DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Finding [30 Pa.B. 2309] Berks County Pursuant to the provisions of 71 P. S. Section 2002(b), the Secretary of Transportation makes the following written finding:
The Federal Highway Administration and the Department of Transportation are planning selective replacement and rehabilitation of the Lindbergh Viaduct, which carries S. R. 2021 over Mineral Spring Road, 19th Street, Mineral Spring Creek and Pendora Park in the City of Reading, Berks County.
This project will impact Section 4(f) resources as identified in the associated Categorical Exclusion Evaluation/Programmatic Section 4(f) Evaluation.
Mitigation measures will be taken to minimize harm as stipulated in the Categorical Exclusion Evaluation/Programmatic Section 4(f) Evaluation and in the executed Memorandum of Agreement. Mitigation measures include the following:
* A Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record (HABS/HAER) recordation/documentation will be completed to mitigate the demolition of spans 1-6 and the consequent change in the bridge's overall character and appearance.
* All new construction will be compatible with the historic and architectural qualities of the Lindbergh Viaduct.
* The deteriorated reinforced concrete light standards will be reproduced, and neoclassical style, two arm luminaires will be installed.
* Plantings on the embankment will be the same type used in the park.
* The information generated during the HAER recordation will be compiled into an interpretive plaque to be placed in the park adjacent to a pedestrian path and/or on the bridge.
* Only the area necessary to effectively complete the construction will be disturbed. Any adjacent sensitive resources will be surrounded with protective fencing. All disturbed areas will be restored and revegetated at the completion of construction.
* A protective cover will be constructed over Mineral Spring Creek to prevent debris and other construction material from falling into the stream channel.
* The construction area within Pendora Park will be surrounded by protective fencing in order to eliminate construction/recreation conflicts.
The environmental, economic, social, and other effects of the proposed project as enumerated in Section 2002 of the Administrative Code, have been considered. It has been concluded that there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the project as designed and all reasonable steps have been taken to minimize such effects.
No adverse environmental effect is likely to result from this bridge project.
BRADLEY L. MALLORY,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 00-755. Filed for public inspection May 5, 2000, 9:00 a.m.]
