Historic & Environmental Preservation - Mitigation Measures
The Ohio River Bridges Project is required to minimize the project's impact on the region's historic and environmental resources. The Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), (an attachment to the Record of Decision) a document prepared through careful research and planning, guides archaeologists, preservation and project officials as they work to ensure the Bridges Project follows preservation requirements. Some key mitigation measures include:
- Roadway lighting - Roadway lighting that may be seen from historic properties will be designed and constructed to minimize light dispersion outside the highway rights-of-way.
- Noise abatement - Noise impacts on nearby historic properties will be minimized using effective state-of-the-art methods and systems, such as innovative pavement designs; bridge decks and joints; berms; noise barriers; and landscaping.
- Streetscape improvements - Improvements such as landscaping, tree plantings, ornamental street lighting, fencing, curbing or pavements will be context-sensitive, and will be designed in consultation with the Kentucky and Indiana State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO).
- Blasting and vibration - The Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will ensure that construction blasting plans include measures to avoid damage to historic properties.
- Timing of construction activities - Construction activities will be limited to specific time periods, and will avoid weekends and holidays whenever possible.
- Context-sensitive solutions - Structures and project elements will be designed and constructed with sensitivity to aesthetic values and historic landscapes and context.
- Historic Preservation Easements - Permanent preservation easements will be purchased where required by the MOA.
- No-Work Zones - "No-Work zones" will be established within the National Historic Register boundaries of historic properties on National Register of Historic Properties, as required by the MOA.
Other mitigation measures will focus on avoiding impacts to endangered species and preserving wetlands; park resources; maintaining erosion control; mitigating air and water pollution; and implementing efforts to re-vegetating woody areas impacted by the project.