Welcome This 15-minute presentation will be repeated throughout tonight’s hearing and will begin...

28
Welcome This 15-minute presentation will be repeated throughout tonight’s hearing and will begin shortly. This presentation, including all aerial layouts, is available on the LDOTD website at wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/ public_info/projects/

Transcript of Welcome This 15-minute presentation will be repeated throughout tonight’s hearing and will begin...

Slide 1

WelcomeThis 15-minute presentation will be repeated throughout tonights hearing and will begin shortly.

This presentation, including all aerial layouts, is available on the LDOTD website atwwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/

WelcomeThis 15-minute presentation will be repeated throughout tonights hearing and will begin shortly.

This presentation, including all aerial layouts, is available on the LDOTD website at

wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/

JUBAN ROAD WIDENINGI-12 TO US 190 (FLORIDA BOULEVARD) LIVINGSTON PARISH, LOUISIANAState Project Nos. H.004634 & H.000464Federal Aid Project Nos. H004634 & H000464Open House Public HearingOctober 13, 20154:00 7:00 p.m.

Welcome to the public hearing for the proposed widening of Juban Road from I-12 to US 190 in Livingston Parish. This project is jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.OBJECTIVES OF PUBLIC HEARING Provide information about the proposed project and preferred build alternative Solicit comments on the Supplemental Environmental Assessment and the proposed project Provide public opportunity to learn about LDOTDs Right-of-Way Acquisition and Relocation Assistance Program Provide public opportunity to learn about implementation of LDOTDs Complete Streets and Access Management Policies

The objective of tonights hearing is to provide information and solicit comments from the public and other interested parties about the proposed project, the preferred build alternative, and the Supplemental Environmental Assessment. The hearing will also provide information about LDOTDs Right-of-Way Acquisition and Relocation Assistance Program and the implementation of LDOTDs Complete Streets and Access Management policies.

3

The proposed project was originally part of an Environmental Assessment for the Juban Road Interchange at I-12, which was approved by FHWA in September 2002. At that time, LDOTDs proposed widening of Juban Road from I-12 to US 190 consisted of the construction of four travel lanes; a continuous center turn lane; and curb and gutter drainage. That alternative has been dropped from further consideration because LDOTD now requires any multi-lane roadway to be constructed with a median, which excludes a continuous center turn lane. The proposed project now calls for the upgrade of the existing roadway with a new roadway that meets current design criteria, which includes the Departments Access Management Policy and Complete Streets Policy.OriginalEnvironmental AssessmentSeptember 2002The proposed project is a Supplement to the previously approved EA.

4The proposed project was originally part of an Environmental Assessment for the Juban Road Interchange at I-12, which was approved by FHWA in September 2002. At that time, LDOTDs proposed widening of Juban Road from I-12 to US 190 consisted of the construction of four travel lanes; a continuous center turn lane; and curb and gutter drainage. That alternative has been dropped from further consideration because LDOTD now requires any multi-lane roadway to be constructed with a median, which excludes a continuous center turn lane. The proposed project now calls for the upgrade of the existing roadway with a new roadway that meets current design criteria, which includes the Departments Access Management Policy and Complete Streets Policy.Document Purpose and Need of ProjectDevelop Reasonable and Feasible Build Alternative to Address Purpose and NeedEvaluate Effects of Build Alternative to Community and EnvironmentSummarize Evaluation in Supplemental EAHold Public Hearing on Supplemental EAPrepare Supplemental EA with Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)NEPA PROCESSDONEDONENOWDONEDONENEXT11National Environmental Policy Act

An Environmental Assessment, known as an EA, is being prepared for the proposed project.

An EA contains a Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action; an Analysis of Alternatives; a Comparison of Impacts; Public Comments; and Findings.

The Purpose and Need of the project has been documented. LDOTD has also developed a reasonable and feasible build alternative to address the need, evaluated the effects of the build alternative to the community and the environment, and summarized this evaluation in a Supplemental EA. Currently, LDOTD is holding a public hearing to present the supplemental EA. After the public comment period, the final supplemental EA will be prepared and submitted by LDOTD to the Federal Highway Administration with a recommendation of the preferred alternative and a request that a Finding of No Significant Impact be made.

5PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION Widen and improve Juban Road from two to four lanes from I-12 to US 190, including three roundabouts, frontage roads, and shared-use paths

Widening would be along the existing centerline of the roadway

Additional right-of-way required on both sides

Residential and business relocations would occur

Length of construction approximately 1.2 miles

The proposed project is to widen and improve Juban Road from two to four lanes from I-12 to US 190, including three roundabouts, frontage roads, and shared-use paths . The widening would be along the existing center line of the roadway with additional required right-of-way on both sides. Some residential and business relocations would occur. The total length of construction is approximately 1.2 miles.

6PURPOSE AND NEEDUpgrade the capacity of Juban Road from two lanes to four lanes to relieve traffic congestion and improve access to Interstate 12

Modify the Juban Road intersection with US 190 (Florida Boulevard) as required to improve traffic operations

The Purpose and need of the project is to upgrade the capacity of Juban Road from two lanes to four lanes to relieve traffic congestion and improve access to Interstate 12, and to modify the Juban Road intersection with US 190 (Florida Boulevard) as required to improve traffic operations

7BUILD ALTERNATIVE PHASE I (H.000464): Roundabout at US 190 Construction of a roundabout at US 190 / Juban Road intersection Widen US 190 to four lanes as it approaches the new roundabout PHASE II (H.004634): Juban Road I-12 to US 190 Four 12-foot wide travel lanes with a 5-foot wide raised median 10-foot bicycle/pedestrian shared-use path (both sides of roadway) Two roundabouts: one located just north of I-12 and one located mid-way along the project corridor approximately 1,600 feet south of the intersection of US 190Construction of frontage roads to the east and west of the center roundaboutCurb & gutter with subsurface drainage would be installed along Juban Road and US 190.

The proposed project would be constructed in two phases. Phase I of the proposed project H.000464 consists of the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of US 190 and Juban Road; US 190 would be widened from two lanes to four lanes as it approaches the new roundabout. Phase II of the proposed project H.004634 consists of widening Juban Road from two lanes to four lanes with a 5-foot wide raised median. Two roundabouts would be constructed: one located just north of I-12 and one located mid-way along the project corridor approximately 1,600 feet south of the intersection of US 190. Additionally, frontage roads to the east and west of the center roundabout would be constructed. A 10-foot bicycle/pedestrian shared-use path would be constructed on both sides of roadway. Curb & gutter with subsurface drainage would be installed along Juban Road and US 190.

8PROPOSED ACTIONPHASE I (H.000464): Roundabout at US 190

9Phase I of the proposed project consists of the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of US 190 and Juban Road as shown. PROPOSED ACTIONPHASE II (H.004634): Juban Road Widening I-12 to US 190

10During Phase II of the proposed project, Juban Road would be widened from two lanes to four lanes with a raised median from the I-12 interchange to US 190 using a boulevard section roadway. Two roundabouts would be constructed as shown. Only right turns would be permitted from connecting streets and driveways. Other turning movements would be routed through the roundabouts. A shared-use path would be constructed on both sides of roadway and curb & gutter with subsurface drainage would be installed along Juban Road.

New frontage roads, which would be constructed parallel to Juban Road east and west of the center roundabout, are proposed.

Some driveways along Juban Road would be closed and affected properties would be able to use the new frontage roads to access Juban Road through the new roundabout. The frontage roads would enhance access to existing properties and provide opportunities to support future development. Widening and upgrade of Juban Road in the project area would not occur. Existing roadway would remain as is with two travel lanes and open ditches. Future capacity concerns would not be addressed. Juban Road would remain without shared-use paths. No residential or business relocations would be required.No potential impacts to wetlands or other waters would occur. No utility relocations would be required. The short-term adverse construction impacts would be avoided. NO-BUILD ALTERNATIVEThe No-Build Alternative is anticipated to result in continued degradation of the level of service (LOS), which is currently at LOS F.

As required under the National Environmental Policy Act, the No-Build Alternative was also evaluated. Under the No-Build Alternative, the widening and upgrade of Juban Road through the project area would not occur. The existing roadway would remain as is with two travel lanes and open ditches. Future capacity concerns would not be addressed. Juban Road would remain without shared-use paths. No residential or business relocations would be required and no potential impacts to wetlands or other waters would occur. No utility relocations would be required. The short-term adverse construction impacts would be avoided. The No-Build Alternative is anticipated to result in continued degradation of the level of service, which is currently at LOS F.11Access Management is the careful planning of access connections to roadways and highways. Access connections can include driveways, streets, and other means of connecting to a roadway.One method of maintaining access is through the use of a median.WHAT IS ACCESS MANAGEMENT?

LDOTD has adopted an Access Management Policy. Access Management is the careful planning of access connections to roadways and highways. Access connections can include driveways, streets, and other means of connecting to a roadway. One method of maintaining access is through the use of a median.

The policy would be implemented through the use of a raised median; right-in / right-out only (i.e. no left-out turns) from residential and business driveways as well as adjacent roadways. Three roundabouts would be constructed along the route. Only right turns would be permitted from connecting streets and driveways. Other turning movements would be routed through the roundabouts.

12Roundabouts are one-way, circular intersections designed to improve safety and efficiency for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

In a roundabout, traffic flows around a center island counterclockwise.

A roundabout redirects some of the conflicting traffic, such as left turns, which cause crashes at traditional intersections. WHAT IS A ROUNDABOUT?

Lets discuss roundabout basics.

Roundabouts are one-way, circular intersections designed to improve safety and efficiency for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

In a roundabout, traffic flows around a center island counterclockwise.

A roundabout redirects some of the conflicting traffic, such as left turns, which cause crashes at traditional intersections.

13

Can roundabouts accommodate larger vehicles?Roundabouts provide an area between the circulatory roadway and the central island, known as a truck apron, over which the rear wheels of these vehicles can safely track.

Yes. Roundabouts are designed to accommodate vehicles with a large turning radius such as buses, fire trucks, and eighteen wheelers.

One common question asked is: Can roundabouts accommodate larger vehicles?

The answer is Yes. Roundabouts are designed to accommodate vehicles with a large turning radius such as buses, fire trucks, and eighteen wheelers. Roundabouts provide an area between the circulatory roadway and the central island, known as a truck apron, over which the rear wheels of these vehicles can safely track. 14Adopted by LDOTD in July 2010Plan, fund, and design sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities determined by the context of the roadwayProvide bicycle accommodations appropriate to the context of the roadwayOn all new and reconstruction roadway projects, LDOTD will:COMPLETE STREETS POLICY

In July 2010, DOTD adopted a Complete Streets Policy.

According to the provisions of the policy, on all new and reconstruction roadway projects, LDOTD will plan, fund, and design sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities, and bicycle accommodations, as determined by the context of the roadway.

15Relocation ImpactsUnitsNo ActionBuildResidential RelocationsEach015Commercial RelocationsEach02Vacant/Unused StructuresEach02Other RelocationsEach00Frontage ImpactsUnitsNo ActionBuildResidential PropertiesEach075Commercial PropertiesEach015Community PropertiesEach00REAL ESTATE IMPACTS

It is anticipated that fifteen homes, two storage structures, and two businesses within the proposed required ROW would be relocated. 16Natural ResourceUnitsNo ActionBuildWetlandsAcres08.665Other Waters of the USAcres00.113Stream CrossingsEach01Scenic StreamsEach00Sole Source Aquifer ImpactsAcres00Protected SpeciesEach00Prime and Unique FarmlandEach00Coastal Resources and Essential Fish HabitatEachN/AN/ANATURAL RESOURCES IMPACTS

Approximately 8.7 acres of wetlands and 0.1 acre of Other Waters of the US would be impacted. The proposed project crosses one unnamed stream. There would be no impacts to scenic streams, sole source aquifers, protected species, or prime farmland.17Cultural ResourcesUnitsNo BuildBuildProperties Eligible for or Listed on NRHP2Each00Properties Not Eligible for NRHP2Each00Section 6(f) PropertiesEach00Section 4(f) PropertiesEach00Noise Impacts3UnitsNo BuildBuildAnticipated Receptors Impacted in 2034Each3432CULTURAL RESOURCES AND NOISE IMPACTS2National Register of Historic Places3Noise abatement measures were not found to be reasonable or feasible and are not being proposed as part of this project.

No cultural or recreational resources would be impacted by the proposed project.

According to the noise model, 34 receptors would be impacted by the No Build Alternative in the future, whereas 32 receptors would be impacted by the Build Alternative in the future.Noise abatement measures were not found to be reasonable or feasible and are not being proposed as part of this project.

18A representative of the LDOTD Real Estate Section has a table here tonight and is available to answer any questions pertaining to LDOTDs Right of Way Acquisition and Relocation Assistance Program.

The LDOTD brochure explaining Acquisition of Right of Way and Relocation Assistance Program is available tonight at that table or can be obtained later from:

LDOTD Real Estate SectionP.O. Box 94245Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245(225) 242-4593

We suggest you read the brochure carefully. If you have any questions regarding your individual situation, consult with the agent when s/he meets with you, or contact the Region 04 Real Estate Office at the number above.

Right-of-Way Acquisition and Relocation Information

READ SLIDE.19Steps in the Acquisition Process It is LDOTD's objective to pay just compensation for all properties required for the proposed project.Owners of required properties may be contacted by an appraiser or appraisers and given the opportunity to go with them on the inspection of the property.This will provide owners an opportunity to point out things that may be important to the evaluation of the property.All evaluations will be reviewed by a review appraiser and approved by LDOTD.After review and approval, a Real Estate Agent will contact each property owner, and present a letter setting forth the amount of the LDOTD's cash offer for the purchase of the property. S/he will also explain the property value and discuss any alternate offers including possible options to keep and move any buildings, fencing, etc.

READ SLIDE20RELOCATION ASSISTANCE Relocation Advisory ServicesCurrent and continuing information on:Availability and prices of comparable decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings for displaced residentsComparable commercial properties and locations for displaced businessesFinance chargesFederal and State programs offering assistance to displaced persons Relocation Assistance PaymentsRelocation assistance payments are separate and in addition to payments for the purchase of your property. They are made for:Moving expensesReplacement housingBusiness re-establishment expensesMoving expense payments will be made to any individual, family, or business, in legal occupancy of the property either at the start of negotiations or at the time of purchase.

Advisory services shall include current and continuing information on the availability and prices of comparable decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings for displaced residents; comparable commercial properties and locations for displaced businesses; and supplying information concerning finance charges and Federal and State programs offering assistance to displaced persons.

Relocation assistance payments are separate and in addition to payments made by the Department for the purchase of your property. These payments are made for moving expenses, replacement housing, and business re-establishment expenses.Moving expense payments will be made to any individual, family, or business in legal occupancy of the property either at the start of negotiations or at the time of purchase by the Department.

The amount of the payment to residential displaces will depend on actual costs supported by receipts, or a fixed cost based on room count. More detailed information is available beginning on Page 13 of the Acquisition of Right of Way and Relocation Assistance Program brochure.

21RELOCATED BUSINESSESDisplaced businesses, farms, and non-profit organizations may be paid the actual, reasonable expenses of moving, together with certain eligible costs incidental to the move.

Some businesses may also be eligible for certain actual costs incidental to re-establishing their businesses.

Instead of payment for moving expenses, some business owners may be eligible to receive a payment based on the average annual net earnings of the business. If the business meets the qualifications, this payment shall not be less than $1,000.00 nor more than $40,000.00.

Moving payment information for businesses may be found beginning on Page 22 of the Acquisition of Right of Way and Relocation Assistance Program brochure.

Displaced businesses, farms, and non-profit organizations may be paid the actual, reasonable expenses of moving, together with certain eligible costs incidental to the move. Some businesses may also be eligible for certain actual costs incidental to re-establishing their businesses. Instead of payment for moving expenses, some business owners may be eligible to receive a payment based on the average annual net earnings of the business. If the business meets the qualifications, this payment shall not be less than $1,000.00 or more than $20,000.00. Moving payment information for businesses may be found beginning on Page 22 of the brochure.

22REPLACEMENT HOUSING PAYMENTSReplacement housing payments are also available to qualifying owners and tenants:Must occupy property at start of negotiationsMust have been there at least 90 daysMust move into decent, safe, and sanitary replacement housing

The amount of your maximum supplemental payment will be given to you in writing. Additional requirements and payment limits may be found beginning on Page 14 of the Acquisition of Right of Way and Relocation Assistance Program brochure.

Certain owners and tenants not in occupancy for at least 90 days or who become occupants after negotiations have started may qualify for replacement housing payments:Must have been in occupancy at the time the property was acquired by LDOTDMust move into decent, safe, and sanitary replacement housing

Replacement housing payments are also available to qualifying owners and tenants. Three of the basic requirements are as follows: first, you must be occupying the property at the start of negotiations; second, you must have been there at least 90 days; and third, you must move into decent, safe, and sanitary replacement housing. The amount of your maximum supplemental payment will be given to you in writing. Additional requirements and payment limits may be found beginning on Page 14 of the brochure.Certain owners and tenants not in occupancy for at least 90 days or who become occupants after negotiations have started may qualify for replacement housing payments. Two of the basic requirements are that you must have been in occupancy at the time the property was acquired by the Department and you must move into decent, safe, and sanitary replacement housing.

23RIGHT TO APPEALApplicants for a relocation payment have the right to appeal the LDOTD's determination of their eligibility for payment and/or the amount of payment.Appeals must be submitted to the Right of Way Regional Manager within 60 days after the applicant has been notified that his claim has not been approved. Final decisions on eligibility and payments will be made by the LDOTD's Real Estate Administrator in Baton Rouge. Additional information on appeals may be found on Page 26 of the Acquisition of Right of Way and Relocation Assistance Program brochure.

24Applicants for a relocation payment have the right to appeal the Departments determination of their eligibility for payment and/or the amount of payment. Appeals must be submitted to the Right of Way Regional Manager or Right of Way Consultant Project Manager within 60 days after the applicant has been notified that his claim has not been approved. Final decisions on eligibility and payments will be made by the Departments Real Estate Administrator in Baton Rouge. Additional information on appeals may be found on Page 26 of the brochure.OTHER TERMS and CONDITIONSTo the greatest extent practicable, no person lawfully occupying real property shall be required to move without at least 90 days written notice from LDOTD.

The notice will indicate the specific date the property must be vacated.

No person lawfully occupying a dwelling will be required to move unless, and until, comparable, decent, safe and sanitary replacement housing is made available within the general area of the project.

The replacement housing must be available within a reasonable time prior to the scheduled move of the occupants, and must be within the occupants' financial means.

Replacement housing must be fair, open, and offered to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

To the greatest extent practicable, no person lawfully occupying real property shall be required to move without at least 90 days written notice from the Department. The notice will indicate the specific date the property must be vacated. No person lawfully occupying a dwelling will be required to move unless, and until, comparable, decent, safe, and sanitary replacement housing is made available within the general area of the project. The replacement housing must be available within a reasonable time prior to the schedules move of the occupants, and must be within the occupants financial means. Replacement housing must be fair, open, and offered to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

25Prior to negotiating for purchase of your property, a District Real Estate Specialist will personally contact and interview all persons who will be required to relocate. The benefits will be explained and a determination made of individual needs and intentions for relocating.

A SPECIAL WORD OF CAUTION Before moving or purchasing replacement housing, contact LDOTD to assure your eligibility and the prompt payment of your relocation benefits. If you move without prior notification to LDOTD, you risk losing all possible benefits provided by the Relocation Assistance Program. OTHER TERMS and CONDITIONS

Prior to the negotiating for purchase of your property, a Representative of the Department will personally contact and interview all persons who will be required to relocate. The benefits will be explained and a determination made of individual needs and intentions for relocating.

A SPECIAL WORD OF CAUTION Relocation benefits cannot be paid until the property is acquired by the Department. Before moving or purchasing replacement housing, contact the Department to assure your eligibility and the prompt payment of your relocation benefits. If you move or purchase replacement housing without prior notification to the Department, you risk losing all possible benefits provided by the Relocation Assistance Program.

26BECAUSE. Community concerns and preferences are factors that are considered. All comments must be considered in the Supplemental Environmental Assessment. We need to know if there are any remaining resolvable issues or opportunities with the project as proposed.

WHY COMMENT ?Comments received tonight or post-marked by October 23, 2015 will be part of the official transcript of this public hearing.

Thank you for your interest in tonights hearing. If you wish to make a comment, verbal or written, please see a staff member at the Comment Table. Comment forms are provided as the last page of your meeting handout.

Your comments are important because community concerns and preferences are factors that are considered in the Supplemental Environmental Assessment being prepared for this project. We need to know if there are any issues or opportunities with the project as proposed.

Comments received tonight or post-marked by October 23, 2015 will be part of the official transcript of this public hearing.

27

Thank you for your time.Please visit the remaining stations to view the exhibits and provide your comments.This is the end of the presentation.

Thank you for your time.Please visit the remaining stations to view the exhibits and provide your comments.This is the end of the presentation.