transportation project report...this final design report/final environmental impact statement...

Transportation Project Report Final Design Report / Final Environmental Impact Statement AUGUST 2019

Van Wyck Expressway Capacity and Access Improvements to JFK Airport Project

Project Identification Number (PIN): X735.82 Queens County

PIN X735.82 Van Wyck Expressway Capacity and Access Improvements to JFK Airport Project FDR/FEIS

This Final Design Report/Final Environmental Impact Statement describes the social, economic, and environmental effects that will result from the implementation of the Van Wyck Expressway (VWE) Capacity and Access Improvements to John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport Project (the Project). Where adverse effects are identified, measures to mitigate those effects are described. The purpose of the Project is to provide increased capacity on the VWE between the Kew Gardens Interchange (KGI) and JFK Airport to improve vehicular access to and from JFK Airport. In addition, the Project will address operational, geometric, and structural deficiencies on the VWE between the KGI and JFK Airport. The alternatives considered include the No Build Alternative and the Build Alternative (the Selected Alternative). The No Build Alternative serves as a baseline condition against which the potential benefits and effects of the Build Alternative are evaluated. The Build Alternative will increase capacity between the KGI and JFK Airport by adding a fourth lane in each direction between Hoover Avenue and Federal Circle.

Requests for further information regarding the Project may be sent to [email protected] or the individuals listed below.

Glorimar Reyes, P.E. Project Manager New York State Department of Transportation Region 11 47-40 21st Street Long Island City, NY 11101 718-482-7223

Hans Anker, P.E. Senior Area Engineer Federal Highway Administration Leo O'Brien Federal Building Room 719, 11A Clinton Avenue Albany, NY 12207 518-431-8896

mailto:[email protected]

PIN X735.82 Van Wyck Expressway Capacity and Access Improvements to JFK Airport Project FDR/FEIS

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Contents

Executive Summary ................................................................................................ ES-1 S.1 PROJECT LOCATION ........................................................................................................... ES-2 S.2 PROJECT PURPOSE, OBJECTIVES AND NEED ............................................................... ES-5

S.2.1 Project Purpose and Objectives ................................................................................ ES-5 S.2.2 Project Need .............................................................................................................. ES-5

S.3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................. ES-6 S.3.1 Build Alternative ......................................................................................................... ES-6 S.3.2 No Build Alternative ................................................................................................. ES-10 S.3.3 Selected Alternative ................................................................................................. ES-10

S.4 SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS................................................ ES-10 S.4.1 Permits, Approvals, and Consultations .................................................................... ES-14

S.5 PROJECT COSTS AND SCHEDULE .................................................................................. ES-15 S.6 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ..................................................................................................... ES-17

S.6.1 Public Scoping Meeting ........................................................................................... ES-17 S.6.2 DDR/DEIS Public Comment Period and Public Hearings/Meeting ......................... ES-17 S.6.3 Project Website ........................................................................................................ ES-18 S.6.4 Mailing List ............................................................................................................... ES-18 S.6.5 Environmental Justice .............................................................................................. ES-18 S.6.6 Limited-English Proficiency ...................................................................................... ES-18 S.6.7 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ..................................................................... ES-18

S.7 CONTACT INFORMATION .................................................................................................. ES-19

CHAPTER 1. Introduction ........................................................................................ 1-1 1.1 PROJECT CLASSIFICATION ................................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 PROJECT LOCATION .............................................................................................................. 1-2 1.3 PROJECT PURPOSE, OBJECTIVES, AND NEED ................................................................. 1-6

1.3.1 Project Purpose and Objectives ................................................................................... 1-6 1.3.2 Project Need ................................................................................................................. 1-6

1.4 FDR/FEIS CONTENTS .............................................................................................................. 1-8 1.5 PROJECT SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................. 1-9 1.6 CONTACT INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 1-9

CHAPTER 2. Project Context ................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 PROJECT HISTORY ................................................................................................................. 2-1 2.2 TRANSPORTATION PLANS AND LAND USE ........................................................................ 2-2

2.2.1 Local Plans for the Project Area ................................................................................... 2-2 2.2.2 Transportation Corridor ................................................................................................. 2-3

2.3 TRANSPORTATION CONDITIONS, DEFICIENCIES AND ENGINEERING CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................................................. 2-4 2.3.1 Operations (Traffic and Safety) and Maintenance ........................................................ 2-4 2.3.2 Multimodal ................................................................................................................... 2-43 2.3.3 Infrastructure ............................................................................................................... 2-46 2.3.4 Potential Enhancement Opportunities ...................................................................... 2-109

CHAPTER 3. Project Alternatives ........................................................................... 3-1 3.1 CONCEPTS DISMISSED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION ............................................. 3-1 3.2 LOGICAL TERMINI AND INDEPENDENT UTILITY ................................................................ 3-1 3.3 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................... 3-2

3.3.1 No Build Alternative ...................................................................................................... 3-2 3.3.2 Build Alternative ............................................................................................................ 3-2 3.3.3 Design Criteria for the Build Alternative ...................................................................... 3-17

3.4 ENGINEERING CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................................... 3-24 3.4.1 Operations (Traffic and Safety) and Maintenance ...................................................... 3-24 3.4.2 Multimodal ................................................................................................................... 3-58

Van Wyck Expressway Capacity and Access Improvements to JFK Airport Project FDR/FEIS PIN X735.82 CONTENTS

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3.4.3 Infrastructure ............................................................................................................... 3-61 3.4.4 Landscape and Environmental Enhancements ........................................................ 3-129 3.4.5 Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................... 3-130

CHAPTER 4. Social, Economic, and Environmental Considerations .................. 4-1 4.1 AGENCY COORDINATION ...................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1.1 Cooperating Agencies .................................................................................................. 4-1 4.1.2 Participating Agencies .................................................................................................. 4-2

4.2 SOCIAL CONDITIONS .............................................................................................................. 4-2 4.2.1 Land Use ....................................................................................................................... 4-2 4.2.2 Neighborhood and Community Cohesion ................................................................... 4-12 4.2.3 Environmental Justice ................................................................................................. 4-20 4.2.4 Social Groups Benefited or Harmed ........................................................................... 4-31 4.2.5 Schools and Places of Worship .................................................................................. 4-38

4.3 ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ..................................................................................................... 4-45 4.3.1 Regional and Local Economies .................................................................................. 4-45 4.3.2 Business Districts ....................................................................................................... 4-50

4.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS .......................................................................................... 4-53 4.4.1 Wetlands ..................................................................................................................... 4-53 4.4.2 Surface Waters and Waterways ................................................................................. 4-55 4.4.3 Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers ....................................................................... 4-57 4.4.4 Navigable Waters ....................................................................................................... 4-57 4.4.5 Floodplains and Flood Conditions .............................................................................. 4-58 4.4.6 Coastal Resources ..................................................................................................... 4-60 4.4.7 Groundwater ............................................................................................................... 4-62 4.4.8 Stormwater Management ........................................................................................... 4-66 4.4.9 General Ecology and Wildlife Resources ................................................................... 4-74 4.4.10 Threatened and Endangered Species ........................................................................ 4-76 4.4.11 Critical Environmental Areas ...................................................................................... 4-79 4.4.12 Historic and Cultural Resources ................................................................................. 4-80 4.4.13 Parks and Recreational Resources ............................................................................ 4-92 4.4.14 Visual Resources ...................................................................................................... 4-106 4.4.15 Farmlands ................................................................................................................. 4-149 4.4.16 Air Quality ................................................................................................................. 4-150 4.4.17 Energy and Greenhouse Gases ............................................................................... 4-165 4.4.18 Noise ......................................................................................................................... 4-168 4.4.19 Asbestos and Lead ................................................................................................... 4-199 4.4.20 Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Materials ....................................................... 4-203

4.5 CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS ................................................................................................ 4-208 4.5.1 Traffic (including Pedestrians and Bicyclists) Effects ............................................... 4-208 4.5.2 Transit Effects ........................................................................................................... 4-210 4.5.3 Environmental Effects ............................................................................................... 4-212

4.6 INDIRECT AND SECONDARY EFFECTS ........................................................................... 4-215 4.7 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ...................................................................................................... 4-216

4.7.1 Study Area and Methodology ................................................................................... 4-216 4.7.2 Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Projects ................................. 4-216 4.7.3 Short-Term and Long-Term Effects .......................................................................... 4-218 4.7.4 Potential Cumulative Effects ..................................................................................... 4-220

4.8 SHORT-TERM USES OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY .......................................................... 4-225

4.9 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES ..................... 4-226 4.10 ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS THAT CANNOT BE AVOIDED ......................... 4-227

PIN X735.82 Van Wyck Expressway Capacity and Access Improvements to JFK Airport Project FDR/FEIS CONTENTS

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Public Involvement ..................................................................................................... 5-1 5.1 PUBLIC MEETINGS .................................................................................................................. 5-2

5.1.1 Scoping Meeting ........................................................................................................... 5-2 5.1.2 Public Hearings ............................................................................................................. 5-5 5.1.3 Public Information Meeting ........................................................................................... 5-6

5.2 COMMUNITY BOARD MEETINGS ........................................................................................... 5-6 5.3 PROJECT WEBSITE................................................................................................................. 5-7 5.4 AVAILABILITY OF PROJECT REPORTS AND PUBLIC COMMENT

OPPORTUNITIES ..................................................................................................................... 5-8 5.5 MAILING LIST ........................................................................................................................... 5-9 5.6 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION ............................................................. 5-9 5.7 CONTACT INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 5-9


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Appendices

APPENDIX A – Plan, Profiles and Sections APPENDIX B – Traffic Data APPENDIX C – Design Criteria and Nonstandard Features APPENDIX D – Utilities APPENDIX E – Capital Projects Complete Streets Checklist APPENDIX F – Smart Growth Checklist APPENDIX G – Agency Correspondence APPENDIX H – Groundwater Assessment Report APPENDIX I – Drainage Report APPENDIX J – Wetland Identification and Delineation Report APPENDIX K – Coastal Consistency Review APPENDIX L – Trees Survey APPENDIX M – Cultural Resources Supplemental Information APPENDIX N – Environmental Site Assessment, Phase I APPENDIX O – Asbestos and Lead Assessment Report APPENDIX P – Visual Impact Assessment APPENDIX Q – Air Quality Analysis APPENDIX R – Noise Analysis APPENDIX S – Preliminary Planting Plan APPENDIX T – Access Modification Report APPENDIX U – Consultant List of Preparers APPENDIX V – Comments on the DDR/DEIS and Responses APPENDIX W – Retrofit and Replacement Concepts for LIRR Bridges


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Tables

Table S-1. Summary of Effects ..................................................................................................... ES-10 Table S-2. Project Cost (70% Probability) – Design Build ............................................................ ES-16 Table S-3. Project Schedule ......................................................................................................... ES-17 Table 1-1. Environmental Classification Summary ........................................................................... 1-1 Table 1-2. Existing Queue Length, Speed, Travel Time, and Delay Along the Van Wyck

Expressway between the Kew Gardens Interchange and JFK Airport during the Peak Periods, 2017 .......................................................................................................... 1-7

Table 1-3. Crash Data for the Van Wyck Expressway Between the Kew Gardens Interchange and JFK Airport, 2014–2016 ........................................................................ 1-8

Table 1-4. Project Schedule .............................................................................................................. 1-9 Table 2-1. Van Wyck Expressway Classification Data ..................................................................... 2-4 Table 2-2. Existing: VWE Mainline Speeds (AM Peak Period Southbound) .................................... 2-6 Table 2-3. Existing: VWE Mainline Speeds (PM Peak Period Southbound) .................................... 2-6 Table 2-4. Existing: VWE Mainline Speeds (AM Peak Period Northbound) ..................................... 2-6 Table 2-5. Existing: VWE Mainline Speeds (PM Peak Period Northbound) ..................................... 2-6 Table 2-6. Existing: VWE Mainline Free-Flow Speed ....................................................................... 2-7 Table 2-7. Existing: VWE Service Road Free-Flow Speed (Southbound) ........................................ 2-8 Table 2-8. Existing: VWE Mainline Mode Share (AM Peak Hour) .................................................... 2-9 Table 2-9. Existing: VWE Mainline Mode Share (PM Peak Hour) .................................................... 2-9 Table 2-10. Basic Freeway Segment Level of Service Criteria ......................................................... 2-14 Table 2-11. Existing: VWE Mainline Level of Service (AM Southbound) .......................................... 2-14 Table 2-12. Existing: VWE Mainline Level of Service (PM Southbound) .......................................... 2-14 Table 2-13. Existing: VWE Mainline Level of Service (AM Northbound) .......................................... 2-15 Table 2-14. Existing: VWE Mainline Level of Service (PM Northbound) .......................................... 2-15 Table 2-15. Existing Average Queue, Average Speed, and Travel Time Along the VWE

between the KGI and JFK Federal Circle during the Peak Periods (2017) ................... 2-16 Table 2-16. Intersection Level of Service Criteria ............................................................................. 2-16 Table 2-17. Existing Service Road Level of Service and Delay (Southbound) ................................. 2-18 Table 2-18. Existing Service Road Level of Service and Delay (Northbound) ................................. 2-21 Table 2-19. 2025 No Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (AM Southbound) ............. 2-24 Table 2-20. 2025 No Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (PM Southbound) ............. 2-24 Table 2-21. 2025 No Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (AM Northbound) .............. 2-24 Table 2-22. 2025 No Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (PM Northbound) .............. 2-25 Table 2-23. Average Queue, Average Speed, and Travel Time Along VWE between the KGI

and JFK Federal Circle during the Peak Periods in 2025 .............................................. 2-26 Table 2-24. Average Queue, Average Speed, and Travel Time Along VWE between the KGI

and JFK Federal Circle during the Peak Periods in 2045 .............................................. 2-26 Table 2-25. 2025 No Build Alternative: Service Road Level of Service and Delay

(Southbound) ................................................................................................................. 2-28 Table 2-26. 2025 No Build Alternative: Service Road Level of Service and Delay

(Northbound) .................................................................................................................. 2-31 Table 2-27. VWE Mainline: Crash Data Summary (2014–2016) ...................................................... 2-34 Table 2-28. VWE Mainline Southbound: Crash Summary by Crash Type and Time of Day

(2014–2016) ................................................................................................................... 2-35


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Table 2-29. VWE Mainline Northbound: Crash Summary by Crash Type and Time of Day (2014–2016) ................................................................................................................... 2-35

Table 2-30. VWE Mainline: Million Vehicle Miles Comparison (2014–2016) .................................... 2-35 Table 2-31. VWE Mainline Southbound: High Crash Locations (2014–2016) .................................. 2-36 Table 2-32. Northbound VWE High Crash Locations, 2014–2016 ................................................... 2-41 Table 2-33. 86th Avenue Pedestrian Bridge – Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance ............. 2-44 Table 2-34. Existing Nonstandard Features – Mainline (Lane and Shoulder Widths) ...................... 2-47 Table 2-35. Existing Nonstandard Features – Mainline (Horizontal/Vertical Stopping Sight

Distance) ........................................................................................................................ 2-49 Table 2-36. Existing Nonstandard Features – Mainline (Superelevation)......................................... 2-50 Table 2-37. Existing Nonstandard Features – Ramps ...................................................................... 2-52 Table 2-38. Existing Nonstandard Features – Service Roads .......................................................... 2-59 Table 2-39. Existing Nonstandard Features – Service Roads (ADA Compliance) ........................... 2-60 Table 2-40. Existing Nonstandard Features – Collector-Distributor (Horizontal/Vertical

Stopping Sight Distance) ............................................................................................... 2-68 Table 2-41. Existing Nonconforming Features – Mainline ................................................................ 2-69 Table 2-42. Existing Nonconforming Features – Access Control ..................................................... 2-71 Table 2-43. Existing Nonconforming Features – Ramps .................................................................. 2-72 Table 2-44. Existing Nonconforming Features – Service Roads ...................................................... 2-72 Table 3-1. Concepts Dismissed from Further Consideration ............................................................ 3-1 Table 3-2. Project Cost (70% Probability) – Design Build ............................................................... 3-16 Table 3-3. Critical Design Elements: VWE Mainline ....................................................................... 3-18 Table 3-4. Critical Design Elements: VWE Managed-Use Lane ..................................................... 3-19 Table 3-5. Critical Design Elements: VWE Service Roads ............................................................. 3-20 Table 3-6. Critical Design Elements for Van Wyck Collector-Distributor Road Northbound

(CDN) ............................................................................................................................. 3-21 Table 3-7. Critical Design Elements for Van Wyck Collector-Distributor Road Southbound

(MSS) ............................................................................................................................. 3-22 Table 3-8. Other Design Parameters .............................................................................................. 3-23 Table 3-9. VWE Mainline Forecast Annual Average Daily Traffic ................................................... 3-26 Table 3-10. Design Year (2025) AM and PM Peak-Hour Traffic Volumes – General-Use Lane

and Managed-Use Lane Combined ............................................................................... 3-26 Table 3-11. Design Year (2045) AM and PM Peak-Hour Traffic Volumes – General-Use Lane

and Managed-Use Lane Combined ............................................................................... 3-27 Table 3-12. 2025 and 2045 AM and PM Peak-Hour Traffic Volumes by Vehicle Type on the

Managed-Use Lane........................................................................................................ 3-27 Table 3-13. Average Queue, Average Speed, and Travel Time Along Van Wyck Expressway

between the Kew Gardens Interchange and JFK Federal Circle in 2025 during the AM and PM Peak Period – General-Use Lane and Managed-Use Lane ................ 3-33

Table 3-14. Average Queue, Average Speed, and Travel Time Along Van Wyck Expressway between the Kew Gardens Interchange and JFK Federal Circle in 2045 during the AM and PM Peak Period – General-Use Lane and Managed-Use Lane ................ 3-34

Table 3-15. Service Road Delay and Level of Service (AM Southbound) ........................................ 3-37 Table 3-16. Service Road Delay and Level of Service (PM Southbound) ........................................ 3-40 Table 3-17. Service Road Delay and Level of Service (AM Northbound) ......................................... 3-43 Table 3-18. Service Road Delay and Level of Service (PM Northbound) ......................................... 3-46


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Table 3-19. Allowable Lane Closure Times per NYCDOT Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination Stipulations ........................................................................................ 3-49

Table 3-20. VWE Service Road Parking Effects ............................................................................... 3-56 Table 3-21. Pedestrian Counts.......................................................................................................... 3-59 Table 3-22. Ramp Designations ........................................................................................................ 3-66 Table 3-23. VWE Mainline – Lane Widths Less than Standard (Northbound/Southbound) ............. 3-67 Table 3-24. VWE Mainline –Right Shoulder Widths Less Than Standard

(Northbound/Southbound) ............................................................................................. 3-67 Table 3-25. VWE Mainline – Left Shoulder Widths Less Than Standard

(Northbound/Southbound) ............................................................................................. 3-68 Table 3-26. VWE Mainline – Horizontal Curve Radius Less Than Standard (Northbound) ............. 3-69 Table 3-27. VWE Mainline – Superelevations Less Than Standard (Northbound and

Southbound) ................................................................................................................... 3-69 Table 3-28. VWE Mainline – Stopping Sight Distances (Horizontal/Vertical) Less Than

Standard (Northbound and Southbound) ....................................................................... 3-70 Table 3-29. VWE Managed-Use Lane – Shoulder Widths Less Than Standard (Northbound

and Southbound) ............................................................................................................ 3-72 Table 3-30. VWE Managed-Use Lane – Horizontal Curve Radius Less Than Standard

(Southbound) ................................................................................................................. 3-72 Table 3-31. VWE Managed-Use Lane – Stopping Sight Distance (Horizontal/Vertical) Less

Than Standard (Southbound) ........................................................................................ 3-73 Table 3-32. VWE Slip Ramps – Lane Width Less Than Standard .................................................... 3-74 Table 3-33. VWE Slip Ramps – Shoulder Width Less Than Standard ............................................. 3-75 Table 3-34. VWE Slip Ramps – Superelevations Less Than Standard (Northbound and

Southbound) ................................................................................................................... 3-76 Table 3-35. VWE Slip Ramps – Stopping Sight Distance (Horizontal and Vertical) Less Than

Standard ......................................................................................................................... 3-78 Table 3-36. VWE Loop Ramps – Lane Widths Less Than Standard ................................................ 3-79 Table 3-37. VWE Loop Ramps – Shoulder Widths Less Than Standard ......................................... 3-80 Table 3-38. VWE Loop Ramps – Horizontal Curve Radius Less Than Standard ............................. 3-80 Table 3-39. VWE Loop Ramps – Superelevations Less Than Standard (Northbound and

Southbound) ................................................................................................................... 3-81 Table 3-40. VWE Loop Ramps – Stopping Sight Distance (Horizontal) Less Than Standard.......... 3-81 Table 3-41. VWE Collector-Distributor Roads – Travel Lane Widths Less Than Standard .............. 3-82 Table 3-42. VWE Collector-Distributor Roads –Shoulder Widths Less Than Standard

(Southbound) ................................................................................................................. 3-82 Table 3-43. VWE Service Roads – Lane Width Less Than Standard (Northbound and

Southbound) ................................................................................................................... 3-83 Table 3-44. VWE Mainline/Managed-Use Lane – Auxiliary Lane Length Less than

Recommended Length (Northbound and Southbound) ................................................. 3-84 Table 3-45. VWE Mainline/Managed-Use Lane – Nonconforming Compound Curves

(Northbound, 2025) ........................................................................................................ 3-84 Table 3-46. VWE Mainline/Managed-Use Lane – Median Widths Less than Recommended ......... 3-85 Table 3-47. VWE Mainline/Managed-Use Lane – Horizontal Clearance Less than

Recommended (Northbound and Southbound,) ............................................................ 3-85 Table 3-48. VWE Mainline/Managed-Use Lane – Nonconforming Broken Back Curves

(Northbound and Southbound,) ..................................................................................... 3-86


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Table 3-49. VWE Mainline/Managed-Use Lane – Nonconforming Superelevation Transitions (Northbound) .................................................................................................................. 3-86

Table 3-50. VWE Mainline/Managed-Use Lane – Nonconforming Superelevation Transition Lengths .......................................................................................................................... 3-87

Table 3-51. VWE Mainline/Managed-Use Lane – Control of Access ............................................... 3-88 Table 3-52. VWE Mainline/Managed-Use Lane – Nonconforming Vertical Stopping Sight

Distance ......................................................................................................................... 3-89 Table 3-53. VWE Ramps – Nonconforming Broken Back Curves .................................................... 3-90 Table 3-54. VWE Ramps – Vertical Stopping Sight Distance: Slip Ramps ...................................... 3-91 Table 3-55. VWE Ramps – Nonconforming Superelevation Transitions .......................................... 3-91 Table 3-56. VWE Service Roads – Auxiliary Lane Length Less Than Recommended

(Northbound) .................................................................................................................. 3-92 Table 3-57. VWE Collector-Distributor Roads – Auxiliary Lane Length Less Than

Recommended (Southbound,) ....................................................................................... 3-92 Table 3-58. Staged Track Outage Summary: BIN 7066687, LIRR1: LIRR Atlantic Tracks 1–4 ..... 3-127 Table 3-59. Staged Track Outage Summary: BIN 7076800, LIRR3: LIRR Main Line Tracks 1–3 . 3-128 Table 4-1. Study Area Land Use Classification ................................................................................. 4-3 Table 4-2. Planned or Approved Development Projects Within the Study Area ............................... 4-9 Table 4-3. Population, 2014–2016 .................................................................................................. 4-18 Table 4-4. Population by Age, 2016 ................................................................................................ 4-18 Table 4-5. Median Household Income, 2014–2016 ........................................................................ 4-18 Table 4-6. Percentage of Families Whose Income is Below the Poverty Level, 2014–2016 ......... 4-19 Table 4-7. Housing by Occupancy and Tenure, 2016 .................................................................... 4-19 Table 4-8. Limited-English Proficiency Populations in the Study Area, 2016 ................................. 4-20 Table 4-9. Race, Ethnicity, and Income Characteristics for Populations in the Study Area,

Queens County and New York City 2016 ...................................................................... 4-23 Table 4-10. Percentage of Residents over 65 Years in Age in the Study Area, Queens

County, and New York City, 2016 .................................................................................. 4-32 Table 4-11. Persons with Disabilities Data, 2016.............................................................................. 4-34 Table 4-12. Disability Status in the Study Area by Age Group, 2016 ............................................... 4-34 Table 4-13. Transit Access, 2016...................................................................................................... 4-36 Table 4-14. Schools in School District #28 and Study Area ............................................................. 4-39 Table 4-15. Schools in School District #27 and Study Area ............................................................. 4-41 Table 4-16. Places of Worship in the Study Area ............................................................................. 4-43 Table 4-17. Employment in Queens County (2007 to 2016) ............................................................. 4-46 Table 4-18. Employment Data for All Industries for Queens County ................................................ 4-46 Table 4-19. Household Income, 2016 ............................................................................................... 4-47 Table 4-20. Unemployment Rates..................................................................................................... 4-47 Table 4-21. Employment by Industry, 2016 ...................................................................................... 4-48 Table 4-22. Economic Profiles for Study Area Community Boards .................................................. 4-48 Table 4-23. Existing Open Space Inventory within Study Area ........................................................ 4-95 Table 4-24. National Ambient Air Quality Standards ...................................................................... 4-151 Table 4-25. Ambient Air Quality Monitored Data ............................................................................. 4-161 Table 4-26. Mesoscale Emission Burdens (tons/year).................................................................... 4-163 Table 4-27. Mobile Source Air Toxic Emission Burdens (tons/year)............................................... 4-163 Table 4-28. Predicted 24-hour PM10 Design Value Concentrations, 2025 ..................................... 4-164


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Table 4-29. Predicted 24-hour PM2.5 Design Value Concentrations, 2025 ..................................... 4-164 Table 4-30. Predicted Annual PM2.5 Design Value Concentrations, 2025 ...................................... 4-164 Table 4-31. Direct Annual Energy Consumption ............................................................................. 4-166 Table 4-32. Direct Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) Emissions .................................................. 4-167 Table 4-33. Indirect Construction GHG Emissions and Energy Use (Annual) ................................ 4-167 Table 4-34. Total Direct and Indirect Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Use ...................... 4-168 Table 4-35. Noise Abatement Criteria Hourly A-Weighted Noise Level in dB(A) ........................... 4-169 Table 4-36. Receptors with Noise Abatement Criteria Exceedances or Impacts ........................... 4-172 Table 4-37. Receptor Benefits for Recommended and Potential Noise Barriers ............................ 4-187 Table 4-38. Receptors with Noise Abatement Criteria Exceedances or Impacts ........................... 4-187 Table 4-39. Various Construction Equipment Reference Noise Levels .......................................... 4-198 Table 4-40. Asbestos and Lead Sampling Summary ...................................................................... 4-202 Table 4-41. Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of the Build Alternative ........................................ 4-218 Table 5-1: Languages Spoken by 1 Percent or More of Study Area Population .............................. 5-1 Table 5-2: Commercial Flyer Distribution .......................................................................................... 5-4 Table 5-3: Community Board Meetings ............................................................................................. 5-7 Table 5-4: Repositories for the DDR/DEIS and FDR/FEIS ............................................................... 5-8


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Figures

Figure S-1. Project Location ............................................................................................................ ES-3 Figure S-2. General Study Area....................................................................................................... ES-4 Figure S-3 Build Alternative Bridge and Ramp Locations – Northern Segment ............................. ES-7 Figure S-4 Build Alternative Bridge and Ramp Locations – Middle Segment ................................ ES-8 Figure S-5 Build Alternative Bridge and Ramp Locations – Southern Segment ............................ ES-9 Figure 1-1. Project Location ............................................................................................................... 1-3 Figure 1-2. General Study Area.......................................................................................................... 1-4 Figure 2-1. Existing: VWE Mainline Hourly Volumes between Atlantic Avenue/94th Avenue

and Jamaica Avenue........................................................................................................ 2-8 Figure 2-2. Multi-resolution Modeling Process Flow Map ................................................................ 2-12 Figure 2-3. VWE Mainline Crashes Southbound.............................................................................. 2-37 Figure 2-4. VWE Mainline Crashes Northbound .............................................................................. 2-39 Figure 2-5. Service Road Crash Types ............................................................................................ 2-42 Figure 3-1 Build Alternative Bridge and Ramp Locations – Northern Segment ................................ 3-7 Figure 3-2 Build Alternative Bridge and Ramp Locations – Middle Segment ................................... 3-8 Figure 3-3 Build Alternative Bridge and Ramp Locations – Southern Segment ............................... 3-9 Figure 3-4 Build Alternative Ramp Modifications – Hillside Avenue to LIRR .................................. 3-10 Figure 3-5 Build Alternative Ramp Modifications – LIRR to Liberty Avenue ................................... 3-11 Figure 3-6 Build Alternative Ramp Modifications – Liberty Avenue to 109th Avenue ...................... 3-12 Figure 3-7 Build Alternative Ramp Modifications – 109th Avenue to 116th Avenue ......................... 3-13 Figure 3-8 Build Alternative Ramp Modifications – Exit 1W ............................................................ 3-14 Figure 3-9. 2025 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Speeds (AM Southbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-28 Figure 3-10. 2025 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Speeds (PM Southbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-28 Figure 3-11. 2025 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Speeds (AM Northbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-28 Figure 3-12. 2025 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Speeds (PM Northbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-29 Figure 3-13. 2045 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Speeds (AM Southbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-29 Figure 3-14. 2045 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Speeds (PM Southbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-29 Figure 3-15. 2045 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Speeds (AM Northbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-30 Figure 3-16. 2045 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Speeds (PM Northbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-30 Figure 3-17. 2025 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (AM Southbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-31 Figure 3-18. 2025 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (PM Southbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-31 Figure 3-19. 2025 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (AM Northbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-31 Figure 3-20. 2025 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (PM Northbound) –

General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-31


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Figure 3-21. 2045 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (AM Southbound) – General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-32

Figure 3-22. 2045 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (PM Southbound) – General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-32

Figure 3-23. 2045 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (AM Northbound) – General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-33

Figure 3-24. 2045 Build Alternative: VWE Mainline Level of Service (PM Northbound) – General-Use Lane Only ................................................................................................. 3-33

Figure 3-25. VWE Mainline: Average Travel Time Comparison – General-Use Lane and Managed-Use Lane........................................................................................................ 3-35

Figure 3-26. VWE Service Road: Average Travel Time Comparison ................................................ 3-35 Figure 3-27. Build Alternative Parking Changes ................................................................................ 3-57 Figure 4-1. Land Use .......................................................................................................................... 4-4 Figure 4-2. Zoning .............................................................................................................................. 4-6 Figure 4-3. Planned or Approved Development Projects Within the Study Area ............................. 4-10 Figure 4-4. Census Tracts within the Study Area ............................................................................. 4-13 Figure 4-5. Community Board Districts and Neighborhoods within the Study Area ......................... 4-17 Figure 4-6. Minority Communities within the Study Area ................................................................. 4-24 Figure 4-7. Low-Income Communities within the Study Area .......................................................... 4-25 Figure 4-8. Environmental Justice Communities within the Study Area........................................... 4-26 Figure 4-9. Persons with Disabilities ................................................................................................ 4-33 Figure 4-10. Transit Service and Transit Access in Study Area ......................................................... 4-35 Figure 4-11. Schools in Study Area .................................................................................................... 4-40 Figure 4-12. Places of Worship in Study Area ................................................................................... 4-42 Figure 4-13. Business Improvement Districts in Study Area .............................................................. 4-52 Figure 4-14. Floodplains ..................................................................................................................... 4-59 Figure 4-15. Coastal Zone Boundary ................................................................................................. 4-61 Figure 4-16. Existing Drainage Areas ................................................................................................ 4-68 Figure 4-17. Proposed Stormwater Infiltration Basins ........................................................................ 4-71 Figure 4-18. Proposed Drainage Areas .............................................................................................. 4-72 Figure 4-19. Area of Potential Effects within the Study Area ............................................................. 4-83 Figure 4-20. Parks and Open Spaces ................................................................................................ 4-96 Figure 4-21. Tree Removal Near Unnamed Park ............................................................................. 4-101 Figure 4-22. Tree Removal Near Norelli-Hargreaves Playground ................................................... 4-102 Figure 4-23. Tree Removal Near Dr. Charles R. Drew Memorial Park ............................................ 4-103 Figure 4-24. Tree Removal Near Foch Sitting Area ......................................................................... 4-104 Figure 4-25. Tree Removal Near Playground One Forty ................................................................. 4-105 Figure 4-26. Area of Visual Effect..................................................................................................... 4-108 Figure 4-27. Landscape Unit Map .................................................................................................... 4-110 Figure 4-28. Viewpoints – Northern Segment of Corridor – Hoover Avenue to Atlantic Avenue ..... 4-115 Figure 4-29. Viewpoints – Middle Segment of Corridor – Atlantic Avenue to 116th Avenue ............ 4-116 Figure 4-30. Viewpoints – Southern Segment of Corridor – 116th Avenue to Federal Circle ........... 4-117 Figure 4-31. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 1 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) .............. 4-119 Figure 4-32. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 1 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative without

Potential Noise Barrier ................................................................................................. 4-119


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Figure 4-33. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 1 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative with Potential Solid Noise Barrier ........................................................................................ 4-120

Figure 4-34. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 1 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative with Potential Transparent Noise Barrier............................................................................. 4-120

Figure 4-35. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 2 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) .............. 4-122 Figure 4-36. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 2 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative ..................... 4-122 Figure 4-37. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 3 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) .............. 4-124 Figure 4-38. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 3 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative ..................... 4-124 Figure 4-39. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 4 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) .............. 4-126 Figure 4-40. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 4 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative ..................... 4-126 Figure 4-41. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 5 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) .............. 4-128 Figure 4-42. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 5 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative without

Potential Noise Barrier ................................................................................................. 4-128 Figure 4-43. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 5 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative with

Potential Solid Noise Barrier ........................................................................................ 4-129 Figure 4-44. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 5 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative with

Potential Transparent Noise Barrier............................................................................. 4-129 Figure 4-45. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 6 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) .............. 4-131 Figure 4-46. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 6 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative without



Potential Transparent Noise Barrier............................................................................. 4-132 Figure 4-49. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 7 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) .............. 4-134 Figure 4-50. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 7 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative ..................... 4-134 Figure 4-51. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 8 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) .............. 4-136 Figure 4-52. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 8 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative ..................... 4-136 Figure 4-53. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 9 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) .............. 4-138 Figure 4-54. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 9 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative ..................... 4-138 Figure 4-55. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 10 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) ............ 4-140 Figure 4-56. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 10 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative without



Potential Transparent Noise Barrier............................................................................. 4-141 Figure 4-59. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 11 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) ............ 4-143 Figure 4-60. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 11 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative without

Potential Noise Barrier ................................................................................................. 4-143 Figure 4-61 Visual Resources: Viewpoint 11 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative with

Potential Solid Noise Barrier ........................................................................................ 4-144 Figure 4-62 Visual Resources: Viewpoint 11 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative with

Potential Transparent Noise Barrier............................................................................. 4-144 Figure 4-63. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 12 – Existing Conditions (No Build Alternative) ............ 4-146 Figure 4-64. Visual Resources: Viewpoint 12 – Visual Simulation of Build Alternative ................... 4-146 Figure 4-65. Regional Build Alternative vs. No Build Alternative with ±5% Change in Annual

Average Daily Traffic (2045) ........................................................................................ 4-154


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Figure 4-66. MSAT and Mesoscale Analyses Study Area ............................................................... 4-155 Figure 4-67. MSAT and Mesoscale Analysis Roadway Network ..................................................... 4-156 Figure 4-68. Project Corridor Build Alternative vs. No Build Alternative with ±5% Change in

Annual Average Daily Traffic (2045) ............................................................................ 4-157 Figure 4-69. Particulate Matter Model Receptor Grid (AERMOD) ................................................... 4-159 Figure 4-70 Activity Categories and Long-Term Noise Measurement Sites ................................... 4-170 Figure 4-71 Noise Analysis: Traffic Noise Study Area Segments ................................................... 4-174 Figure 4-72 Existing Noise Levels from JFK Airport to Rockaway Boulevard (Segment 1)............ 4-175 Figure 4-73 Existing Noise Levels from Rockaway Boulevard to 109th Street (Segment 2) ........... 4-176 Figure 4-74 Existing Noise Levels from 109th Street to Jamaica Avenue (Segment 3) .................. 4-177 Figure 4-75 Existing Noise Levels from Jamaica Avenue to Union Turnpike (Segment 4) ............ 4-178 Figure 4-76 Build Alternative Noise Levels from JFK Airport to Rockaway Boulevard

(Segment 1) ................................................................................................................. 4-179 Figure 4-77 Build Alternative Noise Levels from Rockaway Boulevard to 109th Street

(Segment 2) ................................................................................................................. 4-180 Figure 4-78 Build Alternative Noise Levels from 109th Street to Jamaica Avenue (Segment 3) .... 4-181 Figure 4-79 Build Alternative Noise Levels from Jamaica Avenue to Union Turnpike

(Segment 4) ................................................................................................................. 4-182 Figure 4-80 Noise Barriers between JFK Airport and Rockaway Boulevard (Segment 1).............. 4-188 Figure 4-81 Noise Barriers between Rockaway Boulevard and Foch Boulevard (Segment 2) ..... 4-189 Figure 4-82 Noise Barriers between Foch Boulevard and Linden Boulevard (Segment 2) ............ 4-190 Figure 4-83 Noise Barriers between Linden Boulevard and 109th Street (Segment 2)................... 4-191 Figure 4-84 Noise Barriers between 109th Street and Liberty Avenue (Segment 3) ....................... 4-192 Figure 4-85 Noise Barriers between Liberty Avenue and Jamaica Avenue (Segment 3) ............... 4-193 Figure 4-86 Noise Barriers between Jamaica Avenue and Queens Boulevard (Segment 4) ......... 4-194 Figure 4-87 Noise Barriers between Queens Boulevard and Union Turnpike (Segment 4) ........... 4-195 Figure 4-88. Segment Locations (Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Materials) ........................ 4-207 Figure 5-1. Meetings, Hearings, and Flyer Distribution for the Project .............................................. 5-3

weymouthn

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Acronyms/Abbreviations

AADT .................................................................................................................... annual average daily traffic AASHTO.............................................. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ACHP ............................................................................................ Advisory Council on Historic Preservation ACM ................................................................................................................ asbestos containing materials ACS .................................................................................................................. American Community Survey ADA ................................................................................................................ Americans with Disabilities Act AHERA ...................................................................................... Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act APE ............................................................................................................................. area of potential effect AREMA .............................................. American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association ASTM ......................................................................................... American Society for Testing and Materials AVE .................................................................................................................................. area of visual effect BID ................................................................................................................. business improvement districts BLS .................................................................................................................. Bureau of Labor and Statistics BPM ................................................................................................................................. Best Practice Model C-D .................................................................................................................................. Collector-Distributor CAA ............................................................................................................................................ Clean Air Act CEA ................................................................................................................... Critical Environmental Areas CEQ ............................................................................................................ Council on Environmental Quality CEQR ....................................................................................................... City Environmental Quality Review CERCLA ................................... Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CFR ................................................................................................................... Code of Federal Regulations CMP ................................................................................................................ coastal management program CRIS ................................................................................................... Cultural Resource Information System CSO ........................................................................................................................ combined sewer overflow CSS .......................................................................................................................... combined sewer system CUNY .................................................................................................................. City University of New York CWA ...................................................................................................................................... Clean Water Act DBH ......................................................................................................................... diameter at breast height DDR ................................................................................................................................. Draft Design Report DEIS ..................................................................................................... draft environmental impact statement DHV ............................................................................................................................... design hourly volume E&SCP ...................................................................................................... erosion and sediment control plan ECL ............................................................................................................ Environmental Conservation Law EIS ................................................................................................................ environmental impact statement EJ .................................................................................................................................. environmental justice ESA .............................................................................................................. Environmental Site Assessment ETC ................................................................................................................... estimated time of completion FAA ............................................................................................................... Federal Aviation Administration FDNY ................................................................................................................ Fire Department of New York FDR ................................................................................................................................. Final Design Report FEIS ..................................................................................................... final environmental impact statement FEMA ........................................................................................... Federal Emergency Management Agency FHV ........................................................................................................................................ for-hire vehicles FHWA ........................................................................................................... Federal Highway Administration FTA .................................................................................................................. Federal Transit Administration GHG ...................................................................................................................................... greenhouse gas


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GIS ............................................................................................................... Geographic Information System GUL ...................................................................................................................................... general-use lane HCM ...................................................................................................................... Highway Capacity Manual HOT .................................................................................................................................. high-occupancy toll HOV ............................................................................................................................high-occupancy vehicle HSI .................................................................................................................... Highway Safety Investigation IPaC .................................................................................................Information, Planning and Conservation ITS .............................................................................................................. intelligent transportation systems JFK Airport ............................................................................................................... John F. Kennedy Airport KGI ........................................................................................................................ Kew Gardens Interchange LBP ....................................................................................................................................... lead-based paint LEP ....................................................................................................................... Limited English Proficiency LIRR .............................................................................................................................Long Island Rail Road LOS ......................................................................................................................................... level of service LTCP ....................................................................................................................... Long Term Control Plans LWCF ..................................................................................................... Land and Water Conservation Fund LWRP ................................................................................................ local waterfront revitalization programs MEV ........................................................................................................................... million entering vehicles MOA ................................................................................................................... Memorandum of Agreement MODA ........................................................................................................... Mayor’s Office of Data Analytics MPT ....................................................................................................... maintenance and protection of traffic MSAT ........................................................................................................................ mobile source air toxics MTA ...................................................................................................... Metropolitan Transportation Authority MUL ................................................................................................................................. managed-use lanes MVM ................................................................................................................................ million vehicle miles NAAQS ............................................................................................. National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAC ......................................................................................................................... Noise Abatement Criteria NEPA ......................................................................................................... National Environmental Policy Act NHPA ........................................................................................................ National Historic Preservation Act NHS ........................................................................................................................ National Highway System NPDES ............................................................................... National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NPL .............................................................................................................................. National Priorities List NPS .............................................................................................................................. National Park Service NRHP ..................................................................................................... National Register of Historic Places NYCDCP .................................................................................... New York City Department of City Planning NYCDEP ................................................................. New York City Department of Environmental Protection NYCDOT .................................................................................. New York City Department of Transportation NYCHA ........................................................................................................ New York City Housing Authority NYC Parks.................................................................... New York City Department of Parks and Recreation NYCRR .......................................................................................... New York Codes, Rules and Regulations NYCT ............................................................................................................................ New York City Transit NYMTC .................................................................................. New York Metropolitan Transportation Council NYNHP .................................................................................................. New York Natural Heritage Program NYPD ........................................................................................................ New York City Police Department NYSCMP .............................................................................. New York State Coastal Management Program NYSDEC ..........................................................New York State Department of Environmental Conservation NYSDOL............................................................................................... New York State Department of Labor NYSDOS ............................................................................................... New York State Department of State NYSDOT ................................................................................ New York State Department of Transportation


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OPRHP ....................................................................... Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation OSHA ................................................................................... Occupational Safety and Health Administration P.S. ............................................................................................................................................. public school PANYNJ .................................................................................... Port Authority of New York and New Jersey PCB ........................................................................................................................ polychlorinated biphenyls PCC ........................................................................................................................ Portland cement concrete PIL ............................................................................................................................ Priority Investigation List QCEW .................................................................................... Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages RCNM ..................................................................................................... Roadway Construction Noise Model RCP .......................................................................................................................... reinforced concrete pipe RCRA ........................................................................................... Resource Conservation and Recovery Act REC .................................................................................................... Recognized Environmental Conditions RTP .................................................................................................................. Regional Transportation Plan ROD .................................................................................................................................. Record of Decision SDL .................................................................................................................. Safety Deficient Location List SEQRA ............................................................................................ State Environmental Quality Review Act SHPO ......................................................................................................... State Historic Preservation Office SIP ......................................................................................................................... State Implementation Plan SMDM ........................................................................................... Stormwater Management Design Manual SMP .......................................................................................................... stormwater management practices SPDES ................................................................................... State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System SPT ....................................................................................................................... Standard Penetration Test SWPPP ............................................................................................... Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan TEM ...................................................................................................... The NYSDOT Environmental Manual TIP ....................................................................................................... Transportation Improvement Program TMP ........................................................................................................... Transportation Management Plan TNM .................................................................................................................................. Traffic Noise Model TSCA ................................................................................................................ Toxic Substances Control Act ULURP ................................................................................................ Uniform Land Use Review Procedure UPARR ................................................................................................ Urban Park and Recreation Recovery USACE ............................................................................................................ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USDOT ..................................................................................................... U.S. Department of Transportation USEPA ............................................................................................... U.S. Environmental Protection Agency USFWS ........................................................................................................... U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service VIA ......................................................................................................................... Visual Impact Assessment VMS ........................................................................................................................... variable message signs VMT .............................................................................................................................. vehicle-miles traveled VOC ..................................................................................................................... volatile organic compounds VWE ........................................................................................................................... Van Wyck Expressway WRP .......................................................................................................... Waterfront Revitalization Program WZTC ........................................................................................................................ work zone traffic control

transportation project report...this final design report/final environmental impact statement...

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