Ads for Massachusetts Department Of Transportation in Boston, MA

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE and OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT ON PROPOSED DE MINIMIS IMPACT DETERMINATION ON SECTION 4(F) RESOURCES - (Ashuwillticook Rail Trail) PROJECT: Adams - Bridge Replacement, A-04-038, Quality Street over Hoosic River MassDOT Project #610777 PROPONENT: MassDOT - Highway Division This notice is being published to solicit public comments regarding the above-referenced federal aid transportation improvement project pursuant to Section 4(f) of the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Act of 1966 (23 CFR 774). Information specific to the proposed project and its impacts, avoidance, minimization, mitigation, or enhancement measures may be obtained from: James Carney, 10 Park Plaza, Room 7130, Boston, MA 02116, (james.n.carney@dot.state.ma.us). The Town of Adams in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) proposes to replace Bridge A-04-038 in Adams, which carries the two-lane South Willow Street over the Hoosic River and provides access to houses along the dead-end residential South Willow Street from Quality Street to the southwest. The project, as designed, will require one permanent utility easement on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail for the installation of a gas main, grading, and loam & seed. The project also requires three temporary occupancy areas for the construction of a temporary road as well as additional grading, and loam & seed. The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is protected as a significant public recreational resource under Section 4(f) of the DOT Act. MassDOT intends to pursue a determination that the proposed use of the permanent easement for the installation of a gas main, grading, and loam & seed meets the definition of de minimis (or minor) impacts, as specified under 23 CFR 774.17(5). A de minimis finding is being made based on the preliminary assessment that the proposed use of this resource will have no adverse effects on the recreational activities, features or attributes qualifying it for Section 4(f) protection. All persons wishing to comment on the project should write or email to the address noted above within 15 days of this notice. Comments will become part of the official record and will be considered when making future project-related decisions. Ad# 91703 02/18/2025