Agenda - 03-05-1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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R-3 18 It is now recommended that the project be revised to provide a diamond interchange at the US 70 Connector (see Figure 2) . This revision will improve access between Hillsborough and areas west and improve the operation of the I-85/SR 1120 interchange. The new plan also includes upgrading the existing I-85/SR 1120 interchange, as - recommended in the FONSI. Due to the proximity of these two inter- changes, collector-distributor roads are to be constructed on both sides of I-85 to enhance safety. The revised improvements at these two interchanges will require the acquisition of approximately ten acres of right of way in addition to that addressed in the FONSI . The results of capacity analyses comparing the new and old designs are presented in Section II .B. of this report. The diamond interchange now proposed at the US 70 Connector was presented by the Division of Highways at a public meeting held in Hillsborough in August of 1987. The current Hillsborough thorough- fare plan, which was adopted by the Division of Highways in October of 1987, shows a fully directional interchange at that junction and an extension of the US 70 Connector to West Ten Road (SR 1144). south of 1-85 as part of the Hillsborough Western Bypass. The proposed I-85 improvements are in conformance with that thoroughfare plan. Town of Hillsborough officials expressed their support for the proposed fully directional interchange at the I-85/US 70 Connector junction at a meeting held with Division of Highways officials in April of 1989. However, Orange County and Town of Hillsborough officials have expressed concern for potential impacts of the project on the proposed Sevenmile Creek reservoir. The reservoir is to be constructed on the south side of I-85 in the vicinity of the two interchanges. As discussed in Section III .G. of this report, measures will be taken to minimize degradation of raw water supplies throughout the project, and no major water degradation impacts are anticipated. It is recommended that the two main-line bridges at the SR 1144 grade separation east of the US 70 Connector be removed. To provide• continued access to nearby properties, SR 1144 is to be extended on the north side of 1-85 to link with the US 70 Connector (see Figure 2). C. Proposed Cross Section The proposed seventh and eighth lanes are to be constructed within the 46-foot median proposed in the FONSI. Ten-foot paved breakdown lanes are recommended on the inside of the proposed travel -lanes, and ten-foot paved shoulders are recommended on the outside. A concrete median • barrier will be constructed to separate eastbound and westbound traffic. D. Cost Estimates Updated cost estimates for the projects are shown below. These . costs reflect the proposed revisions described above in Section B.