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FUll control of access is proposed in the northwest and <br />southwest quadrants in order to eliminate this problem. <br />(Note: Full control of access in the northeast and sout~east <br />quadrants is also discussed as a "supplementary recommendation" <br />in a subsequent section of this report. ) It should also be <br />noted that full control of access (in the northwest and <br />southwest quadrants) is proposed only in Alternates 2A and <br />2B. Alternates iA and lB do not require right-of-way acquisi- <br />tion in these quadrants. Therefore, the question of whether <br />to obtain full control of access is not applicable. <br /> <br />C. Traffic Detour <br /> <br /> During the constr~ction period, maintenance of traffic <br />at the studied bridge site is necessary, since no reasonable <br />detour routes are available. <br /> <br /> In Alternates lA and lB, a detour structure.would be <br />provided immediately east of the existing bridge at an <br />estimated cost of $169,000. Consideration was given to <br />routing US 601 traffic along the existing ramps with an <br />at-grade crossing of NC 49. The estimated cost of necessary <br />pavement construction and signalization is $16,000. The <br />Traffic. Engineering Branch has determined that an at-grade <br />'intersection is not desirable due to safety considerations, <br />high traffic volumes, and proximity to the bridge construction. <br /> <br /> In Alterhates 2A and 2B, the permanent structure would <br />be constructed in half-sections (slightly west of the existing <br />bridge) so that traffic could be maintained on the existing <br />bridge. <br /> <br />D. Basis For Multi-Lane Facilities <br /> <br /> 1o As mentioned previously, the projected traffic <br />volume on NC 49 is 18,800 VPD. The additional cost of <br />providing four lanes (rather than two) underneath the studied <br />bridge ranges from $95,000 to $141,000 (depending upon <br />alternates compared). <br /> <br /> Provision of an ultimate four-lane divided facility is <br />warranted on the basis of projected traffic volumes. A <br />four-lane divided section exists on NC 49 to the east of the <br />project. Also, several existing bridges on NC 49 were <br />constructed to accommodate an ultimate four-lane divided <br />facility. <br /> <br /> The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, by letter of <br /> July 26, 1984, advised as follows: <br /> <br /> "There are a number of reasons why the County feels the <br /> North Carolina Department of Transportation should consider <br /> a four-lane span over NC 49 at US 601." <br /> <br /> <br />