126.1 Location Study Preparation

How Does MoDOT Evaluate the Range of Alternatives?

To narrow the preliminary range to a reasonable range of alignments, MoDOT evaluates public input and technical, cultural and environmental data.

Public Input Comments submitted from the public Coordination with local, state and federal agencies Engineering Considerations New alignment length Number of creek/stream crossings Travel time Number of bridges/river crossings Accident rating Ruggedness of terrain rating Constructability rating Local road access points Right of Way Impacts Parcels impacted Displacements Residential impacts New right of way Commercial impacts Existing right of way Environmental Impacts Impact to communities Recreational use facilities, privately owned Parklands Threatened and endangered species Wetlands Hazardous waste locations Floodplain Other publicly noted (potential) envoronmental constraints Airports Cultural Resources Impacts Cemeteries Registered historic properties (NRHP) Other publicly noted (potential) cultural constraints

The Location Study (LS) consists of two parts: the Purpose and Need (P&N) and the Alternatives Analysis. The preliminary P&N is developed early in the study, prior to holding a prelocation study meeting with public and agency input (SAFETEA - LU Section 6002 specifically addresses these requirements). MoDOT and FHWA can modify the P&N over the life of the project. The Alternatives Analysis section is prepared with public and agency input following the prelocation study meeting and is combined with the P&N to form the LS. The district submits the LS to the liaison engineer (with a copy to the environmental section) in Design. All information developed for the LS must consider the environmental constraints identified during scoping prior to the prelocation study meeting as well as all subsequent substantive information developed or received. The district submits the LS to the liaision engineer in the Design Division.

126.1.1 Preliminary Information Needed

Upon initiation of a LS, the district submits two copies of a written request for environmental services to the Design Division requesting preliminary screening and early constraint identification for a specified study area. The district will define the study area limits, in coordination with the environmental section of the Design Division, including logical termini, that should be large enough to accommodate the possible range of alternatives which could be considered throughout the study. The necessary study area will be unique to each project and will vary in size based on length of the project, scope of possible improvement, the identified needs and the known physical constraints. The study area is drawn on aerial mosaics and/or USGS quadrangle maps and labeled "Study Area Limits". Two copies of the maps should be submitted with the RES. Environmental and historic preservation specialists will use these maps to research and screen the area for known environmental and cultural constraints. This information will be returned to the district for use in the location study and for use at the prelocation study meeting and the agency scoping meeting. This information is requested at least 2 months prior to the desired date for the prelocation study meeting or the agency scoping meeting, to allow ample time for the screening and constraint identification to be completed.

126.1.2 Consultant Prepared Location Study

In the event the district does not believe they have adequate staff to prepare the LS, the district will submit a draft P&N document to the Design Division as part of the documentation used to support the need for additional professional services. If necessary, Design will submit the draft P&N document to the FHWA for review and comment prior to accepting the draft P&N. Once accepted by the Design Division, the documentation to justify the need for additional professional services will be submitted to the Professional Services Committee for their concurrence. After concurrence of the Professional Services Committee, the procedures set out for consultant selection and contract implementation will be followed for the solicitation and selection of the consultant. As part of the LS preparation (and throughout the course of the project), the draft P&N may be modified and/or updated as additional information is known.