ONLINE PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE (PIC)€¦ · CENTRE (PIC) Highway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement Ministry of Transportation Class Environmental Assessment G.W.P. 4243-15-00/W.P

ONLINE PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE (PIC)

Highway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

Ministry of Transportation Class Environmental Assessment

G.W.P. 4243-15-00/W.P 4285-15-01

PURPOSEHighway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

The purpose of this Online Public Information Centre (PIC) is

to provide stakeholders and the public with an introduction to

the study and an opportunity to review and comment on the

proposed works, anticipated environmental impacts and

proposed mitigation measures for the replacement of the

underpass and lengthening of the on-ramp lane from the

ONroute Service Centre.

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has retained McIntosh

Perry Consulting Engineers Ltd. (McIntosh Perry) – LEA

Consulting Ltd. (LEA) joint venture to undertake this study.

As part of this Online PIC, you will have a chance to review:

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Project Description

Class Environmental Assessment Process

Existing Conditions (Structural and Environmental)

Evaluation of Alternatives

Technically Preferred Alternative including Traffic Management,

Environmental Impacts and Mitigation, and Enhanced Consultation

Next Steps

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONHighway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

The project is located on Highway 401, 2.8 km east of the

Upper Canada Road interchange on Highway 401 in the

Municipality of South Dundas.

The scope of work includes the preliminary design for the

Nudell Bush Road underpass replacement as well as the

extension of the ONroute Service Centre on-ramp to

westbound Highway 401.

The Nudell Bush Road underpass is a four span concrete

girder structure. The underpass was constructed in 1965 and

was last rehabilitated in 2001. It carries one lane of traffic in

each direction over Highway 401.

The on-ramp to Highway 401 from the ONroute Service Centre

was limited in length due to the pier for the existing Nudell

Bush Road underpass.

The structure was historically referred to as “Farran Point Road Underpass”

by MTO, as Farran Point is located on the St. Lawrence River south-east of

Highway 401.

This project is being carried out in accordance with the approved environmental planning process

for Group ‘B’ projects (major improvements) under the MTO Class Environmental Assessment

(Class EA) for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000).

The purpose of this study is to determine the appropriate strategy for the underpass replacement.

A Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) will be prepared to summarize the

environmental assessment process, including:

• A summary description of the project;

• An outline of the Class EA process;

• A description of significant transportation engineering and environmental issues and how they

have been addressed;

• A description of the Technically Preferred Alternative;

• A summary of stakeholder and public consultation, and

• A detailed description of anticipated environmental effects and recommended mitigation

measures that will be incorporated into the contract documents.

Upon completion, the TESR will be made available for a 30-day public review and comment

period.

CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESSHighway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

Fall 2019 – Notice of Study Commencement

Perform Field Investigations and Review Existing

Conditions

Develop and Evaluate Design and Construction

Staging Alternatives

Identify the Technically Preferred Alternative,

Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Online Public Information Centre

Finalize Technically Preferred Alternative and Prepare

Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR)

Submit TESR for a 30-day Public Review Period

WE ARE HERE

EXISTING STRUCTURAL CONDITIONSHighway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

The structure curb and railing system is

substandard.

The expansion joints are filled with debris and

leaking.

There are cracks, spalls, and delaminated

concrete on the piers and abutments.

There are spalls with exposed rebar, patched

areas, and delaminated concrete on the

girders, diaphragms and soffit.

The preliminary design study is being undertaken

due to the following:

• Nearing the end of its service life (in service for

54 years);

• Substandard vertical clearance resulting in high

load strikes;

• Existing piers within clear zone and not

designed for impact loads;

• Seismic upgrades required to meet current

standards, and

• The existing bridge span configuration will not

accommodate the future highway expansion*

or a standard length ramp lane from the

ONroute.

* Widening of Highway 401 is not included in

this study. A separate Environmental

Assessment for highway expansion is required

for this work.

EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONSHighway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

Natural Environmental Existing Conditions

Vegetation• Vegetation in the study area is a mix of cultural meadow, cultural woodland and

manicured lawn;

• Invasive Phragmites are present along the north side of the Highway 401 westbound

lane;

• No rare plant species or vegetation communities were found in the study area, and

• All trees that are affected by the project works will be identified and a Landscape Plan

will be completed during Detailed Design.

Wildlife and Species at Risk• The study area contains habitat that supports a variety of wildlife species characteristic

of Central Ontario and the Lake Simcoe - Rideau Ecoregion;

• Species at Risk (SAR) that may occur in the study area include bobolink, eastern

meadowlark, eastern wood-pewee, grasshopper sparrow, red-headed woodpecker,

rusty blackbird, wood thrush, eastern milksnake, bat species, butternut and monarch

butterfly, and

• No SAR were observed in the study area and two (2) non-active American robin nests

(migratory bird) were found under the Nudell Bush Road underpass structure during the

2019 field investigations.


Social/Cultural Environmental Existing Conditions

Archaeology

• A Stage 1 Archaeology Assessment has been completed for this project. It has been

determined that a Stage 2 Archaeology Assessment will be required during Detailed

Design.

Cultural Heritage

• Nudell Bush Road underpass on Highway 401 was built in 1965. A Heritage Bridge

Screening Form was completed, and it was determined that the underpass is not a

heritage bridge, and

• No further heritage assessments are required.

Land Use

• The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Official Plan designates these

lands as Rural District which includes farms, forests, small industries, golf courses and

small clusters of residential and commercial development, and

• Several rural residential and farm properties are within 200 m of the underpass. Eight (8)

private properties will be impacted by the proposed work; three (3) of these properties

contain residences. Refer to next slides for proposed property impacts.

United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Official

Plan, Schedule A2

Rural District

Provincially Significant

Wetland (PSW)

Township Boundary

Water Ways

Legend

Nudell Bush

Road Underpass


EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS


EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVESHighway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

The study began with the collection of information through field work and background research to determine the project requirements and

assess existing conditions. The first step in the preliminary design process was to determine the appropriate strategy for the replacement

of the Nudell Bush Road underpass on Highway 401.

Alternatives examined as part of this project include:

1. North Alignment – Replacing the structure on a new alignment north of the existing structure

2. Existing Alignment (Technically Preferred Alternative) – Replacing the structure on the existing alignment

3. Existing Alignment with Accelerated Replacement – Replacing the structure on the existing alignment using accelerated bridge

construction

EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES Highway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

Criteria North Alignment Existing AlignmentExisting Alignment

(Accelerated Replacement)

Environmental × Footprint is widened significantly; moderate

environmental impacts (medium habitat

impacts)

× Requires significant permanent property

acquisition and demolition of outbuilding (high

property impacts)

✓ No Impacts to agricultural operations

✓ Utility relocations required (low utility

impacts)

× Tree removal (high tree impacts)

× High potential for archaeology impacts

✓ Footprint is widened slightly; minimal

environmental impacts (low habitat impacts)

✓ Requires minimal property acquisition and

temporary limited interest for grading (low

property impacts)

× Impacts to agricultural operations

× Utility relocations required (high utility

impacts)

✓ Tree removal (low tree impacts)

✓ Low potential for archaeology impacts

✓ Footprint is widened slightly; minimal

environmental impacts (low habitat impacts)

✓ Requires minimal property acquisition and

temporary limited interest for grading (low

property impacts)

× Impacts to agricultural operations


impacts)

✓ Tree removal (low tree impacts)

✓ Low potential for archaeological impacts

Transportation ✓ Maintains two lanes of traffic at all times

✓ Minimal disruption to traffic

× Full closure of Nudell Bush Road for fall

construction season plus one full

construction season the following year

× ~13.9 km detour route (increased travel time)

× Full closure of Nudell Bush Road for

shorter duration

× ~13.9 km detour route (increased travel

time)

✓ Reduces traffic impacts - duration of time

that a detour is required is reduced

Highway 401 Closure Requirement ✓ 2-3 nightly full closures of Hwy 401 for

demolition

✓ Isolated rolling closures for girder

placement

✓ 2-3 nightly full closures of Hwy 401 for

demolition

✓ Isolated rolling closures for girder

placement

✓ 2-3 nightly full closures of Hwy 401 for

demolition and placement of new

prefabricated structure

Construction × Longest construction duration – 2

construction seasons required

✓ Utility relocations required (low utility

impacts)

✓ Simple construction

✓ Shorter construction duration - 1 ½

construction seasons required


impacts)

✓ Simple construction

✓ Shortest construction duration –1

construction season required


impacts)

× Complex construction

Safety × Moderate construction zone risks with traffic

adjacent to work zone (decreased worker

safety)

✓ Minimal construction zone risks as road is

closed and traffic is detoured (increased

worker safety)

✓ Minimal construction zone risks as road is

closed and traffic is detoured (increased

worker safety)

Cost × Higher cost (due to new embankment,

property acquisition)

✓ Lower cost × Higher cost (due to complex construction)

EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES -NORTH ALIGNMENTHighway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES- EXISTING ALIGNMENT (TECHNICALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE)


TECHNICALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE -EXISTING ALIGNMENTHighway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

The technically preferred preliminary design alternative is replacement with a skewed slab on a steel box girder structure on the existing alignment

and will include:

• The new structure will accommodate one lane of traffic in each direction;

• The minimum vertical clearance has been increased to 5.3 m to allow for future highway expansion (A separate Environmental Assessment for

future highway expansion would be completed at a later date);

• Full closure of Nudell Bush Road with detour beginning in the Fall of Year 1 continuing for one full construction season until the Fall of Year 2;

• Two to three full closures on Friday and Saturday nights of Highway 401 with detour to facilitate the structure demolition and erection;

• Relocation of utility poles and pedestals on south and north approaches to accommodate the new embankment and ditches;

• Temporary Limited Interest (TLI) or permanent property acquisition required for drainage improvements and new embankment footprint, and

• Closure and relocation of existing residential entrance east of the structure.

The key benefits of the technically preferred alternative are:

• Eliminates horizontal alignment shift and further environmental impacts;

• Shorter construction period compared to north alignment option;

• Minimizes property and entrance impacts;

• Reduces embankment reconstruction requirements;

• Minimizes construction zone risks as traffic is detoured, and

• Lower capital construction costs.

TECHNICALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE -EXISTING ALIGNMENTHighway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

TECHNICALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE -EXISTING ALIGNMENT


TECHNICALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE–DETOUR ROUTE FOR NUDELL BUSH ROAD


• The Nudell Bush Road detour will be in place during the entire duration of construction beginning in the Fall continuing for one full construction season the following year;

• The detour route uses Nudell Bush Road (North and South of the underpass), Anderson Road, Aultsville Road, County Road 2 and Upper Canada Road, and

• Drivers are expected to travel a maximum of 13.9 km during the length of construction, adding an estimated 13 minutes to their drive.

• The Highway 401 detour will be in place for two to three closures on Friday and Saturday nights. The closures are required to facilitate the structure demolition and erection;

• One direction of Highway 401 will be closed and detoured at a time;

• Paid duty officers will be on site to manage traffic during the 401 closures;

• Fifteen-minute rolling closures of Highway 401 will be required for girder placement (no detouring);

• Detour route will involve three main roads; Upper Canada Road, County Road 2, and Dickinson Drive, and

• Drivers are expected to travel a maximum of 4.5 km during the full closure of Highway 401, adding an estimated 10 minutes to their drive.

TECHNICALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE -DETOUR ROUTE FORFULL CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY 401


Noise

There may be elevated noise levels during construction, including night

work, for the demolition and erection of the structure.

• No municipal bylaw exemption will be required but all reasonable

attempts will be made to work within local bylaws. Where this is not

feasible, MTO will work within the spirit of the local bylaw, including

undertaking all reasonable mitigation measures such as:

• The Contractor will be required to maintain equipment in good

operating condition to prevent unnecessary noise, and to

minimize idling of equipment.

TECHNICALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MIT IGATION


Wildlife & Vegetation

Wildlife and vegetation may be disturbed during construction.

• No clearing of vegetation will take place from May 1 to September 5

to protect nesting migratory birds;

• Nesting prevention measures (i.e. netting) will be installed on the

underpass before May 1, if required;

• Targeted SAR surveys will be completed during Detailed Design for

habitat impact and appropriate mitigation measures will be included

in the Contract Documents, if required;

• Exposed soils will be re-vegetated with native species, and

• All trees that are affected by the project works will be identified and a

Landscape Plan will be completed during Detailed Design, and

• Should any SAR be encountered at any time in the construction

area, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will be

consulted.

Utilities

Utilities are present in the area of the underpass and relocation is

required.

• Overhead and underground utilities will be permanently relocated as

required.

Socio-Economic

Impacts to private properties are anticipated.

• Temporary Limited Interest (TLI) or permanent property acquisition

would be required for grading works (8 private properties impacted), and

• Existing residential/farm entrance east of the structure on the south side

of Nudell Bush Road would require relocation.

Waste Management & Contamination

Waste, excess materials (including salt impacted soil) and emissions

have the potential to contaminate the surrounding environment if not

managed properly.

• Excess materials will be managed in accordance with provincial

standards, and

• The Contractor will be responsible for controlling the emission of

dust and other pollutants and preventing them from leaving the work

site.

TECHNICALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MIT IGATION


Traffic Operations & Access

Full closure of Nudell Bush Road at Highway 401 is recommended

during construction, as well as night closures of Highway 401 during

demolition and lifting of girders.

• The Nudell Bush Road detour will be in place during the entire

duration of construction beginning in the Fall continuing for one full

construction season the following year;

• The Highway 401 detour will be in place for two to three closures on

Friday and Saturday nights. The closures are required to facilitate

the structure demolition and erection;

• One direction of Highway 401 will be closed and detoured at a time;

• The planned Highway 401 full closures will be coordinated with the

local Municipalities to minimize impacts to tourist traffic, and

• Paid duty officers will be on site to manage traffic during the 401

closures.

Archaeology & Cultural Heritage

There is potential to uncover archaeological resources during

construction.

• A Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment will be completed during

Detailed Design;

• In the event that deeply buried archaeological deposits are

discovered in the course of construction, the Ministry of Heritage,

Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries shall be notified immediately;

• In the event that human remains are encountered during

construction, the Cemeteries Regulation Unit of the Ministry of

Consumer Services shall be notified by the coroner, and

• Consultation with Indigenous Communities will be undertaken if

burial remains or artifacts are discovered.

The following enhanced consultation has previously occurred:

• July 3, 2019 stakeholder meeting with South Dundas and South Stormont Municipalities;

• October 23, 2019 stakeholder meetings with the Ingleside ONroute Service Centre and adjacent property owner (in regards to

entrance relocation impacts);

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS), OPP, school transportation, and fire were contacted to discuss any concerns.

• Advance notice will be provided to these stakeholders of construction start and road closure timing, and

• A public access defibrillator and first aid station will be provided for the duration of construction (between the CN rail corridor

and Highway 401).

TECHNICALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE – ENHANCED CONSULTATION


NEXT STEPSHighway 401 Nudell Bush Road Underpass Replacement

Following this Online PIC, the next steps will include:

• Reviewing and responding to comments received;

• Refining the Technically Preferred Alternative;

• Preparing a Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) for public review;

• Endorsement of the preferred alternative by MTO team, then

• A Structural Design Report will be completed to summarize the proposed alternative to be carried into Detailed Design.

Thank you for participating in the Online PIC. We welcome your comments. Information is being collected in accordance with the

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the

public record. If you have accessibility requirements in order to participate in this project, please contact the undersigned.

I F Y O U W O U L D L I K E M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , P L E AS E C O N TAC T :

Ms. Laura Donaldson, P.Eng.

Project Manager (McIntosh Perry)

Phone: 343-344-2635 (direct) / 1-888-348-8991 (toll-free)

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 613-524-7583

Mr. Peter Fraser, P.Eng.

MTO Senior Project Engineer

Phone: 613-544-2220 ext. 4191 (direct) / 1-800-267-0295 (toll-free)

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 613-540-5106

Des renseignements sont disponibles en français

M. Patrick Leblanc, P. Eng.

Ingénieur en Environnement

Téléphone: 613-714-4586 (direct) / 1-888-348-8991 (sans frais)

Courriel: [email protected]

Fax: 613-836-3742

Please submit any questions or comments to the contacts listed above or here by

January 31, 2020

www.401bridgeimprovements.com

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.401bridgeimprovements.com/