The existing State Route (SR) 18 bridge over the CSX Railroad consists of two 12-foot travel lanes (one in each direction) and 2-foot paved shoulders. This bridge is 150 feet long by 24 feet wide with a 5-foot wide concrete sidewalk on the north side. The proposed bridge would consist of two 12-foot travel lanes (one lane in each direction) and 8-foot wide shoulders. The proposed bridge would measure 150 feet long by 40 feet wide.
Three alternatives are under consideration for the proposed project. A preferred alternative will be selected based on public input and environmental impacts. Alternative 1 would construct the proposed bridge on a new alignment north of the existing bridge and would require the realignment of SR 18 to allow for two-way traffic operation during construction. Two-way traffic would remain on the existing bridge until construction of the proposed bridge is complete; traffic would then be shifted to the new bridge and the SR 18 alignment and the old bridge structure would be removed.
Alternative 2 would construct the proposed bridge on new alignment just north of the centerline of the existing bridge and would require realignment of SR 18. Traffic would be maintained on the existing bridge while a portion of the new bridge is constructed. Once constructed, the portion of the new bridge would accommodate one-way traffic controlled by a temporary signal, while the old bridge is removed and the remaining construction of the new bridge is completed.
Alternative 3 would construct the new bridge south of the existing bridge and would require the realignment of SR 18. Two-way traffic would be maintained on the existing bridge while the new bridge is constructed. Traffic would then be shifted to the new bridge and the SR 18 alignment and the old bridge structure would be removed.
The total length of the project is .4 mile. The maximum width of the existing right-of-way (ROW) is 100 feet on either side of SR 18 from centerline and the maximum width of the proposed ROW is 250 feet.
Three of the sites (9CE198, 9ME1029, and 9ME1328) are recommended as eligible for inclusion into the NRHP. These sites have either intact features, stratigraphic integrity, potential burials, and/or will enhance the cultural history of the region. Each of these sites need protective measures taken so further disturbances will not deplete their integrity. The portion of Site 9ME 1328 that will be impacted is cleared for construction activities, while the remainder of the site is deemed eligible.
While investigating Site 9CE544, it was found to connect with 9CE2592 to the south. While 9CE544 retains little research potential, 9CE2592 is deemed indeterminate for NRHP listing and the remainder of the site was not shovel tested or investigated further in any way within this Phase II project. As time and funding permits, the rest of 9CE2592 should be tested so as to make an informed recommendation for this now large site. For now, 9CE544/2592 is indeterminate for the NRHP pending further work.
The remaining nine sites are recommended ineligible for inclusion in the NRHP and require no further archaeological investigations. These sites have been destroyed or heavily disturbed by previous land use and natural activities.
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