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 Route 150 Improvement project in Amesbury is currently scheduled for an advertisement date of
November 1, 2014 and scheduled for construction in 2015.
The Route 110 widening project in Amesbury is currently scheduled for completion in the summer of
2012 and will be completed before construction of the project begins.
The Hines Bridge in Amesbury is anticipated for completion in the first week of July 2012 and will be
completed before construction of the project begins.
EEA-3: The FEIR should address the comments from the City of Newburyport regarding impacts to local traffic at the
intersection of Spofford Street, Moseley Avenue, and Merrimack Street.
Response: The project will have no effects on the intersection of Spofford Street, Moseley Avenue,
and Merrimack Street. Traffic diversions are expected to be minimal as 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 the summer of 2012 as noted above.
The proposed construction of a roundabout at the referenced intersection is beyond the scope of the
project. The City of Newburyport may continue to develop the project through normal project funding
sources with TIP funding for the roundabout improvements at the Spofford Street, Moseley Avenue
and Merrimack Street intersection.
EEA-4: MassDOT should ensure that the design of the Shared-Use Path does not preclude future bicycle/pedestrian
connections and access by the municipalities.
Response: The design of the Shared-Use Path will not preclude future bicycle/pedestrian
connections and access by the municipalities.
EEA-4A: The FEIR should describe how the project can further comply with the goals of the USDOT Policy
Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Regulations and Recommendations (March 15, 2010) and
MassDOT's GreenDOT Initiatives Policy…
Response: The incorporation of the Shared-Use Path into the project meets the goals of the
USDOT Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Regulations and
Recommendations (March 15, 2010) to ―incorporate safe and convenient walking and bicycling
facilities into transportation projects‖ and ―to improve opportunities for walking and bicycling.‖ The
project meets the requirements of the GreenDOT Initiatives Policy to include accommodation of
pedestrians and bicycles.
EEA-4B: …and explore opportunities to work with stakeholders and commenters to investigate additional bicycle
path and pedestrian connections and to identify additional commitments to improved connections as required by the
Scope on the ENF.
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