PAGE 1 OF 8 STATE ROUTE 29 (US-27) IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FROM NEAR WOLF CREEK ROAD TO NEAR STATE ROUTE 63 SCOTT COUNTY, TENNESSEE TDOT PINS 101414.00 AND 101414.03 Virtual Public Meeting Series Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7:00 PM EST Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 7:00 PM EST WELCOME This Naonal Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Public Meeng is being conducted in accordance with Tennessee Department of Transportaon (TDOT) and Federal Highway Administraon (FHWA) policies as it relates to the proposed State Route (SR) 29 (US-27) Improvements Project. Since this project is proposed to be funded in part with federal transportaon funds, TDOT and FHWA are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the NEPA to idenfy and evaluate the environmental effects of the proposed project and to idenfy measures to minimize harm. The purpose of this meeng is to provide an update on the EA and design for the project that have occurred since the last public meeng in 2010. WAYS TO ASK A QUESTION OR MAKE A COMMENT DURING THE VIRTUAL MEETING During this virtual meeng, project informaon will be delivered through a PowerPoint presentaon followed by a Queson and Answer Session. The PowerPoint presentaon is available for download via the project website in advance of the meeng. Please note that the same presentaon will be given at each virtual meeng. In addion, TDOT Staff will be available during both virtual meengs to discuss the project and review the project’s design. The agenda for each meeng is as follows: • 7:00 P.M. EST – TDOT Welcome and Introducons • 7:15 P.M. EST – PowerPoint Presentaon delivered by the TDOT Project Team • 7:45 P.M. EST – Queson and Answer Session Parcipants will have the opportunity to ask quesons or give comments to the TDOT Project Team. Please note that verbal comments and/or quesons will be limited to three minutes per individual or five minutes if you are represenng an organizaon. If you are joining via PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android devices: In order to ask a queson or make a comment, please ulize the “Raise Your Hand” feature within the Zoom Plaorm. The TDOT Moderator will then call your name or phone number when it is your turn to speak. Please unmute your audio and state your name and comment/queson. If you are joining via cell phone or land line: Parcipants should dial *9 on their phone to nofy the TDOT Moderator that you would like to give a verbal comment or queson during the Queson and Answer Session. The TDOT Moderator will then announce your phone number when it is your turn to speak. You will be asked to un-mute yourself by dialing *6 on your dial pad when the TDOT Moderator states it is your turn. For PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android devices users, the Chat funcon within the Zoom plaorm will be disabled. Parcipants are encouraged to ulize the Queson & Answer Box within Zoom to ask quesons of the TDOT project team. Quesons will be answered in the order that they are received. Please include your name with any queson that is submied.
Transcript
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STATE ROUTE 29 (US-27) IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FROM NEAR WOLF CREEK ROAD TO NEAR STATE ROUTE 63SCOTT COUNTY, TENNESSEETDOT PINS 101414.00 AND 101414.03
Virtual Public Meeting SeriesTuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7:00 PM ESTThursday, March 18, 2021 at 7:00 PM EST
WELCOME
This National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Public Meeting is being conducted in accordance with Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) policies as it relates to the proposed State Route (SR) 29 (US-27) Improvements Project.
Since this project is proposed to be funded in part with federal transportation funds, TDOT and FHWA are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the NEPA to identify and evaluate the environmental effects of the proposed project and to identify measures to minimize harm.
The purpose of this meeting is to provide an update on the EA and design for the project that have occurred since the last public meeting in 2010.
WAYS TO ASK A QUESTION OR MAKE A COMMENT DURING THE VIRTUAL MEETING
During this virtual meeting, project information will be delivered through a PowerPoint presentation followed by a Question and Answer Session. The PowerPoint presentation is available for download via the project website in advance of the meeting. Please note that the same presentation will be given at each virtual meeting. In addition, TDOT Staff will be available during both virtual meetings to discuss the project and review the project’s design.
The agenda for each meeting is as follows:• 7:00 P.M. EST – TDOT Welcome and Introductions• 7:15 P.M. EST – PowerPoint Presentation delivered by the TDOT Project Team• 7:45 P.M. EST – Question and Answer Session
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions or give comments to the TDOT Project Team. Please note that verbal comments and/or questions will be limited to three minutes per individual or five minutes if you are representing an organization.
If you are joining via PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android devices: In order to ask a question or make a comment, please utilize the “Raise Your Hand” feature within the Zoom Platform. The TDOT Moderator will then call your name or phone number when it is your turn to speak. Please unmute your audio and state your name and comment/question.
If you are joining via cell phone or land line: Participants should dial *9 on their phone to notify the TDOT Moderator that you would like to give a verbal comment or question during the Question and Answer Session. The TDOT Moderator will then announce your phone number when it is your turn to speak. You will be asked to un-mute yourself by dialing *6 on your dial pad when the TDOT Moderator states it is your turn.
For PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android devices users, the Chat function within the Zoom platform will be disabled. Participants are encouraged to utilize the Question & Answer Box within Zoom to ask questions of the TDOT project team. Questions will be answered in the order that they are received. Please include your name with any question that is submitted.
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PROJECT OVERVIEW
TDOT proposes to widen SR-29 (US-27) from near Wolf Creek Road to near SR-63 in Scott County, Tennessee. The total project length is approximately 9.1 miles.
PROJECT HISTORY
The SR-29 (US-27) project was initiated in 1999 and a Public Meeting was conducted in December 1999. Potential alternatives were developed during the years following the 1999 Public Meeting. One Build Alternative through the community of Robbins was originally proposed for the project. The original Build Alternative alignment was eliminated due to impacts to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listed Barton Chapel Congregational Church, located in Robbins. Two additional Build Alternatives were developed to avoid the church, Build Alternative A and Build Alternative B. In 2009, the alignment of Build Alternative A was further refined to avoid impacts to a Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) resource, Robbins Park. In September 2010, an additional Public Meeting was held to present the design modifications to Build Alternative A to the public.
In 2013, the SR-29 (US-27) project was paused for Expedited Project Delivery (EPD) review by TDOT’s Strategic Transportation Investments Division (STID). The objective of the EPD review was to identify and recommend improvement options that were feasible, cost effective, and provided improved safety and mobility. The EPD review process concluded in 2019 and resulted in several design modifications to Build Alternative A and Build Alternative B.
NEED FOR THE PROJECT
The needs for the SR-29 (US-27) Project have been identified as follows:• Existing traffic operational deficiencies• Lack of regional connectivity• Geometric deficiencies• Meet the legislative intent of the “Improving Manufacturing, Public Roads, and Opportunities for a Vibrant
Economy” (IMPROVE) Act signed into law July 1, 2017• Support economic development opportunities
For additional details regarding the needs of the project, please visit the TDOT project website at www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/state-route-29-us-27.
PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
The purpose for the SR-29 (US-27) Project has been identified as follows:• Improve traffic operational efficiency• Enhance regional transportation system linkages• Improve roadway to meet current design standards• Meet the intent of the IMPROVE Act legislation• Enhance economic development opportunities
For additional details regarding the purpose of the project, please visit the TDOT project website at www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/state-route-29-us-27.
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ALTERNATIVES UNDER CONSIDERATION
Build Alternative A: Build Alternative A would follow a new location alignment south of existing SR-29 (US-27) from near Wolf Creek Road to near Concord Road. From north of Concord Road, the Build Alternative A alignment would continue on new location to the northeast around the east side of Robbins, crossing Brimstone Road and School House Road. After crossing School House Road, Build Alternative A would turn northwest, crossing Tunnel Hill Road and tying back into existing SR-29 (US-27) near Old US-27 north of Robbins. From Old US-27, Build Alternative A would follow existing SR-29 (US-27) to its terminus near SR-63 in Huntsville
Build Alternative B: Build Alternative B would follow a new location alignment south of existing SR-29 (US-27) from near Wolf Creek Road to near Concord Road. From north of Concord Road, the Build Alternative B alignment would continue on new location to the northwest around the west side of Robbins, crossing existing SR-29 (US-27), the Norfolk-Southern railroad, Boles Road, and Todd Road. Build Alternative B would then turn northeast and cross Black Creek Road, Sims Road and the Norfolk-Southern railroad before tying back into existing SR-29 (US-27) near Old US-27 north of Robbins. From Old US-27, Build Alternative B would follow existing SR-29 (US-27) to its terminus near SR-63 in Huntsville.
As part of the SR-29 (US-27) project, TDOT is currently evaluating two Build Alternatives as well as the No-Build Alternative:
No-Build Alternative: The No-Build Alternative would not improve SR-29 (US-27) and serves as a baseline against which to compare the other Build Alternatives.
PROJECT LOCATION MAP
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SR-29 (US-27), PIN 101414.00 – Phase 1 Construction (Interim Build)From Near Wolf Creek Road to Old US-27
The Phase 1 Construction (Interim Build) includes construction of a two-lane roadway with 12-foot travel lanes and 12-foot shoulders on new location. Truck climbing lanes and turn lanes to be constructed where warranted.
In addition, as part of Phase 1 Construction (Interim Build), approximately 250 feet of right-of-way (varies) would be purchased to accommodate Phase 2 Construction (Full Build).
SR-29 (US-27), PIN 101414.00 – Phase 2 Construction (Full Build)From Near Wolf Creek Road to Old US-27
Phase 2 Construction (Full Build) includes construction of two additional 12-foot travel lanes, resulting in a five-lane roadway with two travel lanes in each direction, center turn lane and 10-foot paved shoulders. Right-of-way would vary but would generally be 250 feet.
*Addition or removal of topography associated with road construction
*Addition or removal of topography associated with road construction
CONSTRUCTION PHASING
In addition to developing the two Build Alternatives, TDOT is currently proposing to construct the project in two separate construction phases due to funding considerations. The proposed typical sections and construction phases that are applicable to both Build Alternative A and Build Alternative B are described and illustrated on the following pages.
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SR-29 (US-27), PIN 101414.03 – Phase 1 Construction (Interim Build) From Old US-27 to Near SR-63
SR-29 (US-27), PIN 101414.03 – Phase 2 Construction (Full Build) From Old US-27 to Near SR-63
Phase 2 Construction (Full Build) includes construction of two additional 12-foot travel lanes, resulting in a five-lane roadway with two travel lanes in each direction, center turn lane and 10-foot paved shoulders within a varying right-of-way width of 150-860 feet.
The Phase 1 Construction (Interim Build) includes purchase of 25-35 feet of right-of-way on either side of the roadway only for the construction of Phase 2 Construction (Full Build).
No construction activities would occur during Phase 1 (Interim Build) for TDOT PIN 101414.03.
*Addition or removal of topography associated with road construction
*Addition or removal of topography associated with road construction
CONSTRUCTION PHASING
PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
TDOT is currently evaluating the environmental impacts related to Build Alternative A and B. The No-Build Alternative will also be carried forward, primarily as a baseline against which to compare the two proposed Build Alternatives. The following environmental technical studies are under development:
Summarized below are the preliminary environmental impacts that have been identified thus far. As noted above, several environmental technical studies are still under development with the results being formally published in the EA that TDOT is currently preparing. The public will be asked to provide comment on the anticipated environmental impacts during the Public Hearing which is tentatively scheduled for Winter 2022.
ALTERNATIVEBUILD ALTERNATIVE A BUILD ALTERNATIVE B
Property Relocations**
Residential No Impact 29 22
Commercial No Impact 2 1
Non-Profit No Impact 2 3
Socioeconomic and Communities
Impacts to LowIncome Populations No Impact Low-income communities present within the project area. Studies currently underway to identify potential impacts.
Results to be presented in the EA.
Impacts to Minority Populations No Impact No Impact No Impact
Section 106 (Cultural Resources)
Archaeology No Impact Studies currently underway to identify potential impacts. Results to be presented in the EA.
Historic Architecture No Impact No Impact No Impact
Wetlands (Acres) Fill No Impact 10.6 11.3
Streams (Linear Feet)
Perennial/Intermittent No Impact 30,369 29,355
Ephemeral/Wet Weather Conveyance No Impact 8,792 9,480
Threatened and Endangered Species (Species found within a 1-4 Miles Radius of the Project)
Federally Listed Species No Impact 3 Federally listed species identified. Studies currently underway to identify potential impacts. Results to be presented in the EA.
State Listed Species No Impact 11 state listed species identified. Studies currently underway to identify potential impacts. Results to be presented in the EA.
Hazardous Material Sites No Impact 9 7
Air Quality No Impact No Impact No Impact
Noise (Noise sensitive receptors that exceed the Federal Highway Noise Abatement Criteria) No Impact 8 9
Farmland (Acres) No Impact Studies currently underway to identify potential impacts. Results to be presented in the EA.
*For the purposes of the Environmental Technical Studies, the project study area limits extend beyond the immediate area encompassed by the Build Alternatives described in the Project Design portion of the SR-29 (US-27) project website. The project study area limits are bounded by the limits of the Environmental Technical Study Area (ETSA). The ETSA for the project is based on conceptual level design plans and encompasses an area that is generally 250 feet on either side of the proposed center-line of the roadway, extends 300 feet from the project’s beginning and end points (termini), and extends 150 feet from intersections with side roads. These preliminary environmental impacts totals presented offer a worse-case scenario and will be further refined as the project progresses through the TDOT project development process. ** Relocation numbers are for estimation purposes only.
• Air Quality• Noise • Conceptual Stage Relocation Plan (Relocations)• Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act - Historic
Architecture, Archaeology, and Native American Coordination
• Traffic and Safety Engineering Studies• Natural Resources - Threatened and Endangered Species, Streams,
Wetlands, Water Quality, Floodplains• Environmental Justice• Hazardous Materials
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RIGHT-OF-WAY RELOCATION PROCESS
In order to minimize unavoidable effects of right-of-way acquisition and the displacements of people, TDOT has a right-of-way relocation program in accordance with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970 (P.L. 91646), and the Tennessee Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1972.
An information pamphlet “Relocation Assistance Program” is available for download on the TDOT project website and outlines the services offered and any payments for which you may be eligible, such as moving expenses and replacement housing benefits for owners and tenants. The pamphlet also outlines the eligibility requirements for receiving these payments.
TDOT will provide advance notification of proposed right-of-way acquisition. The TDOT Right-of-Way Office has the responsibility, once a project is approved, of appraising, purchasing and, if required, assisting individuals, families or businesses in relocating.
Before acquiring property, all properties are appraised on the basis of comparable sales and land use values in the surrounding areas. The value will be established by using independent real estate appraisers who will prepare, for TDOT’s use, written appraisals using actual sales data in the surrounding community.
When an appraisal is necessary, the appraiser will contact each property owner and offer the owner the opportunity to accompany him/her on an inspection of the property.
After the appraisal is complete, the TDOT Right-of-Way Appraisal staff will review and field check the findings for accuracy to ensure that everything relating to value has been considered in establishing the amount to be offered.Owners of property will be offered fair market value for their property rights, as it is TDOT’s desire to pay fair market value for the necessary property.
A relocation study is being prepared as part of the EA to estimate the number of persons who may be dislocated by the project. This data will be correlated with an inventory of available rental and sales housing locations. This information will be included as part of the approved EA expected to be released for public review in Fall 2021.
If you have a question regarding the TDOT Relocation process, please call 833.726.8826 and leave a voicemail message with your name, phone number and question/comment. Questions will be responded to within 7 business days by a TDOT representative.
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PROJECT SCHEDULE
Transportation projects are developed in four phases: Planning and Environmental, Design, Right-of-Way, and Construction. TDOT is currently in the Planning and Environmental Phase for the SR-29 (US-27) project and is developing an EA in accordance with the NEPA. Below is a timeline of milestones for project completion.
SR-29 (US-27)- ANTICIPATED PROJECT SCHEDULEMILESTONE ANTICIPATED TIME FRAME FOR COMPLETION*
Conduct Environmental Technical Studies Spring/Summer 2021Hold NEPA Public Virtual Meetings Spring 2021
Environmental Assessment Approval Fall 2021Hold NEPA Public Hearing Winter 2022
Approval of Final Environmental Document (Once the final environmental document is approved by the Federal Highway Administration, the Planning and
Environmental Phase is complete.)
Fall 2022
Right-of-Way Phase To be DeterminedConstruction Phase To Be Determined
*Forecasted Dates are Subject to Change
PROJECT CONTACT
For further information regarding the SR-29 (US-27) Project, please contact:
WAYS TO ASK A QUESTION OR MAKE A COMMENT AFTER THE VIRTUAL MEETING
If you have a comment or question after the meeting, please use one of the following methods to contact TDOT:
QUESTIONS: Please call 833.726.8826 (toll free) and leave a voicemail message with your name, phone number and question. Questions will be responded to within 7 business days by a TDOT representative. If you have a question that needs to be answered before providing your official comment on the project, please make sure to call the number above by April 15, 2021 in order to allow TDOT 7 business days to respond to your question.
VERBAL COMMENTS: Please call 833.726.8826 (toll free) and leave a voicemail message with your name, phone number and comment. PUBLIC COMMENT CARD: Download a pre-addressed comment card here www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/projects-region-1/state-route-29-us-27 and mail it to TDOT by May 3, 2021.
