Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does the SR 28/ US 127Grimsley project have to go through the environmental review process?
- What is the difference between an Environmental Assessment (EA) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
- What alternatives will be studied in the Supplemental Environmental Assessment?
- What other transportation projects are on-going in the SR 28/ US 127 Grimsley project area?
- When will the next public meeting be held?
- What is a Supplemental Environmental Assessment and why is one being prepared for this project?
Why does the SR 28/ US 127 Grimsley project have to go through the environmental review process?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires that projects receiving federal funding or requiring federal actions (e.g., permits) undergo an environmental review process. The project cannot proceed until this requirement has been successfully completed.
What is the difference between an Environmental Assessment and an Environmental Impact Statement
An Environmental Assessment is prepared if it is unknown whether or not a project has the potential to significantly impact environmental resources. If the Environmental Assessment identifies potential significant impacts then an Environmental Impact Statement must be prepared.
The major differences between the two types of documents are the level of detail, required study alternatives, and the procedural process.
What alternatives must be studied in the Supplemental Environmental Assessment?
Based on comments received from the public after the June 2008 Public Meeting and federal and state agency comments on the project, TDOT has decided to carry forward two alternatives for detailed study in the Supplemental Environmental Assessment. These alternatives include the No-Build Alternative and one Build Alternative (Alternative A).
The No-Build Alternative:
- This alternative would leave this portion of SR 28/US 127 as it currently exists, other than the continuation of routine maintenance as needed.
- Serves as a baseline that other alternatives are compared against the other project alternatives.
Build Alternative (Alternative A)
The Build Alternative (Alternative A) utilizes the existing SR 28/US 127 alignment. This alternative would involve widening existing SR 28/US 127 from a two-lane facility to a four-lane divided roadway or a four-lane roadway with a center-turn lane. Presently, SR 28/US 127 consists of two, eleven foot lanes with three to eight foot wide shoulders. The total length of the Build Alternative (Alternative A) is approximately 9.3 miles.
There are three proposed typical sections included within the limits of the Build Alternative::
- From SR 62 (project start) to Little Road the typical section consists of five lanes including two travel lanes per direction and a two-way left-turn lane. This would be an urban section with curb and gutter in 104 feet of right-of-way.
- From Little Road north to Banner Roslin Road the five lane section continues but transitions to a rural section with shoulders and ditches. The right-of-way limits also increase to 150 feet.
- From Banner Roslin Road to Wright Frogge Farm Road (project terminus) the typical section becomes four lanes (two travel lanes per direction) with a 52-foot divided median. The right-of-way limits are 300 feet.
What other transportation projects are on-going in the SR 28/US 127 Grimsley project area?
US 127/SR 28 Improvements from I-40 in Crossville to SR 62 at Clarkrange
When will the next public meeting be held?
A Public Meeting is tentatively scheduled for the Supplemental Environmental Assessment in Spring 2013.
What is a Supplemental Environmental Assessment and why is one being prepared for this project?
A Supplemental Environmental Assessment is prepared to describe the change, explain the reason(s) for the change, and the impacts associated with the proposed design modifications. The Supplemental Environmental Assessment only addresses those changes or new information that establishes the basis for preparing the supplement to the previously approved 2010 Environmental Assessment.
