Agenda 09-07-1993 - VII-A - Laserfiche WebLink

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17 element be incorporated in the design plans for the I-85 project. Because this project is within the Hillsborough Corporate Limits, it may benefit from joint support. Project I-304 , the eight-laning of I-85 through the Sevenmile Creek basin, has been a long-standing concern to Orange County. Funds allocated for "transportation enhancement activities" under ISTEA may provide a means to address two areas of particular concern; continued access under I-85 and the provision of best management practices (BMPs) to address highway run-off. A component of project 1-304 is the construction of a multi- directional interchange east of Efland at the US 70 connector. Existing overpasses to the east will be removed and access between West Ten Road and Ben Johnson Road will be severed. To offset this disruption, Ben Johnson Road will be extended through the new interchange to tie in with West Ten Road to the south. Last year Orange County requested that the access between West Ten Road and Ben Johnson Road remain and that a bicycle facility be constructed in the connection. After much meeting and discussion with NCDOT, a compromise has been reached. Bike lanes will be constructed on the 70 Connector Roadway being constructed in conjunction with the project. Again, it is recommended that close contact with NCDOT officials remain through to completion of this project to ensure the construction of bike lanes. Widening of I-85 to eight lanes has also raised concerns about the degradation of water quality due to run-off from additional pavement as well as possible spill. The County has consistently requested NCDOT make provisions for BMPs in conjunction with the project. To date no funding response has been offered by NCDOT. It is again recommended that the County request enhancement funds for the proper design and safeguard of erosion control during and after the construction of improvements to I-85 . Given the status of projects requested last year by the Orange County Board of Commissioners for inclusion in the North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program, staff makes the following recommendations for this year's TIP Priority List. 1) Homestead Road - As was the case last year, this project is recommended for additional discussion by appropriate County and Town officials and ultimate referral to the DCHC for action. The issue of the project limits and scope should be determined as soon as possible to facilitate a unified request. 2) Paving of Rural Roads - It is recommended that the County continue to request additional funding for paving of rural roads. An alternative to requesting general funding for unpaved roads may be to identify several rural roads in need of not only paving improvements but also grade and cross-section improvements. By targeting individual projects, NCDOT may be better able to allocate TIP dollars to this type of effort.