U-5993 SOS.pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
September 7, 2017
JAMES H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Request for Input
NCDOT TIP Project U-5993
NC 55 (Neuse Blvd.)/ SR 1395 (M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.) Roundabout
Craven County, North Carolina
To Whom it may concern,
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Highway Division 2, plans to
improve the intersection at NC 55 (Neuse Blvd.)/ SR 1395 (M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.) in New Bern, N.C.
The proposed project is state funded and included in the NCDOT's 2017 State Transportation
Improvement Project (STIP) as U-5993. The project is scheduled for right of way acquisition in
2018 and construction in 2019. The purpose of this project is to improve safety and optimize traffic
operations at this intersection. The project will analyze the feasibility of a roundabout as an
intersection improvement solution. Along westbound NC 55 (Neuse Blvd.) intermittent sidewalks
exist in the Project Study Area (PSA). The existing intersection is signalized with two left turn
lanes from NC 55 (Neuse Blvd.) to travel eastbound on NC 55 (Neuse Blvd.). For westbound travel
on NC 55 (Neuse Blvd) through the intersection, a 2-lane slip ramp allows free-flowing
movements.
The proposed PSA extends from 1,000 feet east of the intersection along NC 55 (Neuse Blvd.) to
500 feet west of the intersection along NC 55 (Neuse Blvd.) and SR 1395 (M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.).
NC 55 (Neuse Blvd.) and SR 1395 (M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.) are both classi�ed as "Other Principal
Arterials." NCDOT 2014 traffic data shows 20,000 vehicles per day (vpd) east of the intersection
on NC 55 (Neuse Blvd.), 13,000 vpd west of the intersection on NC 55, and 8,200 vpd south of
the intersection along SR 1395 (M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.).
Based on a review of the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office's GIS Web Service,
there are no historic properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
places within the PSA. The NCDOT Historic Architecture and the Ofiice of State Archaeology
have indicated that no survey is needed.
Although no impacts are anticipated, any improvements that result in the discharge of fill material
into the unnamed tributary to Smith Creek (e.g., culvert extension, bank stabilization, etc.) will
likely require a Nationwide Permit #14.
On behalf of NCDOT, STV Engineers, Inc. is developing a Minimum Criteria Determination
Checklist (MCDC) as environmental documentation in accordance with NCDOT SEPA guidance.
As part of this process, we are soliciting early input from agencies concerning the features or
MailingAddress: Telephone: [phone] Location:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Fax: [phone] PACTOLUS HWY. (NC 33)
DIVISION 2 Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968 GREENVII.LE, NC 27835
PO Box 1587
GREENVILLE, NC, 27835
Website: www.ncdot.gov

resources within their jurisdiction and potential impacts of the proposed improvements at the
NC 55 (Neuse Blvd.)/ SR 1395 (M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.) intersection. Attached to this letter are two maps
for your information and reference: a project location map and a topographic quadrangle map. The
PSA is shown on both maps.
This letter serves as the NCDOT start of study letter. To ensure that environmental issues are fully
evaluated, the Division requests that you respond in writing concerning beneficial or adverse
impacts of the proposed project related to the interest of your agency. NCDOT looks forward to
receiving your comments on the project by October 7, 2017. Comments should be addressed to the
following member of the consultant team:
Ms. Elizabeth Scott
STV Engineers, Inc.
1500 Perimeter Park Dr, Suite 120
Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Sincerely,
v� /
G� �--
Elizabeth Workman-Maurer
Project Manager
NCDOT Division 2
Attachments: USGS Topographic Map
Location Map