20150955 Ver 1_Meeting Minutes_20090801

CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
Table of Contents
Page
1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................... ..............................1
1.1 Project Description ......................................................................... ..............................1
1.2 Project History ................................................................................ ..............................1
1.3 Public Involvement ......................................................................... .............................1
2.0 Existing Conditions .......................................................................... ..............................4
2.1 Transportation Features ................................................................. ..............................4
2.2 Community Facilities ...................................................................... ..............................4
2.3 Land Use ........................................................................................ ..............................4
2.4 Environmental Features ........................................... .................... ..............................4
3.0 Study Area Defined .......................................................................... ..............................7
3.1 Project Study Area (PSA) ............................................................... ..............................7
3.2 Demographic Study Area (DSA) ..................................................... ..............................7
4.0 Need for Proposed Action .............................................................................................9
4.1 Safety ...........................................................................................................................9
4.2 System Linkage/ Travel Time/ Access Needs ...............................................................9
4.2.1 System Linkage .....................................................................................................9
4.2.2 Travel Time ............................................................................................................9
4.2.3 Access Needs ......................................................................................................10
5.0 Purpose of Proposed Action .......................................................................................11
6.0 Proposed Project Modifications, Schedule & Costs ..................................................12
6.1 Proposed Modifications ..............................................................................................12
6.2 Project Schedule ........................................................................................................12
6.3 Estimated Project Costs .............................................................................................12
Appendix
Appendix A - CIW #1 Newsletter and Summary of Citizen's Comments ...............................13
Appendix B - Project Photographs ...............................................................................14
Appendix C - NEPA/404 Merger Team Meeting Agreement, ............................................. 17
NORTH CAROLINA I TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. B-4929
AUGUST 2009
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
List of Figures
Page
Figure 1-1 Aerial Vicinity ............................................................................................................3
Figure 2-1 Community Facilities .................................................................................................5
Figure 2-2 Environmental Features ...........................................................................................6
Figure 3-1 Study Area ................................................................................................................8
NORTH CAROLINA II TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. B4929
AUGUST 2009
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is requesting concurrence on
Purpose and Need and Study Area Defined for Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
project B-4929. The purpose of this report is to provide a brief description of the existing
conditions, determine the project study area, explain the project's need, and define the project's
purpose. This report will be utilized by the NEPA1404 Merger Team for discussions during the
formal Concurrence Point 1 - Purpose & Need and Study Area Defined meeting.
1.1 Project Description
NCDOT proposes to replace the existing Topsail Island Bridge (NCDOT Bridge No. 16) along
NC 50/210 over the Intracoastal Waterway in Pender County, NC. The NCDOT has initiated
studies for this replacement project in accordance with the requirements set forth in the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended.
Replacement of Bridge No. 16 over the Intracoastal Waterway entails removal and replacement
of an existing swing span bridge currently providing access to Topsail Island. This bridge is one
of only two access points onto Topsail Island, the other bridge being located approximately
seven miles north in the Town of North Topsail Beach.
1.2 Project History
The Topsail Island Bridge (see Figure 1-1) is also known as the Sears Landing Bridge and was
completed in 1955 to replace a pontoon bridge previously utilized by the US Navy during World
War II. This bridge replacement project was first placed on the NCDOT TIP in 2005 after
structural inspections indicated a very poor bridge sufficiency rating. The current 2009-2015
NCDOT TIP indicates a right-of-way date in 2013 and a construction date of 2015.
1.3 Public Involvement
Extensive public involvement and community outreach has been planned for this project to allow
citizens and other stakeholders the opportunity to express their comments and assist in the
development of replacement alternatives. The first step in this public outreach was conducted
on June 24th and 25th, 2009 with a series of Public Officials Meetings and the first Citizens
Informational Workshop (CIW #1), respectively. Several forms of communication were
developed announcing the CIW #1, including: a project website; a toll free information phone
number; a project email address; a newsletter mailed to over 9,400 addresses; and media
announcements/interviews. These tools developed for CIW #1 will be maintained throughout
the project's planning process. The website will be updated with the latest project information;
responses to citizens' phone calls and emails will be provided; the mailing list will be updated;
NORTH CAROLINA 1 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. 8-4929
AUGUST 2009
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
future editions of newsletters will be developed and sent to the mailing list addresses; and
coordination with local media outlets will be maintained. This public involvement plan has been
documented and is on file with the NCDOT.
The purpose of the Public Officials Meetings held on June 24th (Towns of Surf City and North
Topsail Beach) and 25th (Town of Topsail Beach) were to provide the officials an opportunity to
view the CIW presentation material prior to the CIW and provide comments. Meeting notes
from each of these meetings have been developed and are on file with NCDOT. In general,
discussions focused on the potential bridge types, the construction schedule, and the
traffic/structural capacity of the new bridge.
The CIW #1 was held on June 25, 2009 in the Surf City Community Center near the project site.
The facility was large and accommodated the 350 citizens in attendance. Each citizen was
greeted at a sign-in table and provided an information packet and comment card. The format of
the meeting was also explained. Citizens were directed to a PowerPoint presentation that
repeated every nine minutes. The power point station was followed by a series of display
boards showing GIS and aerial mapping of the project site. Four stations were available with
aerial mapping where citizens could interact with the project team members. Interactions
included answers to questions; documentation of comments, issues, and concerns; and citizens
drawing their alignment ideas onto the aerial mapping. Near the exit to the building, tables were
provided where citizens could fill out their comment cards and drop them into a collection box.
As previously indicated, 350 citizens were in attendance at the CIW #1, from which 170
comment cards were collected. Other comments were received via phone calls, email, or
regular mail prior to and subsequent to the meeting. All comments have been compiled into a
public involvement notebook that is on file in the offices of RS&H. The comments have been
categorized and tallied to provide an overall picture of the responses and the corresponding
citizen's preferences. A summary of this tally and a copy of the newsletter announcing the CIW
#1 is included in Appendix A of this document.
For the citizens who were unable to attend, media coverage was provided. The Topsail Voice,
StarNews in Wilmington, Jacksonville Daily, and Cape Fear News all covered the meeting along
with News 14 Carolina television. Team members provided interviews accordingly. A listing of
publication dates and copies of the announcements, articles, and video clips are on file in the
office of RS&H.
NORTH CAROLINA 2 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. B-4929
AUGUST 2009
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS
The Topsail Island Bridge services Topsail Island. including the Towns of Topsail Beach, Surf
City, and North Topsail Beach. The bridge provides economic connectivity between the
mainland and the island with daily traffic consisting mostly of commuters traveling to the
mainland for work, shopping, and services; and from the mainland to the island for recreational
activities. Current average annual daily traffic (AADT) is approximately 11,800 vehicles per day
(vpd) with higher traffic peaks during the summer vacation months. The year 2035 projected
AADT is 26,000 vpd. (See Appendix B for photographs of the existing bridge site).
2.1 Transportation Features
NC 50/210 is classified as a major collector roadway and has been designated as both a
hurricane evacuation and bicycle route. At the project site, the existing roadway approach
section is a three-lane open shoulder section with a center turn lane. A feasibility study has
been initiated by NCDOT, FS 0703A, exploring the possibility of widening NC 210 to a four-lane
facility from US 17 to the Topsail Island Bridge. No transit services are available near the
project site.
The Topsail Island Bridge opens for commercial vessel traffic on demand and will open for
daytime recreational vessels at the top of each hour. Existing vertical clearance from the
waterway to low span is approximately 13'.
2.2 Community Facilities
Figure 2-1 provides an overview of the community facilities near the bridge site.
2.3 Land Use
Current land uses within the area consist primarily of residential development. Businesses on
the island are small and cater to vacation and recreational related activities. Businesses within
Surf City extend onto the mainland and are broader based. Future land use patterns are
expected to be similar as the area experiences additional growth.
2.4 Environmental Features
Tidal flooding occurs throughout Topsail Island and the study area. At the bridge site the FEMA
flood classification is VE indicating "velocity wave action" exceeding a height of 3'. For the
bridge approach fills, the designation is AE indicating waves less than 3'. High quality waters,
fish nurseries, and shellfish harvesting areas are located throughout the area. Other
environmental features readily available from GIS mapping are shown in Figure 2-2.
NORTH CAROLINA 4 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. 8-4929
AUGUST 2009

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CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
3.0 STUDY AREA DEFINED
The two study areas defined for this project include the Project Study Area (PSA) and the
Demographic Study Area (DSA). The PSA is a smaller study area included within the DSA.
3.1 Project Study Area (PSA)
The Project Study Area (PSA) is defined as the area surrounding a construction project that is
likely to be directly affected during construction and after project completion. The PSA, shown
in red on Figure 3-1 is entirely within the town limits of Surf City and extends along NC 50/210
away from the current bridge site approximately one mile to the west past the J H Batts Road
(SR 1612) intersection; and approximately one-half mile to the east past the NC 50 intersection.
Many stakeholder concerns and constraints exist within the DSA directly adjacent to the bridge
including residential townhomes and waterfront properties to the north; and power transmission
lines and a Surf City park area to the south. Other concerns include the bridge's eligibility as a
historical landmark, surrounding environmental features including wetland areas, and
businesses located just beyond each end of the bridge. These concerns were voiced at the
CIW #1 meeting and ideas for alignments were drawn by citizens during the meeting. As a
result of these concerns and the citizen alignments provided the PSA has been expanded to
cover the broad range of corridor alternatives that will be considered. The outermost corridors
extend approximately 2500' north and south of the existing bridge location.
3.2 Demographic Study Area (DSA)
The Demographic Study Area (DSA) shown in yellow on Figure 3-1 is defined to provide
demographic characteristics for the community surrounding the project. The DSA is a broad
area that includes all communities that may be affected directly or indirectly by the proposed
project. Since this bridge services all of Topsail Island, the entire island has been included in the
DSA, corresponding to Pender County Census Tract 98.01-001 Block Group and Onslow
County Census Tract 0.04-005 Block Group. Also included in the DSA is the mainland portion
of Surf City between the Intracoastal Waterway and US 17, Pender County Census Tract 98.01-
002 Block Group. US 17 is a logical boundary of the DSA given that the Block Group boundary
coincides with US 17 and Surf City town limits extend to US 17.
The purpose of this DSA is to expand the bridge's immediate area to provide accurate
demographic characteristics that will give a clear understanding of the broader community
characteristics and concerns of surrounding residents and businesses.
NORTH CAROLINA 7 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. 8-4929
AUGUST 2009
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CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
4.0 NEED FOR PROPOSED ACTION
Two specific needs have been identified that will warrant proceeding with this bridge
replacement. These needs include: providing a safe bridge crossing that is structurally sound
and maintaining access for emergency services and vehicular traffic.
4.1 Safety
The existing bridge opened in 1955 and consists of a swing span main channel structure with
concrete deck girder approach spans. Existing length of the bridge is 463' with a main channel
swing span length of 254' and a roadway travel width of 24'. The NCDOT conducts a bridge
inspection on a two year cycle. The latest 2007 bridge inspection report indicates that the
bridge is in poor condition with a sufficiency rating of seven out of one hundred with restricted
loads of 15 tons for single vehicles and 19 tons for tractor trailers. Subsequent to the 2007
inspection, the NCDOT has decreased the weight limits to 14 tons for single vehicles and 18
tons for tractor trailers, a result of further deterioration of the structure. The NCDOT estimates
the remaining practical service life of this bridge to be five to seven years (as of 2007) with a
continuous need for extensive maintenance. The existing 24' of travel width is abutted on each
side by 3' sidewalks. These narrow widths and close proximity of vehicles, bicycles, and
pedestrians create an unsafe multimodal travel condition.
4.2 System Linkage/ Travel Time/ Access Needs
4.2.1 System Linkage
The Topsail Island Bridge is one of only two access points onto Topsail Island. The second
bridge is located in the Town of North Topsail Beach, approximately seven miles north of the
project site. The absence of a connecting link between Topsail Island and the Surf City
mainland would result in an inefficient transportation system having economic impact to the
surrounding communities. Also, a no-build alternative at this site would be inconsistent with the
Topsail Area Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP). A separate feasibility study has been
initiated by NCDOT along NC 210 that is evaluating improving the existing facility to a four lane
section from US 17 to the Topsail Island Bridge site.
4.2.2 Travel Time
NC 50/210 is a designated hurricane evacuation route and the Topsail Island Bridge is a vital
link in providing hurricane evacuation for the Topsail Island communities. Without the Topsail
Island Bridge in place, all evacuees would be forced to use the North Topsail Bridge which may
result in disorderly evacuations, evacuation delays, and jeopardize the safety of Topsail Island
NORTH CAROLINA 9 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. B-4929
AUGUST 2009
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
residents. The detour required would be approximately 25 miles of additional travel resulting in
an approximate 30 to 45 minute delay under good traffic conditions.
The existing bridge opens for commercial vessel traffic on demand and will open for daytime
recreational vessels at the top of each hour. On average, the bridge opens about 6-8 times a
day. During peak months, these openings increase to approximately 20 per day. Each opening
results in vehicular traffic delays including delays in emergency services between the mainland
and the island. During the peak vacation months, the bridge tender has documented on many
occasions over 400 waiting vehicles when bridge is opened for vessel traffic.
4.2.3 Access Needs
The connectivity of Topsail Island to the mainland is imperative for the economic vitality of the
area and the commutes associated with daily living. Business interaction between the island
and the mainland is apparent given the limited basic goods and services on the island.
Residents travel to the mainland for these items including healthcare, groceries, postal services,
retail shopping, and other needs. Likewise, mainland populations travel to the island to take
advantage of the recreational opportunities offered at the beach. Furthermore, mainland
residents of Surf City and Topsail Beach travel to the island for municipal government related
activities including paying utility bills.
NC 50/210 is a designated bicycle route and the existing bridge provides a pedestrian and
bicycle connection between the mainland and the island. A public park and boat landing is
immediately adjacent to the bridge reinforcing the need for pedestrian and bicycle
accommodations on the bridge.
NORTH CAROLINA 10 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. B-4929
AUGUST 2009
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED -STUDY AREA DEFINED
5.0 PURPOSE OF PROPOSED ACTION
The purpose of the proposed project is to address the needs described above including the
following:
• Improve the bridge's safety by increasing the structural capacity of the bridge and
providing appropriate travel widths for all multimodal traffic crossing the bridge.
• Maintain current system linkage between the island and mainland and accommodate
access needs for emergency service vehicles and other vehicular traffic.
NORTH CAROLINA 11 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. B-4929
AUGUST 2009
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
6.0 PROPOSED PROJECT MODIFICATIONS, SCHEDULE & COSTS
6.1 Proposed Modifications
Several replacement alternatives will be investigated including relocating the bridge up to 2500'
north or south of the current location. Other possibilities will include alignments closer to the
current site or at the same location. Many constraints exist adjacent to the bridge and design
studies will be performed to balance the reconstruction with potential impacts. On-site
temporary detour alignments may be designed to accommodate traffic during construction.
6.2 Project Schedule
The proposed project schedule is as follows:
? Citizens Informational Workshop #1 - June 25th, 2009
? Concurrence Point 1 - August, 2009
? Citizens Informational Workshop #2 - Spring, 2010
? Draft Environmental Assessment - Fall, 2010
? Corridor Public Hearing - Spring, 2011
? Selection of Recommended Alternative - Summer, 2011
? FONSI - Fall, 2011
? Right-of-Way - 2013
? Construction - 2015
6.3 Estimated Project Costs
Preliminary project costs listed in the NCDOT 2009-2015 TIP are as follows:
? Right-of-way - $1,000,000
? Construction - $25,000,000
NORTH CAROLINA 12 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. 8-4929
AUGUST 2009
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
Appendix A
CIW #1 Newsletter and Summary of Citizen's Comments
NORTH CAROLINA 13 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. B4929
AUGUST 2009
r'.' ? ?' CIW # 1
Comments Summary
1) How often do you travel over the bridge (via automobile), or under/through the bridge (via boat)? (160
responses)
1-2
3-4
>4
No Response
52
1
How does the bridge support your community or business? (164 responses)
Significant 106
Insignificant 32
No Response 26
If the bridge were closed short-term or long-terrn, how would this impact you? (178 responses)
Significant 106
Insignificant 51
Short Term is O Kay 10
Winter is O Kay 5
No Response 6
How are you affected by delays due to the opening of the swing bridge? (174 responses)
Significant - 60
Insignificant/plan around bridge openings 110
No Response 4
5) Do you use the bridge at North Topsail to avoid delays at Surf City? (159 responses)
Yes 25
No 133
No Response 1
34
84
6) Do you think a high span bridge similar to the bridge at North Topsail is appropriate for the existing bridge
replacement? How about a bascule bridge? (178 responses)
High Span 60
No High Span
Bascule
New Swing
Maintain Existing Swing
Mid-level Bascule
Parallel
Tunnel
No Preference
No Response

? 18 d.
12
1
Q 1
3
16
7
Should the new bridge accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists? (158 responses)
Yes 145
No 13
Based on the information available, were all substantial questions answered? (141 responses)
Yes 1:14
<1
<1
81
Page 1 of 6
CIW # 1
Comments Summa
Need Additional Info
Need more details on projected plan
More information about replacing bridge with high span
Show sites where high span bridge would be.
Was expecting to see many different plans
Costs?
Need more information on impact of widening
Need more info - how will project be paid for?
Show pictures of actual designs and proposed approached
Show pictures of current bridge and superimpose the possible bridge over the photo
Next time have more answers
Need plans and costs
Would like to have more of a hearing to hear others thoughts
Show more direct maps with possibilities.
Come with a plan
How is this unfunded?
Interested in seeing how we use the CIW input
I would like a live presentation with a question and answer session
Concerns/Issties
No one could answer technical questions
There are no people to discuss issues - need open forum
Keep the negative people out
Have heard other places on island were being considered for fixed structure
12) Do you have any additional comments or any specific issues or ideas that you would like to share
concerning the bridge replacement?
High-Span
Thinks span bridge is the answer
Replace with high rise. Wants swing bridge gone
High rise. Donate concrete of old bridge and roadway to the park
Any swing or bascule bridge would not solve existing delays
Without high rise bridge, congestion will only get worse
Do not replace with another movable bridge
High rise is best economical choice
Fixed bridge
Need project that should result in high bridge
Keep bridge open during construction - high rise bridge
Swing bridge is aggravating. Do not like bridge. It's a hindrance
No High-Span
High span would be out of character for this island
Surf City too small for high rise. Charm would be lost.
High rise bridge - too much negative impact on business owners
No high rise
No high rise
No high rise
Bascule
Replace with draw bridge
Bascule bridge is answer
A bridge like the one at Wrightsville Beach would work best
Take Wrightsville bridge and make higher
Page 3 of 6
1
Comments Summa
Must be a temporary bridge in same area or businesses will die
Leave swing bridge till new bridge is replaced
4-lane bridge. Have current bridge or temporary bridge open during construction
2 years with no bridge would be a nightmare
Timeframe
How long will it take to replace bridge
The sooner, the better
The sooner this bridge, the better
Speed up the process
Six years is too long to wait. Bottom of bridge is bad
Committee
Hap Alexander - Would like to serve on a Team to brainstorm - address concerns of residents
Form a steering committee of local citizens
Would like to see a steering committee of local residents
Character
Important to keep character of island while not impeding progress
Bridge is a special landmark. Safety supersedes.
New bridge design should reflect the scenic community of Surf City.
This bridge should be aesthetically attractive - major focal point
Please try not to destroy the integrity and uniqueness of this lovely island
We don't want to be like Myrtle Beach or Wrightsville Beach
Keep our island as it has been
Don't want to change
Impacts
Property that might be affected did not get any answers - too early perhaps
What will happen to park by the bridge?
Concerned about businesses if moved
Disruption to property and business owners would be a major priority
New bridge should allow for fishing near or under it. Need no wake zone
Impact as few as possible
Specific Details
Need 4 lanes from 17 to Surf City and round-a-bout
Need vascular parallel bridge. DOT exercise eminent domain
Toll booth for tourist only
Make it 3 lanes
Consider traffic from Little Kinston Rd entering Hwy 50
Other
We will feel satisfied with whatever DOT feels best
It's stressful not knowing what's coming and how to prepare for it
Would like specific criteria why this bridge is insufficient. Not satisfied with info given. No San bridge.
Needs and desires of permanent residents and businesses should be paramount
Would like to have public questions answered and published at the next meeting or website/newspaper to make
us all know that you've heard our concerns
Provide info prior to final decision in order to allow community input in final decision
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
Appendix B
Project Photographs
NORTH CAROLINA 14 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. B-4929
AUGUST 2009
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
Swing Span Looking South
Mainland Approach Looking East
NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
15 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
T.I.P. No. B-4929
AUGUST 2009
Swing Span Looking North
Mainland Approach Looking East
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
Southside Park Area looking West
NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
16 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
T.I.P. No. 8-4929
AUGUST 2009
Swing Span at Bridge Tender Looking West
Open Swing Span Looking West
Island Approach Looking West

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CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
Appendix C
NEPA1404 Merger Team Meeting Agreement
NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
17 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
T.I.P. NO. B-4929
AUGUST 2009
CONCURRENCE POINT 1
PURPOSE & NEED - STUDY AREA DEFINED
NEPA/404 Merger Team Meeting Agreement
Concurrence Point No. 1.Purpose & Need and Study Area Defined
Project Name/Description: Topsail Island Bridge Replacement, Pender County, NC
TIP Project No.: 8-4929
Federal Aid Project No.: BRSTP-50 (10)
WBS No.: 40233.1.1
Purpose of Proposed Action
The purpose of the proposed project is to address the needs described above including the
following:
• Improve the bridge's safety by increasing the structural capacity of the bridge and
providing appropriate travel widths for all multimodal traffic across the bridge
• Maintain current system linkage between the island and mainland and accommodate
access needs for emergency service vehicles and other vehicular traffic.
Study Area Defined
The study area is as shown on the attached Figure 3-1.
The Project Team met and concurred on this date of August 20, 2009 with the purpose & need
and study area defined for the proposed project as stated above:
USACE
USEPA
NCDCR
FHWA
USCG
NCDMF
NCDOT
USFWS
NCDWQ
NCWRC
NCDCM
NMFS
NORTH CAROLINA 18 TOPSAIL ISLAND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION T.I.P. No. B-4929
AUGUST 2009

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
AGENDA
Eastern Concurrence Meeting
Thursday August 20, 2009
Board Room, Transportation Building
Raleigh, North Carolina
EUGENE A. CONTI, JR
SECRETARY
1;00 P.M.. to 3:00 P.M. Michele James, Project Planning Engineer, PDEA Branch
TFP No. B-4929, Topsail Island Bridge, Pender County, Division 3.
Team Members:
Brad Shaver, USACE
Ron Lucas. FHWA
Gary Jordan, USFWS
David Wainwright, DWQ
Brian Wrenn, DWQ
Steve Sollod, DCM
Ron Sechler, NMF
Karen Compton, USFS
Bill Brazier, USCG
Travis Wilson, WRC
Chris Militscher, USEPA
Rich Carpenter, DMF
Renee Gledhill-Early, SHPO
Don Eggert, RPO
Michele James, PDEA
NCDOT Technical Support Staff and Other Agency Staff:
Kathy Matthews, USEPA
Allen Pope, Division 3
Jack Provost, Division 3
Mark Shown, Hydraulics
Tony Houser, Roadway
Judy Joines, ROW
Lee Moore, Roadway
Lonnie Brooks, Structure
Ray Moore, Structure
Don Idol, Bridge Maintenance
Dan Holderman, Bridge Maintenance
Tyler Stanton, HEU
Ed Lewis, HEU
Steve Gurganus, HEU
Charles Cox, PDEA
Rob Hanson, PDEA
Missy Pair, PDEA
Greg Thorpe, PDEA
* The Purpose of this meeting is to reach CPI.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW.NCDOT.GOV RALEIGH NC
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 -
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CONCURRENCE MEETING
INFORMATION PACKET
FOR YOUR REVIEW
PRIOR TO MEETING ON
Thursday, August 20, 2009
PROJECT ENGINEER
Michele James
TIP #B-4929
Please bring this packet
to the meeting.