[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 178 (Thursday, September 13, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 47721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-23026]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement; Chatham County, NC

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of 
Transporation (DOT).

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 a proposed highway 
project in Chatham County, North Carolina.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Emily Lawton, Operations Engineer, 
Federal Highway Administration, 310 New Bern Avenue, Suite 410, 
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601, Telephone: (919) 856-4350.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the North 
Carolina Department of Transportation, will prepare an environmental 
impact statement (EIS) on a proposal to construct the Pittsboro Bypass. 
The Pittsboro North-South Bypass is a proposed multi-lane, controlled 
access freeway on new location that begins at US 15-501 south of 
Pittsboro and ends at the US 64 Bypass. The proposed improvements are 
expected to be implemented in multiple stages. The project would begin 
with the construction of a two-lane shoulder section for the entire 
project length, an interchange at US 64 Bypass, acquisition of right-
of-way to accommodate an ultimate four-lane divided facility with full 
control of access, and acquisition of right-of-way for three future 
interchanges. The final stages of the project would include the 
remaining construction to provide a four-lane, median-divided section 
with additional interchanges at locations to be determined.
    Construction of the proposed freeway is considered necessary to 
accommodate the existing and projected traffic demand through the Town 
of Pittsboro, in Chatham County. The preliminary study area encompasses 
the entire Town of Pittsboro, as well as outlying rural areas. The 
study area is bounded by the Haw River to the east, Rocky River and 
Deep River to the south, Harlands Creek to the west, and Russell Chapel 
Road (SR 1520) to the north. Study alternatives will be chosen that 
best suit the Purpose and Need for the Project. Potential alternatives 
to be considered include (1) taking no action; (2) using alternative 
travel modes; (3) improving the existing facilities through the Town of 
Pittsboro (US 15-501 and US 64); and, (4) construction of a multi-lane, 
controlled access facility on new location. Design variations of 
alignment and grade will be incorporated into the study of each of the 
build alternatives.
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments have 
been sent to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, and to 
private organizations and citizens who have previously expressed or are 
known to have an interest in this proposal. Citizen informational 
workshops will be held in the project area throughout the study 
process. In addition, a public hearing will be held. Public notice will 
be given of the time and place of the workshops and hearing. The draft 
EIS will be available for public and agency review and comment prior to 
the public hearing.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are addressed and all significant issues are identified, 
comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. 
Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS 
should be directed to the FHWA at the address provide above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.)

Emily Lawton,
Operations Engineer, Raleigh, NC.
[FR Doc. 01-23026 Filed 9-12-01; 8:45 am]
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