Final Environmental Impact Report - Whittier Bridge/I-95 ...

Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project FEIR
Chapter 2.0: Response to Comments on the Environmental Assessment/Draft Environmental Impact Report
the difference in elevation between the visitor center parcel and the Shared-Use Path (approximately
40-feet) would make the connection infeasible, require a large ramp structure with grades in excess
of handicapped accessibility requirements and result in additional wetland impacts to Wetland I,
located behind the visitor center building. Additional wetland impacts in excess of 40 square feet at
Wetland I would result in the need for a Variance from the Wetlands Protection Act for the project.
The timeline for a Variance would push the project outside of the Accelerated Bridge Program
funding schedule.
MVPC-3: Finally, we realize that MassDOT is not interested in pursuing control of the former railroad right-of-way that
passes under I-95 as part of this particular project. However, this is a critical connection for the trail network. It will
provide the only possible safe connection between the Powow Riverwalk in Amesbury and both the Whittier Bridge
trail (through the connection via Rabbit Road) and the Ghost Trail in Salisbury. Loss of this connection would force
bicyclists and pedestrians onto the busy Route 110 corridor and through its interchange with Interstate 95. While we
recognize that the state does not seek to provide this connection as part of this project, steps should be taken to
ensure that the planned improvements do not impair this connection being made in future.
Response: The proposed project will not impede future development of a connection between the
Powow Riverwalk and Ghost Trail.
2.4 MUNICIPALITIES
Comment letters were received from the municipalities of Newburyport, Amesbury, and Salisbury, as
well as the Salisbury Harbormaster.
2.4.1 City of Newburyport
The City of Newburyport submitted a detailed letter dated December 23, 2011. Due to the length of
the individual comments in the letter, the substance of the individual comments have been noted
below. The full text of the letter, annotated with the comment numbering, is included at the end of
this chapter.
NEW-1: Hines Bridge Construction Schedule, Spofford Roundabout & Impacts to Local Traffic - (completion of the
adjacent intersection improvements between Spofford Street, Moseley Ave, and Merrimac Street.)
Response: No traffic diversions will occur during the construction of the project. Six lanes of traffic
on I-95 will be maintained throughout construction, with minimal periods of off-peak or nighttime lane
closures for brief periods to allow for limited construction activities (e.g., completion of traffic
crossovers, bridge demolition, or construction activities, etc.) The ongoing Hines Bridge project is
scheduled to be completed in July 2012.
NEW-1A: Impacts to local traffic which will be directed at times across the Hines Bridge.
Response: Since there will be no traffic diversions and essentially no impact on local traffic
conditions, no mitigation is required.
NEW-1B: Funding for mitigation.
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