Monroe Connector/Bypass
Draft EIS & Information
Comment period closed 15, 2009
General Information
Citizens Summary
The Citizens Summary is a brief summary highlighting the major topics discussed in detail in the Draft EIS. Printable Version
Upcoming Public Involvement Meetings
Turnpike Authority to Hold Open Houses and Public Hearings May 18-21 For Monroe Connector/Bypass
Travel Diagram - I-485 Interchange Option
Travel Diagram - US 74 Frontage Road Option
Pre-Hearing Open House and Public Hearing Presentation (ZIP)
Timeline| Draft Environmental Impact Statement | Completed |
| Final Environmental Impact Statement | 1st Quarter 2010 |
| Record of Decision | 2nd Quarter 2010 |
| Project Open to Traffic | 2013 |
Draft EIS March 2009 (by Section)
Errata and Revisions to the Draft EIS (May 6, 2009)
Preface & Preface Figures
This Preface provides background on the National Environmental Policy Act, explains how the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) will be used in the decisions made about the project, and describes the organization of this Draft EIS.
Special Project Commitments
This “GREEN SHEET” identifies the special project commitments made to avoid, minimize, or mitigate project impacts beyond those required to comply with applicable federal and state requirements and regulations.
Section 1 – Purpose and Need for Action & Section 1 Figures
Section 1 summarizes the Statement of Purpose and Need for the project and why the proposed action is needed. Supporting information includes the project setting, a description of the existing roadway network and how it operates now and in the future, project history, relationships with other transportation modes, social and economic conditions, and area transportation and land use plans.
Section 2 – Alternatives Considered & Section 2 Figures
Section 2 explains how project alternatives were developed and evaluated to determine the Detailed Study Alternatives (DSAs). The functional roadway designs for the DSAs are described in Section 2.5.1. The Recommended Alternative is presented in Section 2.8.
Section 3 – Human Environment & Section 3 Figures
Section 3 summarizes the potential effects to the human environment, including socio-economic resources, neighborhoods and community resources, and land use and transportation planning. Project impacts addressed in this section are based on the functional engineering designs for the Detailed Study Alternatives.
Section 4 – Physical Environment & Section 4 Figures
Section 4 discusses the physical environment including potential impacts related to noise, air quality, farmlands, infrastructure and utilities, visual resources, hazardous materials, and floodplains and floodways. Each section presents the affected environment, as well as the potential impacts to the environment as a result of the proposed improvements.
Section 5 – Cultural Resources & Section 5 Figures
Section 5 discusses the prehistoric and historic cultural settings of the project study area, the Section 106 process, historic architectural resources, archaeological resources, and Section 4(f) and 6(f) resources. Each subsection presents the affected environment, as well as the potential environmental impacts. A comparative summary of impacts by Detailed Study Alternative is provided at the end of the section.
Section 6 – Natural Environment & Section 6 Figures
Section 6 discusses the natural environment within the project study area, including soils and geology, water resources, biotic communities and wildlife, jurisdictional resources, and protected species. Each subsection presents the affected environment, as well as the potential environmental impacts of the Detailed Study Alternatives.
Section 7 – Indirect & Cumulative Effects & Section 7 Figures
Section 7 describes a qualitative assessment of potential indirect and cumulative land use changes and environmental effects associated with the proposed project. Indirect impacts are identified with respect to land use changes, water resources, terrestrial communities, federally-protected species, cultural resources, and prime farmland soils. Cumulative effects are evaluated for water quality and aquatic habitat, federally-endangered Carolina heelsplitter mussel and its habitat, and terrestrial communities.
Section 8 – Other Impact Considerations
Section 8 discusses the irretrievable and irreversible commitment of resources should the project be constructed, and the relationship between short-term impacts and long-term benefits that would be realized with the proposed action.
Section 9 – Public Involvement & Agency Coordination
Public involvement and environmental resource and regulatory agency coordination are integral to the project development and decision-making process. The North Carolina Turnpike Authority and the Federal Highway Administration coordinated and consulted with numerous federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the general public through a variety of means, as summarized in this section.
Section 10 – List of Preparers
Section 11 – List of Agencies, Organizations, & Persons to Whom Copies of the
Statement are Sent
Section 12 – References
Corridor/Design Public Hearing Maps
| April 2009 | Monroe Overview Map 1 of 2 (west end) |  67MB |
| April 2009 | Monroe Overview Map 2 of 2 (east end) | 38MB |
| April 2009 | Monroe Western Area Map 1 of 2 | 46MB |
| April 2009 | Monroe Western Area Map 2 of 2 | 46MB |
| April 2009 | Monroe Central Area Map 1 of 2 | 51MB |
| April 2009 | Monroe Central Area Map 2 of 2 | 51MB |
| April 2009 | Monroe Eastern Area Map 1 of 4 | 65MB |
| April 2009 | Monroe Eastern Area Map 2 of 4 | 65MB |
| April 2009 | Monroe Eastern Area Map 3 of 4 | 65MB |
| April 2009 | Monroe Eastern Area Map 4 of 4 | 65MB |
Draft EIS Supporting Documents