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
would block out enough sound to permit the residents to carry out their usual activities without great stress. There are
serious health and welfare issues here.
Response: 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.) will occur. No overnight construction activities are currently planned for the project.
The design/build contractor will be required to prepare a Construction Management Plan (CMP)
describing project activities and their schedule and sequencing, site access and truck routing, and
BMPs that will be used to avoid and minimize adverse environmental impacts. The CMP will address
potential construction period impacts (including, but not limited to, land disturbance, noise, vibration,
dust, odor, nuisance, vehicle emissions, construction and demolition debris, and construction-related
traffic) and analyze and outline feasible measures that can be implemented to eliminate or minimize
these impacts.
NBW-2: The Possibility of Serious Accidents is very real. In the last year we know of 2 very bad accidents that were
publicized in the newspaper. One involved a car flipping over the bridge barrier and ending up in the Merrimack
River. The second accident we know about involved a young driver who flipped off the highway near the Evans
bridge. Either of these tragedies COULD HAVE OCCURRED WITHIN THE WHITTIER POINT PROPERTY. It's only
a matter of time.
Response: The comment is noted. The construction of the project will be in accordance with the
current standards for safe highway construction as dictated by federal standards.
Although the relocated I-95 northbound roadway will be closer to the property, it will be separated
from the travel lanes by the following: a full 10-foot breakdown lane; a jersey barrier between the
breakdown lanes and the 16-foot wide shared use path, and a snow fence on top of a jersey barrier
on top of the retaining wall adjacent to the property (extending 12-feet high above the level of the
road). MassDOT believes that the design of the project will result in safe operating conditions along
I-95.
NBW-3: There has been a proposal to sell Whittier Point and convert it into a nature viewing locale. Although I really
don't want to leave, I know that it will be hell to live here during the 4 year construction period. I'm sure that as
planners you all are familiar with what the future holds for the residents of Whittier Point. Please do whatever you can
to facilitate our sale of this property so that we do not have to live in daily chaos for 4 years. If the sale goes thru in a
timely manner then there would be no need to concern yourselves with the issues raised here.
Response: The comment is noted.
2.6.7 Kathy Marshall
Kathy Marshall submitted a letter dated December 22, 2011.
KM-1: I am a resident of Pine Hill Road, Newburyport, Massachusetts. I am stating my strong desire and need for
sound barriers on this project. With the addition of the Whittier Trail and new travel lanes it is imperative to include
sound barriers in this project.
The increase in traffic that this project will create adds to the need for sound barriers.
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