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REVIEW COMMENTS i f' MEMORANDUM POLICE #91-057 FROM: Ms. Tambri Heyden Lt. Dale S. Hammack TO: DATE: July 15, 1991 RE: Bergeron Compound As per our discussion at the Technical Review Board meeting of 11 July 1991, I am recommending the following: 1. The physical location of the construction compound is at minimum over 2 miles from the construction site. This distance (over public streets with heavy equipment during peak traffic times) places an undue risk to the general public. In addition, the location is next to a residential neighborhood. Noise from the site places an undue burden on those persons who reside there. For these reasons, I feel the construction compound should not be located at the site proposed. (Public Safety) I!{)~ </1- Lt. Dale S. Hammack DSH/cgm " Federal Highway Administration Region 4 DRAFT fOR REVIEW ONLY f ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT u.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and Florida Department of Transportation State Project Number: 93220-1435 Federal Aid Project Number: 1-95-1(388)59 Work Project Number: 4147530 Interchange at 1-95 and N.W. 22nd Avenue, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida provision of Access Ramps to and From Existing N.W. 22nd Avenue over 1-95. Submitted pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4332 (2) (c). Approved For Public Availability Date Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration Section 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.3.1 3.3.2 3.3.3 3.3.4 3.3.5 3.4 3.5 "'" ~ UHAfT FOR REVIEV/ ONLY 'l'ABLE OF CON'l'EN'l'S 'l'itle Page DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION The Study Corridor The Existing Facility The Proposed Action NEED System Linkage Capacity Transportation Demands Federal, State, or Local Government Authority Social Demands Modal Interrelationships Safety ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED New Location Alternative Improvements to Existing Facilities Design Alternatives ISpread Diamond Interchange Standard Diamond Interchange (Proposed Action Alternative 1) Urban Diamond Interchange (Proposed Action Alternative 2) Estimates of Probable Cost for Design Alternatives Maintenance of Traffic During Construction No Project Alternative Proposed Action Alternatives IMPACTS Socioeconomic Community Services Community Cohesion Land Use Relocations 4.2 Cultural and Historic Resources 4.3 Natural and Physical Impacts 4.3.1 Pedestrian/Bicycle Facilities 4.3.2 Visual/Aesthetic 4 . 3. 3 Air 4.3.4 Noise 4 . 3. 5 Wet land 4.3.6 Water Quality 4.3.7 Floodplain 4.3.8 Coastal Zone Consistency 4.3.9 Threatened and Endangered Species 4.3.10 Construction 4 0 4.1 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3 .' Section 5.0 5.1 5.2 APPENDIX A-l A-2 A-3 A-4 A-5 TABLE OF CONTENTS ( CONT. ) Tit1e COMMENTS AND COORDINATION Advance Notification Other Agency and Public Coordination Greater Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce (Resolution) Metropolitan Planning Organization (Resolution) Division of Historical Resources (Letter) Department of Environmental Regulation (Letter) Office of Governor (Memorandum) "; ... U Kf\~ I FOR REVIEW ONLW Page 7/3/85 9/18/85 11/3/86 11/12/86 12/23/86 DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY Figure Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 LIST OF FIGURES '.l'it1e Location Map Vicinity Map with Study Window 1985 Existing Traffic Volumes Year 2010 Traffic Assignment Without Interchange Year 2010 Traffic Assignment With Interchange Standard Diamond Interchange (Alternative 1) Urban Diamond Interchange (Alternative 2) Existing and Proposed Land Use Noise Contours About 1-95 Noise Contours About N.W. 22nd Avenue Noise Receptor Locations , Page DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY LIST OF TABLES Tab1e Number Tit1e Page 1 Proposed Roadway Improvement in Study Window 2 Population Estimates and Projections 3 Recent Additions and Approved Single Developments 4 Comparison of Alternatives 5 Summary of Land Uses in Study Window 6 Projected Carbon Monoxide Concentrations 7 Noise Abatement Criteria 8 Noise Levels in dBA at Receptors in Design Year '\. DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY SECTION 1.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION The Florida Department of Transportation (FOOT) proposes to construct an interchange at 1-95 and N.W. 22nd Avenue in Boynton Beach, Florida. The Interchange Justification Report (IJR) for this project was approved in September, 1986. This draft environmental assessment documents the proposed action, the environmental setting, the need for the project, alternatives considered, the anticipated impacts of the project alternatives, and the results of public and agency coordination 1.1 THE STUDY CORRIDOR The proposed project is located in Palm Beach County, Florida, within the municipal boundaries of the City of Boynton Beach. ~ Figure 1 illustrates the location of the project within the State. 1-95 extends north-south through the County and is paralleled on the west by the Seaboard Coastline (SCL) Railroad. N.W. 22nd Avenue is a two-lane, east-west facility which crosses over 1-95 and the SCL on structure. The study window defined for the environmental assessment is shown on Figure 2, Vicinity Map. The window extends from u.S. 1 on the east to Congress Avenue on the west and from Hypoluxo Road on the north to Boynton Beach Boulevard (State 1 DRAfT FOR REViEvV ONLY FIGURE 1 LOCATION MAP ;J.Z- DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY FIGURE 2 VICINITY MAP WITH STUDY WINDOW a 3 i.... ,FOR REVlEVv ONLY Road 804) on the south. N.W. 22nd Avenue is located approximately l~ miles from the nearest interchanges to the north and south, at Hypoluxo Road and Boynton Beach Boulevard, respectively. Land uses in the study window generally include residential uses to the east of 1-95 and currently undeveloped land to the west of 1-95 and the SCL. 1.2 THE EXISTING FACILITY 1-95 in the study window has three, 12-foot lanes in each direction separated by a 56-foot grassed median. Total right-of- way width for 1-95 is a minimum of 300 feet. Paved shoulders are 10 feet wide along the outside lanes and four feet wide along the median. The SCL occupies approximately 55 feet of right-of-way immediately adjacent to 1-95 on the west. N.W. 22nd Avenue is a two-lane, east-west facility. West of Seacrest Boulevard, the right-of-way width is 100 feet: east of High Ridge Road, N.W. 22nd Avenue's right-of-way is 170 feet. Over 1-95 and the SCL, the right-of-way widens to 320 feet. The two-lane structure is a five-span bridge with an overall length of 398.5 feet. The present clearance between columns under the N.W. 22nd Avenue bridge is 96 feet. 1.3 THE PROPOSED ACTION Construction of a full-direction interchange is proposed at N.W. ~~ U KA ~ I FOR REVIEW ONLY 22nd Avenue and 1-95. This interchange is proposed to be of either the diamond or urban diamond type within existing rights-of-way. Logical termini for the project are the intersections with High Ridge Road on the west and Seacrest Boulevard on the east. The proposed diamond interchange will have two through lanes and dual left turns in each direction on N.W. 22nd Aenue. The urban interchange will also have two through lanes in each direction and dual left turns. For both alternatives, the ramps will have dual left turn lanes and one right turn lane. The diamond will be signalized at either end of the bridge at the junction of the approach ramps. The urban interchange will have one signal in the middle of the bridge. See Section 3 for a more detailed discussion of the proposed action alternatives. Retaining walls will be used along the approach ramps which will also provide noise attenuation for receptors to the east. The cost of the proposed action is estimated to range from $7-15 million. ~ SECTION 2.0 DRAFT EOR .REVIEW ONLY NEED This section describes the need for the project in terms of transportation and socioeconomic considerations. The following paragraphs discuss system linkage, capacity, transportation demand, governmental authority, economic development, modal relationships, and safety. 2.1 SYSTEM LINKAGE Two existing 1-95 interchanges are within the study window. These are Hypoluxo Road to the north and Boynton Beach Boulevard to the south. These interchanges are approximately three miles apart. N.W. 22nd Avenue crosses 1-95 at about the midpoint between the interchanges, or approximately 1~ miles from each. In addition to the interchange, virtually all of the roadway facilities in the study window are proposed to be improved as shown on Table 1. Without the proposed action, these facilities would be less successful. This is because much of the system-wide traffic which affects this study window is drawn from 4-ra."c-\c;. areas to the north and south of Boynton Beach. Such traffic ~ 1-95 to reach the area and then must depend on either the Hypoluxo Road or Boynton Beach Boulevard interchange to reach Congress and N.W. 22nd Av~nue. While the proposed interchange does not provide a -missing link-, it does fill a need in system linkage. ~(, Facility 1-95 TABLE 1 PROPOSED ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS SR 804 (Boynton Beach Boulevard) Hypoluxo Road Congress Avenue Seacrest Blvd. N.W. 22nd Avenue High Ridge Road IN STUDY WINDOW Planned Improvement Widen from 6 lanes to 8 lanes (add 2 HOV lanes in median). Widen from 4 lanes to 6 lanes Widen from 2 lanes to 4 lanes. Widen from 4 lanes to 6 lanes. Widen from 3 lanes to 5 lanes (underway) Widen from 2 lanes to 4 lanes. Widen from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and realign. "7 nn':F~ i.J i ih I fOR REVIEW ONLY Jurisdiction FOOT FOOT Palm Beach County Palm Beach County City of Boynton Bch. Palm Beach County City of Boynton Bch. ,J DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY 2.2 CAPACITY Traffic volumes for this study were obtained from 1985 ground counts and from the year 2010 West Palm Beach Urban Study Area Update which is currently being developed for Palm Beach County The updated 2010 network was developed using the Urban Transportation Planning System (UTPS) model. The existing network and two-way, 24-hour volumes for the study window and the estimated year 2010 traffic assignment with and without the interchange are shown on Figures 3, 4, and 5. In addition, interim year volumes for 1990 and 2000 were developed and are included in the Traffic Technical Report. Figures 3, 4, and 5 reflect the magnitude of traffic that is expected to be experienced in the study area as development pressures increase, particularly to the west of 1-95. Major western attractors include the Boynton Beach Mallon Congress between N.W. 22nd Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard: Motorola and the Catalina Center at Congress and N.W. 22nd Avenue: and Quantum Park currently under development on both sides of N.W. 22nd Avenue between Congress and 1-95. Without an interchange, the system will respond circuitously to attractors in the west via Hypoluxo, Congress, and Boynton Beach. For example, traffic on Congress between N.W. 22nd Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard increases from 14,400 (24-hour volumes) in 1985 to between 58,000 - and 86,000 in 2010. Other links in the network also will .8 Figure 3 1985 Existing Traffic Volumes [; i \. \ I , .FOR REV1EVv ONLY , i J ~. ~ ( ;. 1 .J~ ._~-~--- Figure 4 Year 2010 Traffic Assignment Without Interchange t )0 DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY Figure 5 Year 2010 Traffic Assignment With Interchange ..." DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY DRAFT fOR .REVIEW ONLY experience significant increases in volumes, particularly in the vicinity of the two existing interchanges With the interchange, year 2010 traffic will increase on N.W. 22nd Avenue, thereby relieving other facilities such as Congress Avenue, Hypoluxo Road and Boynton Beach Boulevard. Capacity analyses were conducted for the two proposed action alternatives. A standard diamond interchange will provide level~ of service (LOS) 0 in 2010 and an urban interchange will provide level of service (LOS) C in 2010. In addition, provision of the interchange will allow LOS C at Boynton Beach Boulevard and Hypoluxo Road in 2010. Without the proposed interchange (the No-Project Alternative), Hypoluxo Road will perform at LOS 0 and Boynton Beach Boulevard will perform at LOS C near 1-95 by 2010. 2.3 TRANSPORTATION DEMAND The proposed action is consistent with the State Transportation Plan for 1-95 reconstruction. The interchange justification report (IJR) was approved in September, 1986, with a benefit/cost ratio ranging from 6.27:1.00 to 14.25:1.00 depending on the discount rate used In 1984 it was determined by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that the proposed action is cost feasible. The interchange therefore was included in the City of Boynton Beach comprehensive planning process and in the 1986-1990 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). ~Iz..... DRAFT fOR .REVIEW ONLY 2.4 FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY The proposed action is supported by the City of Boynton Beach, the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Palm Beach County, and the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. Appendices A-1 and A-2 present resolutions from local governments. The improvement also is included in the adopted Year 2000 Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan and in the Needs identified for the West Palm Beach Urban Area Study update. The interchange also was recommended by the City of Boynton Beach in its year 2000 comprehensive plan prepared in 1978 and the Evaluation and Appraisal Report prepared in 1986. 2.5 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT A major impetus for the proposed action comes from economic development. Like the remainder of the State and Palm Beach County, the City of Boynton Beach is growing rapidly. See Table 2. Most of this growth is occurring in the area west of 1-95. The magnitude of major existing and proposed land uses west of 1-95 is given in Table 3. As in all of southeast Florida, 1-95 in this area serves as a major arterial rather than a long-distance facility. Therefore access to and from 1-95 is critical to sustain these westward growth trends. In 1977, on~y 25 acres, or 8.7% of the City's developed land, was in commercial/manufacturing services land uses. Now Quantum Park alone will provide an additional 371.6 acres of industrial and office .. ,~ DRAFT fOR .REVIEW ONLY TABLE 2 POPULATION ESTIMATES AND PROJECTIONS (in thousands) Census % Counts Estimates ChaJlge Projections 1980 1985 1980-85 1990 2000 2010 State of 9,747.1 11,287.0 15.8 12,597.4 14,765.8 16,696.7 Florida Palm Brach 576.8 713.3 23.7 840.5 1,060.8 1,235.4 County City of 2 44.0 23.6 51.3 65.9 80.4 Boynton Bch. 35.6 Sources: 1 1986 Florida Satistical Abstract, Bureau of Economic and Business Research, University of Florida, 1986. 2 Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report, 1986. N/A = Not Available. ~ 1"1 I j DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY TABLE 3 RECENT ADDITIONS AND APPROVED SINGLE DEVELOPMENTS Oevelopment Land Use Type Employment Square Feet Units 1.Quantum Office/ 11,700 N/A Park Industrial Park 2.Motorola Industrial 5,400 N/A 3.Boynton Retail 1,000,000 N/A Beach Mall Mall 4.Catalina Commercial 65,000 N/A Center (office) 160,000 (retail) Residential 200 5.Catalina Residential 1,000 Club 6.Boynton Commercial 299,100 N/A Oistribution Center TOTALS 17,100 1,524,100 1,200 Source: Interchange Feasibility Study, 1986 N/A=Not Applicable .z:e ~ ~ DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY development within its 591-acre park. This type of development is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan of 1978 and Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) of 1986, in which a better balance between residential and non-residential uses is recommended. ~ ~ .:tt \ (., DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY 2.6 MODAL INTERRELATIONSHIPS The proposed action will be complimentary to the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes proposed for the median of 1-95. In addition, the developers of Quantum Park have agreed to provide t7 acres of land north of N.W. 22nd Avenue near the SCL railroad for use as a proposed Tri-County Rail System station. See Appendix A for correspondence regarding the station. For both of these activities, provision of an interchange will encourage their usefulness through improved access. N.W. 22nd Avenue is a designated bikeway in the City of Boynton Beach's Comprehensive Plan. See Section 4 for a discussion of pedestrian and bicyclist impacts. 2. 7 SAFETY The proposed action will provide increased capacity within the study window. By eliminating the need for circuitous travel on Boynton Beach Boulevard and Hypoluxo Road for drivers seeking attractors to development in the west, the proposed action will improve safety. ~n SECTION 3.0 DRAFT fOR .REVIEW ONLY ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED Alternatives considered for this project include the No Project alternative: an interchange at a new location north or south of N.W. 22nd Avenue: a spread diamond interchange: a standard diamond interchange: an urban diamond interchange: and reconstruction of existing interchanges to accommodate 2010 traffic volumes. Of these, the No Project was carried forward for more detailed analysis, along with the standard diamond and urban diamond interchanges. Each of the alternatives is discussed below, with the reasons for elimination of some and retention of others. 3.1 NEW LOCATION ALTERNATIVE The concept of a new location alternative was considered. With this alternative, a new interchange with 1-95 would be introduced either north or south of the N.W. 22nd Avenue overpass. However, the location of N.W. 22nd approximately halfway between the two current interchanges is the optimal location along this link of 1-95 for a new interchange. The existing N.W. 22nd Avenue roadway and grade separation with 1-95 is approximately 1~ miles from each of the adjacent interchanges, (Hypoluxo Road to the north and Boynton Beach Boulevard to the south). To place a new interchange much closer to either of these existing interchanges would create conflicts f~ UKJ-\r I FOR .REViEW ONLY in weaving on 1-95 between the through lanes and off and on ramps. In addition, no other east-west roadway facilities exist between Hypoluxo Road and Boynton Beach Boulevard. Construction of an interchange at a new location would also require right-of-way for and construction of a new roadway to provide access to points east or west of 1-95, with considerable disruption to existing and proposed land uses. For these reasons, the concept of an ~ inte?pange at a new location was dismissed from further consideration. 3.2 IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING FACILITIES Widening of the existing interchanges north and south of N.W. 22nd Avenue was also considered. Because the 2010 traffic will be trying to reach the area between the two interchanges from both the north and the south, improvements to only one of the two existing interchanges would not provide sufficient capacity within the study window. Therefore, both interchanges would require reconstruction, along with substantial improvements to the arterial system between the interchanges, with considerable cost and construction impacts on adjacent properties. Improvement to the arterial system is especially difficult due to the substantial number of canals in the area running both north-south and east- west. For these reasons, the concept of widening existing interchanges to accommodate traffic demand was also dismissed from further consideration. t'l 3.3 DESIGN ALTERNATIVES DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY Three design alternatives at N.W. 22nd Avenue were also considered. These include a .spread" diamond interchange, a standard diamond interchange, and an urban diamond interchange. Each of these alternatives is described below. 3.3.1 Spread Diamond Alternative A "spread" diamond alternative was considered, with the possibility that it might be needed to provide an adequate level of service (LOS) for the interchange. This alternative would involve some right-of-way taking from either the east side or the west side of 1-95. However, significant constraints occur on both sides of the interstate. On the east, a residential area adjacent to 1-95 could experience some displacements and relocations. However, a spread diamond to the west would involve shifting the southbound off and on ramps to the west which in turn would necessitate the relocation of the SCL railroad tracks. While either of these alternatives would improve the spacing between the signalized diamond intersections, they were eliminated from further consideration because of their potential complexities and disruptions. This decision was made when it was determined that other design alternatives would provide an acceptable level of traffic service. 3.3.2 Standard Diamond Interchange(proposed Action Alternative 1) This design alternative, shown on Figure 6, involves a standard diamond interchange configuration similar to other existing z.o DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY interchanges on 1-95 north and south of the subject location. For this design concept, the existing bridge would be widened to eight lanes to accommodate two through lanes and two left-turn lanes for each direction of travel. The ramps entering from 1-95 will have three lanes at the intersections and the ramps exiting to 1-95 will have two lanes at the intersections. The signalized diamond interchange intersections (at the ramp connections with N.W. 22nd Avenue) will be located approximately 250 feet apart. Oue to the limited width of 1-95 right-of-way in the project area (with the adjacent SCL Railroad on the west, and existing residential development on the east), this concept would involve the use of retaining walls in construction of the ramps. The outside face of the walls adjacent to 1-95 traffic would be 30 feet from the outside edge of the travel lane, providing an adequate clear zone width. Based on the clear zone and the ramp widths approaching the interchange intersections, the following conditions will exist regarding the location of the ramp walls from the existing right- of-way: Ramp Relation to R/W Line Northbound exit from 1-95: Abuts 1-95 R/W N.W. 22nd Ave. (SE quadrant) Southbound exit from 1-95: Approximately 12' inside 1-95 R.W. (N.E. quadrant). Abuts 1-95 R/W (R/W varies in N.W. 22r Avenue (NW quadrant) this location Northbound entrance from N.W. 22nd: Southbound entrance from N.W. 22nd: Approximately 5' inside the 1- 95 R/W (SW quadrant). 2-\ Ut<f\t I FOR REVIEW ONLY West of the bridge on N.W. 22nd Avenue, the lanes would transition to the proposed section for the improvements at the new High Ridge Road location which is approximately 950' west of the centerline of the 1-95 median. The proposed improvements for High Ridge Road include two through lanes in either direction and right and left turn lanes. The transition of the bridge section east on N.W. 22nd Avenue would be completed at Seacrest Boulevard, approximately 900 feet east of the centerline of 1-95. The typical section of the west approach on N.W. 22nd Avenue at Seacrest Boulevard would be five lanes to provide single eastbound and westbound through lanes,with ~,~ exclusive left-turn and right-turn lanes to Seacrest. This section would match with the three-lane sections of N.W. 22nd Avenue east of Seacrest. The transitions of N.W. 22nd Avenue both east and west of the interchange can be accomplished within the existing right-of-way. 3.3.3 Urban Diamond Interchange (Proposed Action Alternative 2) The urban interchange is illustrated on Figure~. This concept would provide a single signalized intersection at the center of the N.W. 22nd Avenue bridge controlling all interchange movements (through traffic movements as well as ramp entrance and exit movements). Unlike the standard diamond interchange, this concept requires that ramp connections span existing travel lanes on 1-95 and match the existing bridge elevations. Whereas, existing structural components of the existing bridge will be incapable of being modified or altered to conform to this configuration, the '-1-. DRAFT ,FOR REVIEW ONLY implementation of the urban interchange concept would require demolition of the existing two-lane bridge and construction of a new structure. The ramp requirements for this design alternative would be similar to the standard diamond interchange concept in that retaining wall sections would be needed for the ramps due to the right-of-way constraints. The same effects relative to offsets to existing rights-of-way and travel lanes on 1-95 as described for the standard diamond configuration would apply for the urban concept. Transitions for this bridge section would occur at the same locations and with the same cross sections as with the standard diamond interchange. Like the standard diamond, construction of the urban diamond can be accomplished within existing right-of-way. 3.3.4 Estimates of Probab1e Cost for Design A1ternatives As a part of the conceptual analysis, cost estimates were developed for each alternative. Unit construction prices for roadway elements were based on local cost data and current Florida Oepartment of Transportation's construction bid information. Unit prices for bridge elements retaining walls were also based on current bid information as well as historical data for uniqiue bridge componenets. For the three design alternatives, probable construction costs follow: z.s IP<.-""... . i:? . .DRA~ I FOR REVIEW ONLY Alternative Estimated Cost Spread Oiamond Interchange $14-16 million (1985 estimate) Standard Oiamond Interchange $7-9 million (1987 estimate) Urban Oiamond Interchange $13-15 million (1987 estimate) The basic construction elements considered in the cost estimates include: Mobilization Maintenance of Traffic Bridge Components Retaining Walls Excavation/Embankment Clearing and Grubbing Orainage Pavement Engineering Design Contingencies 3.3.5 Maintenance of Traffic During Construction for Design Alternatives Each of the alternatives will require that new bridge construction takes place while maintaining traffic on both 1-95 and N.W. 22nd Avenue. For any of the design alternatives, much of the construction can be accomplished without detouring traffic within the site area. However, for demolition of the existing bridge and construction of the new bridge with the urban interchange, paving of additional temporary lanes of 1-95 and traffic detours within the median of 1-95 may be required. ;14 utU\t I FOR REVIEW ONLY Because of the complexities involving the construction of bridges for the urban interchange concept (Alternative 2), the maintenance of traffic will be more complex and traffic detours will be more numerous. It is envisioned for the standard diamond concept that most of the setting of beams for the new bridge structure over 1-95 can be accomplished at night in a short period of time using pre-cast members. Traffic on 1-95 can be handled either through temporary median switch-overs or through detour routing while beams are being set. Minor bridge work can proceed during the day while 1- 95 traffic is moving under the site through the use of construction netting and other safety measures. The demolition of the existing bridge required for the urban concept would necessitate extensive detour requirements for 1-95 traffic. 3.4 PROJECT ALTERNATIVE Without an interchange, N.W. 22nd Avenue is programmed to be widened to four lanes within the next ten years. Therefore, this alternative will require minimal construction expenditures for reconfiguring the lanes on the existing bridge. Traffic capacity and east-west access will be increased on N.W. 22nd Avenue with the No Project alternative, but without a connection to 1-95, most of the demand in the study area will continue to pressure other facilities such as Hypoluxo Road, Boynton Beach Boulevard, and Congress Avenue. 'J..,!" DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY 3.5 ~ PROPOSED ACTION ALTERNATIVES The proposed action is to provide either a standard diamond interchange (Alternative 1) or an urban diamond interchange (Alternative 2) at NW 22nd Avenue and 1-95. A comparison of these alternatives and the No Project alternative are provided on the matrix shown in Table 4. The cost of the Alternative 2 is appreciably greater than the Alternative 1 due to the need to demolish the existing bridge and associated increased maintenance of traffic requirements with Alternative 2. The bridge costs for the urban concept will also be more expensive due to unique structural requirements created by the ramps spanning the existing lanes on 1-95. Either of the proposed action alternatives could require construction easements due to the proximity of the ramp walls to the existing right-of- way. The No Project Alternative would cost approximately $400,000 for preliminary engineering and construction to widen N.W. 22nd Avenue to four lanes between Seacrest Boulevard and High Ridge Road. Both proposed action alternatives will provide an acceptable level of service (LOS). However, Alternative 2 would provide a slight advantage with LOS C in 2010, compared to LOS 0 with Alternative 1 in 2010. With these alternatives, traffic service on Hypoluxo Road, and Boynton Beach Boulevard, and N.W. 22nd Avenue would also be maintained at LOS 0 or better in 2010. In contrast, the No Project alternative would result in LOS C at Boynton Beach ~\- TABlE 4 COfIPARISON OF AlTERNATIVES AlTERNATIVE 1 ALTERNATIVE 2 NO PROJECT --------------------------------------------- DISPlACEItENTS INUllBER) 0 0 0 UTILITY ADJUST"ENTS 0 0 \) RIGHT-Df-NAY REgUIRE~NTS IACRES> 0 0 0 TRAFFIC OPERATIONS level of Service iLDS> D+ C NfA NOISE NUlber of "odeled Rectptors with Noise Levels Above Noise Abitelent Criterii: 3 3 :; ESTI"ATED I"PlE"ENTATION COSTS Preliliniry Engineering $540,000 $540,000 $63,000 Right-of-way AcqUisition $0 $U $0 Construction $8,000,000 $14,000,000 $420,000 TOTAL: $8,540,000 $14,540,000 $483,000 BENEFIT/COST RATIOt (Nith Discount Rite it 91) 17 50 11 90 1 00 tBenefit/Cost ratio upiite. February, 1987, to reflect new traffic voluaes, ) and revised ilternitivfS. Updite wa5 iccOlplished uling Sile lethoiology is in IJR, based on "81nefitfCost Anilysis, Version 3.1", Floridi Depirtltnt of Transportation 27 DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY Boulevard, LOS B or better at N.W. 22nd Avenue and LOS 0 at 1 Hypoluxo Road. 1 Source: Palm Beach County Standards based on Urban Transportation Planning System (UTPS). 2~ DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY SECTION 4.0 IMPACTS This section provides a discussion of potential impacts of the ~ .f proposed action on socioeconomics, cultural resources, and natural and physical features. The impacts of the No Project ~ alternative are also described. f 4.1 SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT Socioeconomic considerations include impact on community services: handicapped, minority, elderly, or other disadvantaged groups: neighborhood integrity: and economic well-being. The proposed action will not involve additional right-of-way taking, or displacement/relocation of residences or businesses. 4.1.1 Community Services .} P/~ ~y~ The following community services are located in the study window: 1. North Oistrict Park active play area (softball field, playground, picnic area, basketball courts) . 2. Unnamed church (under construction). 3. Former FOP Lodge and Canine Training Center. The proposed action will have no impact on these community services. The City of Boynton Beach has just completed a land swap with the developers of t1,<:J 4.1.2 DRAFT fOR .REViEW ONLY Quantum Park in which the FOP Lodge site (about 13 acres) was traded for a new 20-acre park site near Congress and Hypoluxo which is better related in terms of access to potential users. The nearest edge of the District Park is located about 1500 feet south of NW 22nd Avenue and will be unaffected by the interchange or approach ramps. The church under construction is about 2200 feet south of NW 22nd Avenue and likewise will be unaffected. Other community services in Boynton Beach (schools, churches, recreation areas, social service agencies, medical facilities, community centers, and emergency services) will be enhanced by improved access as the City expands westward. Community Cohesion The Boynton Beach Distribution Center is located adjacent to 1-95 on the west, with access from Hypoluxo Road and High Ridge Road. South of the distribution center, the remainder of the western portion of the study window is currently undeveloped. However, Quantum Park, a multiuse commercial , industrial, and office park, will begin construction in early 1987. These activities will be complemented by the proposed action. The area east of 1-95 is predominated by single- So DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY family housing clustered between Seacrest Boulevard and 1-95 both north and south of N.W. 22nd Avenue. Multifamily housing is provided at Village Royal on the Green, approximately 1200 feet east of the project site on N.W. 22nd, and at Village Royal on the south side of N.W. 22nd Avenue about 1400 feet east of the project. The proposed action will have no impact on multifamily housing but will affect some single family residences along NW 22nd Avenue. The populated portion of the study window east of 1-95 is located in Census Tract 57. As described by 1980 Census data, Tract 57 (generally bounded by Miner Road to the north, the City limits on the east, the C-16 Canal to the south, and 1-95 to the west) had a population of 8,232 persons. The 1986 Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) of the Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan indicates that, on the average, residents of Tract 57 have lower income, larger households, and more low-income retirees than the rest of the City of Boynton Beach. In the City's EAR, Tracts 56 and 57 were designated a Neighborhood Action Area. Tract 57 has been experiencing increased overcrowding (from 7.2% overcrowded units in 1970 to 8.2% in 1980 as defined by the u.s. Census). Owner occupancy is ~I DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY high at over 90% and median sales value of homes in Tract 57 is increasing. However, median incomes have exhibited decline relative to the remainder of the City. Nonetheless, the percentage of households below poverty level (as defined by the u.s. Census) decreased from 10% to 8.5% in 1980. In general, housing in Tract 57 exhibits minor deterioration. The 1980 census also indicates that, of the 8,232 persons in Tract 57, 31% were black and 9% were of Spanish origin. In general, the number of both ethnic groups increased in Boynton Beach between 1970 and 1980, and much of this increase occurred in Tract 57. The number of elderly persons are also higher in Tract 57 than the City as a whole. According to the City's EAR, in 1980 Tract 57 exhibited the following when compared to the City as a whole: o Income index - below average. o Low income large households - above average. o Low income retired - above average. o Female heads of households with children - above average. o Overcrowding - above average. The impact of the proposed action on the 3l. 4.1.3 .UKAt I FOR REViEW ONLY neighborhood generally defined by Census Tract 57 and will come from the proximity of higher traffic volumes on N.W. 22nd Avenue between 1-95 and Seacrest. While the improvement will be accomplished within existing rights-of-way, the addition of two lanes of traffic (plus a left turn lane at Seacrest) will bring vehicles much closer to the residences than today. This will particularly affect the two houses north and south of N.W. 22nd Avenue at Seacrest, where the right- of-way line is about 12 feet from the structure. With the No Project alternative, the same roadway improvements are planned, but without the interchange, traffic volumes would be considerably lower. Over time, the greater pavement width of N.W. 22nd, coupled with higher volumes, could be perceived as a barrier to interaction between residents north and south of N.W. 22nd Avenue. This project has been developed in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Land Use This rapidly growing portion of the County and State is becoming characterized by a complex web of interrelated but distinctive neighborhoods and land uses. Areas to the west are rap~dly developing and :3"3 UKAt I ,FOR REVIEW ONLY dynamic while the area to the east is less dynamic and even deteriorating in some sections. For example, the areas west of the proposed interchange have several large existing and proposed industrial and retail centers. These developments will draw employees and shoppers from a wide radius around the proposed interchange, quite possibly including areas outside Palm Beach County. To the east of the proposed interchange, moderately dense single family housing for low to moderate income families predominates. Figure 8 illustrates existing and proposed land uses in the study window. These land uses are summarized in Table 5. ~ t~~~ ~ 34 Reserved for figure 8 Existing and Proposed Land Use DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY 3~ DRAFT ,FOR REVIEW ONLY TABLE 5 SUMMARY OF LAND USES IN STUDY WINDOW Oescription Number of Units Number of Acres 'itAYllrll Impact 1. Single-Familiy Residential 190.78 Proximity 2. Multi-Family Residential a. Village Royal on the Green None b. Village Royal (22 bldgs. ) None 3. Parks a. 19th Avenue Oistrict Park 20.0 None 4. Church under Construction None 5. a. Quantum Park Improved Access Commercial 26.3 Industrial 151.3 Office 146.0 Research&Oevelop 46.2 b. Boynton Beach 45.0:t Improved Access Oistribution Center 3(, U KA ~ I ,FOR REVIEW ONLY --- To the east, single and multi-family land uses give way to strip commercial activities along U.S. 1, Seacrest near Boynton Beach Boulevard, and Boynton Beach Boulevard itself. The proposed action is consistent with existing land use, proposed land use, and the Comprehensive Plans for the City of Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County. The interchange will encourage large commercial and industrial development (ORIs) to the west of 1-95, a goal of the City's comprehensive plan and EAR, while maintaining residential uses to the east. 4.2 CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES The Oivision of Historical Resources has determined that the proposed action will have no impact on archeological or historic resources. See Appendix A-3 for correspondence. Further, the project will not require the use of any park, wildlife refuge, or recreational land as defined in Section 4 (f) of the 1966 u.S. Oepartment of Transportation Act, as amended. 4.3 NATURAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES 3"7 I I - I The proposed action will have minor impact on certain DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY physical features. These are discussed in the following subsections. 4.3.1 Pedestrian/Bicycle Faci1ities N.W. 22nd Avenue is designated as part of the City's bikeways system. From U.S. 1 west to E-4 canal, a separate bike path or sidewalk is proposed. For the portion of N.W. 22nd Avenue which will be reconstructed under the proposed action (from Seacrest Boulevard to High Ridge Road), 14' curb lanes will be provided for bike paths or sidewalks, consistent with comprehensive plan requirements and FOOT standards. 4.3.2 Visua1/Aesthetic The proposed action will have some visual impact created by the access ramps on fill with retaining walls. This impact will be particularly apparent for those residents whose houses back up to 1-95 immediately north and south of N.W. 22nd Avenue. In that location, the ramps will join the N.W. 22nd Avenue bridge approximately 43 feet above grade. In addition, bridge widening will occur on the south side of the existing bridge, bringing the approach lanes on N.W. 22nd Avenue closer to homes in the southeast. The nearest house currently is 110 feet from the existing lanes and within 75 feet from the proposed improvement. '5} .DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY 4.3.3 Air An air quality impact analysis and report were prepared using CALINE 3, with emission rates obtained from MOBILE 3. As shown in Table 6, the results of this analysis indicate that no violations of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) will result from the proposed action. See the Air Quality Report (AQR) for additional information. Construction activities will cause minor short-term air quality impacts in the form of dust from earthwork. These impacts will be minimized by adherence to all state and local regulations and to the OOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge construction. Local and state agencies were provided with an opportunity to comment on this project. There were no adverse comments regarding air quality. This project is in an area where the State Implementation Plan does not contain any transportation control measures. Therefore, the conformity procedures of 23 CFR 770 do not apply to this project. 3'1 TABLE 6 DRAFT FOR REV\EW ONLY PROJECTED CARBON MONOXIDE CONCENTRATIONS Receptor Oesign Year (2010) 1986 No proj Alt.B Alt.C NAAQS ONE-HOUR VALUES House on SE Corner 3.8 3.2 3.5 3.4 35 House on NE Corner 4 6 3.8 3.9 3.8 35 Vacant lot on NW Corner 3.4 3.2 3.3 3.0 35 EIGHT-HOUR VALUES House on SE Corner 3.1 2.7 2.9 2.8 9 House on NE Corner 3.6 3.1 3.1 3.1 9 Vacant Lot on NW Corner 2.8 2.7 2.8 2.6 9 All values are in parts per million (ppm). Jib 4.3.4 DRAFT FOR REVIEVv ONLY Noise A noise analysis was performed for the proposed interchange at 1-95 and N.W. 22nd Avenue. Table' 7 presents Federal Highway Administration noise abatement criteria. Current noise levels equal or exceed the design noise level criterion for residential areas at all sites modeled. Noise levels for the design year (2010) are projected to exceed current noise levels for all alternatives, including the No-Project alternative, by 1-3 dBA. Traffic noise is predominated by main line 1-95, rather then off and on ramps on NW 22nd Avenue. Noise from the SCL railraod paralleling 1-95 on the west is intermittent, but when present, dominates traffic noise for all receptors studied. Noise contours for existing conditions, the No- Project Alternative and the Proposed Action are shown on Figures 9 and 10. With the proposed action, construction of ramps on fill with retaining walls will reduce noise levels by 6 dBA. This reduction will bring noise levels under the noise abatement criteria for all but three Y'h'l ode. \~ receptors idQRtified along 1-95 and NW 22nd Avenue. See Figure 11. Two of these receptors are located along 1-95 north and south of the proposed fill section where they are exposed to traffic noise from 1-95 unrelated to the project. The other rf\ r r r [ r Activity Cateaory A B C D E ~ DRAFT FOR .REVIEW ONLY '1 TABLE ^ . ~~ ~~ NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA Hourly A-Weighted Sound Level - decibels (dBA) ~ " Description of Activity Cateaory Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary significance and serve as important public need and where the preservation of those qualities is essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended purpose. Picnic areas, recreation areas, play- grounds, active sports areas, parks, residences, motels, hotels, schools, churches, libraries, and hospitals. Developed lands, properties, or activi- ties not included in Categories A or B above. Undeveloped lands. Residences, motel, hotels, publiC meeting (Interior) rooms, schools, churches, libraries, hospitals, and auditoriums. (q 73/ /q ~ Z. c:Jo. , t"~ ~ ~~ P~"..-J gUh ..ol ~~~ LeaCh) 57 (Exterior) 67 (Exterior) 72 (Exterior) 52 ~ 53 4z.. - ~T -- I'll __ _DATE. -- - '-\ I).. , ~ - oj -1 )..~ /I t '=J ~.: " " ~ ( " ~ ~ ~,. . -.;: _...~ 4 ...... - . .. -C ' ~ ~ ,,~..:~ o - - '" ~ ~ , , \ (('0. . 0 " 0 - - ~ i ~ ~ ~~->:.~ ... . ... ~ .. '" ~ q: '=-~ oJ ~ ..J \)\{~t-\ fOR RE'J\E'N O~L''1 ~~ CtlECltED BY _ - O"TE- ~~ - \ \ \ \ __ stlEETtlOo- _Of- - ~ "EVISEO B'I- - O,,'tE- - .. .. 0 " !. .. .. r G 0 .. .. " r C> .(,l ~ 0 , ~ -+ , Ul 0 . r .,.. - u- ., ~ 0 ..... '" tI .. ~ " (> ..... " . ... {i " !. -" .. \ \ \ \ \ \ \ .." \ \.. .. \ ~ \ \ L--- - -.- ...- \ ." .. ... " .. ~" .. o .. ... .. ~---- \ \ - .. \ .\.. \ ... .. \ \ \ \ \ \ .. .. ... .. .. .. .. ... ... .. ~ ~~ ,..' -- ,---- , i '" ,.. .,'" < It ~'" \0\ ~1 \ ~ < ~~-' ~ . .. j -; to ... " !. .. ... "'t \ " " .... " ... .. .. " "l Cl ( ~ r- . .:. ~ 0 ~ ., Cl .. ,. .....J ~ . ~ . . .. " .. " .. ... .. .. p 0 \ .. --- ~CT - B'I _ .-0""1.- ~ ~ << ~ ~ < ~ l - '" ~~ ~ . ~~ o__~ _.-.Q '" C1. '" ' ~ ob t ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ... i ~ ( ~ ..... '" '" ~ '" ~ ~ c. ~\ ~ ~ ~~ , <0 \ \ 0 ".;l 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~ .. . ... ~ ~..) CMEC\(EO .'1 _ -- 0""1. - .. "" .. ,.... ~ 0 -::.~ ~ ~ . ~~~~ ' '" ~ _-----l----~--~ ~ i , \ -----;-------- ----~-\- <C> · \... \ \ '\ l'1 \;"'"' .. ~,.. 'V\\f\\ \ fOR RE\J\E'N O~l~ _ SMEE1' ",0 . _ _of - RE'I\SEO .'1- - OA1'E- - .. ~Cl ~ .. <I> . . ..... . .... '" ..(- . .. .. .. \ t \ o '" '";3' ~ ..... -- -' -\----'--- ... \ \ .. . \ . \ \ . .. . .. -. .,b. -. ~4 - - l- 0 ~ l-- '^ .. c .. ...) t , .J c.. ~ '4 '" ~ 1 1 ~ ~ ~ ... q: -, \ ...-: ..- .. ,.--J. ~ '1 ~ < l- \- ? ~ i ,-0 \ - .. t 01 .K S :a .. ~ . ~ '1 l-l ~ . . ~ .. L-l .. ----,---- ------------ 4.3.5 4.3.6 Ut<A~ I FOR REVIEW ONLY receptor (k) is located south of the N.W. 22nd Avenue/Seacrest Boulevard intersection where noise impacts from Seacrest, rather than N.W. 22nd Avenue, predominate. See Table 8 for a summary of the noise analysis. Construction noise impacts will be controlled by adherence to the Supplemental Standard Specifications for FOOT construction. Wet1ands The area west of 1-95 and the SCL railroad is high, well-drained pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub. There were no wetlands observed in the residential areas on the east side of 1-95. Shallow drainage swales along the 1-95 right-of-way do not retain runoff for extended period~and the vegetation is 1\ typical of disturbed areas. The proposed improvements, which are within existing rights-of- way, do not take any wetlands and therefore Executive Order 11988 does not apply. Water Qua1ity A Permit Coordination Package is being assembled and all required permits will be applied for. The Florida Oepartment of Transportation (FOOT) will obtain the necessary permits from the South Florida ~5' Figure 11 Noise Rece pter Locat' 10ns DRAFT FOR RE\I\EW ONLY 4<P DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY TABLE 8 NOISE LEVELS IN dBA AT RECEPTORS IN DESIGN YEAR ALTERNATIVES Receptor No Project A~ternative 1 A~ternative 2 A 73* 59 58 B 68* 59 60 C 66 63 62 0 69* 67 67 E 62 58 57 F 61 56 56 G 74* 63 63 H 68* 69* 69* I 70* 58 58 J 66 63 62 K 71* 68* 70* L 74* 60 62 M 74* 70* 71* N 58 58 53 0 65 58 59 * Exceeds design noise criterion of 67 dBA. 41 .UI\t\1 I FOR REVIEW ONLY Water Management Oistrict (SFWMO) and Palm Beach County Health Oepartment (PBCHO). Project coordination and preliminary review with SFWMO does not ensure favorable permitting from SFWMO. FOOT is coordinating with SFWMO and PBCHO to develop a preliminary stormwater management plan. The N.W. 22nd Avenue project will comply with all applicable water quality criteria. There are no areas of permanent surface water in the vicinity of the proposed interchange. Shallow drainage swales within the right-of-way for 1-95 that mi~h~ carry stormwater runoff following storm events. Stormwater would quickly run off or infiltrate through the sandy soils. There is very little evidence of surface water erosion on the site. The proposed water management system will aid in the recharge of the shallow aquifer. The proposed drainage system will be designed to meet FHWA and FOOT Water Quality Standards. Oirect discharge by channelized and scupper drainage will be avoided. Stormwater will be directed into vegetated areas, with erosion control structures and energy dissipaters installed at points of discharge. 4~ 4.3.7 4.3.8 Ul{At I FOR REVIEW ONLY Lanes constructed will be the number necessary to give an Acceptable Level of Service (LOS). The appropriate Best Management Practices will be used during the construction phase of the project for erosion control and water quality considerations. Roadways and berms will be seeded and mulched to promote rapid revegetation. Coasta1 Zone Consistency The Office of Planning and Budget, Office of the Governor, has determined that this project is consistent with the Florida Coastal Zone Management Plan. See Appendix A-5 for correspondence. Threatened or Endangered Species Three listed species were discovered on the Quantum Park property to the west of the project. These were the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus - Florida Species of Special Concern): eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi - Florida burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia Floridan - Florida Species of Special Concern). However, all individuals of all three species were found on the western portion of the property in an area of sand pines north of N.W. 22nd Avenue. Forty acres are being retained as a sand pine preserve as part of the Quantum Park development, with particular 41 4.3.9 4.3.10 UKAt , FOR REV\EW ONLY attention being given to the habitat and preservation of the three above species. The proposed interchange project will have no effect on any threatened or endangered species. Hazardous Waste Available sources of information indicate that the project site has never been used for hazardous waste disposal. Should any potential hazardous waste problems arise, coordination with the appropriate regulatory agency will occur and, if applicable, appropriate action will be taken prior to construction. Construction Construction activities for the proposed interchange will have air, noise, water quality, traffic flow and visual impacts for those residents and travelers within the immediate vicinity of the project. Air quality impacts due to construction will be temporary and will primarily be in the form of emissions from diesel powered construction equipment and dust from embankment areas. Air pollution associated with the creation of airborne particles will be effectively controlled through the use of watering or the application of calcium So DRAt' ,FOR REVIEW ONLY chloride in accordance with FDOT's "Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction", as directed by the FOOT Project Manger. f ~'f Ju.t.. ~ Noise and vibrationiWimpacts will 09 fF6M ~e heavy equipment movement and construction activities such as pile driving and vibratory compaction of fill materials. Noise control measures will include those contained in FOOT's "Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction". Water quality impacts resulting from erosion and sedimentation will be controlled in accordance with FOOT's "Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction" and through the use of Best Management Practices. Maintenance of traffic and sequance of construction will be planned and scheduled so as to minimize traffic delays throughout the project. Signs will be used as appropriate to provide notice of road closures and other pertinent information to the travelling public. The local news media will be notified in advance of construction related activities which could excessively inconvenience the community so that motorist, residents, and businesses can plan their day and travel routes in Sl DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY advance. A sign providing the name, address and telephone of a Oepartment contact person will be displayed on site to assist the public in obtaining immediate answers to questions and logging complaints about project activity. Access to all residences will be maintained to the extent practical through controlled construction scheduling. Traffic delays will be controlled to the extent possible where several construction operations are in progress at the same time. The contractor will be required to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction at all times and to comply with the Best Management Practices of FOOT. The removal of debris will be in accordance with local and state regulation agencies permitting this operation. The contractor is responsible for his methods of controlling pollution on haul roads, in borrow pits, other materials pits and areas used for disposal of waste materials from the project. Temporary erosion control features as specified in the FOOT's standard specifications, Section 104, will consist of temporary grassing, sodding, mulching, sandbagging, slope drains, sediment basins, sediment checks, artificial coverings and 6t. DRAFT FOR REViEW .oNLY berms as appropriate. ~3 # ~ 1; ,"J \\ DRf\fl FOR RE.VIE.W ONLY SECTION 5 COMMENTS AND COORDINATION A Public Involvement Program has been developed and is being carried out as an integral part of this project. The purpose of this program is to establish and maintain communication with the public at large, individuals, and agencies concerned with the project and its potential impacts. To ensure open communication and agency and public input, the Oepartment provided an early notification package to state and federal agencies, defining the project and, in cursory terms, describing anticipated issues and impacts. In an effort to resolve all issues identified, the Oepartment has conducted an interagency coordination and consultation effort and public participation process. This section of the document details the Oepartment's program to fully identify, address and resolve all project related issues identified through the public involvement program. 5.1 ADVANCE NOTIFICATION The Florida Departrment of Transportation through the Advance Notification Process informed a number of federal, state and local agencies of the existence of this project and its scope. The Florida Oepartment of Transportation initiated early project coordination on October 27, 1986 by distribution of an Advanced Notification Package to the Office of Planning and Budgeting. Individual packages were also sent to local government directly by the Oepartment. The following agencies received Advance Notification s-4 LJ . \n.l I FOR REVIEW ONLY Packages. An asterick (*) indicates those agencies that responded to the package. FEOERAL Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Marine Fisheries Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Park Service Soil Conservation Service U.S. Oepartment of Housing and Urban Oevelopment Federal Railroad Administration Federal Aviation Administration STATE Florida Oepartment of Environmental Regulation* Office of the Governor, Office of Planning and Budgeting* Florida Oepartment of State, Oivision of Historic Resources* REGIONAL Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council LOCAL Palm Beach County Area Planning Board Stated below are the pertinent comments from the agencies which responded to the Advance Notification. The letters of these agencies are contained in the Appendix. ~~~)OEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION (Appendix A-3) COMMENT 1: The proposed construction will require permits from the Oepartment, pursuant to Chapter 403, F.S., and water quality certification under PL 92-500. ~o~~(. RESPONSEs Permit applications will be prepared to comply with Florida Statues. Coordination with the Oepartment will s~ DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY be carried out to comply with PL 92-500. COMMENT 2: The proposed construction can be expected to cause or increase stormwater runoff. Adverse impacts should be minimized as much as possible. Licenses may be required for the discharge of stormwater associated with the proposed construction, pursuant to Chapter 17-25, Florida Administrative Code. RESPONSE: The Florida Oepartment of Transportation will prepare needed permit applications at the appropriate stage of project dvelopment to comply with Florida statutes. COMMENT 3: Erosion and siltation should be controlled during all construction activities. Oisturbed soil surface should be revegetated promptly to prevent erosion. RESPONSE: All applicable Best Management Practices included in the Oepartment's "Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction" will be used on this project. Specific problems will be field reviewed and alternative controls developed and provided as needed on a site specific basis. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, OFFICE OF PLANNING ANO BUOGETING (APPENOIX A-5): COMMENT: None. They transmitted the OER letter to the Oepartment. RESPONSE No response required. FLORI0A OEPARTMENT OF STATE, 01VISI0N OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ~c., DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY (APPENDIX A-4): (Exhibit 4) COMMENT: ......it is the opinion of this office that the proposed project will have no effect on any sites listed or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places, or otherwise of national state or local significance " RESPONSE: No response required 5.2 OTHER AGENCY AND PUBLIC COORDINATION 5.2.1 Coordination Meetings On August 21, 1986, the proposed project was presented to the Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to solicit any comments and questions from local agencies and officials. One question was asked regarding funding sources for interchange construction. The response was given that this interchange will compete with others for interstate reconstruction (IR) funds, supplemented by local public and private funds. No other comments or questions were received. On February 2, 1987, a meeting was held with Palm Beach County, the MPO, and the City of Boynton Beach at the Palm Beach County Engineering Department offices. The following information was discussed: S1 DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY 1. Project alternatives, including the No- Project alternative and two proposed action alternatives. 2. Source of traffic volumes used for the preliminary design. 3. Potential impacts of the alternatives. Key issues included: 1. Palm Beach County, the MPO, and the City of Boynton Beach expressed their support for the project and discussed means to place the project on the County and State work programs. Response: None required. 2. The City of Boynton Beach is concerned about the proximity of widened N.W. 22nd Avenue to to two residences at the corner of N.W. 22nd Avenue and Seacrest Boulevard. Response This concern will be addressed in the EA. See Section 4, Impacts. 3. The compatibility of the interchange with a proposed Tri-County Rail Station on the Quantum Park property should be noted. Response: A discussion of the proposed station will be included in the EA. See Section 2, Need. 4. The County stated that level of service (LOS) o in 2010 for the Standard Oiamond (Alternative B) would be acceptable to the 5"'8 I 1 u nru I FOR REVIEW ONLY County in light of the relief the project will give to other interchanges at Hypoluxo Road and Boynton Beach Boulevard. It was requested that the EA include a discussion of LOS on the two adjacent east-west facilities with the No-Project alternative. Response: The EA describes Levels of Service. See Section 2 - Need. 5. The County, MPO, and City expressed a desire to see this interchange have a high priority in funding opportunities. Response: None required. 5.2.2 Public Information Meeting On April 3, 1987, a public information meeting was held in the City of Boynton Beach. An open house was held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., followed by a technical presentation of alternatives and their associated impacts. Notices of the meeting were published in local newspapers on March 19 and March 26. Individual letters were sent to all property owners within 300 feet of the proposed project. Local and regional agencies and officials also received letters of notice. ------------To be completed after the PIM --------- sq U i\t\r I ,FOR REViEW .oNLY The Oepartment will not make a final decision on the proposed action or any alternative until the opportunity for a public hearing has been given on this project and all comments received have beeen taken into consideration. ~' ~o , J RESOURCE ENGIl Job ;.-/ 1 s -, 0 \ Designed by rvt /A. I.J -" ....ERING AND PLANNII ., INC. Sheet No. _ of _ Dale Checked by Job No. Dale I D /uJ> h 0 f I Subject I DRAFT I , ~"'''\,i-V-1...-~ I'\! ~ /'"1' ~ ~---- -~ f-...l J.) o? ''/ ,.~ ~ ....... ( c< \ ! \ ) I L ~\. (, \.- \ , " 11 ~ ! ! , ~ I U1.....~ ./ .--- - ------- ------- ~ ..Q. {~ s,;.,C+'r I y~ (J.4 ~)1 (" <' tL-) (t..l J..uL"" r ) I ,~ --1Z(+ <\ { ~D5 -- c- I" '1/ 0- H tJ RESOURCE ENGI!' __ERING AND PLANNIl\ Job tJ 1.;'"7 0 1 Subject Designed by k ,.: l~ Date (, INC. 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