HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-19-2013 - 7aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 19, 2013
Action Agenda
Item No. 7 -a
SUBJECT: North Carolina State Clearinghouse Request for Intergovernmental Review of
Proposed Private Crossing Closures with the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR)-
Norfolk Southern (NS) Railway
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) I No
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Figure 1 Project Vicinity Map
2. Revised Gordon Thomas Drive,
Greenbriar Drive, and Byrdsville Road
Project Study Maps
3. December 20, 2012 Letter from
NCDOT Rail Division Addressing
Orange County's November 5, 2012
Comments Letter
4. Summary of Public Comments
5. Second Set of Draft Comments for
NCDOT
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Abigaile Pittman, Transportation /Land
Use Planner, 245 -2567
Tom Altieri, Comprehensive Planning
Supervisor, 245 -2579
Craig Benedict, Planning Director
245 -2592
PURPOSE: To receive information on the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) proposal to close private North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) /Norfolk Southern (NS)
Railway crossings at Gordon Thomas Drive, Greenbriar Drive and Byrdsville Road in Orange
County, and consider a second letter submitting scoping comments related to the project.
BACKGROUND: As part of the North Carolina State Clearinghouse Intergovernmental Review
process, the Planning and Inspections Department received a solicitation for scoping comments
from the NCDOT in September 2012 with regard to the proposed private crossing closures with
the North Carolina (NCRR) /Norfolk Southern (NS) Railway crossings at Gordon Thomas Drive
(TIP No. P- 44051), Greenbriar Drive (TIP No. P- 4405J), and Byrdsville Road (TIP No. P- 4405K)
in Orange County (Attachment 1). NCDOT requested that Orange County provide scoping
comments consisting of any information that would be helpful for evaluating potential
community and environmental impacts for these projects, including identifying any permits
and /or approvals required by the County. The County's comments will be used in the
preparation of a proposed federally- funded Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with
the National Environmental Policy Act. Provision of scoping comments is an early part of the
process for development of the EA.
The railroad track is part of the Southeast High Speed Rail corridor (SEHSR) which, when
complete, will provide high speed passenger rail service between Washington, DC and
Charlotte, NC. These three private road rail crossings were identified in NCDOT's Private
Crossing Safety Initiative (PCSI) report (2003 /updated 2009). That report proposes safety
improvements along the Raleigh to Charlotte "Sealed Corridor" that close private road crossings
where feasible and protect the remaining open private crossings with crossbucks, automatic
flashers and gates, signals and /or locking gates.
In early November 2012 the Planning Director sent a comment letter to the NCDOT Rail
Division regarding the three proposed private crossing closures. All comments provided by the
BOCC at its October 16 meeting were included in the letter. A response letter from the NCDOT
Rail Division was received by the Planning staff in December 2012 (Attachment 3).
Citizens Informational Workshops were held by the NCDOT Rail Division and its consultant,
Florence &Hutcheson, on January 7 and 14, 2013 for all three proposed private railroad
crossing closures. Revised Project Study Maps for all three locations were introduced at the
Workshops (Attachment 2). A summary of public comments received from the Workshop
process has been provided to Planning staff (Attachment 4).
Planning staff has reviewed NCDOT's response to the County's comment letter of November 5,
2012, the Revised Project Study Maps, and the public comments from the Citizens
Informational Meetings. Overall, greater clarity is needed with regard to which alternate access
roads will be publicly improved and /or constructed roads accepted into the state system for
maintenance, the proposed site specific right -of -way and pavement widths, storm drainage
details, and pavement standards for these roads. Also needed, when available, is the
anticipated schedule for required right -of -way acquisition (or easements ?), relocation of
property structures and buildings where necessary, and construction dates. Similar clarifying
detail is needed with regard to improvements to alternate access which is to remain as private
roads or drives. A second set of draft comments for NCDOT Rail Division has been drafted to
reflect remaining concerns (Attachment 5).
Background information about the three proposed private crossing closures can be found online
at:
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed private railway crossings are described in the State's
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as part of various passenger rail projects
comprising a private crossing safety initiative to close or enhance protection at railroad
crossings between Raleigh and Charlotte. These three projects are specifically identified as P-
44051, P- 4405J, and P- 4405K, to be funded with Stimulus High Speed Rail Funds. The projects
are to be performed during the State's FY 2012- FY2016 Work Program.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
1) Receive the information on the NCDOT proposal to close private NCRR /NS Railway
crossings at Gordon Thomas Drive, Greenbriar Drive and Byrdsville Road in Orange
County;
2) Provide any additional comments the Board may have to be added to the attached letter
(Attachment 5) submitting a second set of scoping comments to NCDOT; and
3) Authorize Planning staff to send the letter to NCDOT.
Attachment 1
SPATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
\o`TM RAIL DIVISION
Project Vicinity Map
P- 4405I9 J, & K
Private Crossing Safety Initiative Crossings at Gordon
Thomas Drive, Greenbriar Drive, & Byrdsville Road
Orange County
Attachment 2 4
;P1
N
°.A
I
Legend
Proposed Access Road Corridor
Connection to Existing Road
Duke Forest Boundary
Murphey School (Historic Property)
Streams and Creeks
�j Water Bodies
0 Private Railroad Crossing
Business
�t
PRELIMINARY
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
RAIL DIVISION
Project Study Area Map
Gordon Thomas Drive, TIP No. P -4405I
Private Crossing Safety Initiative Crossings at Gordon
Thomas Drive, Greenbriar Drive, & Byrdsville Road
Orange County
Citizens Informational Workshop - January 7, 2013
0 500 1,000 Feet
0
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
Attachment 3
N
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
December 20, 2012
Mr. Craig Benedict, AICP
Orange County Planning & Inspections Department
131 W. Margaret Lane
PO Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27878
EUGENE A. CONTI, JR.
SECRETARY
7
SUBJECT: Orange County Planning &Inspection Comments for the Federal Environmental Assessment,
Proposed Crossing Closures with the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR/Norfolk Southern (NS)
Railway at Gordon Thomas Drive (TIP No. P- 4405I), Greenbriar Drive (TIP No. P- 4405J), and
Byrdsville Road (TIP No. P- 4405K) in Orange County.
Dear Mr. Benedict,
Thank you for your comments on our Start of Study Letter for TIP Projects P- 4405I, P- 4405J, and P- 4405K.
NCDOT values the input from our local government partners and recognize that only through partnership and
collaboration can these projects be successful.
In the letter dated November 5, 2012, the Orange County Planning & Inspections Department provided
comments on the proposed project. The information below is provided in response to the general and specific
comments received from your department. For clarity, we have combined some responses based on subject
matter, for questions requiring additional explanation we have provided individual responses.
General Comments:
Coordination with Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough:
The Start of Study letter distributed on September 21, 2012 represents initial alternatives considered for the
project. We will continue to coordinate with you and the Town of Hillsborough throughout the public
involvement and project development phases of this project and other future safety upgrades in Orange County.
We recognize your concerns about potential traffic impacts at NC 86, and we are determining the appropriate
level of traffic analysis required to assess these issues.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919 - 733 -4713 LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: 919- 715 -6580 TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
RAIL DIVISION 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
1553 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW.BYTRAIN.ORG RALEIGH, NC
RALEIGH, NC 27699 -1553
E:]
Easements, Right -of -Way Issues and Compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO):
The intent of the proposed project is to develop project designs that are compliant with the UDO, including the
classification of roadways serving parcels. The NCDOT Right of Way Branch will ensure improved roadways
are appropriately recorded with the Orange County Registrar of Deeds. The proposed designs will include
sufficient right of way for proposed roadway widths, and will avoid the creation of non - conforming lot
dimensions, where possible. We will also ensure proper roadway names are identified and recorded.
Roadway Access and Circulation:
• The improvements will be planned to maintain access to all affected properties, including the property (PIN
9873 -64 -6782) located at 2370 NC Highway 86 South. During right of way acquisition, NCDOT will
account for established land use buffer requirements.
• Consistent with Article 10 of the UDO, acess at the rear of residences along the improved Walter Clark
Road will not be permitted. This will prevent double - frontage lots.
• During right of way acquisition, NCDOT would negotiate with Duke University concerning any property
required along the edge of Duke Forest.
• The chain link fencing along the rear property boundaries along Walter Clark Road will be replaced if
impacted.
Roadway Design Standards:
• New access roads are proposed between Greenbriar Drive and Spruce Pine Trail, and between Walter Clark
Drive and the Byrdsville Mobile Home Park road. These two roads will be built to NCDOT standards.
• Other improvements include the extension of private driveways similar in form to existing driveways.
These will remain private roads.
• Proposed roadways will comply with NCDOT standards for flood damage prevention, stream buffers,
storm water management and erosion control as well as impervious surface limits.
• Side drainage ditches will be incorporated into the roadway design where warranted.
• Greenbriar Drive will not be modified under the proposed project. A new access road is proposed to
connect Greenbriar Drive with Spruce Pine Trail.
• All proposed roadway improvements will be designed consistent with NCDOT standards. Adequate storm
drainage will be designed and impacts to streams will be avoided, minimized, or mitigated.
• Existing utility connections will be maintained during and after project construction.
Crossing #735 199Y /MP H 48.49/ Gordon Thomas Drive (P- 4405I)
The following are responses to specific comments on the Gordon Thomas Drive crossing closure (P4405I).
Comment #4: Staff encourages a re- evaluation of the cost - benefit analysis and other alternatives for this
closure as there are so few properties receiving access from the crossing vs. the significant impact to this
private community.
Response: The purpose of the project is to improve railroad and automobile safety. While costs and
benefits are important factors, access to these properties will be maintained. Alternatives are being
considered to provide access to the nearest public roads, while avoiding or minimizing environmental
01
impacts to the extent possible. A No -Build alternative will also be evaluated. Anticipated impacts to the
community and to natural environment features will be assessed and included in the decision making
process.
CROSSING #726 305F /MP H 47.62 /Greenbriar Drive (P- 4405J)
The following are responses to specific comments on the Greenbriar Drive crossing closure (P4405J).
Comment #1: The proposed NCDOT road layout includes a cross access /road mid -way on Greenbriar Drive
that does not align with existing lot patterns and appears to serve no practical purpose. This cross access /road
would also involve an unnecessary perennial stream crossing.
Response: The ultimate location of the "cross access" road has yet to be determined. Alignments which
are least disruptive to the community and the environment are being investigated. Where possible,
stream crossings will be avoided, and impacts minimized or mitigated.
Comment #3: This proposed option could potentially involve traffic associated with adjoining non-
residentially zoned property, to have ingress /egress through an established single-family residential
neighborhood.
Response: If the adjoining parcel (Greenbriar Road area) is eventually developed with nonresidential
uses, the planned roadway connection to Spruce Pine Trail will be abandoned. It is assumed that once
the redevelopment occurs, Orange County will provide alternative access for the Greenbriar Road area.
Comment #5: Planning staff requests that more viable alternatives other than the current proposal be
explored. This location is part of the County designated and zoned Eno Economic Development District
(EDD), and is also immediately south of an interchange with 1 -85 which is planned for improvements. The
adopted Eno EDD Small Area Plan supports an enhanced service road and access system in the area, and
includes an approved Transportation Access Management Concept Plan (copy enclosed for reference). Staff
would prefer an alternative that considers the larger context of the area's access issues and needs. Pursuing
the proposed alternative could exasperate upcoming development efforts for the interchange and the EDD.
Response: There are no plans under consideration by NCDOT that would interfere with future plans for
the EDD area. The proposed project would not connect to planned service roads and will not prevent
the development of the access system or modifications to the I -85 /US 70 interchange. As stated
previously the NCDOT planned roadway will be abandoned once the Greenbriar area is redeveloped
with nonresidential uses.
Comment #6: The proposed NCDOT road layout involves potential crossings) of Rhodes Creek. If there is to
be a crossing of this perennial stream, with the associated environmental impacts, there should be multiple
purposes for the larger EDD area.
Response: Where possible, stream crossing impacts will be minimized or mitigated. There are no plans
that would interfere with future plans for the EDD area. According to the Orange County GIS the
Greenbriar Road area is surrounded on three sides by streams. Avoiding stream crossings altogether is
not possible with a new access road.
Comment #7: If feasible, perhaps a cross access road could be constructed within or parallel to the railway
right -of -way between Greenbriar Drive and Old NC 10, rather than the proposed network of roads that involve
substantial road work, new stream crossings, the breaching of subdivisions, and the possible introduction of
nonresidential traffic through residential subdivisions.
10
Response: The North Carolina Railroad Company will not permit the construction of a roadway within
their right of way. A roadway alignment at the right -of -way line would result in one property taking, a
stream crossing, and would result in the new access road entrance on Old NC 10 that is too near the
Spruce Pine Trail entrance. These two adjacent entrances are not likely to meet NCDOT design
standards.
Crossing #735 189T /MP H 43.89 /Byrdsville Road (P- 4405K)
The following are responses to specific comments on the Byrdsville Road crossing closure (P4405K).
Comment #5: The unnamed roadway easement (i. e. the road identified by NCDOT as Walter Clark Road)
intersects NC 86 at an angle. The proposed road layout would create a road accessing the highway across
from the primary access to the Wildwood single-family residential subdivision. Also, a short distance to the
south on NC 86 is an entrance to the Becketts Ridge single-family residential subdivision. Staff has concerns
regarding both the increase in the amount of traffic that would be utilizing this intersection and the increased
danger associated with the angled, slightly off -set intersection that would be created. Staff believes that a
traffic study would be necessary, to evaluate if this intersection should be signalized and realigned to address
traffic access and congestion management issues. Additionally, some evaluation should be made as to whether
north and /or south bound turn lanes would be required on NC 86.
Response: Traffic impacts and safety impacts will be considered as part of the intersection design.
NCDOT is currently considering the appropriate level of traffic analysis that should be conducted.
Comment #14: The proposed access network to the west of the twin lakes and the rail crossing does not seem
to recognize that there is an existing private road off of Lonnie Drive within the Joppa Oaks development. This
existing private road has a sign for the 'C & JMobile Home Park' and it currently provides access to most if
not all of the properties on the western side of the 'red square' (refer to NCDOT Figure 2 Project Study Area
Map). Therefore, staff is not certain that this western side of the 'red square' would be necessary.
Response: The figures included in the scoping letter provide a variety of access options, not all of which
will be constructed. Mapping which provides more refined details on improvements being considered
will be provided to Orange County and presented at Citizens Informational Workshops on January 7th
and 14th. The C &J Mobile Home Park access road is being considered for access options.
Comment #5: The Orange Rural Fire Department has commented that there could be an increase in response
time for some of the residents of that neighborhood given how the proposed road might be built. This response
time would also be true for an ambulance responding to the area.
Response: Comment noted. Proposed improvements will ensure access is maintained.
Comment #6: Approximately 95 properties would be directly impacted by the proposed new access
improvements, and the entire Joppa Oaks Subdivision, Wildwood Subdivision, Becketts Ridge Subdivision, C &
JMobile Home Park, and the Byrdsville Mobile Home Park would be impacted by revisions to traffic patterns
either in these developments or along NC 86.
Response: Comment noted. Safe and efficient access will be provided for all residents in these
subdivisions. As stated previously, NCDOT is currently considering the appropriate level of traffic
analysis.
Comment #7: The proposed new access improvements could potentially have significant impacts to a large
number of County residents within the lower income Byrdsville community. The staff recommends
11
consideration of alternative routes as well as measures to enhance compatibility and improve the positive
aspects of the community's character.
Response: Potential impacts to the community, including emergency response, and community impacts
will be investigated, and avoided, minimized or mitigated. Public involvement will be included as part of
the project development process. Residents will have the opportunity to have input on measures to
improve positive aspects of the community's character.
Again, thank you for your input. We will maintain coordination with Orange County during the development
of this project. Please contact me via email at v or telephone at 919- 707 -4705 if you have
any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Marc L. Hamel
Rail Environmental Manager
NCDOT Rail Division.
cc. Dan Havener, P.E., Project Engineer
Jahmal Pullen, P.E., Infrastructure Engineering Unit, NCDOT Rail Division
Jason Orthner, P.E., Rail Engineering Manager, NCDOT Rail Division
---------- - I
MEMO TO: FILE
Attachment 4
FROM: Mark L. Reep, PE, Project Manager
DATE: January 15, 2013
SUBJECT: Citizens Informational Workshop (CIW) for Orange County Crossing Closures at
North Carolina Railroad (NCRR/Norfolk Southern (NS) Railway Gordon Thomas
Drive (P- 4405I) and Greenbriar Drive (P- 4405J).
A Citizens Information Workshop was held between 5:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. on January 7, 2013, at
the Shared Visions Retreat Center, 3717 Murphey School Road, Durham. The purpose of the
meeting was to introduce the project to residents and local officials and to receive comments on
the alternatives and issues to be considered during the project development process.
Approximately 30 residents and local officials attended the meeting. Below is a summary of
comments received. A Spanish- speaking interpreter was present at the meeting.
GORDON THOMAS DRIVE AREA
Written Comments
Comment: Increased traffic would propose a security issue. Residents along Paschall Drive are
concerned with more traffic. There would be speeding which would endanger people /pedestrians
and animals.
Comment: Increased traffic on Paschall Drive would increase noise levels along the road.
Comment: Surveys for the Paschall Drive roadway improvements should be made available to
residents to confirm existing property lines and the amount of right -of -way required.
Comment: What effect will increased rail volumes have on noise levels in the project area?
Comment: Please advise as to whether or not there are private lots between Gordon Thomas
Drive and Highway 751 that would be denied right of way to Old NC 10 or US 70 with this
change.
Comment: Would right -of -way purchased at the corner of Corner of Couch Mountain and
Paschall Drive be taken from the north or south of the road?
12
5121 Kingdom Way, Suite 100 e Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 • 919.851.6066 • fax 919.851.6846 9 flohut.com
13
Orange County Crossing Closures Citizens Informational Workshop — January 15, 2013
Meeting Summary
Page 2
Verbal Comments
Comment: The potential creation of double frontage lots along Walter Clark Drive in the
Byrdsville Road Project area would have setback nonconformance with the UDO.
Comment: Residents of Paschall Drive expressed concern about increased traffic from bikers
and pedestrians accessing the road from Duke Forest.
Comment: One resident of Paschall Drive expressed concern about existing train noise.
GREENBRIAR DRIVE AREA
Verbal Comments
Comment: Is NCDOT going to move my mailbox that is at the end of the drive?
Comment: Resident expressed a preference for the southern access alignment.
Comment: The majority of Greenbriar Drive residents expressed a preference for the northern
access alignment.
Comment: Several residents mentioned the frequent flooding after heavy rain in the area of the
southern alignment.
Comment: A resident asked about how the right -of -way acquisition process works.
Comment: A resident asked if the northern alignment would be on the secondary roadway
system?
Comment: Greenbriar Drive residents asked if Greenbriar Drive was going to be put on the state
road system (state maintained).
Comment: A resident pointed out the southern alternative maybe getting into north side of a
property's septic field.
Comment: Residents noted that it would be tight going between Greenbriar Drive homes with a
road.
Comment: A planner with Orange County and Planning &Inspections Department commented
that an alternate alignment could be developed traveling north of the nearby powerline easement,
continuing up to I -85. Part of this plan would be extending Greenbriar Road northward into the
EDD to connect to US 70 southeast of I -85. The area south of the powerline is zoned mixed and
residential (and there are some wetland and stream issues) so putting a road through the current
alternate routes would be difficult from a planning perspective.
14
i
MEMO TO: FILE
Fhlorenc',e & Hutcheson
FROM: Mark L. Reep, PE, Project Manager
DATE: January 18, 2013
SUBJECT: Citizens Informational Workshop (CIW) for Orange County Crossing Closure at
North Carolina Railroad NCRR/Norfolk Southern (NS) Railway Byrdsville Road
(P- 4405K).
A Citizens Informational Workshop was held between 5:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. on January 14,
2013, at the Shared Visions Retreat Center, 3717 Murphey School Road, Durham. The purpose
of the meeting was to introduce the project to residents and local officials and to receive
comments on the alternatives and issues to be considered during the project development
process. Approximately 20 residents and local officials attended the meeting. Below is a
summary of comments received. A Spanish- speaking interpreter was present at the meeting.
Written and Verbal Comments
Comment: Property owners on the north side Byrdsville Mobile Dome Park are concerned that
having access through the Mobile Dome Park will decrease property values of residences.
Comment: If lot lines are restructured due to easements rental incomes could be lost.
Comment: Property owners on the north side of Byrdsville Mobile Dome Park do not want to
drive through the mobile home park for access.
Comment: Several property owners believe the proposed changes have many negative logistic,
legal, and financial ramifications for all the residents of Byrdsville.
Comment: Property owners between the Byrdsville Mobile Dome Park and the rail line believe
the railroad crossing closure would negatively impact their driveway configurations and the day -
to -day living conditions associated with the new exit /entrance to the Mobile Dome Park.
Comment: The proposed project would essentially make properties north of the Mobile Dome
Park a part of the Park.
Comment: Property owners north of the Mobile Dome Park do not have a legal easement to the
proposed exit through the Mobile Dome Park and are concerned about the legal and financial
ramifications of acquiring one.
Comment: Property owners north of the Mobile Dome Park are concerned that future property
sales would be scrutinized by lending institutions as a result of the crossing closure.
5121 Kingdom Way, Suite 100 • Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 • 919.851.6066 • fax 919.851.6846 • flohut.com
15
Orange County Crossing Closures Citizens Informational Workshop — January 18, 2013
Meeting Summary
Page 2
Comment: A family of residents in the Byrdsville project area indicated that their concerns about
access through the mobile home park would be alleviated if the project included paving the
primary road within the trailer park and adding it to the state secondary road system. They
would also like to see the trailer lots along the proposed new entrance to the trailer park cleaned
UP.
Comment: The owner of the Byrdsville Road Mobile Dome Park said that he supports the
project. He said that there are no recorded easements for any of the roads within the trailer park.
He indicated a willingness to relocate the trailers along the new entrance road if the road was
paved and added to the state system. He also said that he had several Hispanic rental tenants
within the trailer park that would not attend the CIW, but he would advise them of the project
later.
E -Mail Comment
The following questions and comments were received from individuals that did not attend the
workshop.
Comment: Who will be paying for this?
Comment: Will residents only be allowed to access the area through Joppa Oaks Mobile Dome
Park?
Comment: Will Byrdsville Mobile Dome Park mailboxes be moved and would addresses
change?
Comment: Plans should include relocation of the mail receptacle to the new entrance on Walter
Clark Drive to effect delivery and practical pick up by the customers.
DRAFT Attachment 5 16
ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING & INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT
Craig N. Benedict, AICP, Director
Administration 131 W. Margaret Lane
(919) 245 -2575 P O Box 8181
(919) 644 -3002 (FAX) ,- Hillsborough, NC 27278
www.orangecountync.gov
February 22, 2013
Marc L. Hamel, Rail Environmental Manager
NC DOT Rail Division
Environmental and Planning Branch
1553 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 -1553
Subject: Additional scoping comments related to the proposed private crossing
closures with the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) /Norfolk Southern (NS)
Railway at Gordon Thomas Drive (TIP No. P- 44051), Greenbriar Drive
(TIP No. P- 4405J), and Byrdsville Road (TIP No. P- 4405K) in Orange
County
Dear Mr. Hamel:
Thank you for your reply letter of December 20, 2012 on Orange County's scoping
comments on NCDOT Rail Division's three proposed private crossing closures with the
NCRR /NS Railway referenced above. After reviewing your reply letter, reviewing the
revised project study area maps, and considering the public comments provided in
response to the associated Citizen Informational Workshops, we offer the following
additional comments.
IN GENERAL:
1. There is confusion as to whether and /or which improvements will be public or
private. The Project Study Maps do not adequately indicate which will be private
drives and which will be public roads to NCDOT standards. Can this be clarified
on the Study Maps?
2. At the Citizen Informational Workshops there was some confusion and varying
comments from DOT staff and consultants concerning NCDOT construction
standards (right -of -way width, pavement width, drainage ditches, etc.). For
example, there was mention of right -of -way widths possibly being 50 feet rather
than 60 feet, and citizens' understanding of pavement widths varied as well.
Recognizing that the projects are still in their conceptual stages, please clarify to
the best of your ability the construction standards for these three projects.
17
3. For purposes of applying zoning setbacks, the Orange County UDO would treat
lots with two street frontages as double frontage lots.
4. Proposed roadway should comply with local, state and federal standards for flood
damage prevention, stream buffers, storm water management and erosion
control as well as impervious surface limits.
5. What are the standards for determining when side drainage ditches will be
incorporated into a roadway design? When will it be known if side drainage
ditches will be part of a particular roadway design?
6. Some of the suggested reroutes (such as the case with Byrdsville) are more
circuitous and increase the commute times to Durham.
7. When available, please provide the anticipated schedule for required right -of -way
acquisition, relocation of property structures and buildings where necessary, and
construction dates.
8. Please keep Orange County Planning staff informed of and copied on revisions
to Project Study Maps, as well as more detailed design drawings as your
analysis progresses.
CROSSING #735 199Y /MP H 48.49 /Gordon Thomas Drive (P- 44051)
NCDOT DESCRIBED IMPROVEMENTS
This crossing provides access to Old NC 10
(SR 1710) for six properties located south
of the NCRR. The crossing occurs in an
area where NS operates one mainline track
and a passing siding. While the track ;
section is straight at this location, it quickly
enters a curved section both east and west
of the crossing. The sight distance for train
crews on either approach to the crossing is - Y=
limited by heavy foliage on both sides of the
track. The crossing is vertically humped and
is protected by crossbucks. Much of the
property surrounding the six parcels is = .: °�`= ': = <<3 =._:: _; _: ;• >, ~- �_:�:`
owned by Duke University and is part of its School of Forestry. Alternative access to
these properties will be considered using Paschall Drive west of Gordon Thomas Drive.
From there, drivers will be able to access Old NC 10 via Dove Creek Road (SR 115) or
Murphy School Road (SR 1714).
COMMENTS -
tom+ 5 3
No additional comments.,
ti f
Page 2
M
Revised Gordon Thomas Drive Project Study Area
CROSSING #726 305F /MP H 47.62 /Greenbriar Drive (P- 4405J)
NCDOT DESCRIBED IMPROVEMENTS
This crossing serves eight residential parcels
located north of the railroad and provides access
to Old NC 10 (SR 1710). It is located along a
straight section of track. There is heavy foliage
on all four approaches to the crossing. The
roadway approaches are gravel, and the
southbound approach is slightly humped. The
crossing is protected by crossbucks. The
railroad overpasses Old NC 10 approximately
550 feet east of the crossing. The Greenbrier
subdivision abuts the Whispering Pines
subdivision immediately to the east which has direct access to Old NC 10 without
crossing the railroad. Alternative access is being considered parallel to the track to
connect Greenbrier Drive to Spruce Pine Trail in the Whispering Pines subdivision. A
new roadway will be studied in two locations: One will be from Greenbriar Drive
approximately 400 feet north of the railroad crossing to Spruce Pine Trail approximately
450 feet north of Old NC 10. The other will be from the northern end of Greenbriar
Drive to Spruce Pine Trial where Spruce Pine Trail turns to the east.
Page 13
19
Revised Greenbriar Drive Project Study Area Map
COMMENTS
1. Orange County Planning staff favors Proposed Access Road Corridor Alternative
no.1. This alternative is less intrusive on the existing Greenbriar Drive residential
neighborhood, and also is in a preferred location for future connectivity with
properties to the north upon redevelopment in accordance with the adopted
Future Land Use Map of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan.
2. Planning staff continues to strongly encourage an alternative road network that
purposely coordinates well with the proposed interchange redesign to the north
and enhancement of proposed access road connections for adjoining
nonresidential development, in that the constructed road network will readily
facilitate the larger context of the area's access issues and needs.
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CROSSING #735 189T /MP H 43.89 / Byrdsville Road (P- 4405K)
NCDOT DESCRIBED IMPROVEMENTS
This crossing serves a large
subdivision of permanent and
mobile homes. The crossing is
protected by automatic warning
devices. The approach
roadway is paved and is
approximately 16 feet wide.
The westbound approach is
curved. The crossing is slightly
humped and there is heavy
foliage on three of the four
approaches. Approximately 70
homes are served by this
crossing. Residential areas
south of Byrdsville Road are
surrounded on three sides by
Duke University property (Duke Forest) which will most likely remain undeveloped.
Alternatives will be considered for Byrdsville Road to have access to NC 86 to the west.
A new roadway is proposed to connect Byrdsville Road to Walter Clark Drive. From
there, drivers can follow `Walter Clark Drive' north to NC 86. Driveway improvements
will also be considered in two locations to maintain connectivity to residential areas
north of Byrdsville Road.
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COMMENTS
1. Property owners north of the Byrdsville Mobile Home Park do not have right of
access through the proposed private drive exit through the Mobile Home Park.
Alternative access for these northern property owners should be considered to
the west through the Joppa Oaks development, or improving the private drive
and adding it to the state secondary road system. Alternative access through the
Joppa Oaks development would also have the benefit of dispersing traffic to
multiple connections with NC 86 if the non - authorized earthen barricade at the
end of Japers Lane were removed.
2. Children in the Byrdsville Mobile Home Park currently walk north, across the rail
line, and catch the bus at the intersection of Byrdsville Road and Old NC 10.
Alternative school bus routes and pick -up location(s) will need to be considered
as part of the alternative road plans.
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21
Revised Byrdsville Road Project Study Area Map
Please advise me as to the schedule for the project environmental studies, as well as the
anticipated completion date for initial design work.
I invite you to contact me, and /or Tom Altieri and Abigaile Pittman of my staff regarding any
comments in this letter.
Sincerely,
Craig Benedict, AICP
Director of Planning and Inspections
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