Agenda - 05-15-1990 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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expressed. The temporary disruption caused by construction, as well as the permanent impact due to traffic noise and pollution are of considerable concern to these residents. They feel strongly that the value of their property will be reduced due to the proximity of the freeway. The rural buffer is zoned for low density residential and agricultural development to inhibit urban sprawl into the rural area. The buffer area will generate little traffic now or in the future. Many citizens feel that the Outer Loop violates the concept of protection provided by the buffer, and feel that pressures to develop will result from its construction. Representatives of the Emerson Waldorf School located near the NC -86 Mount Sinai Road intersection voiced similar concerns for the adverse impact on the school. Response; This section of the freeway is to provide regional connectivity, provide for desired intercity movement between Durham and Chapel Hill, and relieve the overburdened US 15 -501 corridor. The proposed alignment follows the railroad track and has no interchanges in the rural buffer area. This was done intentionally to minimize the impacts on the rural buffer. This alignment is a planning concept only and reflects the need for such a facility in this general area. Inclusion of the corridor on the Thoroughfare Plan allows for the protection of a corridor. Environmental studies and final design will minimize to the fullest extent possible the negative impact on neighborhoods and the environment. The deletion of this portion of the Outer Loop will place an additional traffic burden on US 15 -501 (7000 vehicles per day). In the Hillsborough area, increased traffic will be felt on Saint Mans Road, Elizabeth Brady Road, Lawrence Road, and NC 86. Each of these Roads would require widening earlier and at a greater magnitude without the proposed freeway. There will be social and environmental impacts associated with these widenings. An additional route north of Hillsborough connecting to I -85 near Mebane does not serve the projected travel patterns from southern Orange County to northern Durham County. Such a facility would not be justifiable as a freeway facility. Hillsborough's plan currently includes a north side arterial by-pass. Eno park Spur. The section of the Outer Loop shown as an alternate routing on the recommended plan passes through Eno River State Park between Cole Mill Road and I- 85. Individuals and the Association for Preservation of the Eno voiced disapproval of the freeway through the park. They stated the road through the park would violate the agreement made by the donors of the park land. Not only would the road be a potential source of pollution of the Eno, it would disrupt the pristine natural area, and endanger the delicate species of plants and animals that live in the area. 2.16