2007/2008
Reference: MDT (406) 444-7659
An 8-mile corridor study was conducted to provide an alternate route for US 93 to the east of Kalispell, MT, through rapidly developing and rural and urban areas. Key environmental topics addressed: noise, visual quality, wetlands and public involvement.
Services provided included prep of NEPA Documentation, field reviews, noise and air quality monitoring and modeling, land use, environmental justice, biological evaluations, hazardous materials, and socioeconomics.
This involved traffic noise monitoring for nine segments of the MAG freeway system that were not yet overlaid with Asphalitic Rubber – Asphalt Concrete Friction Course (AR-ACFC), in support of the design work for ADOT’s Quiet Pavement Pilot Program. The evaluation of noise abatement through quiet pavement is part of a study that was conducted by FHWA and ADOT. ADOT had a total of ten phases of AR-ACFC overlay - the first five phases were part of an FHWA-lead research study, and the second five phases were modeled after the FHWA study.
Expert testimony was provided regarding noise impacts to a property within the project limits. The project involved noise measurements and a review of noise impacts related to right-of-way (R/W) condemnation. Project tasks involved scientific review of traffic and rail noise levels and impacts associated with the widening of Sunnyside Road at its intersection with Yellowstone Highway. Factors determining compensation for R/W condemnation included proximity impacts due to increased traffic volumes and a realignment of Sunnyside Road.
2009/2010
The project provided noise analysis for the construction of additional lanes along SH 75, a Scenic Byway. The noise analysis was for 3 mobile home parks along the corridor while final design was being developed; spot noise analysis was performed to minimize project costs while protecting environmental impacts of socioeconomics, environmental justice and traffic noise. FHWA’s Traffic Noise Model (TNM) was used to ensure that the most effective wall was designed. The analysis used previous project information combined with new design to validate impacts and mitigation. Close coordination with Blaine County regarding their scenic and noise ordinance occurred. Coordination with land owners and affected tenants occurred through public meetings and one and one meetings. The end result was a constructed noise wall which met the project goals of mitigation and was acceptable to the land owners.
A corridor study was conducted to provide an alternate connection between two major arterials. The outcome of the noise analysis determined that noise was greater on adjacent roadways than what would be generated from the connector road. The Traffic Noise Model was applied to separate out the contributing roadway segments to determine the primary source of noise in this urban area.
2011/2012
8.5 miles of pavement rehabilitation of SH 81. Key environmental topics that are being addressed include culvert replacement and sage grouse habitat. In 2013, NEPA documentation was prepared for pavement rehabilitation on the 8.5-mile stretch.
The Project extended from Franklin to Fairview Roads and provided one-way traffic for Meridian and Main Street within the city of Meridian. Key issues included: floodplains, historical properties, hazardous material sites, air quality, and traffic noise.
2013/2014
The US 20/26 Corridor Environmental Scan is a refined analysis of the US 20/26 corridor from the Oregon state line to Interstate 84 (I-84). The scan summarized the most critical environmental resources as well as addressed potential analysis and permit requirements for foreseeable future work outside the existing roadway but within the current right of way.
The Programmatic Categorical Exclusions were prepared for the following:
The projects were to rehabilitate the pavement with minor shoulder widening. The projects were fast-paced and required coordination with ITD for cultural, Biological, and water resources. While these projects were programmatic, they required FHWA approval.
2015/2016
The scans addressed existing environmental resources as referenced on the ITD form 0654 and identified potential impacts and/or constraints applicable to the corridors. The SH 69 Corridor Environmental Scan is from Meridian to Kuna, and the SH 55 is from Banks to New Meadows. The scan summarized the most critical environmental resources as well as addressed potential analysis and permit requirements for foreseeable future work outside the existing roadway but within the current right of way.
A categorical exclusion (type 1) was prepared for the installation of four traffic signals, conduit, and sidewalks. The project involved new right-of-way acquisitions, and it was discovered through analysis that one RCRA generator was located just outside the project area. Coordination with the EPA determined there were no hazardous material concerns for the project implementation.
Two separate projects to replace and install new guardrails in 4 and a 13-mile stretch of highway to improve safety. Both projects were cleared under ITD's form for Category C type projects of Minor Pedestrian and Safety Improvement projects.
The project is to provide air quality and noise analysis for the Highway 20/26 Environmental Assessment. The project is approximately 14 miles in length and crosses through five local jurisdictions. The project area consists of the rapidly growing Treasure Valley where a mix of commercial, residential and agricultural land is present. The project involved the review of five locations that were identified for mitigation. A reasonable and feasible criterion was applied to assist in the decision making for the construction of noise walls. The report was completed in a draft form when ITD FHWA released new policy which resulted in additional review and analysis to comply with the new requirements. As the Treasure Valley has continued to grow, design changes has resulted in new analysis.
A noise analysis was conducted for the replacement of the Broadway Avenue Bridge that was constructed in 1956. The project extent included the area between Myrtle Street and University Drive. The sensitive noise receivers included several Section 4(f) properties which included one historic church where interior noise levels were assessed. FHWA concerns included construction noise impacts and the inclusion of all commercial properties surrounding each quadrant of the bridge due to the public sensitivity to the bridge replacement and construction.
An additional southbound lane was constructed from Franklin Road to the I-84 westbound off-ramp. The project was predominately commercial land use with one area of residential land use. The noise analysis included an evaluation of noise barriers in three locations. However, in two locations the barriers were found to not be feasible and in one location not reasonable. Access to the residential area created careful consideration of the barrier feasibility and mitigation review.
2017/2018
A categorical exclusion (type 2) was prepared for the installation of two HAWK pedestrian-activated signals, construction of ADA pedestrian ramps and sidewalk modifications, and installation of pedestrian pre-warning signage, lighting, and thermoplastic crosswalk markings. The Project involved section 4(f) Resources, Hazardous Materials, and Cultural Resources review and an Army Corps of Engineers nationwide permit.
The Installation of four traffic signals, pavement markings, symbols, stop bars, pedestrian crosswalks, and sidewalk upgrades to ADA standards was approved where there were no unusual circumstances or potential for significant impacts as identified. This project complied to the ITD programmatic Agreement for Cultural Resources.
2019/2020
A Categorical Exclusion was prepared for safety improvements along Greenhurst Road from the intersection of South Canyon Street to Sunnybrook Drive. Land Use included a school, residential, and commercial uses. Hazardous Materials and coordination with the department of Environmental Quality were necessary to ensure the project would not have any effects. As well as Neighborhood and service impacts due to a temporary detour was a critical element to ensure the project would not have any impacts.
A categorical exclusion (CE) for the federal transit authority worksheet, CE, and Documented CE was prepared for the installation of 120 bus stop locations along roadways and sidewalks. The document evaluated the existing conditions and potential impacts to all environmental resources as identified on the FTA worksheet.
A Categorical Exclusion was prepared for safety improvements along Greenhurst Road from the intersection of South Canyon Street to Sunnybrook Drive. Land Use included a school, residential, and commercial uses. Hazardous Materials and coordination with the department of Environmental Quality were necessary to ensure the project would not have any effects. As well as Neighborhood and service impacts due to a temporary detour was a critical element to ensure the project would not have any impacts.
A categorical exclusion was prepared for the construction of a shared bike lane, A bicycle boulevard, and a pedestrian-activated Rapid flashing beacon for the roadway crossing. The project involved evaluation of all elements of the categorical exclusion process with special emphasis on socioeconomic impacts due to low income and minority populations and cultural resources.
2021
A CE (Re-Evaluation) was prepared for a roadway re-alignment for the Golden Valley Road; 1500 W to 900 W. The Original project evaluated 6 miles of pavement restoration project on Golden Valley Road from approximately a quarter mile north of the 1000 S and 1500 W project. The project involved new right-of-way, Hazardous Materials, Noise and Cultural Resources review and an Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit.
Axiom-Points previously conducted a traffic noise analysis for the US 20/26 Corridor Study in 2017 noted as the US 20/26, Corridor Study Jct I-84 to Eagle Road Traffic Noise Technical Study Technical Memorandum (December 2017) and Key No 07826 Corridor Study Environmental Assessment (EA). The analysis evaluated the impacts of widening approximately 15 miles of US 20/26 between I-84 and Eagle Road to accommodate 2040 forecasted traffic volumes. The results of the traffic noise analysis for the Corridor Study identified seven locations where noise walls were recommended. This analysis focused on one (Westborough) of those walls due to questions regarding modifications to the wall to determine whether the modifications would still mitigate traffic noise impacts. Modifications to the wall design accommodated landowner’s desires and ITD requirements for a feasible and reasonable noise wall. Updated design information with more exact geometric information was used to verify the traffic noise impacts as compared to the findings in the December 2016 Traffic Noise Technical Memorandum.
2022/2023
An Environmental Scan and ITD-654 was prepared for the replacement of Unity Lane Bridge over the Weiser River in Washington County east of Weiser River in Washington County. The project was to replace a 1910 one-lane bridge and key issues included wetland 404/401 permitting, cultural resources and floodplain. An alternative analysis was performed to ensure that the least environmentally impactful alternative was chosen to support the CE. The project included evaluation of all the elements of the CE process with special emphasis on an alternative matrix to evaluate wetland impacts and cultural resources.
A record of environmental considerations CE document, was prepared for Flood Control Mitigation Project within the city of Cascade. The project was to construct a storm drain system to replace and upgrade an undersized and deteriorated stormwater system in Cascade, Idaho. One of the pipes crossed SH-55/ South Main Street. One of the Key considerations was the 404/401 permitting for the storm drain to the Payette River and avoidance of hazardous materials along the R/W.
A categorical exclusion (CE) for the federal transit authority worksheet, CE, and Documented CE was prepared for the installation of bus stop locations along roadways and sidewalks. The document evaluated the existing conditions and potential impacts to all environmental resources as identified on the FTA worksheet.
2024
A CE was prepared for the project that was an intersection improvement. Key issues included an Aquatics Resources Inventory Report, and new right-away.