A planning approach for a challenging, complex mountain road
Corridor K is part of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) through western North Carolina. Mountains and rich natural and cultural resources present numerous design challenges. Given these factors, Corridor K is among the last ADHS corridors to be completed—but it’s very much needed as the current roadway network is limited to steep, curvy, two-lane roads through areas prone to frequent rockslides.
We supported development of a new, integrated planning approach that focused on local engagement and meaningful collaboration with the public, environmental stakeholders, and agency staff, while aligning with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other regulations. The result? A context-sensitive design that reduces environmental impacts over previous proposals and provides a process for Tribal and agency oversight in the construction phase. The design also includes a land bridge to facilitate wildlife movement and reduce visual impacts seen from the Appalachian Trail. Our coordinated planning approach streamlined identification of the preferred alternative within fifteen months after initiating formal NEPA studies. Interagency coordination and the entire NEPA documentation process was completed within a two-year timeframe.
Our design helped improve ADHS Corridor K, one of the most complex transportation projects in the southeast United States.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- North Carolina DOT
- Award
- NAEP Award for Environmental Management, Stewardship, Conservation, and Protection, 2021
Amy Sackaroff, Principal, Sector Leader Infrastructure, Environmental Services (US East)
Whether it’s project delivery, team building, or crafting a winning proposal, I aim to be the catalyst that moves us to the next level.
Melissa Ruiz, Associate, Environmental Services
My job revolves around surface water – where it comes from and where it goes, if it’s polluted, how we can clean it up, and how we can protect it.
Amber Coleman, Associate, Water
Everything we do as scientists is based on methodological evaluation and the ability to convey those findings to others.
Andrea Dvorak-Grantz, Principal
Through collaboration, communication and responsiveness to scope, schedule and budget, we consistently create high-quality products that meet our client’s needs.
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