AG 2008 08 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Eastern Bypass,: to be located in the northern section of the study area, was discussed as a part of the study. This proposed Facility, generally follows a path extending from NC 49 along Crestmont Drive, north to Penninger Road, eventually extending to I-85. Although the Cabarrus-Rowan Metropolitan Planning Qrganization (CRMPO) is currently in the processing of completing the five-year update to its Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), this proposed roadway appears on the adopted 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan. The origin of the project is uncertain; however, the location ofthis roadway could play an importantrole in creating access opportunities for much of the northern portion of the study area while enhancing area- wide mobility. This proposed roadway would pass through an area primarily designated for rural preservation. As a result, some members ofthe pttblic expressed a desire to have the project relocated or removed from the plan. Some even suggested the potential to improve existing Branchview Road as an alternative to the. constructing the bypass: However, Branchview Road is widely developed with a mix of uses with buildings located near the street, frequent driveways and is constrained for future widening by the existing creek parallel to the roadway. As a result, making the necessary improvements to Branchview Road is likely cost prohibitive and difficulties with permitting make this an unlikely candidate. Irish Potato Road was also offered by some as a potential alternative. Located east of the current bypass aligtunent and within proximity to an existing interchange with I-85, this corridor presents fewer constraints. However, this is also a roadway that was clearly communicated as "one worth preserving." Irish Potato-road is the quintessential rural two lane-road with numerous viewsheds, reminiscent of many scenic highways in North Carolina. However, it was clear most question the need for any -type of bypass facility. Removing the bypass from the LRTP is not an easy task. Cabarrus County and the Charlotte region are currently innon-attainment status, violating the EPA's 8-hour owne standard for air quality.. This standard was established by the EPA through the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Areas designated as non- .attainment are required to perform. air quality modeling analyses in order to gain appeoval of their long range transportation plans. Additionally, if $ project is added to or removed from the long-range plan, a conformity analysis will have to be undertaken by the MPO. (Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the withholding of federal funds for transportation in the region). Likewise, member jurisdictions are expected to protect and promote the implementation of transportation facilities identified on the plan. This: is often done'through proactive planning and the reservation ofright-of--way as development occurs. These facts make erasingthis project more complicated than simply building local consensus.. [f the community is interested inchallenging the need for the proposed bypass, Cabarrus County as a member of the MPO may request that the comdor be considered for removal during the regular-updates to the LRTP and during the conformity determinations for the region. A formal request should generate an analysis of the transportation network with and without the proposed bypass. If the MPO can reasonably demonstrate conformity with the removal of said project and