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
in accordance with the MassDOT Noise Policy, a lengthened and taller noise barrier in this location
is not feasible and reasonable and cannot be constructed for the project.
The existing noise barrier in this area will be relocated within the I-95 ROW to enable the
construction of the Shared-Use Path.
NEW-5: (Shared-Use Path) A number of those attending the public hearings for this project earlier this year have the
misconception that this element of the project could be eliminated, allowing the cost of this portion of the project to be
spent elsewhere. We suggest that MassDOT make greater effort to explain the mandates expressed in MassDOT
and US DOT policies (referenced above) and that adherence to these policies are tied back to the federal and state
funding for this and future projects undertaken by MassDOT.
Response: The comment is noted.
NEW-6: (Shared-Use Path) We expect that MassDOT will continue to consult with the City of Newburyport, Town of
Amesbury and Town of Salisbury in order to appropriately integrate these trailheads and related amenities at each
site, including signage, bollards, fencing, landscaping, and safe transition to adjacent uses, such as parking and
roads.
Response: The comment is noted. MassDOT will continue to coordinate with the municipalities
throughout the remainder of the design and construction process through the regular meetings with
the Whittier Working Group. As noted in the Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement, FHWA and
MassDOT will ensure that certain ornamental artifacts on the existing bridge are salvaged for reuse
on the replacement bridges or along the Shared-Use Path. These ornamental artifacts include the
four porcelain state seals on the bridge portals, the four carved granite state seals on the bridge
wingwalls, and the two bronze state seal medallions and the two bronze builder‘s plaques on the
bridge end posts. Other artifacts from the bridge may also be salvaged for reuse on the replacement
bridge or along the Shared-Use Path, as determined to be appropriate by FHWA and MassDOT in
consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer, the local historical commissions, and the
Whittier Working Group.
NEW-7: (Shared-Use Path design) While we understand the need to keep this Shared-Use Path relatively close to
the Northbound Lane (within the Right-of-Way and away from resource areas), we ask that MassDOT consider the
incorporation of berms, fencing and or vegetative barriers (trees and shrubs) which will soften the impact to trailusers
from being directly adjacent to I-95. Concrete Jersey Barriers and a chain-link fence may be both inadequate
and inappropriate, given that the path itself will be used by pedestrians and cyclists. That said, we recognize that this
stretch of the Shared-Use Path is long and do not anticipate that every section of the path can accommodate the
width or cost of additional screening. We ask that MassDOT seriously consider alternative fencing and barriers which
would provide a "softer" and less industrial aesthetic for trail users.
Response: MassDOT will continue to advance the design of the Shared-Use Path in the further
development of the project plans and will investigate all feasible options for landscaping
improvements to improve the user experience along the path. It is noted, however, that the cross
section of the bridge itself is very limited and safety is paramount, thus jersey barriers are required in
order to provide safe operating conditions for path users.
NEW-8: (Utility Relocations) The MassDOT project team has been responsive to the City's concerns regarding the
relocation of city utilities under I-95 and around the proposed new abutment between Spring Lane and Ferry Road.
The plans also include the relocation of existing utilities so that they can be easily accessed adjacent to the
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