Watauga County proposed upgrade of US 221/US 321 and NC 105 intersection, federal project no. NHPP-0221(44), WBS no. 50130.1.FS1, STIP no. U-5705 : type I and II ground disturbing categorical exclusion action classification form

DocuSign Envelope ID: 82610964-83A1-464A-A678-DC4134CC0635 Type I and II Ground Disturbing Categorical Exclusion Action Classification Form STIP Project No. _ U-5705 _ WBS Element _ 501 30.1 .FS1 _ Federal Project No. _ NHPP-0221 (44) _ A. Project Description: The project involves the proposed upgrade of the US 221 /US 321 and NC 1 05 intersection in Boone, Watauga County (Figures 1 and 2). The proposed project is included in the 2016-2025 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The project is scheduled for right of way acquisition and construction in state fiscal years 2019 and 2021 , respectively. The following improvements are proposed as a part of this project (Figure 3): • 4-foot concrete median along US 221 /US 321 , US 321 , and NC 1 05 • Additional turn lane capacity • Incorporate bicycle and pedestrian accommodations The roadway will be designed as a Principal Arterial with a 40 mile per hour design speed. B. Description of Need and Purpose: Purpose of project: • Alleviate existing congestion at the US 221 /US 321 and NC 105 intersection • Improve travel conditions at the US 221 /US 321 and NC 105 intersection • Improve access management at the US 221 /US 321 and NC 105 intersection Need for project: Traffic congestion indicates a need for increasing capacity and improving travel and safety enhancements at the US 221 /US 321 and NC 105 intersection. These needs are demonstrated by the following conditions: • Current and future (2040) traffic volumes on portions of US 221/US 321 and NC 105 operate near or over the roadway’s traffic carrying capacity (i.e., level of service [LOS] E). LOS E represents conditions at or near the roadway's capacity. • US 221 /US 321 is identified as a Strategic Transportation Corridor. That is, US 221 /US 321 comprise a network of major transportation facilities and services that are responsible for moving high volumes of people and freight across regions of the state. These corridors also must function at high levels of service to provide for the State’s economic well-being. • Lack of access management along US 221/US 321 and NC 105 in the project study area reduces mobility and creates conflict points. 1