[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 165 (Thursday, August 26, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46744-46745]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-22119]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement; Portsmouth & Tiverton, RI

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), RIDOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for the proposed 
rehabilitation or replacement of the Sakonnet River Bridge, carrying RI 
Route 24 between Portsmouth and Tiverton.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel J. Berman, Assistant Division 
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration, 380 Westminster Mall, 
Room 547, Providence, RI 02903, Telephone: (401) 528-4560; OR, Edmund 
T. Parker, Jr., P.E., Chief Design Engineer, Rhode Island Department of 
Transportation, Two Capitol Hill, Room 231-D, Providence, RI 02903, 
Telephone: (401) 222-4911.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with RIDOT, will 
prepare the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed 
rehabilitation or replacement of the Sakonnet River Bridge carrying RI 
Route 24 between Portsmouth and Tiverton.
    This EIS will investigate scientific and engineering studies and 
other activities necessary to determine the environmental and 
socioeconomic impacts of various alternative rehabilitation and 
replacement scenarios to address the substandard condition of the 
Sakonnet River Bridge.
    Rhode Island Bridge Number 250, known as the Sakonnet River Bridge, 
was originally constructed between the years 1954-1956. The main bridge 
structure is comprised of 27 spans with a total length of approximately 
2,982 feet. According to the original design plans, the structure was 
designed in accordance with 1944 A.A.S.H.O Specifications. The Sakonnet 
River Bridge has been carrying highway traffic for over 43 years. With 
the exception of limited emergency repairs performed in 1997, and two 
partial painting contracts, the structure has not undergone any 
significant rehabilitation in over 20 years.
    RIDOT conducted an in-depth field inspection of the bridge during 
September and October, 1997, and March and April, 1998. The inspection 
of the bridge found significant deficiencies in the concrete support 
piers and abutment walls, the steel substructure, and the bridge deck.
    The majority of the bridge is supported by either main girders or 
trusses. These members have been identified as non-redundant and 
fracture critical; therefore, their deterioration and eventual failure 
could result in a compromise of the structural integrity of the bridge 
and possible collapse of the structure.
    Due to the extensive nature of the rehabilitation required to 
address the structural deficiencies of the Sakonnet River Bridge, RIDOT 
is also considering

[[Page 46745]]

potential options to replace the bridge with a new structure. The 
following paragraphs present a brief discussion of four potential 
alternatives which may be considered for further evaluation.

Option No. 1--No Build

    This potential option consists of maintaining the current bridge, 
with major rehabilitation to address the deficiencies. Portions of the 
bridge structure would be replaced, and all elements would be brought 
to a serviceable condition under this option. This work would occur 
while the structure is in use, resulting in traffic delays during a 
continuous two year construction period. The existing bridge and 
approach rights-of-way would be maintained. The rehabilitated bridge 
would have a remaining useful life of 25 to 30 years.

Option No. 2--New Bridge on the Existing Alignment

    This potential option consists of demolishing the existing bridge, 
and constructing a new bridge in the same alignment. During the three 
year construction period, RI Route 24 would be closed at this point, 
and all traffic between points north and Aquidneck Island would be 
detoured to alternate routes including the Mt. Hope bridge on RI Route 
136. This option involves completion of interim repairs to the existing 
bridge to ensure that it is serviceable during environmental review of 
the project and design of the new bridge. The new bridge would have a 
75- to 100-year lifespan. This alternative would accommodate a future 
bridge for commuter rail service along the existing railroad right-of-
way.

Option No. 3--New Bridge to the North of the Existing Bridge

    This potential option consists of constructing a new bridge on an 
alignment to the north of the existing bridge. The new alignment would 
be between the existing bridge and the railroad bridge, and will 
include provisions to accommodate a future lower bridge for commuter 
rail service. This option involves completion of interim repairs to the 
existing bridge to ensure that it is serviceable during environmental 
review, design and construction of the new bridge. The interim repairs 
and coincident construction of the new bridge would not involve 
significant traffic delays. Additional rights-of-way would be required 
for the new bridge and approach alignments. After the new bridge is in 
service, the existing bridge would be removed. The new bridge would 
have a 75- to 100-year lifespan.

Option No. 4--New Bridge to the South of the Existing Bridge

    This potential option consists of constructing a new bridge on an 
alignment to the south of the existing bridge. The alignment would be 
approximately 30-feet from the existing bridge. This option involves 
completion of interim repairs to the existing bridge to ensure that it 
is serviceable during environmental review, design and construction of 
the new bridge. The interim repairs and coincident construction of the 
new bridge would not involve significant traffic delays. Additional 
rights-of-way would be required for the new bridge and approach 
alignments. After the new bridge is in service, the existing bridge 
would be removed. The new bridge would have a 75- to 100-year lifespan. 
This alternative would accommodate a future bridge for commuter rail 
service along the existing railroad right-of-way.
    A scoping meeting to discuss the potential project alternatives and 
environmental and socioeconomic impacts will be held on October 6, 
1999, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, at the Rhode Island Department of 
Administration, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02903 in conference 
room A on the second floor. Written comments received within 30 days of 
the scoping meeting date will be incorporated into the record.
    In addition to the scoping meeting, public participation will 
continue throughout the EIS process. Public workshops will be held in 
both Portsmouth and Tiverton, and potentially in other affected 
communities, to discuss the proposed project alternatives and issues, 
and receive public input prior to publishing a Draft EIS. Following 
publication of the Draft EIS, a formal public hearing will be held to 
receive comments regarding the proposed project. The Draft EIS will be 
available for public and agency review and comment prior to the public 
hearing, and comments will be received for 45-days following the public 
hearing.
    To ensure that a full range of issues relating to this proposed 
action are addressed and all potential impacts are identified, comments 
and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or 
questions regarding this proposed action and the EIS should be directed 
to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation at the above address.

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48.

    Issued on August 18, 1999.
Melisa L. Ridenour,
Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 99-22119 Filed 8-25-99; 8:45 am]
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