US 15/401

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Roy COOPER 1AMES H. TROGDON, III
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
DATE: July 5, 2019
TO: Agency Representatives
FROM: Jeffrey A. Stroder, PE, Division Project Engineer, NCDOT- Division 8
SUBJECT: Scoping Input Request
STIP Project No. U-5977 — US 15/401 from South Carolina state line to Turnpike Road in Laurinburg
(Scotland County);
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has started the project development, environmental and
engineering studies for the preparation of environmental studies for State Transportation Improvement Program
(STIP) Project Number U-5977. The anticipated level of documentation is currently a Minimum Criteria
Determination Checklist.
The project proposes to upgrade US 15/401 to provide an alternating passing lane (to complement the existing two-
lane roadway) from near the South Carolina state line to Turnpike Road in the City of Laurinburg. The project length
is approximately 3.4 miles. This project is anticipated to use state funds. Right-of-way acquisition is scheduled to
begin in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and construction is scheduled to begin in FY 2026.
The purpose of this correspondence is to begin early coordination with our agency partners and to provide an
opportunity for you to request continued involvement throughout the life of the project. A summary of existing
information is contained within the attached Project Data Sheets, which includes a Study Area Map and USGS Quad
Map.
Please provide comments on this project and any additional information you have regarding your resource and/or
area of expertise as it may relate to the study area. We would especially appreciate any information you might have
that would be helpful in identifying and evaluating important issues, topics, and/or resources that should be
considered.
Thank you for your assistance in the project development process. If you have any questions concerning the project,
please contact our consultant with RK&K (Scott Blevins, Manager, Transportation at 919-653-7390, or by email at
[e-mail]) or me at 910-773-8024 or by email [e-mail]. Please provide comments by
July 31, 2019 and include reference to STIP Project No. U-5977 in all correspondence. If we do not receive a
response, we will assume that you do not have any comments.
Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION 8
121 DOT DRIVE
CARTHAGE, NC 29327
Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968
Website: www.ncdot.gov
Location:
DIVISION 8
121 DOT DRIVE
CARTHAGE, NC 28327

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US 15/401 Corridor Improvements
PROJECT DATA SHEET
Date: 07/05/2019
STIP No.: U-5977
County: Scotland
Federal -aid No.: N/A
WBS No.: 45965.1.1
NCDOT Division: 8
Agency Scoping Meeting: N/A
Project Description:
• Length: Approximately 3.4 miles
• Study Limits: Near South Carolina (SC) State Line (Marlboro County) to State Route (SR)
1105 (Turnpike Road) (City of Laurinburg, Scotland County)
• STIP Termini (US 15/401): Approximately 3.4 miles from SC State Line to SR 1105
(Turnpike Road)
• RPO/COG: Lumber River RPO/Pee Dee River Council of Governments
• NEPA / 404 Merger Candidate? ❑ Yes ® No ❑ Unknown
• General Description of Project: Improve US 15/401 (McColl Road) to include an alternating
passing lane from the SC State Line to SR 1105 (Turnpike Road)
Design Data (Existing Conditions):
• Functional Classification:
o North of SR 438 (Oak Hill Road) to SC State Line —Minor Arterial
o SC State Line to bridge crossing of Gum Swamp Creek — Other Freeway
o Bridge Crossing of Gum Swamp Creek to north of SR 1105 (Turnpike Road] —Other
Principal Arterial
hftp://info2.scdot.org/sites/GIS/GiSMapdl/MARLBORO — COUNTY—FC-2010. pdf
hftp://ncdot. maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?layers=029a9a9fe26e43d687d30cd3cO8bl 792
• Strategic Transportation Corridor: N/A
hftps://connect. ncdot.gov/projects/planning/pages/NCTransportationNetwork.aspx
• National Network for Conventional Combination Trucks (2014): Yes
hftps://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/freight_analysis/nat freight stats/index.htm
• Map-21 National Highway System Principal Arterial: Yes
https://hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov/fhwagis/#
• CTP Designations (Facility Type): Scotland County CTP — Boulevard — Needs
Improvement
hftps://connect. ncdot.gov/projects/planning/-rPBCTP/Scotland%2OCounty/2°/a20Highway%2OMap. pdf
• Type of Access Control: No access control
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• Typical Section: Two lane, undivided
• Right -of -Way: Varies
• Posted Speed: 55 mph (35 mph in school zones during school hours)
• Structure Inventory — US 15/401 Bridge over Gum Swamp:
Bridge No. 820017, US 15/401 over Gum Swamp, Year Built: 2015, Sufficiency Rating:
94.3. Condition: Fair.
• Other TIP Projects in the Area
o EB-5865: Atkinson Street, from US15/401 (South Main Street) to south of East Vance
Street in the City of Laurinburg. Sidewalk construction. Construction in FY 2021.
o EB-5866: US15/401 Business (South Main Street), from east of Lauchwood Drive to
west of Plaza Road in the City of Laurinburg. Sidewalk construction. Construction in
FY 2022.
o EB-5872: SR 1108 (West Boulevard), from US15/401 (McColl Road) to west of Sunset
Drive in the City of Laurinburg. Sidewalk construction. Construction in FY 2020.
http://ncdot.maps.arcgis. com/home/webmap/viewer. html?webmap=cb02f4f828974670ad0l bb83be91 b 18c
• Railroad Involvement:
There are no at -grade rail crossings along US 15/401 in the project area. The nearest lines are
located north of the project area within the City of Laurinburg and are operated by Laurinburg &
Southern Railroad Company and CSX Transportation.
http://ncdot.maps.arcgis. comthome/webmap/viewer. html?webmap=352556db969240c99a06a 17gf56bB403
Transit:
There are no existing local bus routes along US 15/401 in the project area.
https://www. scotiandcounty.org/DocumentCenterNiew/656rrransporiation-Maps-PDF
Transportation Plan History:
Regional transportation planning documents were reviewed for identification of previously -
identified needs requiring the transportation improvements in the study area as well as
previously -proposed widening options. Generally, the planning documents indicate that
widening in the study area is needed to accommodate projected traffic volumes. Widening
options have previously included widening US 15/401 to a four -lane and five -lane facility in the
study area. However, based on current traffic forecasts (2019), and the revised methods
developed and approved for determining transportation demand since these documents were
completed, widening to a four -lane or five -lane facility is no longer necessary to accommodate
projected demand. The NCDOT now proposes to minimize impacts to social, economic, and
environmental resources with the proposed design (alternating passing lane from the SC State
Line to SR 1105) while accommodating future demand (2040). The reviewed transportation
plans, and recommended improvements in each, are summarized below.
In 1999 the NCDOT Statewide Planning Branch, in cooperation with the City of Laurinburg,
prepared the Thoroughfare Plan Study Report for the City of Laurinburg and Town of East
Laurinburg (Thoroughfare Plan). The plan identifies existing and future deficiencies in the local
transportation system and examines the need for improvements and/or new facilities. The
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recommended improvements were based on "anticipated growth and development of the
planning area reflecting current zonal trends as provided by the City of Laurinburg."
One of the recommended projects included improvements to US 15/401 in the same location as
proposed with STIP Project U-5977 (SC State Line to Turnpike Road). The plan indicated that
the existing roadway cross-section was not adequate to accommodate projected traffic volumes
which included through trip traffic (15% of the total traffic) and external -internal trips for
commuters between North Carolina and South Carolina. The plan recommended that the
roadway be widened to a multi -lane facility, including a five -lane shoulder section, from the SC
State Line to Turnpike Road. Anticipated benefits from the transportation improvements
included improved safety, bolstered economic development, and improved system linkage.
http://digital. ncdcr.gov/cdm/ref/collecfion/p249901 col]22rid/281117
The 2016 Scotland County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) includes
recommendations for transportation improvements within Scotland County. Recommended
improvements contained in the CTP represent an agreement between NCDOT and Scotland
County of identified transportation deficiencies and potential solutions to address the
deficiencies. The CTP includes capacity improvements by upgrading US 15/401 to a four lane
divided boulevard from the SC State Line to US 15/401 Business (Main Street) as one of the
recommended major improvements (Local ID: SCOT0001-H).
According to the CTP, "US 15/401 is a major north -south corridor connecting Laurinburg to
South Carolina and the Aberdeen, Pinehurst and Southern Pines area to the north. US 15/401
(McColl Road) in Laurinburg is currently near capacity and is projected to be over capacity by
2040 from Tartan Road (SR 1628) to Turnpike Road (SR 1271). US 15/401 (McColl Road) is
also projected to be near capacity by 2040 from Hasty Road (SR 1615) to US 74. Improvements
are needed to accommodate projected traffic volumes such that a minimum Level of Service
(LOS) D can be achieved."
The proposed project (SCOT0001-H) was to widen the existing US 15/401 facility to a four -lane
divided boulevard from the SC State Line to US 15/401 Business. Sidewalks and multi -use path
accommodations were recommended on segments of the project. The proposed project would
connect to the existing four lane divided facility at US 74.
https:/Iconnect.ncdot.gov/projects/plann ing/-rPBCTP/Scotland%20County/Scotland %20Cou ny%20CTP%20Report. p
df
The US 401 from North/South Carolina State Line to US 401 Business East of Raeford,
Scotland and Hoke Counties Feasibility Study (Feasibility Study), produced by NCDOT, Division
8 in February 2018, evaluates potential widening scenarios within six sections of the 31.7-mile
long project corridor including those improvements proposed with STIP Project U-5977. The
U-5977 improvements evaluated include a best -fit widening option along the existing alignment
as currently proposed with the U-5977 study. The Feasibility Study anticipates that the best -fit
alignment would minimize impacts to structures, utilities, and environmental resources and
would be consistent with Scotland County's CTP which recommends improvements along the
entire US 401 corridor in the County. By constructing the improvements, NCDOT anticipates
that all roadway segments, including US 15/401 in the U-5977 study area would operate at an
acceptable LOS.
https://connect. ncdot.gov/projects/plan n ing/Feasibi lityStudiesDocuments/FS-1508B_Feasibility-
Study_Report_2018. pdf
Traffic Data (AADT):
The traffic forecast for the project was approved on April 16, 2019.
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US 151401 Section
Current Year (2018)
VPD
Future Year (2040)
VPD
North of SR 1105 (Turnpike Rd)
14,000
18,200
South of SR 1105 (Turnpike Rd)
12,200
15,800
South of SR 1177 (Purcell Rd)
12,000
15,400
North of SR 1627 (Shaw Rd)
10,200
13,000
South of SR 1627 (Shaw Rd)
10,000
12,800
South of SR 1101 (Academy Rd)
8,400
10,800
South of SR 1628 (Tartan Rd)
7,000
9,000
South of SR 1100 (Leisure Rd)
7,600
9,800
South of SR 1614 (Barnes Bridge Rd)
8,400
10,800
Source: Project Level Traffic Forecast, STIP Project No. U-5977 (RK&K).
STIP Cost Estimate:
Construction Right -of -Way Utilities Total
$27,009,000 $10,598,000 $1,272,000 42,767,000
Source: NCDOT 2018-2027 STIP
hftps://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/STI PDocuments 1 /NCDOT%2OCurrent%20STI P.pdf
*Project Schedule:
Minimum Criteria Determination Checklist: December 2019
Right -of -Way: FY 2024
Construction: FY 2026
Draft Purpose and Need (Feasibility Study):
"The purpose of the project is to enhance regional mobility and accommodate regional
traffic growth."'
The following is provided in the 2018 Feasibility Study:
US 401, just north of the U-5977 study area is "designated as a National Highway System
(NHS) Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET) Route. The Department of Defense deems
STRAHNET Routes necessary for mobilization and movement of resources and
commodities .... within Scotland County and Hoke Counties, US 401 connects the cities of
Laurinburg and Raeford, which contain the majority of residential and commercial development
in each respective county. In terms of regional connectivity, US 401 provides access to US
74 in Laurinburg and 1-95 in Fayetteville."
'The current proposed design (alternating passing lane from the SC State Line to SR 1105)
supports this purpose in the study area by improving traffic operations and reducing traffic
delays while providing a wider shoulder and accommodating projected traffic demand.
Design Data (Proposed Conditions):
• CTP Designation (Facility Type): Boulevard
• Type of Access Control: No control of access
• Typical Section: 2-lane, with alternating passing lane
• Right of Way: Variable
• Posted Speed: 55 mph with reduction in school zone during school hours to 35 mph
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Previous Alternatives:
As discussed previously, widening options have previously included widening US 15/401 to a
four -lane and five -lane facility in the study area. These options are summarized below.
However, as mentioned, NCDOT proposes to minimize impacts to social, economic, and
environmental resources with the proposed design (alternating passing lane from the SC State
Line to SR 1105) while accommodating future demand (2040).
The 2018 Feasibility Study proposed a best -fit option, within the existing alignment, for added
capacity along US 15/401 in the U-5977 Study Area. This option is consistent with
improvements being considered with STIP Project U-5977.
The 2016 CTP proposed upgrading US 15/401 to a four lane divided boulevard from the SC
State Line to US 15/401 Business (Main Street) as one of the recommended major
improvements.
The 1999 Thoroughfare Plan recommended that US 15/401 be widened to a multi -lane facility,
including a five -lane shoulder section, in the U-5977 Study Area.
5
US 151401 Corridor Improvements STIP Project U-5977 Scotland County

Preliminary Study Area Resources Inventory Table
General Project Information
Length of project
— Approximately 3.4 miles
Existing Intersections
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/SR 1614 (Barnes Bridge Road)
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/Leisure Road
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/SR 1628 (Tartan Road)
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/SR 1101 (Academy Road)
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/Shaw Road
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/Revel Street
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/Holly Lane
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/Pineview Drive
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/Purcell Road
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/Aurora Street
— US 15/401 (McColl Road)/SR 1105 (Turnpike Road)
Potential Intersection Locations
— No additional intersections proposed.
Potential Grade Separations
— None existing or proposed.
Cultural Resources
National Register (NRHP) or eligible sites
— No sites currently listed on the NRHP; however, NRHP-eligibility
(DOE) and districts
review has not yet been complete
Other historic sites (#)
— To be determined; a Phase 1 Intensive Archaeological Survey is to
occur Spring 2019; Architectural review screening results completed
by NCDOT indicate that the project may be considered in
compliance with both GS 121-12(a) and Section 106 for historic
architecture and that no survey is required
Human Environment
Community facilities:
Schools/Day Care
— Christ the Cornerstone Academy
— Scotland Christian Academy
Emergency facilities
— Laurinburg Fire Station No. 9
Medical facilities
— None
Other facilities
— Chosen House of Deliverance Ministries
— Community Baptist Church
— Faith Christian Center
— Greater Lighthouse Full Gospel Church
— New Beginning Christian Center #1
— Stuartsville Church
Residential Properties
Yes — numerous residences
Business Properties
Yes — numerous businesses
Parks, Open Space, Greenways, Game
— To be determined
Lands, Land and Water Conservation
Fund (LWCF) Properties, etc.
Special populations
— One block group (CT 101.01 BG2) exceeds the NCDOT language
assistance threshold
Natural Environment
Named Streams
- Lower Gum Swamp Creek Subwatershed (030402040105): Gum
Swamp Creek
NC 2012 Integrated Report Impaired
— None
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Waters
Applicability/Resources
NC Draft 2018 Integrated Report
Impaired Waters
— None
NWI Wetlands
— N/A; approximately 9.2 acres of wetlands delineated within the U-
5977 Study Area
Water Supply Watersheds
— None
Riparian Buffer rules apply
No — Not within a riparian buffer protection basin
NCNHP Dedicated Nature Preserve
— None
NCNHP Registered Heritage Area
— None
NCNHP Conservation Easement
— None
NCNHP Natural Area
— None
Identified Critical habitattspecies under
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
— To be determined; threatened and endangered species surveys to
occur Summer 2019
Physical Environment
Suspected / Known Hazardous Material
Sites (#)
— Yes, one RCRA Small Quantity Generator is located in the study
area at 9600 McColl Road
Other Infrastructure
— Laurinburg Municipal Water Tower
— Laurinburg Pump Station 15
Active Agricultural Operations
Yes — approximately 0.8 acre of the study area near Leisure Road is
actively farmed
Voluntary Agricultural Districts (#)
— None
Wetland Mitigation Sites
0 — NCDEQ Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) Easements
0 — NCDOT Mitigation Sites
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Projects (33 U.S.C. 408)
— No
FEMA Buyout Properties
— No
Please Note: This table contains draft information based primarily on initial GIS, desktop review. It is intended to be used in
conjunction with the Environmental Features Map and USGS Topographic Map:
https //connect nedot gov/site/Preconstruction/division/div08/U-5977°/.20US%2015-
401/Proiect%20DevelopmentlU 5977 EFM 11x17.pdf
https://connect ncdot.ciov/site/Preconstruction/division/div08fU-5977°/.20US%2015-
401/Project%20DevelopmentIU5977 Fig2 USGS.pdf
Sources:
Scotland County Parks, Facilities, Cemetery Sites, and Voluntary Agricultural Districts
httos://Iaudnbur-g.connectqis.com/Map.aspx
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Data — Property Acquisitions
https:/twww.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/85455
Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants
hftp://projects.invw.org/dataAwcf/grants-nc.htmi
NCDEQ. 303(d) Listed Waters
https://ncden r. maps.arcg is.com/apps/MapSedesrindex. html?appid=14df5075d8e3437b8476c8gc3db3f0a5
https://nodenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bi 7139e0934a4cal a2d5a895d21350c4
NCDEQ DMS Easements.
hftps://deg.nc.gov/abouttdivisions/mitigation-services/prol)edy
NCDEQ Division of Waste Management Site Locator Tool
https:Hncden r. maps. arcgis. com/apps/vtebappviewerrndex.html?id=7d d 59be 2750b40be be bfa49fc383f688
NCDWR Water Supply Watersheds
https://ncden r. maps.arcg is. com/apps/webappviewer/index.htm I?id=80b5a 3634ed a4l 7880aa6d2a bd dfb6f2
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NCDOT Mitigation Site Map.
https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmao/viewer.html?webman=d560dfebl ea443b299ca7fc68b2506b4
NCNHP Online Data Search. 2018. www.ncnhp.org.
NC State Historic Preservation Office. HPOWEB GIS Service. http://gis.ncdcr.gov/hpoweb/
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Critical Habitat.
https://sero. nmfs. noaa. gov/maps_gis_data/protected_resources/critir,al_habftatrindex. html
USDA - Farm Service Agency. Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. https:/Avww.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-
services/conservation-programs/conservation-rese rve-enhancement! ndex
USEPA My Environment
hftps:/Iwww3.epa.gov/myem/envmap/find.html
USFWS. Critical Habitat.
https://fws. maps.arcgis. com/hometwebmap/viewer. html?webmap=9d8de5e265ad4fe09893cf75b8dbfb77
U515/401 Corridor Improvements STIP Project U-5977 Scotland County

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