Supplemental Information for a Finding of Effect Route 1 Highway Rehabilitation

East Machias 19198.00

Supplemental Supporting Information for a Finding of Effect Project: East Machias 19198.00 Scope: Highway Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Finding of Effect: No Adverse Effect Purpose and Need The purpose of the project is to correct drainage deficiencies of the roadway as well as improve safety including sightlines. The need to correct drainage is due to the ca. 1938 “bathtub” design. This design results in inadequate drainage from the subbase, leading to rutting and heaving since construction. Shallow ledge exacerbates the deficiency. Additionally, guardrail in the corridor is past its service life and is failing. Proposed Action The proposed effort consists of full depth reconstruction in the eastern half and rehabilitation in the western half. Reconstruction will included horizontal and vertical realignments. Intersections with side roads are proposed to accommodate turning movements and increase sight distance. Efforts to improve drainage will include the following: ditching, cross culverts, drive culverts, and sections of closed drainage. Additionally, guardrail will be upgraded in places where the existing is failing. Granite curbing will installed within the historic district. Federal Action Federal funding. Definition of Area of Potential Effect (APE) The proposed project is located in East Machias. The map below shows the APE.

Supplemental Information for a Finding of Effect Route 1 Highway Rehabilitation

East Machias 19198.00

Figure 1. East Machias 19198.00 Area of Potential Effect

Supplemental Information for a Finding of Effect Route 1 Highway Rehabilitation

East Machias 19198.00

Historic Properties The proposed project is located in East Machias. The following descriptions of historic properties found within the project area are based on Maine Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC) survey forms and a National Register of Historic Places nomination. East Machias Historic District (Various Owners, 00+00 to 16+50) National Register-listed Criteria A & C; Architecture, Commerce, Education, Industry, and Religion At the time of its listing in 1973 the East Machias Historic District was comprised of the area south from (and including) Pope Bridge to High Street (historic name). It included the East River and the properties between the river’s eastern bank and a boundary set by the eastern edge of the First Congregational Church’s cemetery. The survey effort for this project expanded the boundary approximately 800’ east on Route 1 from Pope Bridge. The nomination notes the district is significant for its “history as a shipbuilding and lumbering center for eastern Maine and the many fine building that were constructed” during the period of significance. Additionally, the district is noted for its association with citizens active during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. The district’s period of significance is ca. 1750 to ca. 1875. Pope Bridge #2682 (MaineDOT, 00+00) National Register-listed – Contributing Resource National Register-eligible – Individual Resource The Pope Bridge, constructed in 1902, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource to the East Machias Historic District. It was also determined individually eligible for listing under Criterion C for its statewide significance in Engineering as the oldest example of reinforced concrete deck arch bridge, introducing the technology into the state. It also holds local significance under Criterion A for its association with the Pope Lumber Company. The Pope family was key in the area’s economic and transportation development. The bridge’s period of significance is 1902. Archeological Resources There are no archaeological resources in the project area. Impacts to Property The following addresses potential impacts to properties as a result of the proposed action. East Machias Historic District (Various Owners, 00+00 to 16+50) The proposed action would result in No Adverse Effect to the East Machias Historic District. The historic district overlaps with the section of the project which would be reconstructed; however, work will be located in only a small area of the district and one with nearly as many non-contributing resources as contributing. Horizontal realignments in this area will be kept to no more than 2’ of current center line of road. Current bituminous curbing will be replaced with granite curbing. Open ditching will be rehabilitated and installed between Station 11+75R – 13+50R. Drainage improvements at 13+40 will require minimal grading and the area will be loamed and seeded. These changes constitute minimal

Supplemental Information for a Finding of Effect Route 1 Highway Rehabilitation

East Machias 19198.00

changes to the district’s integrity of setting and feeling. Curbing at Station 16+00L will extend into the driveway to provide a more gradual transition from the roadway and to reduce grading impacts to the front lawn and prevent exposing the house’s foundation. This curbing will be granite. This work is adjacent to a non-contributing building. It will have no physical impacts on the contributing barn located behind the house at that station.

Pope Bridge #2682 (MaineDOT, 00+00) There would be No Effect to Pope Bridge as the project will only tie in the new pavement at the eastern edge of the bridge and remains outside the official project area.

Archaeological Resources No archaeological properties would be affected by the proposed undertaking.

Avoidance and Minimization Efforts The proposed action avoids any physical impacts to the East Machias Historic District’s contributing resources. The proposed work would not place any new materials within the historic district and instead would replace materials in-kind. Metal guardrail will only be placed in front of non-contributing resources. Wood rail will be replaced in-kind and no other guardrail is anticipated to be installed. Granite curbing will be used in place of bituminous. Trees and vegetation between Station 14+50L – 15+50L have been saved through minimization efforts. A mature rose bush located at Station 14+90R will be saved and trimming will be kept to a minimum.

Dismissed Alternatives No Build The No Build alternative takes no action and does not meet the

purpose and need of the project and was therefore removed from further consideration.

Proposed Materials Hot mix asphalt, bituminous curbing, and guardrail.

Plans East Machias, Washington County, Route 1 AC STP-1919(800)X, MaineDOT, August 2017.

Attachments Art Spiess, MHPC, to Megan Hopkin, MaineDOT, September 6, 2013. Kirk F. Mohney, MHPC, to Megan Hopkin, MaineDOT, September 19, 2013.

East Machias Historic District

Existing Right-of-Way Cut/Fill Lines

East Machias Historic DistrictEnds at Station 16+50

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