Agenda - 11-16-1999 - 9b - Laserfiche WebLink

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.CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP . PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO I-40 DURHAM AND ORANGE COUNTIES . TIP PROJECT I-3306 November 17, 1999 PROJECT DESCRIPTION TIP Project I-3306 proposes to widen Interstate 40 from Interstate 85 in Orange County to NC 147 (Buck Dean Freeway) in Durham County. The project involves widening the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane section. The proposed project is approximately 20.7 miles long (see Figure 1). Figure 2 presents a possible cross section. All widening will occur in the median and within the existing state owned right of way. PROJECT PURPOSE The proposed improvements to Interstate 40 will improve the level of service of the interstate. It will add capacity and improve safety along the roadway. PROJECT SCHEDULE- The planning and design for the proposed project is underway. The construction schedule has been split into two phases. Section B, the Durham County portion of the project, is scheduled to begin construction in 2002. Section A, the Orange County portion, is not scheduled for construction within the 7-year Transportation Improvement Program. A public hearing is anticipated after further planning and design has been completed. -Amore detailed design will be presented at this public hearing. PROJECT COST Total Estimated Construction cost $ 71,321,000 PROJECT PLANMNG AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDES Planning and environmental studies are nearly complete for the project. The impact of the project on both the human and natural environment was investigated. Noise analysis studies were conducted to determine the need for noise abatement measures. The NCDOT's Noise Abatement Policy, approved by the Federal Highway Administration, sets guidelines for when noise walls can be considered. According to this policy, the preliminary -noise study found no places along the route where noise walls are feasible and cost effective. A final noise analysis will be completed prior to construction.