20190506 Ver 1_WRC_multibridge 04102013_20190418

� North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission �
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Rachelle Beauregard
NCDOT, PDEA-NES
FROM: Travis Wilson, Highway Project Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: April 10, 2013
SUBJECT: Bridge Replacements
Biologists with the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewed the
information provided and have the following preliminary comments on the subject project. Our
comments are provided in accordance with 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).
Our standard recommendations for bridge replacement projects of this scope are as
follows:
1. We generally prefer spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not require
work within the stream and do not require stream channel realignment. The horizontal
and vertical clearances provided by bridges allows for human and wildlife passage
beneath the structure, does not block fish passage, and does not block navigation by
canoeists and boaters.
2. Bridge deck drains should not discharge directly into the stream.
3. Live concrete should not be allowed to contact the water in or entering into the stream.
4. If possible, bridge supports (bents) should not be placed in the stream.
5. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, they should be removed back to
original ground elevations immediately upon the completion of the project. Disturbed
areas should be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and native tree species should
be planted with a spacing of not more than 10'x10'. If possible, when using temporary
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

Bridge Memo Page 2 AprillO, 2013
structures the area should be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with chain
saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or other mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and
root mat intact, allows the area to revegetate naturally and minimizes disturbed soil.
6. A clear bank (riprap free) area of at least 10 feet should remain on each side of the
steam underneath the bridge.
7. In trout waters, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reviews all U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers nationwide and general `404' permits. We have the option of
requesting additional measures to protect trout and trout habitat and we can
recommend that the proj ect require an individual `404' permit.
8. In streams that contain threatened or endangered species, NCDOT biologist should be
notified. Special measures to protect these sensitive species may be required.
NCDOT should also contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for information on
requirements of the Endangered Species Act as it relates to the project.
9. In streams that are used by anadromous fish, the NCDOT official policy entitled
"Stream Crossing Guidelines for Anadromous Fish Passage (May 12, 1997)" should
be followed.
10. Sedimentation and erosion control measures sufficient to protect aquatic resources
must be implemented prior to any ground disturbing activities. Structures should be
maintained regularly, especially following rainfall events.
11. Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation should be planted on all bare soil
within 15 days of ground disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion control.
12. All work in or adjacent to stream waters should be conducted in a dry work area.
Sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams, or other diversion structures should be used where
possible to prevent excavation in flowing water.
13. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in
order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other
pollutants into streams.
14. Only clean, sediment-free rock should be used as temporary fill (causeways), and
should be removed without excessive disturbance of the natural stream bottom when
construction is completed.
15. During subsurface investigations, equipment should be inspected daily and
maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels, lubricants,
hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
If corrugated metal pipe arches, reinforced concrete pipes, or concrete box culverts are
used:
The culvert must be designed to allow for aquatic life and fish passage. Generally, the
culvert or pipe invert should be buried at least 1 foot below the natural streambed
(measured from the natural thalweg depth). If multiple barrels are required, barrels
other than the base flow barrel(s) should be placed on or near stream bankfull or
floodplain bench elevation (similar to Lyonsfield design). These should be

Bridge Memo Page 3 AprillO, 2013
reconnected to floodplain benches as appropriate. This may be accomplished by
utilizing sills on the upstream and downstream ends to restrict or divert flow to the
base flow barrel(s). Silled barrels should be filled with sediment so as not to cause
noxious or mosquito breeding conditions. Sufficient water depth should be provided
in the base flow barrel(s) during low flows to accommodate fish movement. If
culverts are longer than 40-50 linear feet, alternating or notched baffles should be
installed in a manner that mimics existing stream pattern. This should enhance
aquatic life passage: 1) by depositing sediments in the barrel, 2) by maintaining
channel depth and flow regimes, and 3) by providing resting places for fish and other
aquatic organisms. In essence, base flow barrel(s) should provide a continuum of
water depth and channel width without substantial modifications of velocity.
2. If multiple pipes or cells are used, at least one pipe or box should be designed to
remain dry during normal flows to allow for wildlife passage.
3. Culverts or pipes should be situated along the existing channel alignment whenever
possible to avoid channel realignment. Widening the stream channel must be avoided.
Stream channel widening at the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases
water velocity causing sediment deposition that requires increased maintenance and
disrupts aquatic life passage.
4. Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed
in a manner that precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures
should be professionally designed, sized, and installed.
In most cases, we prefer the replacement of the existing structure at the same location
with road closure. If road closure is not feasible, a temporary detour should be designed and
located to avoid wetland impacts, minimize the need for clearing and to avoid destabilizing
stream banks. If the structure will be on a new alignment, the old structure should be removed
and the approach fills removed from the 100-year floodplain. Approach fills should be removed
down to the natural ground elevation. The area should be stabilized with grass and planted with
native tree species. If the area reclaimed was previously wetlands, NCDOT should restore the
area to wetlands. If successful, the site may be utilized as mitigation for the subject project or
other proj ects in the watershed.
Project specific comments:
B-4550, Hoke County, replace bridge No. 41 and 42 on SR 1432 over Rockfish Creek We
recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-4729, Chatham County, replace bridge No. 306 on SR 1303 over North Prong Rocky River:
We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-4802, Rockingham County, replace bridge No. 18 on SR 1002 over the Haw River: We
recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-4805, Rockingham County, replace bridge No. 9 on SR 2406 over prong of Troublesome
Creek We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.

Bridge Memo Page 4 AprillO, 2013
B-4624, Rockingham County, replace bridge No. 80 on SR 1929 over Wolf Island Creek The
potential exist for Roanoke logperch (Percina rex: state E, federal E) to be found at this site.
NCDOT should coordinate with NCWRC and USFWS in conducting a survey to determine the
presence or absence of this species. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge.
Standard recommendations apply.
B-4662, Wake County, replace bridge No. 196 on SR 2308 over Moccasin Creek We
recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-4828, Vance County, replace bridge No. 56 on SR 1526 over Sandy Creek We recommend
replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-4831, Wake County, replace bridge No. 371 on SR 1152 over White Oak Creek Harris Game
Land is located within the project study area, DOT should coordinate closely during the design
and construction of this project to avoid and minimize impacts to this area. We recommend
replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-4794, Randolph County, replace bridge No. 18 on SR 1107 over Bettie McGees Creek This
portion of Bettie McGees Creek is designated as Significant Aquatic Habitat by the NC Natural
Heritage Program. Our records also indicate the potential for listed species to be present within
the project area, including: Carolina creekshell (Villosa vaughaniana: state E, FSC), Notched
rainbow (Villosa constricta: state SC), and Eastern creekshell (Villosa delumbis: state SR).
We recommend NCDOT follow the Design Standards for Sensitive Watersheds during the
design and construction of this project. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge.
Standard recommendations apply.
B-5322, Person County, replace bridge No. 51 on SR 1343 over Richland Creek We recommend
replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-5323, Granville County, replace bridge No. 143 on SR 1442 over Johnston Creek We
recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-5326, Wake County, replace bridge No. 247 on SR 2555 over White Oak Creek We
recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-5328, Franklin County, replace bridge No. 129 on SR 1406 over Sandy Creek This portion of
Sandy Creek is designated as Significant Aquatic Habitat by the NC Natural Heritage Program.
Our records also indicate the potential for listed species to be present within the project area,
including: Carolina creekshell Notched rainbow (Villosa constricta: state SC), Atlantic pigtoe
(Fusconaia masoni: state E, FSC), and Creeper (Strophitus undulatus: state T). We recommend
NCDOT follow the Design Standards for Sensitive Watersheds during the design and
construction of this project. We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard
recommendations apply.
B-5346, Alamance County, replace bridge No. 3 on SR 1529 UT: We recommend replacing this
bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.

Bridge Memo Page 5 AprillO, 2013
B-5347, Alamance County, replace bridge No. 170 on SR 1212 over prong of Alamance Creek
We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-5348, Orange County, replace bridge No. 85 on SR 1005 over Phil's Creek We recommend
replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-5349, Alamance County, replace bridge No. 173 on SR 1149 over Little Alamance Creek We
recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-5350, Alamance County, replace bridge No. 44 on SR 1768 over Jordan's Creek We
recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-5351, Guilford County, replace bridge No. 242 on US29/US70/I-85 Business over the Deep
River: We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-5353, Guilford County, replace bridge No. 147 on US29/US 70/I-85 Business over US 311:
We recommend replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-5354, Guilford County, replace bridge No. 360 on SR 4771 over US 29: We recommend
replacing this bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
B-5362, Montgomery County, replace bridge No. 53 on NC 73 over Drowning Creek This
portion of Drowning Creek is designated as Significant Aquatic Habitat by the NC Natural
Heritage Program. We recommend NCDOT follow the Design Standards for Sensitive
Watersheds during the design and construction of this project. We recommend replacing this
bridge with a bridge. Standard recommendations apply.
If you need further assistance or information on NCWRC concerns regarding bridge
replacements, please contact me at [phone]. Thank you for the opportunity to review and
comment on this project.