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

Whittier Bridge/I-95 Improvement Project FEIR
Chapter 3.0: Mitigation and Commitments
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 also may 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 SHPO, the local historical commissions, and the WWG.
Interpretive Signage
FHWA, with the assistance of MassDOT, shall ensure that interpretive signage shall be prepared,
designed, fabricated, and installed at the overlooks along the shared-use path on the new bridge
and abutments and at the trailheads and termini of the shared-use path. At a minimum, these signs
shall address the following themes: 1) the life, works, and time of John Greenleaf Whittier; 2) a
transportation history of the lower Merrimack River, including a discussion of the design of the
existing John Greenleaf Whittier Memorial Bridge; and 3) the natural heritage of the crossing,
including a discussion of native wildlife. The text, graphics, and design of the signs, additional
thematic subjects, and the total number and locations of the signs shall be determined by FHWA and
MassDOT in consultation with the local historical commissions, the WWG, and the SHPO.
Paint Color
FHWA and MassDOT will choose an appropriate paint color for the structural steel on the
replacement bridge in consultation with the local historical commissions, the WWG, and the SHPO.
Post-Review Discoveries
If FHWA or MassDOT determines that the undertaking will affect a previously unidentified property
that may be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or will affect a known
historic property in an unanticipated manner, the FHWA and MassDOT shall make reasonable
efforts to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse effects to such properties and determine actions that
they can take to resolve adverse effects following the procedures in 36 CFR 800.13(b). In the event
that a post-review discovery involves a property or properties that may have traditional cultural and
religious significance to federally-recognized Indian tribes, FHWA, in coordination with MassDOT,
shall consult with the appropriate Indian tribe(s) in accordance with the requirements of 36 CFR
800.13(b) and established procedures for Section 106 tribal consultation for Massachusetts. If precontact
cultural resources are discovered or unanticipated effects on pre-contact period resources
are found, FHWA, in coordination with MassDOT, will consult with the appropriate federallyrecognized
Indian tribes in accordance with established procedures for Section 106 tribal
consultation for Massachusetts.
3.17.7 Coastal Zone Management Consistency – Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone
Management
The project was designed to be consistent with the applicable program policies and management
principles of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management program, and no mitigation is
proposed.
3.17.8 Mitigation Implementation Cost and Schedule
Wetlands
BVW mitigation in Amesbury and Salisbury will be performed in conjunction with the widening of the
I-95 corridor, during the initial project stages. The cost associated with the mitigation is expected to
be $135,000.
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