Methuen Rotary Project Meeting Summary: March 24, 2009; 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Merrimack Valley Methuen Branch YMCA

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1 Methuen Rotary Project Meeting Summary: March 24, 2009; 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Merrimack Valley Methuen Branch YMCA Advisory Committee Attendees Brian Ackley, Tetra Tech Rizzo John Gregg, MassHighway District 4 Kathy Boyd, Severance Trucking Justin Howard, NMCOG Rep. Linda Dean-Campbell LouAnn Jendro, office of Rep. Colleen Garry Wil Carpenter, MV Chamber Tony Komornick, Merrimack Valley RPC Darren Conboy, Jacobs Karen Lu, office of Sen. Sue Tucker Joe Costanzo, Merrimack Valley RTA John McCullough, resident Phil DeCologero, office of Rep. L Italien Steve McKallagat, resident Ken Deshais, Tetra Tech Rizzo Anne McKinnon, Jacobs Dennis DiZoglio, Merrimack Valley RPC E. Ryan McNeill, MassHighway Glen Edwards, Dracut planner/asst. TM Jeanne Pappalardo, Methuen City Council Brian Fallon, MassHighway District 4 Colie Ryan, resident Joe Friedman, Brooks Properties Karen Sawyer, Methuen Econ Dev Director Joe Giarrusso, Methuen Conserv. Agent Stanley Wood, MassHighway Other Attendees Jack Burke, resident Barbara Grondine, resident Welcome and introductions Anne McKinnon, Jacobs, lead consultant for MassHighway, led introductions. Per MassHighway policy, advisory committee meetings are open to the public who are free to comment after the agenda items. Notes are taken and a summary distributed to committee members and attendees. McKinnon noted that the ground rules for participation were posted on the wall for reference. She reviewed the meeting handouts: agenda, description of the Wetlands Protection Act and wetlands and the Methuen Rotary Project; sample table of contents for a Draft Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Report; working list of permits for the Project; Ground Rules; updated Advisory Committee roster; and PowerPoint slides. Update on proposed short-term improvements Ryan McNeill, MassHighway project manager, described two short-term improvements proposed in the feasibility study. The proposed northbound off-ramp/bypass has advanced to 25% design. The proposed signal at Rte. 110/, which was not originally going to be advanced, but was added at the urging of members of the Advisory Committee, is also at the 25% design stage. Darren Conboy, Jacobs, said the goal is to design the signal to reuse as much as possible in the long-term project. The two short-term projects will be combined and presented at a 25% Design Public Hearing in the next few months, and the goal is to advertise both projects for construction at the end of FY 2009 (September 30) or early in FY The hearing will be advertised, and we will make sure the Advisory Committee is informed of the date of the hearing so members can notify others. On funding the short-term improvements: Dennis DiZoglio, MVRPC, said last year s $600,000 federal earmark would fund part of the $1.2 million price and safety funds would be sought to make up the remainder. Rep. Linda Dean-Campbell thanked MassHighway for following through on implementing the signal at Rte. 110/. Wetlands Mitigation Ken Deshais, Tetra Tech Rizzo, gave an update on the status of the wetlands mitigation plan. The wetlands boundaries were reviewed and approved by the Methuen Conservation Commission (decision also pending from Army Corps of Engineers), and it was confirmed that the project will impact approximately 78,000 s.f. of

2 wetlands. MassHighway is required to mitigate the loss of these wetlands by replacing them. The goal is to replace the impacted wetlands on site, but the location proposed (loop ramps) was rejected by the Army Corps and the Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) for in-kind wetland mitigation. The team considered 10 offsite locations which led to the former Loosigian Farms property at 18 Lowell Blvd., former greenhouses, rising to the top of the list. The six-acre site appears to be a former wetland, is next to the Merrimack River, has little development potential, and is home to several endangered species, all of which make it a promising location for wetlands replication. Colie Ryan said the property had been sold recently. He said the site was appropriate for the wetlands replication activities as it has been abandoned and neglected for years. McNeill briefly reviewed the mandates MassHighway has for wetlands: DEP requires replicating wetlands at a 2:1 ratio and the Army Corps of Engineers, 4:1. The Corps will credit MassHighway for the stormwater control measures that will be implemented in the loop ramps toward the wetlands mitigation requirement. The team will continue to work with Methuen, DEP, and the Corps on the wetlands mitigation. What is covered in a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) /Environmental Impact Report (EIR)? Deshais reviewed the key components of the combined environmental document (federal, EA, and state, EIR) that will analyze and assessment impacts from the proposed project. A clear and cogent statement of the Purpose of and Need for Action Description and thorough evaluation of a full range of alternatives: No Action (if no project is implemented) and Build Alternatives (2B and 3A) Affected Environment evaluation of impacts to the existing environment Environmental Consequences the probable effects of the alternatives Description of mitigation measures to lessen the impacts Demonstrated compliance and consistency with laws, regulations, and programs Conboy said Alternative 3A is the preferred alternative that came out of the feasibility study, but MassHighway is required in the environmental process to objectively compare alternatives to make sure that the preferred is the best. Alternative 2B will begin to be evaluated along with 3A very soon. Update on Alternatives in Draft EA/EIR-Issues Brian Ackley, Tetra Tech Rizzo, described the status of the interchange design. The plans for Alternative 2B and 3A, developed for the feasibility study, have now been overlaid on the topographic survey to start detailed design. The complete traffic analysis using updated volumes and socio-economic data will be available in April and will round out the information needed to confirm key elements such as the length of stacking lanes, left turn lanes required, etc. The team has proceeded with detailed analysis of a number of key locations. Ackley reviewed the issues at each location. Additional study and discussion will be needed before final plan is developed (see attached graphics). 1. Rte. : Illustrates the approach to modifications on that would accommodate the Add-A-Lane project on. A major goal is to avoid construction work in and over the Merrimack River. 2. Branch Street/No. Lowell Street intersection: Current analysis indicates the right-turn lane to Branch Street is not needed and that coordinated signals will prevent stacking of cars between the proposed Branch Street signal and the proposed signal at the new southbound off-ramp. 3. Rte. SB exit ramp: The proposed southbound off-ramp will be relocated closer to the Valley Office Park parking lot, but not as close as shown on the former feasibility study graphic. The design of the proposed southbound on-ramp in the feasibility study is being adjusted to provide an adequate radius, and the two proposed southbound ramps are moving closer together with retaining walls to minimize impacts to the Valley Office Park parking lot. 4. Lowell Street/Haverhill Street intersection: High volumes traveling to and from necessitate double left-turn lanes on Rte. 110 to Lowell Street eastbound and double right-turn lanes from Lowell Street to Rte. 110 westbound. To avoid impacts on Lowell Street the roadway will quickly taper to its existing configuration before Forest Street. Safety issues preclude driveway access directly to Rte 113 westbound from properties at 387, 379/381, and 377 Lowell St. Alternative access is being evaluated. On Haverhill Street, the new roadway would shift slightly and the driveway to 252 Haverhill St.

3 Methuen Rotary Project Mar. 24, 2009 currently very steep would be impacted by the roadway shifting closer. Ackley noted that a paper street/easement that runs behind 379/381 and 377 Lowell St. off Smith Avenue that possibly could be reconfigured to provide access. 5. Rte. 110/ intersection: Reconfiguration of this intersection includes reversing direction of Bolduc Street, signals, and tightening the geometry. Access to Plaza 466 and 462 Lowell St. (Dunkin Donuts et al.) would be affected. 6. Rte. northbound exit ramp: Illustrates current analysis confirming that separate northbound off-ramp exits meet minimum distance requirements. Discussion: Branch Street signal: Barbara Grondine, resident, opposes the proposed signal at Branch Street. She said the signal would create queues in the peak hours so long on Lowell Street she fears that driveways would be blocked. McNeill said the traffic study due in April will help resolve these issues by showing the effect of a signal at Branch Street combined with rest of the interchange improvements on Lowell Street queues. He said the project as a whole will make improvements throughout the project area, and a goal is to eliminate existing bottlenecks such as that on Lowell Street. Jack Burke, resident, asked when the traffic counts were taken the current recession could affect the numbers. Conboy said the counts were taken in early fall, and when compared to the previous data, the counts were consistent. The new data include origin-destination information that trace where vehicles entering the Rotary exit, and the traffic model will include a growth factor out to Colie Ryan said the proposed Branch Street signal will be a safety benefit and that traffic backs up to Dracut anyway. Grondine said the proposed signal would help the Branch Street traffic only and could penalize many others. Colie Ryan said he looks forward to the results of the traffic study, and DiZoglio requested that consultant Sudhir Murthy demonstrate the projected intersection operations using computer simulation at the next meeting. Lowell Street/Haverhill Street: There was support for trying to resolve the access issues at 387, 379/381, and 377 Lowell St. through use of the paper street/easement off Smith Avenue to the extent that the existing deed will permit. Deed research has not yet been conducted and will be undertaken when the survey base plan is completed. The property at 252 Haverhill St. with the steep driveway was originally slated to be taken by the developers of the adjacent property for a development project; that project is on hold according to the City. Rte. 110/: John McCullough, resident at the corner of Bolduc and Lowell streets, said Bolduc Street is currently a cut-through from Rte. 110 to Lowell Street and is often used as a two-way street. The street is very narrow and trucks use it as a cut through. Reversing the direction of Bolduc Street will create more of a cut through with more people bailing out of Lowell Street. Colie Ryan said during the feasibility study, it was suggested that the City make Bolduc Street a dead-end. Albert Street and potential cut-through traffic was also raised as an issue to look at. Rte. northbound exit ramp: Kathy Boyd, Severance Trucking, asked how many lanes the northbound off-ramp would be. Conboy said one lane, 22 wide. She said trucks exiting at Exit 46 are often impacted by traffic backed up exiting to River Road in Andover. Conboy said the issue of the lane configuration at the previous interchange will be examined to ensure the new interchange plan is sound. Potential property takings: Wil Carpenter, Merrimack Valley Chamber, asked if the owners and occupants of the three properties expected to be taken for the interchange improvements were aware of the plans. Members of the committee who were part of the feasibility study felt sure that some of them knew, but that more outreach should happen now. Colie Ryan asked when the final alignment would be determined and when eminent domain proceedings would begin. McNeill said the final alignment will be set after the 25% Design Public Hearing and the project address the 25% design comments, late Then, and only then, can the process of property acquisition be started with the owner being contacted by MassHighway s Right of Way Bureau, followed by an appraisal of the property, and an offer (Award of Damage) for the property. 3

4 Methuen Rotary Project Mar. 24, 2009 Other business: Burke said many of the historical markers and Memorial Squares markers in the project area will need to be relocated and requested that an inventory of these markers be prepared. Rep. Dean-Campbell said the results of the traffic study will be key. When is the best time for input now or after the traffic study? McNeill said now; residents and others may contact MassHighway or members of the consultant team by phone or the Advisory Committee Roster distributed to all has contact information. McNeill s is E.RYAN.Mcneill@state.ma.us; phone, McNeill gave an update on the remaining short-term action items recommended in the feasibility study. The Rotary is scheduled for new pavement striping this spring. Several commented that the striping done recently was not effective and possibly worse than previous striping. Boyd suggested striping the existing northbound off-ramp to make it clear it is one lane only. There was a discussion about the need to meet once during the summer months to keep the project moving. Those present agreed to that it is important to meet in July. The next meeting will be May 19 at which the July meeting will be scheduled. The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Action items 1. Present and review the 2030 traffic model with particular attention to the Branch Street/ Lowell Street area, Bolduc and Albert streets, and queues across the Merrimack River Bridge. 2. Provide updates on the access issues at properties at the Lowell Street/Haverhill Street intersection. 3. If available, provide updates on the proposed wetlands mitigation site at former Loosigian Farms. 4. Provide updates on the short-term improvements ( northbound off-ramp/bypass, Rte.110/Riverside Drive signal, and Rotary striping). 5. Next Advisory Committee meeting: Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at 4:30 p.m. at Merrimack Valley YMCA, Methuen Branch, 129 Haverhill St. (former Stephen Barker School) 4

5 Rte. Merrimack River Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 14 No Structural Modifications Structural Modifications Rte. Merrimack River Pier No. 6 Southbound On bound Off Merrimack River Bridge 4 Lanes bound 4 Lanes Southbound Acceleration Lane (SB) Deceleration lane (NB) Accommodates Add-A-Lane Project Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 15 1

6 Branch Street/No. Lowell Street intersection Moody Avenue 21 No. Lowell 13 Branch Albert Street Street Bolduc Street Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 16 Branch Street/No. Lowell Street intersection Moody Avenue 21 Transition Westbound No. Lowell 13 Branch Branch Street Coordinated Traffic Signals Albert Street Street Bolduc Street 14 Transition Eastbound Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 17 2

7 Rte. southbound exit ramp Valley Office Park 13 Branch Street Southbound Off bound On Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 18 Rte. southbound exit ramp Minimize Parking Lot Impact Valley Office Park 13 Branch Street Retaining Walls Southbound Off bound Off Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 19 3

8 Lowell Street/Haverhill Street intersection Smith Ave Lowell Street Rte Forest Street Bearse Gas Station 245 Newport 252 Heather Drive Haverhill Street Rte 110 (to Lawrence) Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 20 Lowell Street/Haverhill Street intersection Smith Ave Lowell Street Rte Forest Street Bearse Driveway Access issues Taper Double Right Turn Double Left Turn Gas Station 245 Newport 252 Heather Drive Haverhill Street Rte 110 (to Lawrence) Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 21 4

9 Rte. 110/ intersection Bolduc Street Rotary Gas Station 467 Rte 110 Plaza Dunkin Donuts 1111 City of Methuen Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 22 Rte. 110/ intersection Bolduc Street Rotary Traffic Direction Reversed Gas Station Rte 110 Plaza Dunkin Donuts Access & Circulation City of Methuen Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 23 5

10 Rte. northbound exit ramp Merrimack River Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 24 Rte. northbound exit ramp Nose-to-Nose Distance Exceeds AASHTO Minimum (1,000 ) Merrimack River Separate Exits Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. 25 6