Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Terminology
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
Terminology: The existing interchange is a complex system of roads and ramps. Readers
are directed to Section 4.3 for a detailed description of the existing interchange and
roadway system. In Section 4.3, photos, figures, and text explain the roadways, bridges,
and ramp system, as well as roadway and ramp nomenclature. An understanding of the
existing interchange will help in understanding the proposed improvements described in
Section 3. The terms at-grade and grade-separated are explained below. A List of
Abbreviations is provided after the Table of Contents.
What does At-Grade Mean?
The essence of the project is the change in a three quarter of a mile long section of Route
79 from a grade-separated section of roadway to an at-grade section of roadway. The
terms grade-separated and at-grade are explained here for the benefit of those unfamiliar
with highway terminology.
The term “grade” can be used in several different ways with respect to roadways. For
example the sub-grade is beneath the roadway pavement and is its supporting base. The
grade of a roadway refers to how flat or how steep it is (either going uphill or downhill)
as it follows the lay of the land.
The terms At-Grade and Grade-Separated are used to describe how a roadway intersects
(or interchanges) with other roads, railroads, or pedestrian ways.
An at-grade intersection is one in which two or more transportation features (roads, rails,
or walkways) cross at the same level (or grade). When we stop at a stop sign or wait at a
traffic signal before crossing another road, we are at an at-grade intersection. Also, we all
have had to wait in our cars while the train passed. That is an at-grade railroad crossing.
The term grade-separated is used to describe a road facility in which the flow of traffic
on one or more of the roads is physically separated and is not disrupted by traffic control
such as signals, stop signs, or roundabouts. Traffic movements to and from gradeseparated facilities use on-ramps and off-ramps to get onto other grade-separated
facilities (also known as interchanges) or local roadways.
There are also grade-separated railroads. Within the project area, the railroad is gradeseparated because Davol Street is above the railroad on a bridge between the mill
buildings. Pocasset Street and Central Street also cross over the railroad on bridges.
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Introduction
1-1
Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
"Spaghetti Junction" is a nickname sometimes given to an intertwined, multi-level
roadway interchange that resembles a plate of spaghetti. The ramps for the I-195, Route
79, and Davol Street connections are often called the spaghetti ramps.
In conclusion, the term at-grade is used for the At-Grade (Preferred) alternative because it
will replace a two-level elevated structure with a single roadway which directly intersects
with other area roads. Ramp connections to I-195 will remain.
1.2
Summary of Proposed Project
Project Name:
EEA File No:
Project Location:
Project Proponent:
MassDOT Project No.:
Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction Project
To be issued with Environmental Monitor Notice
City of Fall River, Massachusetts
Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway
Division (MassDOT)
605223
Part 1 of this document includes the Environmental Assessment (EA) pursuant to the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA also includes the Section 106 Effect
Finding under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) solicits public and agency comment on the EA and, if FHWA
determines that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required, it will issue a
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
Part 2 of this document includes the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) pursuant to
the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The project exceeds thresholds for
Transportation that require submitting an ENF: 301 CMR 11.03 (6) (b) 1.b b. widening of
an existing roadway by four or more feet for one-half or more miles and (6) (b) 2.a alter the
bank or terrain located ten more feet from the existing roadway for one-half or more miles.
However, the project does not exceed any threshold categorically requiring an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR). After the public comment period closes, the
Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs will issue a Certificate stating whether
the project requires an EIR.
Once all NEPA and MEPA reviews are completed, the environmental permits for the
project (listed in Section 1.3) will be finalized. The project is at the 25% design phase for
the highway elements and the sketch plan phase for the bridges. After public review of
the EA/ENF and a 25% Design Public Hearing, the project will be advanced as a DesignBuild (D-B) project. Since 1990, a number of state transportation agencies have been
evaluating a variety of project delivery strategies aimed at lowering the costs and time to
produce highway construction and rehabilitation projects, while maintaining or
improving project quality. One of these strategies is Design-Build (D-B) project delivery.
Design-Build is a method of project delivery in which the final design and construction
phases of a project are combined into one contract. This is in contrast to the more
traditional design-bid-build (D-B-B) approach in which two separate contracts are
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Introduction
1-2
Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
awarded in sequence for engineering final design services and construction services. A
Design-Build project allows the contractor and designer to work together on design and
construction phases of the project in an effort to reduce costs and expedite project
delivery.
MassDOT proposes to reconstruct the Route 79/I-195 Interchange in Fall River. (See
Locus Figures 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3.) Route 79 is currently carried on a two-level viaduct
under I-195 and Route 138/Davol Street is located under the Route 79 viaduct. Ramps
connect I-195 with Route 79 and ramps also connect Route 79 with the local roadway
system. The proposed project will remove the Route 79 viaduct and combine Route 79
with Davol Street/Route 138 within the project limits. All the existing bridges within the
interchange will be removed and will be replaced with either new bridges or at-grade
roadways. The Anawan Street Bridge over the railroad will be replaced with a new
bridge.
Three new signalized intersections will be constructed along the new 4-lane Route
79/Davol Street/Route 138 roadway. Traffic signals for Route 79 at its intersections with
the new Water Street Connector, Anawan Street/Pocasset Street, and Central Street are
proposed. All traffic signals will have pedestrian crosswalks and pedestrian signal
indications. The interchange between I-195 and Route 79 will continue to be a gradeseparated interchange.
A new roadway, the proposed Water Street Connector, will connect Water Street with the
proposed Route 79/Davol Street, and will improve waterfront vehicular connectivity with
I-195 and Route 79. Along the new Water Street Connector there will be a sidewalk on
the south side, with 5 foot bike lanes on both sides
Existing Ramp Y, which currently connects I-195 eastbound to Milliken Boulevard, will
be reconstructed as the “Milliken Connector” eastbound and westbound. The Milliken
Connector westbound will provide direct access from Milliken Boulevard to I-195
eastbound and westbound. The Milliken Connector eastbound will provide direct access
from Route 79 to Milliken Boulevard and will include a new shared use path (bicycle and
pedestrian) between Milliken Boulevard and Route 79.
Four local streets will be modified to work with the new Route 79 configuration. Canal
Street will no longer intersect with Broadway Extension but will be continued onto
Spring Street. Harbor Terrace will be made one-way northbound from Central Street.
Anawan Street will become one-way eastbound. Existing Connector Street, between
Pocasset Street and Milliken Boulevard, will be realigned to allow two-way traffic flow.
This will involve a slight realignment of the intersection openings of this local roadway
to facilitate two-way traffic flow. Connector Street will provide access to Milliken
Boulevard. from I-195 EB via Pocasset Street.
Additional information on the proposed project is provided in Section 3. A description of
the existing interchange is provided in Section 4 and the existing roadways and ramps are
shown on Figures 4-4 and 4-5.
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Introduction
1-3
Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
The Interchange Reconstruction Project addresses the structurally deficient viaduct and
ramp bridges, substantially reduces future bridge maintenance costs, improves access to
the waterfront, and also improves the visual characteristics within the American Printing
Company-Metacomet Mill Historic District and other areas. The viaduct has been
considered by residents, business interests, and others to be a negative influence on the
waterfront area, creating a physical and visual barrier to accessing Battleship Cove and
other waterfront attractions. Removing the viaduct will further the goals in the City of
Fall River’s Master Plan to revitalize the waterfront at Battleship Cove, improve
connections to the existing Heritage Park Boardwalk north of Central Street, and improve
pedestrian and vehicular access to the area between Route 79 and Water Street. These
goals and desires have been strongly articulated by stakeholders at the Project Task Force
meetings during the planning phase.
North of the project limits, Route 79 will remain as it is today, a grade-separated roadway
on an embankment between the northbound and southbound barrels of Davol Street.
South of the project limits, Route 138/Broadway Extension will remain as it is today. The
project limits for the Interchange Reconstruction Project are shown on Figure 1-3. There
is a different and separate proposed project further north on Route 79 described in
Section 1.7.
1.3
Summary of Project Costs / Permits and Approvals
MassDOT is funding the project with bonds from the Accelerated Bridge Program. These
bonds will be repaid in part with funds from the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA).
The Interchange Reconstruction Project is included in SRPEDD’s long-range Regional
Transportation Plan (RTP) and the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).
The estimated total project cost $174 million (design, ROW, construction).
The project is eligible for 80 percent Federal Aid Participation. Federal Aid is provided
for by Grant Anticipation Notes (GANS). The State 20 percent matching funds are
provided for through State Obligation Bond Funds.
It is anticipated that the project will require the permits and approvals listed in Table 1-1.
Additional information on regulatory compliance is provided in Sections 9 and 10.
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Introduction
1-4
Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
Table 1-1 Project Permits and Reviews
Review/Permit
NEPA Clearance
National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106
Clearance.
No Adverse Effect finding (August 23, 2011)
Notice of Project Change (March 20, 2012)
Section 404 Category 2 General Permit
CZM Federal Consistency Certification
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
General Permit for Construction (NPDES)
Section 401 Water Quality Certification for
temporary work in Quequechan River and
alteration of a portion of the Bypass Channel
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 91 License
Order of Conditions pursuant to MA Wetlands
Protection Act for alteration of Buffer Zone and
temporary work in Land Under Ocean in the tidal
Quequechan River
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I
ESA) in Compliance with the Massachusetts
Contingency Plan (MCP)
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
Issuing/Reviewing Agency
FHWA
FHWA /State Historic
Preservation Officer
U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers
MA Office of Coastal Zone
Management
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
MassDEP
MassDEP Waterways
Regulation Program
City of Fall River
Conservation Commission
MassDEP
Status
EA under public
review
Completed
Application to be
submitted
Letter Submitted
Application by
contractor prior to
construction
Application to be
submitted
Application submitted
Order of Conditions
issued May 15, 2012
(SE 24-0629)
To be completed as
part of the 25%
design process
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Introduction
1-5
Source Data:
Data compiled from the following source:
Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS), Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, Information Technology Division
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Topographic Quadrangle Images
- Fall River Quad
6
103
195
79
P:\MHD\2009\E2X45204\600 Discipline Files\607 Gis\EA-ENF_Figure 1-1_USGS Locus.mxd
138
PROJECT
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Boston
Project
Locus
81
USGS Project Locus
Approx. Scale: 1 " = 2,000 '
Route 79 / I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
Figure 1-1
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Orthophoto Project Locus
Route 79 / I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
Figure 1-2
Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
________________________________________________________________
Introduction
1-8
NOT TO SCALE
Route 79 / I-195 Interchange Reconstruction
Project
Fall River, MA
Project Limits
Figure 1-3
Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
________________________________________________________________
Introduction
1-10
Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
1.4
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
Project History
The Route 79 viaduct and ramps were built in 1965 as part of the construction of the
Interstate 195 interchange with Route 79. The viaduct and ramps are in need of extensive
repairs. In 1999, design for a major rehabilitation of the structure was initiated. At that
time, repairs were planned to address the elements of the structure that were evaluated
and rated to be in serious or critical condition. However, the extent of needed structural
steel repairs was determined to be substantially greater than previously identified.
In 2009, an independent Value Engineering (VE) Study prepared for MassDOT
recommended modifying the scope of the rehabilitation work and suggested alternatives
that would remove the viaduct and replace it with a roadway that would be combined
with Route 138/Davol Street as a more cost effective alternative.
At the conclusion of the VE study and subsequent Ramp Improvement Study (Jacobs
2009), it was decided to proceed with a more detailed study of at-grade alternatives.
MassDOT initiated early public outreach with residents, local governments, stakeholders
and permitting agencies. A Task Force with broad representation was convened to help
develop and narrow the range of at-grade alternatives and solicit public input on the
project. The Task Force is discussed in detail in Section 11.1. A discussion of the
alternatives analysis process is provided in Section 5.
To address deteriorating conditions, a $10 million emergency repair contract was
advertised and awarded in the summer of 2010. Repairs are underway and will maintain
the viaduct and ramps for safe travel until the project is constructed.
1.5
Accelerated Bridge Program
The Accelerated Bridge Program (ABP), a $3 billion program passed by the
Massachusetts Legislature, was begun in 2008 to repair, replace, or rehabilitate
structurally deficient bridges throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The goal
of the Accelerated Bridge Program is to reduce the number of structurally deficient
bridges in the state over an 8-year time frame ending in 2016. Under this program,
progress is tracked by the Accelerated Bridge Program Oversight Council, which is
charged with monitoring the progress of the implementing agencies and keeping the
public informed about the results. Additional information about the program can be found
at the ABP website: http://www.eot.state.ma.us/acceleratedbridges.
The Route 79/I-195 Project has been included in the MassDOT Accelerated Bridge
Program (ABP). The elevated Route 79 viaduct and portions of the connecting ramps
include several bridge structures that are structurally deficient. The project is at the 25%
design phase for the highway elements and the sketch plan phase for the bridges. After
review of the EA/ENF and a 25% Design Public Hearing, the project will then be
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Introduction
1-11
Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
advanced as a Design-Build project. The $170 million project is expected to be in
construction from January 2013 through September 2016.
1.6 Summary of Public Participation / Task Force
Public involvement is a federal- and state-required element of all transportation planning.
Consistent with specific guidance in the MassDOT Project Development and Design
Guide Book on defining the community context, defining goals and objectives, and
identifying project supporters, a Task Force was established with the assistance of state
elected officials to aid the project team in understanding local issues, develop and
evaluate alternatives, and provide a consistent review body during project development.
The Task Force includes representatives from the local business community;
neighborhood groups; consultants; government officials from the City of Fall River and
adjacent communities; regional and state government agencies; individuals from the
surrounding residential area; and other interested parties. The Southeastern Regional
Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), the regional planning agency,
also participated in the Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction Project Task Force.
The Task Force helped develop, screen, and modify the interchange alternatives. The
Task Force met nine times from January 2010 through January 2011. A tenth meeting
was held on November 16, 2011 to update the Task Force prior to distribution of the
EA/ENF.
Public Information Meetings were held in June of 2010 and April of 2011. The June 2010
meeting gave the public an opportunity to learn about the overall project and alternatives
being considered for the project, obtain an overview of the environmental review process,
and ask questions. The April 2011 meeting presented the preferred alternative for the
project, presented an overview of the environmental assessment process, and gave the
public an opportunity to ask questions and comment. Additional information about the
meetings and the public participation process is provided in Section 11, Public and
Agency Coordination. Comments received after these meetings and throughout the public
participation process are summarized and provided with responses in Section 11.5.
1.7 Consistency with Transportation / Master Plans and
Policies
Regional Planning
2012 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)
The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) is
the regional planning agency serving 27 cities and towns in Southeastern Massachusetts,
including Fall River. The 2012 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) which was prepared
by SRPEDD, provides the comprehensive, long-term analysis of existing and future
needs of the regional transportation system and includes recommendations for projects
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Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
and studies that may then be added to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
The TIP lists all transportation projects in the region that are programmed to receive
federal funding during the next 4 years. The RTP recommends that repairs to structurally
deficient bridges continue as quickly as possible. This proposed Interchange
Reconstruction Project is on the 2012-2015 TIP and in the 2012 RTP.
Vision 2020: Partnership for Southeastern Massachusetts
The City of Fall River is one of three major metropolitan areas within the Southeastern
Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) that are advancing
Smart Growth principles to refocus larger shares of regional growth to central cities and
urbanized areas already served by infrastructure. Smart Growth principles are discussed
in Vision 2020: Partnership for Southeastern Massachusetts prepared by SRPEDD. The
Interchange Reconstruction Project is consistent with these goals.
Taunton River Wild and Scenic River Stewardship Plan (Stewardship Plan)
In March 2009, the Taunton River, from its headwaters in Bridgewater to the Braga
Bridge in Fall River, was officially designated as a Wild and Scenic River and was
incorporated into the National Park Service's Wild and Scenic River management
program.
The Taunton River Stewardship Plan (2005) presents a vision and action strategies for
management and protection of approximately 40 miles of the river. The major resources
for management and protection include agriculture, ecology and biological diversity, the
estuary, fisheries, history and archaeology, recreation and scenery. The Plan outlines the
resources, objectives and action strategies.
The action strategies in the Stewardship Plan that relate to the Interchange Reconstruction
Project include: protect water quality, address priority stormwater improvements,
promote waterfront revitalization, reduce impervious surfaces whenever possible, and
control excess sedimentation and runoff at construction sites and roadways.
The Interchange Reconstruction Project is consistent with the water quality and
waterfront access goals of the 2005 Taunton River Stewardship Plan. Stormwater
management and bicycle/pedestrian improvements are included in the project design.
South Coast Rail Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan
Various local and regional land use growth policies for the City of Fall River are
addressed in the June 2009 South Coast Rail Economic Development and Land Use
Corridor Plan (MA Executive Office of Transportation and Office of Housing and
Community Development) prepared for the proposed future South Coast Rail (SCR) Fall
River Depot commuter rail station, an 8-acre site off Davol Street near the city’s Central
Waterfront District, and the future proposed Battleship Cove rail station near Water
Street.
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Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
A coordination meeting was held with the SCR project team to discuss how the
interchange improvements would interface with the SCR project. The design of the
proposed Water Street Connector, clearance at bridges over the railroad tracks at Anawan
and Central Streets, and how the Interchange Reconstruction Project would meet existing
conditions along Route 79 at the northern limits of the project were all discussed. In
general, it was concluded that reconstruction of the interchange will improve access to
the waterfront area and the proposed Battleship Cove Station. Additionally, removal of
the viaduct is compatible with development plans around the area of the proposed Depot
Station. Coordination with the South Coast Rail team will continue as the design
development progresses.
City of Fall River Planning
Master Plan
The city outlined its visions and goals for the future of Fall River in its 2009 Master Plan
2009-2030: A Future of Pride. The 2004 Open Space and Recreation Plan identified
goals to enhance and protect natural resources, open space and recreational opportunities
in Fall River. Goals of the Master Plan include: improve existing streetscapes, provide
transportation options that include pedestrians, develop waterfront areas for additional
public access, facilitate greater access to the Fall River Heritage State Park (Heritage
Park), and preserve and enhance the quality and appeal of the city’s streetscapes and
water vistas. Transportation goals of the Master Plan include a safe system for vehicular
transportation, improved pedestrian and bicycle access, and improved aesthetics using
roadway upgrades. Photo 2-1 in Section 2 illustrates the visual impact of the existing
viaduct structure. The city’s Open Space Plan also includes goals to revitalize the
waterfront area and enhance the neighborhoods and streetscapes, both of which are
facilitated by the Interchange Reconstruction Project.
The City of Fall River Master Plan recommended specific zoning ordinance revisions that
provide increased flexibility in development of the city waterfront and other areas zoned
for industry, as well as additional uses in mill buildings, many of which are in the
waterfront area. The Master Plan identified recommendations with important land use
consequences that are within the Route 79/I-195 Interchange Project Area:
• Develop the Mount Hope Bay/Taunton River waterfront as a tourist area with
restaurants, open spaces, cruise ships, boulevards, museums, and other attractions;
• Re-establish the Central Business District (CBD) as an important commercial and
activity center, and develop linkages between the waterfront and the CBD;
• Combine Route 79 and Davol Street into an urban boulevard that would help
reconnect Fall River’s neighborhoods to the waterfront. Note to Readers: This
project refers to the area from about Cedar Street north to Presidents Avenue. It is
north of the Interchange Reconstruction Project area (see Figure 1-4) and is
completely independent of the Interchange Reconstruction Project.
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Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
2008 Route 79/Davol Street Transportation Study
Route 79/Davol Street Transportation Study: Evaluation of Alternatives
To further the city’s master plan goals of enhancing access and development of the
waterfront, the Fall River Redevelopment Authority sponsored the 2008 Route 79/Davol
Street Transportation Study which examined options to enhance development potential of
the City Pier waterfront area just north of the project limits. The city is currently
deliberating on the specifics for the proposed Transit Oriented District (TOD) for the
waterfront area.
MassDOT’s Office of Transportation Planning issued a Request for Responses for a
study of alternatives for Route 79 north of Cedar Street (Route 79/Davol Street
Transportation Study: Evaluation of Alternatives). Proposals were submitted and a
consulting team was selected for a 12- to 18-month study which will begin in this year
(2012). The concept study will conduct a more detailed planning review and analysis of
the alternatives developed in the 2008 study. The limits of the study area are shown
relative to the Interchange Reconstruction Project area on Figure 1-4, below. Whatever
the decisions made with regard to the area north of the interchange project, Route 79 will
remain continuous and the reconstruction of the interchange will be compatible with
work to the north.
Figure 1-4 Limits of Route 79/Davol Street Study: Evaluation of Alternatives
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Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
Fall River Energy Enterprise (FREE) Initiative
The 2008 Fall River Energy Enterprise (FREE) Initiative proposed attracting renewable
energy industries (green technology) to the city with a Green Enterprise Zone, promoting
public and private development along the waterfront; promoting adaptive reuse of the
historic mill buildings; promoting use of solar panels, wind turbines and tidal energy
within the city; and increasing access to a revitalized waterfront. The FREE Initiative
supported reconstructing the Route 79/I-195 interchange.
2002 Draft Fall River Harbor and Downtown Economic Development Plan
A portion of the Interchange Reconstruction Project is within the draft Mount Hope Bay
Designated Port Area (DPA). The Interchange Reconstruction Project facilitates waterdependent industrial use of the draft Mount Hope Bay Designated Port Area (DPA) and
supports the draft Fall River Harbor and Downtown Economic Development Plan
prepared in 2002.
State and Federal Planning
MassDOT GreenDOT Policy
In June 2010, MassDOT adopted its GreenDOT policy, a comprehensive environmental
responsibility and sustainability initiative. GreenDOT has three primary goals:
• Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions;
• Promote the healthy transportation options of walking, bicycling, and public
transit; and
• Support smart growth development.
The Interchange Reconstruction Project supports these goals by including and improving
accommodations for pedestrians and bicycles. The Interchange Reconstruction Project is
included in SRPEDD’s long-range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) which integrates
the three GreenDOT Goals.
US DOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Policy Statement
The US DOT issued a Policy Statement in March 2010 stating that it is the policy of the
DOT to incorporate safe and convenient walking and bicycling facilities into
transportation projects. Among many recommendations, two of the policy’s
recommended actions include: bicycle and pedestrian accommodations be integrated into
new, rehabilitated and limited-access bridges with connections to streets or paths; and
transportation choices should be available for people of all ages and abilities, especially
children, and facilities should meet accessibility requirements and provide safe,
convenient, and interconnected transportation networks.
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Introduction
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Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
The Interchange Reconstruction Project supports these goals by including and improving
accommodations for pedestrians and bicycles such as the shared use path and new or
improved sidewalks.
Summary of Project’s Consistency with Transportation/Master Plans and Policies
• The Interchange Reconstruction Project is consistent with Fall River’s land use
and open space goals and will not preclude any other planned projects in, or
around, the project area.
• The Route 79/I-195 Interchange Reconstruction Project will not preclude any
options under consideration by the city for reconstructing Route 79 north of the
Interchange Reconstruction Project limits.
• The Interchange Reconstruction Project, which includes removal of the viaduct
structure, will improve waterfront vistas and the visual environment around the
American Printing Company-Metacomet Mill District.
• Roadway and pedestrian connections to the waterfront area will be improved with
new or improved roadways, signalized intersections, new or improved sidewalks,
and a new shared use path.
• The Interchange Reconstruction Project will provide improved vehicular and
pedestrian waterfront access which will be compatible with and serve to enhance
community development potential.
• The Interchange Reconstruction Project is consistent with the water quality and
waterfront access goals of the 2005 Taunton River Stewardship Plan. Stormwater
management and bicycle/pedestrian improvements are included in the project
design.
• The Interchange Reconstruction Project supports the MassDOT GreenDOT Policy
and the USDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy goals by improving
accommodations for pedestrians and bicycles.
• The Interchange Reconstruction Project is included in SRPEDD’s long-range
Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) which considers reductions in greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions, Smart Growth development, and healthy transportation
options.
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Introduction
1-17
Route 79/I-195
Interchange Reconstruction Project
Fall River, MA
1.8
PART 1
NEPA
Environmental Assessment
Project Alternatives
The No Build and three Build alternatives were developed as possible means of meeting
the project purpose and need. Section 5 describes in detail the No Build and the three
Build alternatives that resulted from an extensive alternatives analysis process:
• No Build
• At-Grade Interchange (Preferred) alternative
• Two-Way Single-Level Viaduct Interchange (Replacement) alternative
• Rehabilitation of the Existing Two-Level Viaduct Interchange (Repair) alternative
NOTE TO READERS: Pursuant to the federal Interstate Access Policy, an Interchange
Modification Report (IMR) was submitted to FHWA which presented analysis of the
alternatives in terms of impacts on the engineering and operational integrity of the
interstate roadway system, in this case Interstate-195. In a letter dated February 29, 2012,
FHWA made an affirmative determination of the engineering and operational
acceptability of the At-Grade (Preferred) alternative. The letter is included in Appendix 1,
Traffic.
In the IMR, and the Traffic Study, the alternatives are numbered differently than they are
in the EA/ENF document. The nomenclature used in the EA/ENF evolved during the
alternatives analysis process and was selected for simplicity and clarity in this document.
The following chart compares the nomenclature for the alternatives in the EA/ENF and
other traffic studies.
Nomenclature of Alternatives
EA/ENF Document
IMR and Traffic Study
No Build
At-Grade Interchange (Preferred) alternative
No Build
Preferred Alternative-Route 79 At-grade
alternative
Alternative 2-Hybrid Route 79 Viaduct
Interchange
Alternative 4-Rehabilitation of Interchange
Two-Way Single-Level Viaduct Interchange
(Replacement) alternative
Rehabilitation of the Existing Two-Level Viaduct
Interchange (Repair) alternative
Not discussed because they became unacceptable
after the IMR process with FHWA.
Alternatives 1 and 3
Table 5-2 in Section 5 presents a summary comparison of the environmental impacts for
each alternative presented in the EA/ENF. Section 6 provides a detailed discussion of the
impacts.
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Introduction
1-18