[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 226 (Friday, November 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67955-67956]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-19844]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Hunterdon County, NJ

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 
highway project in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tanya Emam, Engineering Coordinator, 
Federal Highway Administration, New Jersey Division Office, 840 Bear 
Tavern Road, Suite 310, West Trenton, NJ 08628-1019, Telephone: (609) 
637-4200.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the New Jersey 
Department of Transportation (NJDOT), will prepare an EIS on a proposed 
action to construct the South Branch Parkway in Hunterdon County, New 
Jersey, Federal Project No. HPP-0037(139). The proposed project will 
consist of the construction of a limited access highway on new location 
for a distance of approximately 3.7 miles. The parkway would extend 
from a proposed intersection at Voorhees Corner Road, northward to a 
proposed intersection at existing Route 31, at a point approximately 
0.5 mile north of the existing intersection of Route 31 and Bartles 
Corner Road.
    The purpose of the South Branch Parkway is to provide an 
alternative to Route 31 for north-south travel through the Flemington-
Raritan area and increase overall connectivity with the local roadway 
network; to reduce congestion on existing Route 31 to facilitate 
movement of both local and regional traffic; to provide the initial 
investment in a long-term Integrated Land Use and Transportation Plan 
that effectively shapes existing and future development into a land-use 
pattern that does not increase demand beyond the State highway system's 
roadway capacity; and to lead to a more balanced transportation network 
and land use patterns that decrease reliance on the automobile and 
encourage pedestrian and bicycle travel through the area. The selected 
transportation solution will represent a long-term, cost-effective 
capital investment consistent with Smart Growth principles.
    Alternatives under consideration include: (1) Taking no action; and 
(2) constructing a new two-lane, limited access highway as described 
above. This alternative includes a multi-use bicycle/pedestrian path 
along the length of the parkway; an optional center grass median; two 
options for a minor shift in the southern terminus location; and 
analysis of proposed intersections and roundabouts throughout the 
project length.
    Input for further defining the purpose and need for the proposed 
project, and range of alternatives under consideration, will be 
accomplished via the following: In October 2006, a Public Officials 
Briefing (POB) and a Public Information Center (PIC) were held within 
the project area to update local stakeholders regarding the project 
status and to elicit early commentary. In the near future, letters 
describing the

[[Page 67956]]

proposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to appropriate 
Federal, State, and local agencies, and to private organizations and 
citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in 
this proposal. In addition, agencies will be invited by letter to 
attend a formal Scoping Meeting with a field view. Prior to seeking 
FHWA approval to circulate the Draft EIS, an additional POB and PIC 
will be held within the project area. Thence, upon obtaining FHWA 
approval to circulate the Draft EIS, a Public Hearing will be held 
within the project area. The Draft EIS will be available for public and 
agency review and comment prior to the Public Hearing. Public notice 
will be given of the time and place of all meetings and the public 
hearing. To ensure that the full range of issues related to this 
proposed action is addressed and all significant issues are identified, 
comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. 
Comments or questions concerning this proposed action should be 
directed to the FHWA contact person identified in the address provided 
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.)

    Issued on November 14, 2006.
David Hawk,
Program Operations Director.
 [FR Doc. E6-19844 Filed 11-22-06; 8:45 am]
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