20190397_R-2566BA_Bridge Replacement Discussion_Minutes_20180820_20180820

Subject:
Location:
Minutes from Watauga River Bridge Replacement Discussion held on
August 8, 2018 for R-2566BA in Watauga County.
NCDOT Century Center Complex — Hydraulics Unit Conference Room
Team Members:
Steve Kichefski — USACE
Marella Buncick — USFWS
Claire Ellwanger — USFWS
— FHWA
Christopher Militscher — USEPA
Marla Chambers — NCWRC
Dave Wanucha — NCDWR
Robert Patterson, NCDWR
(present)
(present)
(present)
(absent)
(absent)
(present)
(phone)
(present)
Date of Minutes: August 20, 2018
The project involves the replacement of
Watauga #5, the NC 105 bridge over the
Watauga River. The purpose of this meeting is
to discuss anticipated temporary and permanent
impacts associated with the bridge replacement
and roadway approach work.
The meeting began at 8:00 am.
General Notes / Comments
• Nathan Adima (NCDOT PMU) opened
the meeting and handled introductions.
Additional Participants:
Nathan Adima, NCDOT PMU
Bill Zerman, NCDOT PMU
Beverly Robinson, NCDOT PMU
Brenda Moore, NCDOT Roadway
Craig Lee, NCDOT Hydraulics
Bill Elam, NCDOT Hydraulics (absent)
Jason Dilday, NCDOT EAU
Carla Dagnino, NCDOT EAU
Marissa Cox, NCDOT EAU-BSG
Jared Gray, NCDOT EAU-BSG (absent)
John Jamison, NCDOT EPU
Brian Lipscomb, NCDOT Stormwater
Mark Staley, NCDOT REU (phone)
David Harris, NCDOT REU (absent)
Amber Lee, NCDOT SMU
Keith Pascal, NCDOT SMU
Greg Sealy, NCDOT Utilities (absent)
Cameron Cochran, NCDOT Constr. Unit
Trent Beaver, Div 11 Construction (phone)
Heath Slaughter, Div 11 DEO (absent)
Bob May, Wetherill Engineering
Zach Richard, TGS Engineers
David Petty, TGS Engineers (Minutes)
Craig Lee (NCDOT Hydraulics) mentioned this project, R-2566BA (BA section), is
contained within a larger future R-2566B (B section) project. The BA section was spilt
out due to the bridge needing replacement before the full B section can be ready for
Letting due to a bridge inspection giving a low sufficiency rating.
There was discussion as to whether another meeting would be needed for the BA
section and if so, to be referred to as 4C or other. A follow up meeting at the bridge site
was requested to discuss constructability issues and related impacts (at which time it
can be discussed as to whether an additional meeting is necessary). Subsequent to
this meeting, email correspondence from NCDOT PMU indicated a meeting will be held
onsite August 22, 2018 at 9:30 am, prior to the field inspection currently scheduled for
that afternoon.
David Petty (TGS Engineers, Hydraulics Engineer) discussed redline drainage planset
sheet by sheet. TGS noted the proposed right of way shown on the redline drainage
plans (the plans posted on the PDEA Merger site in preparation for this meeting) has
been superseded. The intent now is for proposed right of way for the BA section to be
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sufficient to cover the future B section. In areas where proposed drainage causes
jurisdictional impacts, effort has and will be made to design drainage to work for both
the current BA section and future B section.
Sheet 4
TGS mentioned 3 pipe outlets (Str# 402, 405, 409) which substantially carry offsite
drainage and discharge on east side of NC 105 and are then dissipated with Class I
riprap. These are within the transition from existing to full 4-lane divided typical and are
within the area that will be further widened in the future B section. Per inquiry, it was
noted that the pipe systems have been designed substantially to work for the B section
also. While the inlet structures (2G1's & CB's) may have to be moved out and pipe
extended upstream, the proposed pipe and outlets should work for the B section and
remain in place.
TGS noted impacts to UT to Watauga River (SGS) have been minimized with a Berm
Ditch Outlet (BDO) being proposed (Str# 406) at the top of the 0.75:1 rock cut slope.
Per comment, following field inspection, coordination with the B section designers will
take place to confirm BDO is located sufficiently upstream to work for the wider B
section (and will be adjusted slightly upstream if necessary).
• Per inquiry, it was noted that there are no longer any proposed retaining walls on the -L-
line as these were eliminated with the previous alignment shift.
Per inquiry regarding UT (SGS) only shown upstream of the existing pipe, Jason Dilday
(NCDOT EAU) indicated it discharges from the pipe down the bank with no discernable
channel.
Sheet 5
TGS noted 3 additional pipe outlets (Str# 505,511,516) which are very similar to the 3
on sheet 4 as they substantially carry offsite drainage and are dissipated with either
Class B or Class I riprap.
NCWRC expressed concerns about disturbance to salamanders and hopes to meet
onsite to evaluate best places to outlet drainage to avoid disturbances.
It was noted that the Hellbender Salamander may be proposed by USFWS for listing in
September 2018. If it is proposed, it could then be listed as threatened or endangered
next fall. NCDOT EAU-BSG is coordinating with Lori Williams (NCWRC) to acquire
Hellbender point data from the last Hellbender survey in this area (2011). EAU-BSG is
doing a passive Hellbender survey around Labor Day (September 3rd). Current
estimation is over a dozen Hellbenders in this area.
• Bridge:
o TGS noted that the proposed 3 span bridge with a total length of 270' has been
laid out to minimize both temporary and permanent impacts to the Watauga
River.
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o Proposed end bent excavation has been minimized. It is proposed at the
maximum practical elevations to allow for bridge inspection and to avoid riprap
slope extending down in the river at the upstream end of end bent 1.
o Runoff on the existing bridge discharges directly to the Watauga River, however;
runoff from the proposed bridge is collected and routed to a BMP in the east
quadrant. A Base Grassed Swale is currently shown. Brian Lipscomb (NCDOT
Stormwater) noted, due to anticipated subsurface conditions and likely difficulty
in establishing grass cover, this may be changed to a Biofiltration Conveyance
consisting of step pools with rock at surFace and filter media underneath.
o TGS provided a hardcopy of a preliminary sketch of Class II rip rap temporary
workpads proposed at elevation 2729' on each side of the river which are
necessary for removal of the existing cast-in-place concrete piers and spread
footings. Cameron Cochran (NCDOT Construction Unit) discussed construction
issues and the need to extend temporary workpads upstream to the upstream
face of the proposed bridge. He expressed concerns about equipment access
under the existing bridge with respect to the current layout of proposed interior
bents and said he will evaluate further. Cameron indicated the likelihood of
temporary workpads remaining in place for a substantial portion of the
construction duration to build the upstream portion of the bridge, then to demolish
the existing bridge and complete construction of the bridge. Cameron anticipates
the workpads will need to be in on both sides of the river at the same time to set
the center spans, which may block more than 50% of the stream. Per request,
following this meeting, TGS sent preliminary sketch of temporary workpad area
to Cameron for his markups and further consideration prior to the onsite meeting
anticipated in late August.
o It was noted that giant boulders in area may also pose construction issues.
o It was noted the upstream wingwall of end bent 1 is shown to catch the localized
shoulder fill and prevent the need for a riprap lined slope normal to the wing
spilling down in the river.
Sheet 6
• TGS noted the proposed system (Str # 601,602,603,604) to replace the existing 60"
CMP and 36" CMP has been designed to accommodate both the BA section and future
B section as well as to minimize impacts to the UT's to Laurel Fork (SGT &SGU) and
Laurel Fork.
o Class I riprap is proposed in base of channel at the proposed 72" RCP outfall
(Str# 604) to diffuse flow and provide a stable transition to Laurel Fork.
Concerns were expressed about the outlet channel and making sure it will be
stable and have the lowest possible velocities. TGS to evaluate outfall channel
stability.
o TGS noted there are no proposed drops throughout the system or at the outlet —
an improvement over existing conditions as the 60" CMP outlet is perched 2'.
After discussion and in consideration of minimizing outlet velocities and stability
given the topographic constraints, Steve Kichefski (USACE) noted that aquatic
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passage could be waived in favor of more stability since existing pipe outlet is
perched 2' and not currently providing wildlife passage. TGS to evaluate revising
system to possibly include a drop at the 10' diameter manhole to reduce outlet
pipe slope.
o TGS noted both inlets are currently proposed to be buried — an improvement
over existing conditions as the existing 60" CMP is not buried. NCDOT
Hydraulics noted that, if the inlets were to be buried, the steep stream would
likely wash out any sediment and therefore, recommend the inlets not be buried.
TGS to revise plans adding a note that reads "No burial at inlet" and a waiver is
to be included in the permit drawing submittal.
o TGS noted the plan is to add a stream plug detail at the outlet of the existing 60"
CMP.
o TGS noted 10' of temporary impacts for a pump-around outside the trout
moratorium are anticipated upstream of each inlet.
o Per inquiry, it was noted that drainage system construction techniques would be
discussed at the field inspection with the Division currently scheduled for August
22, 2018. Preliminary assumption is an open cut as bore and jack is very likely
not feasible due to proximity to Laurel Fork and topographic constraints.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 am.
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