[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 34 (Thursday, February 20, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8327-8328]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-4029]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Bronx County, NY

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 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 (EIS) will be prepared for a proposed 
construction project for the Bruckner-Sheridan Expressway Interchange 
and for Improved Access to the Hunts Point Peninsula, in Bronx County, 
New York.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Douglas Currey, P.E., Regional 
Director, New York State Department of Transportation, Hunters Point 
Plaza 47-40 21st Street, Long Island City, New York 11101, Telephone: 
(718) 482-4526; or Robert Arnold, Division Administrator, Federal 
Highway Administration, New York Division, Leo W. O'Brien Federal 
Building, 7th Floor, Clinton Avenue and North Pearl Street, Albany, New 
York 12207, Telephone (518) 431-4127.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the New York 
State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement on the proposal to improve safety and 
traffic flow at the Bruckner Expressway (I-278) at its interchange with 
the Arthur V. Sheridan Expressway (I-895) as well as to improve access 
in and out of the Hunts Points Peninsula from the Expressway System.
    The objectives of the project are:
    [sbull] Effectively move people and goods in faster, safer and 
easier ways by improving the existing roadways, bridges, bicycle paths 
and pedestrian walkways. This will include improvements to the 
Bruckner-Sheridan Interchange and local arterials for a better access 
into and from the Hunts Point Peninsula.
    [sbull] Reduce the number of accidents in the project area and 
increase pedestrian safety at busy intersections, such as at Bruckner 
Boulevard and Hunts Points Ave.
    [sbull] Support economic development by providing easier access to 
and from the Hunts Point Peninsula, while eliminating the bottlenecks 
at the Bruckner Expressway.
    [sbull] Enhance the quality of life for the residential community 
by reducing the volume of commercial vehicles on residential streets 
and easing congestion

[[Page 8328]]

for motorists traveling through the project area.
    [sbull] Support environmental enhancements in coordination with 
City, State and Federal Agencies.
    Alternatives: Various alternatives have already been identified 
through past studies. The findings of the past studies will be used as 
a starting point and will be included with new alternatives that will 
be developed through an extensive public scoping process. The list of 
alternatives and solutions will be refined throughout the scoping 
process as the public's comments and suggestions are taken into 
consideration.
    Alternatives identified to date include:
    No Action--An analysis of the current infrastructure and the likely 
state of the area's infrastructure, levels of congestion, etc. in the 
future without any improvements.
    Transportation Systems Management--This would provide a strategy to 
make the most of the current transportation network with minimal 
capital investment. Emphasis will be placed on operating improvements 
and strategic upgrades such as the installation of various traffic 
control devices (e.g., Directional Signs) throughout the corridor.
    Build--These includes the long-term alternatives and are more 
detailed and complex:
    [sbull] Reconstruction of the Bruckner-Sheridan Interchange to 
improve highway geometrics in the area adjacent to the Bronx River by 
creating flyover structures above the Bronx River. This alternative was 
identified in the Expanded Project Proposal and will be further 
investigated during the EIS Process.
    [sbull] Improve Access into and out the Hunts Point Peninsula via 
Edgewater Road, by reconstructing the southern terminus of the Sheridan 
Expressway. This alternative was identified in the Expanded Project 
Proposal and will be further investigated during the EIS Process.
    [sbull] Construction of Ramps from the Bruckner Expressway at 
Leggett Avenue at the Bruckner Expressway is also aimed at improved 
access to the Hunts Point Peninsula. This alternative was identified 
during past public involvement and will be expanded upon during this 
process.
    [sbull] Construction of a road/rail improvement to Hunts Point from 
Port Morris along the water and rail lines to improve access in and out 
the Hunts Point Peninsula.
    [sbull] Deconstruction of the Sheridan Expressway will be 
investigated as a potential element of some alternatives.
    Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will 
be sent to Federal, State and local agencies, and to private 
organizations and citizens who have previously expressed interest in 
this proposal. In addition to scoping discussion with these interested 
parties, the general public will have the opportunity to make scoping 
comments both in writing and in person at Public Information/Scoping 
Meetings that will be held at the Hunts Point Branch Regional Library, 
877 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10459, on March 18, 2003, from 5 p.m. 
to 9 p.m., and at the Bronx Borough Board Briefing Room, 198 East 161st 
Street, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10451, on March 20, 2003, from 5 p.m. to 9 
p.m. After the DEIS is prepared, it will be available for public and 
agency review and comment. This will be followed by a public hearing. 
Public notice will be given of the time and place of the hearing.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action area addressed and all significant issues identified, comments 
and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or 
questions concerning this proposed action should be directed to the 
NYSDOT and FHWA at the addresses provided above.

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

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 23 CFR 771.123.

    Issued on: February 12, 2003.
David M. Hart,
Senior Operations Engineer, Federal Highway Administration, Albany, NY.
[FR Doc. 03-4029 Filed 2-19-03; 8:45 am]
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