NCDOT Announces Lane Closures For Inspection Of Snow's Cut Bridge
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Gazette, April 23, 2014
CAROLINA BEACH - The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced earlier this month they will begin a planned inspection of Snow's Cut Bridge requiring lanes to be closed at certain times. According to NCDOT they, "will begin daily intermittent lane closures Monday, April 21 in both directions of the U.S. 421 bridge over the Cape Fear River in Carolina Beach."Weather permitting, the lane closures will be in SODFH IURP D P XQWLO p.m. through Friday, April 25. The closures are necessary for crews to perform routine biannual bridge inspections. The Snow's Cut Bridge rehabilitation project is preparing to wrap up in the coming weeks and return to four lanes of traffic. All that remains is completing work on joints in the roadway and painting ar-
eas under the bridge. In February the contractor said they were on schedule to have work completed and all lanes open by March 14, 2014 pending delays caused by weather. The project to rehabilitate the 51-year-old bridge leading onto Pleasure Island began in September 2012. North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Gene Conti announced in June 2012, NCDOT awarded a $4.6 million contract to American Bridge Co. of Coraopolis, Pa. to preserve the bridge over Snows Cut on U.S. 421 in Carolina Beach. The bridge was built in the 1960's and needed attention to areas weathered by the elements over the decades. This bridge was rehabilitated using a new resurfacing technique called hydro-demolition. During the resurfacing process, the deteriorated concrete on the bridge deck was
removed in part using highpressure water, and the bridge was resurfaced using highstrength concrete. Hydro-demolition is more precise than traditional pavement removal with a jackhammer, and it reduces the potential for damage to the bridge. In addition, hydro-demolition is safer and faster than traditional demolition methods and minimizes the impact to traffic. In addition to hydro-demolition, the contract also included painting of structural steel and repairs to substructure concrete. The process is designed to protect the road surface and bridge structure from the elements. The bridge preservation project was estimated in December for completion in February of 2014 but that date was tentative due to the nature of the project and weather condi-
tions. Traffic on the bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway was reduced from four to two lanes in October 2012 to allow crews to perform extensive repair work. Prior to the busy 2013 Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Town of Carolina Beach expressed a concern the reduction of lanes would create a traffic nightmare during the busy tourism season. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Contractor performing the work agreed to complete work on the two southbound lanes and return in the fall of 2013 to work on the two northbound lanes. Work continued on the structure beneath the bridge throughout the summer. The contractor to resumed work on the roadway in October of 2013. Wayne Currie - Resident Engineer with the North Car-
olina Department of Transportation explained Monday March 24th, "The completion of the bridge is drawing near! However, work still continues on in the two northbound lanes. Much of the work remaining, on the deck, such as the completion of the joints between each span of the bridge is controlled by the rain and cool temperatures." He explained, "The painting contractor is working from the northbound lanes doing touch up work on the painting beneath the bridge. Once
all the work is completed in the northbound lanes traffic will be switched back to the northbound lanes still in a two way pattern to allow the painting contractor to finish the work beneath southbound lanes. Once this work can be completed the bridge can be restriped and opened back to four lanes." He explained, "My guess is that we are still a few weeks away from completion. With the weather like it is this week I do not anticipate a lot of work being completed this week."
Council
They make sure smoke alarms work and all the things you hope a rental property would have. We are not recommending that but I just wanted to point out there is concern about parking issues as well as safety issues related to weekly rentals." Galbraith said a certificate program would dic-
tate the number of people that could occupy the rental property and prohibit people from packing 10 people into a small house with too many vehicles parked out front. Councilman David Heglar asked how such a program is enforced. Galbraith said, "It's enforced by a complaint. If a
neighbor complains there is 12 people" then police could come out and check the compliance with a certificate and write a ticket. Mayor Dean Lambeth said, "There was a house... on Fort Fisher Blvd. They had 80 people in the house at one time. They had 27 cars parked across the street in
a private lot. I think you can start with that and see what you come up with." Galbraith said, "Clearly this process would try to eliminate that potential not only for a parking problem but for a safety problem." Lambeth said, "At one time they had 80 kids staying in it. Some of the kids
were sleeping on the beach. The kids were well rehearsed with what they had to do to make sure they made a mends. Property owners on both sides had problems sleeping." The Planning and Zoning Commission will continue discussions on the topic at future meetings.
months of the date it is presented to an election official. One-Stop Absentee Voting Hours Below are the One-Stop Absentee voting hours for the 2014 Primary. If you have any questions regarding the information provided, please contact the New Hanover County Board of Elections office at 910-798-
7330. - The Elections Training Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 Beginning Thursday, April 24th and ending Saturday, May 3rd ‡ 0RQGD\ ¹ )ULGD\ DP ¹ 5pm ‡ 6DWXUGD\V DP ¹ SP - Main Library, 201 Chest-
nut Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 - Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC 28405 - Senior Resource Center, 2222 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 - Carolina Beach Town Hall, 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Beginning Thursday, April 24th and ending Saturday, May 3rd ‡ 0RQGD\ ¹ )ULGD\ DP ¹ 4pm ‡ 6DWXUGD\V DP ¹ SP Other important dates: ‡ $SULO S P Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail. Certain circumstances qualify as an Emergency Medical
situation for which a ballot can be requested after the deadline up to 5 p.m. the day before the election. Contact the Board for more information. ‡ 0D\ ¹ S P Last day to return an absentee ballot by mail. ‡ 0D\ Election Day—polls open IURP D P WR S P
ter Treatment Plant with two new variable frequency drive blowers. We anticipate that construction will be complete within a couple of months and we will contact Mr. Fuller to perform an inspection when the project is complete. Given our improving relationship I am reluctant, yet compelled, to ask for additional help with another issue." Cramer explained, "Since the inspection of the given lease property on November 7, 2011 the Town of Carolina Beach has been actively engaged in bringing the former Fleet Maintenance and Operation activities into compliance with lease agreement No. DACA21-l-64-4180. Following the inspection the Town spent approximately $467,756.19 completing the corrective actions needed to fulfill our obligations. The only aspect of the corrective action plan that is still in the process of being completed is the environmental remediation activities." He explained, "To date the town has hired a consultant to perform initial soil samples and outline potential contaminates related to the towns previous activities at the former Fleet Maintenance and Operation facility. On August 20, 2013 your office received an email for Ben Ashba with Catlin Engineering that explained the types of environmental
tests that had been performed and the types of material found. In October 2013 a compliance inspection was conducted by a USACE Reality Specialist and on November 5, 2013 we received an email communication from Yadira Gill, Senior Reality Specialist from the Savanna District indicating that we "may store supplies in the building with the understanding (and agreement by the Town) that all supplies / equipment must be removed, if and when asked to do so by MOTSU and /or USACE." The email continued to state "For planning purposes, MOTSU has agreed to grant a one year extension to the lease to allow sufficient time to resolve the environmental issues. On January 7, 2013, we received a letter from Mr. Robert M. Jewell Chief, Management and Disposal Branch requesting that we complete the lease extension documents and return the documents with a check for $13,800 to Yadira Gill for the processing of the lease extension. We complied with that request of January 21, 2014 and have since waited for confirmation of the receipt of the lease extension before we begin storing the approved list of supplies and materials in the building. On April 8, 2014, we received the executed copy of the lease extension." Cramer explained, "Be-
tween August 20, 2013 and April 4, 2014 we have discussed with several environmental engineering firms the results of the initial sample tests and found that all of the firms have recommended additional soil and groundwater samples be conducted in order to identify the exact location of the areas of interest, before we engage a contractor and perform a remedial action plan. You have been copied on all correspondence with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources regarding our intention to perform the additional tests and develop a remediation plan that can meet the standards of NCDENR." Cramer explained the Town currently leases space in the Federal Point Shopping Center on North Lake Park Blvd to store supplies and materials that are approved to be stored in the former metal building. He explained, "We are currently spending approximately $3,600 per month for this storage area. We are prepared to move the approved list of supplies and materials into the facility and utilize the savings to perform the additional tests and environmental remediation action. However, before we do that I would appreciate receiving that approval in writing from you. Attached is a copy of the approved list of
supplies and materials." Cramer explained, "We do not want to make the same mistakes that were made in the past, so we are requesting permission before continuing the process. We have no intention of placing any materials or supplies in the fenced in area, only in the storage building. We agree to the previous understanding that if and when asked to do so by MOTSU or USACE, we will remove these supplies and materials. We hope that our two and a half year dedication and the level of funding placed behind resolving all of the identified issues are evidence that we are serious about completing this project and restoring the USACE confidence in our relationship." He explained, "We are requesting permission to store the approved list of supplies and materials inside the 40 ftx100 ft metal building located on the north eastern corner of lease the property described in Lease Agreement no. DACA21-l-64-4180.In accordance with the terms of our lease, we hereby submit this letter as the Town of Carolina Beach's formal request." Last month the Council voted to delay a decision to purchase land on Bridge Barrier Road for a permanent location to house a waste transfer station to handle garbage and
debris collected throughout Town from public trashcans. Since the Town was first notified of violations of their lease on the military land, the Town explored various locations to relocate the transfer station. Ultimately the Council approved spending funds to lease property at 1313 Bridge Barrier Road adjacent to the Carolina Beach Post Office. The decision to delay purchasing the property was in response to area residential property owners complaining about the potential for odor from trash, rats and loud noise from trucks backing up a tall ramp to dump trash into a large compactor. Currently Town management is researching a property at 110 Dow Road behind a commercial storage facility as a possible site to locate a waste transfer station and area to store certain materials. That was a previous location researched by the Town in 2013 and abuts undeveloped land with the exception of the commercial storage facility and a power substation. For the Bridge Barrier Road property, the Council discussed the property may be of some use other than a waste transfer station but would like more research before making a final decision.
From page 1-A the building inspector every year afterwards for $100 per inspection. Galbraith explained, "It really is good. They go through. They look at all the safety things. Fire extinguishers.
One-Stop From page 2-A bill, bank statement, government check, or other government document showing both name and address If you elect to provide one of the documents listed above, it will need to be current or at least dated within 6
MOTSU From page 1-A (MOTSU) across the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County. The port deals in ammunition and the buffer zone serves as a "blast zone" in the event of an incident. The zone covers the largest area of land west of Dow Road in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher. The property housed the Town's Operations Department including public works, public utilities, storm water department and the Town's garage. Additionally, it was home to a greenhouse, various offices and storage areas as well as large dumpsters. The 1972 lease only permitted a wastewater treatment plant, a storage building and related uses. Town manager Michael Cramer sent a request to Col. James A. Rupkalvis - Commander of the Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point - on April 21st requesting permission to utilize a 40' by 100' metal storage building constructed by the Town on the leased property many years ago. Cramer wrote to Rupkalvis stating, "Thank you for your help in securing the approval to upgrade the Town of Carolina Beach Wastewa-
Tick and Mosquito Borne Disease Awareness Month 5$/(,*+ 1 & $SULO WK 2014 - With summer fast approaching and people spending more time outdoors, it is important for everyone to take precautions against tick and mosquito bites. Tick and mosquito borne infections cause illnesses and deaths in North Carolina each year, with more than 800 cases reported in 2013. To encourage awareness of this issue, Governor McCrory recently proclaimed April 2014 as "Tick and Mosquito Awareness Month" in North Carolina. "Ticks and mosquitoes are
very common in our state, and they can carry germs that cause serious infections," said Carl Williams, DHHS' State Public Health Veterinarian. "The good news is that many of these infections can be prevented by following some basic control measures." Tick borne diseases in North Carolina include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis. These diseases are diagnosed from all regions of the state and can be acquired at any time of year. However, the vast majority of infections occur in the months
of June through September. Mosquito borne diseases are less common than tick borne illness, but severe infections due to LaCrosse virus and West Nile virus are reported every year, including cases of encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. The North Carolina Division of Public Health encourages the following activities to help protect against illness caused by WLFNV DQG PRVTXLWRHV ‡ $YRLG WLFN KDELWDW ZKLFK includes wooded, grassy or brushy areas and wear repellents ‡ ,I \RX ILQG D WLFN DWWDFKHG
to your body, carefully remove it by grasping the tick with fine tipped tweezers as close as possible to your skin and apply a steady gentle pressure until it releases. ‡ 8VH D PRVTXLWR UHSHOOHQW when you are outside and exposed to mosquitoes. ‡ 0RVTXLWR SURRI \RXU home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside and use air conditioning if you have it. ‡ 5HGXFH PRVTXLWR EUHHGing by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters,
buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis. While it is not possible to prevent all cases of tick and mosquito borne illness, you can greatly reduce your risk by following these basic control measures. "It is a great time to enjoy North Carolina outdoors," said Williams. "Just be mindful to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and your family." For more information about tick and mosquito borne infections,visit KWWS HSL SXEOLFKHDOWK nc.gov/cd/diseases/vector.html
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