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
Response: The highway noise analysis performed for the EA/DEIR in accordance with state and
federal policy concluded that noise barriers are not warranted for this project.
2.6.8 Cindy and Scott Taylor
Cindy and Scott Taylor submitted a letter dated December 21, 2011.
CST-1: Unfortunately for ourselves and the other residents of Whittier Point, the proposed widening of I-95 will impact
the east side of the bridge, bringing the interstate within 15 feet of our property, an alarmingly close distance. As the
owners of the unit closest to the interstate, this is of particular concern to us. We currently have a beautiful property
but the noise and safety concerns that have arisen due to this impending project make staying here during and after
the construction untenable.
Response: The commenters are residents of the Whittier Point Condominiums at 525 Main Street in
Amesbury. MassDOT concurs that the relocation of I-95 northbound to the east of the current
alignment will result in the new northbound bridge, Shared-Use Path and I-95 northbound roadway
being located closer to the Whittier Point Condominium property. It is important to note, however,
that the relocation of the highway is being accomplished entirely within the existing I-95 ROW
established in 1951. The existing Whittier Point Condominium building was constructed subsequent
to the establishment of the ROW and, as stated in the comment, is within 15 feet of the ROW at its
closest (western) point.
Although the loudest hour (5:00 pm to 6:00 pm) at Site 4 (525 Main Street, Unit #4) was measured at
68 dBA, future conditions which include the addition of the Shared-Use Path, a full breakdown lane
and shoulder, jersey barriers between the I-95 northbound lanes, the Shared-Use Path, and a snow
fence on top of a jersey barrier on top of the retaining wall adjacent to the property are projected to
result in a slight reduction of noise levels to 63 dBA in the loudest hour. This would be below the
threshold of 66 dBA for consideration of a noise barrier.
MassDOT will construct a large snow fence along the edge of the ROW adjacent to the Whittier
Point Condominiums, as described in section 3.2. This fence will provide an adequate measure of
safety to the property, preventing damage to the building from snow and ice clearing operations
along the highway. Jersey barriers and a snow fence extending 12-feet above the roadway will be
installed along the eastern edge of the relocated roadway and will ensure safe traffic operations
during construction when the I-95 northbound traffic will be running along the eastern edge of the
ROW. After project completion in a safe configuration, northbound traffic will be separated from the
edge of the ROW by a full 10-foot breakdown lane, the jersey barrier and fence between the
roadway and the 14-foot shared use path, and the jersey barrier and the snow fence along the
eastern edge of the shared use path.
CST-2: We are concerned about the quality of our home life during construction, given the likely noise and pounding
that is anticipated not only during the day but also occasionally at night. We have three young children and this kind
of disruption to their lives is simply not acceptable. We are quite concerned about the long term effects on them of
the constant noise etc. As you are probably aware, the Hines Bridge (to the east of our property a short way) is
currently under construction. This bridge is not as close to our property as the Whittier Bridge and we are keenly
aware of the construction noise from this project. It’s unimaginable how disruptive the Whittier Bridge will be to our
lives. We are aware that barriers have been proposed for this project, but it’s hard to fathom that these would be
sufficient barriers for the residents of Whittier Point.
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