in the elevation of
the wall being lowered by approximately 2 to 4 feet
• 4* The 2006 Color Orthos (aerial photographs) from MMAPS indicate that the wall is on the
• property line Using this assumption, and using the City of Raleigh's internal MAPS
program, the wall is approximately 284' from the face of the hotel Relocating the wall 60'
closer to the hotel will result in a 224' foot dimension, a reduction of approximately 21%
5* The road widening as currently proposed puts a westbound travel lane in the current
location of the wall
6* The NCDOT proposes to record the existing conditions of the Carolina Pines Hotel and
surroundings with a Historic Structures and Landscape Recordation Plan
7* The applicant (City of Raleigh) proposes to wire the relocated stone piers for lighting and
reuse the existing fixtures
8* Specifications regarding reconstruction of the stone wall are not included in the application
The applicant proposes to provide design plans for the relocation and reconstruction of the
stone wall
Pending the committee's determination regarding the significance of the extent of reduction
in lawn, staff suggests that the committee approve the application, with a 365-day demolition
delay period and an effective date of December 3, 2008 for the tree removal, with the following
conditions
The landscape plan, including final count and locations of trees to be removed, and the
locations of replacement trees, shall be provided to staff within 1 year of issuance of this
certificate of appropriateness and approved by staff prior to the undertaking of any tree
removal
December 3, 2007 COA Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 13
2 Replacement trees are planted on a 1 to 1 basis with like kind and type of trees in
accordance with standard arboricultural practice within 18 months of the issuance of the
certificate of appropriateness
3 No existing trees to be removed for the road project are to be cut prior to issuance of "notice
to proceed" to the road contractor
4 Pruning of trees shall be conducted in accordance with standard arboricultural practice
using target pruning techniques, with documentation of pruning sites provided to and
approved by staff prior to issuance of "notice to proceed" to the road contractor
5 Specifications regarding the dismantling and reconstruction of the stone wall will be
provided to and approved by staff This includes, but is not limited to detailed
documentation of the wall, the method of mortar removal, storage of stones, and
composition of new mortar
6 The wall will be reconstructed within 1 year of commencement of the project
7 Copies of all documentation prepared regarding the historic site (i e Historic Structures
and Landscape Recordation Plan) will be provided to staff for inclusion in the Raleigh
Historic Landmark file
8 This Certificate of Appropriateness may be renewed by staff as minor work provided there
is no revision to the degree and extent of work as approved by the COA Committee
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Support Mr Fleming A El-Amin II, AICP [affirmed], Transportation Planner with the City of
Raleigh spoke in support of the application Mr El-Amin began with a brief synopsis and
history of the project in general He stated that the project consists of a bridge replacement and
road realignment by the NC DOT and of road widening by the City of Raleigh He described
the four alternatives for completing the project 1) No build, 2) symmetrical alignment which
relocates the historic wall 30 feet, 3) asymmetrical alignment which relocated the historic wall
60 feet and 4) asymmetrical alignment which does not relocate the wall
In response to a question, Mr El-Amin stated that an official tree survey had not yet been
completed and that the 20 trees impacted by the project were an estimate made by City of
Raleigh Public Works staff based upon moving the wall 60'
Mr El-Amin showed a cross-section of the proposed road and noted the 5' wide sidewalk on
each side of the road He stated that the road would have 2 travel lanes in each direction
divided by a median
Mr Fountain and Mr Kasefang requested and received clarification regarding the dotted lines
shown on one of the maps Mr El-Amin noted the location of the edge of pavement, wall, and
right-of-way
December 3, 2007 COA Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 13

In response to inquiries by Mr Kasefang and Mr Dan Becker [affirmed], Mr El-Amin
confirmed that the two large deciduous trees by the Raleigh Golf Association (RGA) property
would be removed in any of the alternatives
Mr Fountain asked Mr El-Amin why the wall is not located on the new right-of-way beside the
sidewalk and Mr Kasefang asked how the proposed distance of 215' from the new right-of-
way to the relocated wall was determined Mr El-Amin stated that the cross-section was
designed to have a buffer between the wall and the sidewalk Bringing the wall closer was not
studied
Mr Becker noted that the wall is currently 12 feet from the edge of the pavement and is
proposed to be 30 feet from the edge of the pavement He also pointed out that there is
currently no sidewalk or curbing
Mr Carlton Blalock [affirmed], stockholder, member, and Board member of the Raleigh Golf
Association (RGA) spoke in favor of the application and presented the committee with written
testimony and supplementary photographs for the record He spoke for Mr Jim Webb,
president of RGA and Woody Scott, greens keeper also in attendance
Mr Blalock stated that the RGA opened in 1929 and that Alternative 2 would have a profound
negative impact on the RGA, particularly since it operates on a non-profit basis The verbal,
written, and photographic testimony was used to support that position He illustrated that if
the road were aligned closer to RGA, that the new sidewalk would be 14' from the clubhouse
front door
Opposition Mr Robert Kennel [affirmed], representative of the Alumni Corporation Board of
the RHO Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity spoke about the application He stated that he
was the first president of the RHO Chapter of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity and that December 13,
2007 is the 50th anniversary of the fraternity's stewardship of the Carolina Pines Hotel Mr
Kennel's testimony (also provided in written form to the committee at the meeting) covered five
basic points 1) quality of the removal and relocation of the stone wall and tree replacement, 2)
safe ingress and egress to the property, 3) tax value of the land, 4) mmimizing impact to the
land and trees, and 5) the fraternity's commitment to remain at that location
Mr Kennel expressed his concern that tree removal and deconstruction of the wall would
happen prematurely He also noted that the lawn had more trees prior to Hurricane Fran
Mr Blalock, in response to a question by the committee, stated that the RGA was determined
not to be eligible for the National Register
Mr Kennel questioned the need for the wall to be so far from the proposed sidewalk
December 3, 2007 COA Meeting Minutes
Page 8 of 13
Mr Fountain asked Mr Becker how long COAs are valid Mr Becker stated that city permits
are valid for six months and that with the demolition delay, the 6 month timeframe does not
begin until after the conclusion of the 365 days
Mr Becker clarified that the statement about 4(f) in the staff comment is a federal standard and
it was included as explanation regarding the documentation included in the application This
project was evaluated under this high standard when federal funds were involved - no federal
funds are being used at this time
Mr Kasefang stated his belief that the big question is about the character of the wall location
and if relocation would negatively impact the character of the property Also does the
additional 215' negatively impact the property?
Mr Becker stated that this case involved a matter of judgment so staff provided the evidence for
the committee consider He stated that staff saw the critical issue as the landmark setting which
was described as building, big lawn, big setback, pine trees, wall, road Moving the wall will
leave a lot of lawn Is there enough left for the property to maintain the historic association
between the various elements? The committee is to consider all of the evidence and use their
judgment to make the decision
Mr Fountain asked what consideration was given toward making the road narrower than
proposed Mr El-Amin stated that the city standard was used
In response to Mr Kasefang's question about ingress and egress, Mr Becker stated that it is not
known if there will be a cut in the median, but that the City looks very carefully when deciding
where to make the cuts He also noted that Par Drive is a private road
Mr Becker noted that the timing of the tree removal, as proposed by staff is intended to plan
trees soon, prior to removal of any trees so as to allow time for growth
Mr Runyans asked if there was any compelling reason why the wall was proposed to be 215'
beyond the new right-of-way Mr El-Amin stated that that distance might be adjustable
In response to Mr Runyan, Mr Fountain stated that the location of the wall in relation to the
right-of-way is something that the committee can influence
Mr Kasefang suggested that parameters be directed to staff to minimize the distance of the wall
from the proposed right-of-way given the uncertainty of the further design
Mr Becker suggested that a rational basis to start from would be the distance of the wall from
the road and consider that character and historic relationship He also noted that there is not
currently a sidewalk and that legally the wall can be constructed up against the right-of-way
December 3, 2007 COA Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 13
There was a discussion of the wall location, the current grade and the grade after the road is
constructed The question is the potential impact on the character of the property
Mr Becker asked if the light fixtures on piers are historic Mr El-Amin said no Mr Kennel
noted that although the current fixtures are not original there has always been some kind of
light At Mr Becker's request he stated his intention to look for historic photographs of the
original lights
There was no one else present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the application
Mr Fountain closed the public testimony portion of the hearing
Committee Discussion
The following points were made in discussion [speaker indicated in brackets]
[Kasefang] The significance of the location of the wall is the item that the staff left open for the
committee to decide
[Fountain] When moved, the wall will become more important functionally because it will be
separating the lawn from a 4-lane highway
[Fountain] It is troubling to make a decision regarding something that may never happen or
could change drastically in the future
[Fountain] If a sidewalk is needed, then the wall should be close in order to provide the
greatest visual separation between the road and the building
[Kasefang] The 4-lane road will inherently change the character of the road and that the goal at
this point is to minimize the impacts
[Kasefang] The location of the wall DOES contribute to the overall historic character, however
moving it in a fashion that retains it relationship to the road will mitigate the negative impact
on the character of the property
[Runyan] Who decides what is the appropriate the distance?
[Cruse] and [Kasefang] The exact distance can be left for staff to work out with the applicant
[Becker] (procedural observation) Providing performance standards in the conditions
decreases the leeway and uncertainty that staff will face Determining now what is desired will
make it clear for the implementation phase
December 3, 2007 COA Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 13
[Cruse] The distance between the roadway and the wall is currently 12 feet
[Fountam] Placing the wall next to the sidewalk could look good
[Vinton] Placing the wall closer will define an edge
[Kasefang] The distance should reference the right-of-way rather than the potential sidewalk
[Kasefang] suggested that the condition read tat the wall should be place the wall in the same
proximity to the right of way as it currently is
Findings of Fact
Mr Kasefang moved that based upon the facts presented in the application and the public
hearing, the committee finds staff comments A (inclusive of facts 1-6) and B Relocating a 272'
long historic stone wall is not incongruous according to Guidelines sections 2 41, 2 4 2, 51 1,
51 2, 51 3, 51 5, and 51 6 (inclusive of facts 1-8) to be acceptable as findings of fact, with the
following additional fact B
9* The NC Department of Transportation has determined that the property is National
Register eligible
The motion was seconded by Mr Cruse, passed 5/0
Decision on the Application
Following discussion on an initial motion made by Mr Kasefang and seconded by Mr Cruse,
Mr Kasefang made an amended motion that the application be approved with a 365-day
demolition delay period and an effective date of December 3, 2008 for the tree removal, with the
following conditions
1 The landscape plan, including final count and locations of trees to be removed, and the
locations of replacement trees, shall be provided to staff within 1 year of issuance of this
certificate of appropriateness and approved by staff prior to the undertaking of any tree
removal
2 Replacement trees (minimum 2" caliper) are planted on a 1 to 1 basis with like kind and
type of trees in accordance with standard arborncultural practice within 18 months of the
issuance of the certificate of appropriateness
3 No existing trees to be removed for the road project are to be cut prior to issuance of "notice
to proceed" to the road contractor
December 3, 2007 COA Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 13
4 Pruning of trees shall be conducted in accordance with standard arboricultural practice
using target pruning techniques, with documentation of pruning sites provided to and
approved by staff prior to issuance of "notice to proceed" to the road contractor
5 Specifications regarding the dismantling and reconstruction of the stone wall will be
provided to and approved by staff This includes, but is not limited to detailed
documentation of the wall, the method of mortar removal, storage of stones, and
composition of new mortar
6 The wall will be reconstructed within 1 year of commencement of the project
7 Copies of all documentation prepared regarding the historic site (i e Historic Structures
and Landscape Recordation Plan) will be provided to staff for inclusion in the Raleigh
Historic Landmark file
8 This Certificate of Appropriateness may be renewed by staff as minor work provided there
is no revision to the degree and extent of work as approved by the COA Committee
9 The reconstructed stone wall is placed in the same proximity of the new right-of-way as it is
currently
Mr Cruse agreed to the changes The amended motion passed 5/0
Committee members voting Cruse, Runyans, Fountain, Kasefang, Vinton
Certificate expiration date 6/3/09
December 3, 2007 COA Meeting Minutes Page 12 of 13
APPENDIX C
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
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Improvements to Tryon Road from West of
Bridge No. 259 over Norfolk Southern
Railway to Wilmington Street
The North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) is proposing
improvements to SR 1370 (Tryon
Road) from west of Bridge No 259
over Norfolk Southern Railway to US
70-401 (Wilmington Street) Widening
Tryon Road from west of Bridge No
259 to SR 1009 (Lake Wheeler Road)
will be a separate project undertaken by
the City of Raleigh
Part of Tryon Road east of Bridge No
259 is under construction by Wakefield
Development Company They have
worked closely with the City of Raleigh
and NCDOT to incorporate NCDOT's
preferred alignment into their proposed
Renaissance Park development The
developer will relocate Tryon Road on
new alignment from west of Grenelle
Road to east of Bridge No 259 Junc-
tion Boulevard will be extended to the
relocated Tryon Road The portion of
Tryon Road west of junction Boulevard
will remain in place and will dead-end
just north of the curve past Withers
Road
NCDOT's proposed new alignment of
Tryon Road will connect to the new
roadway constructed by the developer
approximately 1000 feet east of Bridge
No 259 The proposed improvements
includes replacing Bridge No 259 with
a new structure that will provide for
two lanes of traffic in each direction
The new bridge will be constructed in
stages to maintain traffic on-site during
construction The improvements to
Tryon Road will provide a four-lane
curb and gutter facility with a raised
median The outside travel lanes will
be 14-feet to accommodate bicycle
traffic Sidewalks are proposed on
both sides of Tryon Road
The need for the proposed project is
based upon the deteriorated conditions
of Bridge No 259, the alignment defi-
ciencies along Tryon Road, and to im-
prove the traffic carrying capacity
The proposed improvements of Tryon
Road will result in safer, more efficient
travel in the area
The NCDOT is conducting a Citizens
Informational Workshop to present
the project to the public A map of the
proposed project and details on the
workshop are located inside this news-
letter
Improvements to Tryon Road from West of
Bridge No. 259 to Wilmington Street
HISTORIC
CONSIDERATIONS
The Beta Sigma Phu Fraternity
House north of Tryon Road
acLoss from the Raleigh Golf As-
sociation (RGA) public golf
course was formerly called the
Carolina Pines Hotel. The
Carolina Pines Hotel is eligible for
listing in the National Registei of
Historic Places for its association
with a s garuficant trend in the
eaily-to-mid twentieth century
economic and social history of the
area NCDOT has endeavored to
impact this historic resource as
little as possible in conformance
with Section 106 of the Historic
Preservation Act and Section 4(f)
of the U S Department of Tians-
portation Act,
ALTERNATIVES
The following alternatives vweie
evaluated and will be displayed at
the workshop
Alternative 2 (preferred) includes
improvements of Tryon Road fiom
US 401 to west of Bridge No 259
The roadway alignment would set
the future roadway widening sym-
metrically- between the historic
property and the RGA club house.
The City of Raleigh plans on wid-
ening Tryon Road west of Bridge
No 259, at which time a rock wall
on the historic property would be
relocated approximately 30 feet
north This alteinative was selected
as the prefened because it inim-
mizes impacts to the historic prop-
erty and is in compliance with Sec-
tion 106 and Section 4(f) regula-
tions
Alternative 3 includes improve-
ments of Tryon Road from US 401
to Nvest of Budge No 259 The
fatute alignment holds the existing
south edge of pavement and widens
the roadway to the north at the fra-
temity house In the future widen-
ing of Tryon Road by the City of
Raleigh, the rock wall would be re-
located approximately 60 feet
north
Alternative 4 includes improve-
ments of Tryon Road from US 401
to west of Bridge No 259 The
proposed alignment holds the exist-
ing north edge of pavement at the
bridge and -widens the roadway to
the south No impacts aie antici-
pated to the historic property (the
fraternity house), including the rock
wall, when the City -widens Tryon
Road in the future The RGA club
house would be taken for the fu-
ture widening of Tryon Road
Page 2 CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP
Citizens Informational Workshop
The NCDOT is conducting a
Citizens Informational Workshop
on Thursday, July 20, 2006 The
workshop time and location is
provided to the right
The purpose of the workshop is
to present information on the
project and allow citizens to pro-
vide their comments and voice
their concerns Your opinions
count and we are interested in
hearing them
Tryon Road Improvement
Citizens Informational Workshop
Date: July 20, 2006
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: South Raleigh Civitan Club
1020 Harper Road
Raleigh, North Carolina
Additional Information
Public involvement is an impor-
tant part of the planning process
The NCDOT encourages citizen
involvement on transportation
projects, and will consider your
suggestions and address your con-
cerns If you have transportation
questions on other projects, call
our Customer Service Center toll-
free at 1-877-DOT-4YOU, or
visit the NCDOT website at
www ncdot org
Auxiliary aids and services will be
provided at this workshop for
disabled persons who request
them Contact information is pro-
vided on the back of this page If
you will need assistance, notify
Ms Theresa Ellerby as soon as
possible so that arrangements can
be made
JUNE 20o6 Page3

Contact Information

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Theresa Ellerby
NCDOT-PDEA
1548 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1548
919-733-7844 ext 266
tellerbyndot state nc us
Liz Kovasckitz
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants
OR P O Box 33127
Raleigh, NC 27636-3127
919-858-1808
Ikovasckitzl2mulkey inc corn
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Theresa Ellerby
NCDOT PDEA
1548 Mad Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1548