ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS
There are four alternatives for this project which include the no build, reconstruct on existing
alignment, reconstruct on new alignment upstream, and reconstruction on new alignment
downstream.
No Build
The no build option would result in this bridge remaining open. Traffic will cause continuing
deterioration towards the structure eventually warranting posting and eventually closure forcing
the residents in the area to use alternate routes. There is no cost to the Township or Department
for this option. However, nearby residents who travel this route will need to travel
approximately 30 miles to get around this closure. Also, there are no environmental impacts
associated with this option. This option does not meet the project purpose and need of providing
a safe means of travel and; therefore, is not a viable alternative.
Reconstruct on Existing Alignment
Reconstructing the bridge on the existing alignment is the selected alignment. This option
requires minor right-of-way takes and complicated phasing using half-width construction
procedures. Besides construction and ROW impacts there will also be additional environmental
impacts. Reconstructing the bridge on the existing alignment would impact wetlands, and
potential archaeological sites as well as permanently impact the existing natural environment. A
minimum of approximately 0.005 acres of wetlands would be temporarily impacted and 0.02
acres of wetlands would be permanently impacted with this option. Land impacts and right-ofway takes will be minor. This option allows the structure to be widened to create travel lanes of
greater width as well as an improved pedestrian sidewalk. The cost for this option is
approximately $2,200,000.
Reconstruct on New Alignment: Upstream
Reconstructing the bridge on a new alignment upstream of the existing structure would require
additional right-of-way takes and result in additional environmental impacts. A minimum of
approximately 0.015 acres of wetlands would be temporarily impacted and 0.025 acres of
wetlands would be permanently impacted with this option. Additional potential archaeological
sites would be disturbed. The natural habitat under the new bridge would be permanently
altered. This option allows the structure to be widened to create travel lanes of greater widths as
well as an improved pedestrian sidewalk. The cost for this option is approximately $2,500,000;
however, safety concerns such as horizontal sight distance are an issue with the intersection at
SR 0219.
Reconstruct on a new Alignment: Downstream
Reconstructing the bridge on a new alignment downstream of the existing structure would
require major right-of-way takes and complicated phasing using half-width construction
procedures. Besides construction and ROW impacts there will also be additional environmental
impacts when shifting the alignment. Shifting the alignment downstream would impact
wetlands, existing businesses, and potential archaeological sites as well as partially destroy the
natural habitat. A minimum of approximately 0.15 acres of wetlands would be impacted with this
option. Land impacts and right-of-way takes are will be a large portion of the cost of this project
due to the relocation of an existing gas station. Additional costs to the relocation of the existing
gas station would include the removal of hazardous materials. Removing tanks beneath the gas
pumps will require soil testing and other HAZMAT precautions. Contaminated soil would result
in additional costs in the relocation of that soil to a landfill, as well as the treatment. This option
allows the structure to be widened to create travel lanes of greater width as well as an improved
pedestrian sidewalk. The cost for this option is approximately $3,000,000.
After evaluation of the aforementioned alternatives, three of the four are considered viable
options. The reconstruction on existing alignment is the selected alternative based upon
environmental impacts and cost constraints. The off-alignment alternatives would have greater
environmental impacts and associated costs.