SR 441 over the Wabash River

American Structurepoint prepared the environmental analysis resulting in the development of a Level 2 Categorical Exclusion for this bridge rehabilitation project. Critical project elements included cultural resources, as the proposed project involves the rehabilitation of a bridge that is eligible for inclusion on the National Register (NR), but is adjacent to NR-listed Vincennes Historic District, Old Cathedral Complex and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. In addition, during field inspections, evidence was observed of bats living in the expansion joints of the bridge. The presumed presence of endangered bats required more in-depth coordination to determine work that could occur during the summer roosting months, while not disturbing the species. The Indiana side of the bridge spans a portion of a National Park, the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, which presented a Section 4(f) concern. Close coordination was undertaken with park officials to ensure the proposed construction would not impede the function of the park nor require any independent environmental studies for the Department of the Interior. In the end, a “Temporary Occupancy/No Use” determination was able to be secured for the project.

Field studies included a Wetland Delineation, an assessment of historic properties, and ecological assessments necessary for the proposed improvement. American Structurepoint was also responsible for the preparation of applications for Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the 404 Permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers for waterway/wetland impacts in both States, and the Floodway Permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Permits were able to be secured with no off-site mitigation required.