Approved Environmental Document – Governors Parkway Project

Approved Environmental Document – Governors Parkway Project Download

Governors Parkway Project Timeline and Participants

Detailed Timeline of Main Events

Prior to July 20, 2020: Engineering Assessment prepared by HDR is completed. (This is inferred as the Memo referenced in the FRA form from 08/01/2018 is included as Appendix F of this document, implying the Engineering Assessment came later).
August 1, 2018: A U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Form is revised for the Norfolk Southern Railway crossing at Parrish Street in Hammond, Indiana (Crossing Inventory Number 478690B). This form notes existing signs and signals at the crossing.
May 25, 2021: A U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Form is revised for the Norfolk Southern Railway crossing at Parrish Street in Hammond, Indiana (Crossing Inventory Number 478690B).
June 13, 2021: A U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Form is revised for the Norfolk Southern Railway crossing at Parrish Street in Hammond, Indiana (Crossing Inventory Number 478690B).
July 11, 2021: A U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Form is revised for the Norfolk Southern Railway crossing at Parrish Street in Hammond, Indiana (Crossing Inventory Number 478690B).
January 15, 2022: A U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Form is revised for the Norfolk Southern Railway crossing at Parrish Street in Hammond, Indiana (Crossing Inventory Number 478690B).
July 20, 2022: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approves Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)’s public involvement procedures.
July 24, 2023: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts wetland determination data sheet sampling at data point B1 and F2 near the Parrish Ave. Bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Hammond, Lake County. Data point B1 indicated hydrophytic vegetation, wetland hydrology, and hydric soil were present within a wetland, while data point F2, within mapped hydric soil, showed no hydric soil indicators observed.
October 10, 2023: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts wetland determination data sheet sampling at data points I2, J2, and K2 near the Parrish Ave. Bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Hammond, Lake County. These points were located in swale areas of the remnant ridge and swale area and indicated hydrophytic vegetation, wetland hydrology, and hydric soil were present within a wetland. Data point G2, also within mapped hydric soil, showed no hydric soil indicators observed.
April 10, 2024: INDOT organizes a public hearing on the proposed grade separation of Governors Parkway in Lake County. The hearing is held at Scott Middle School in Hammond, Indiana, starting at 6:30 PM (local time), with a presentation beginning at approximately 7:00 PM. The purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity for all interested persons to comment on the proposed project and its environmental documentation.
April 10, 2024 (during Public Hearing): Oral statements are received from individuals. Written comments are evaluated, considered, and addressed in subsequent environmental documentation.
Proposed Future Event (after Public Hearing and comment period): Public comments submitted prior to the public hearing and within the comment period are evaluated, considered, and addressed in subsequent environmental documentation.
Proposed Future Event (SFY 2024 or earlier): Right-of-Way acquisition using Local Fund and State Special Projects funding occurs.
Proposed Future Event (SFY 2026): Construction is programmed to begin, funded by Federal Special, Local Fund, and State Match sources. Construction Engineering, funded by State Match, is also programmed for this period.
Project Goal (Ongoing/Future): Address delays and exposure to frequent train crossings experienced by vehicles and pedestrians at the at-grade road crossings of the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks in the Hessville neighborhood of Hammond, Indiana.
Project Plan (Ongoing/Future): Construction of a new terrain roadway, named Governors Parkway, for a distance of about 0.75 miles. The new roadway will begin at 173rd Street, traverse north and overpass the Norfolk Southern Railroad, turn northwest, and connect with existing Parrish Avenue immediately south of the existing 170th Street and Parrish Avenue intersection.
Project Plan (Ongoing/Future): A new westbound right turn lane will be provided at the 173rd Street and Governors Parkway intersection. A new connector road will be constructed extending 170th Street eastward from Parrish Avenue to the new Governors Parkway. The new roadway will provide one travel lane in each direction, and a shared-use path will be constructed along the east side of the roadway.
Project Plan (Ongoing/Future): The existing at-grade railroad crossing of Parrish Avenue will be permanently closed to both vehicles and pedestrians at the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Access to adjoining properties along Parrish Avenue will remain as existing.
Project Plan (Ongoing/Future): Traffic Management Plan involves lane shifts along 173rd Street for construction of the new intersection with Governors Parkway. Parrish Avenue will need to be closed between 170th Place and 170th Street to construct the new tie-in with Governors Parkway. The proposed Parrish Avenue detour would consist of 170th Street to Grand Avenue to 173rd Street.
Project Impact (Ongoing/Future): The project will require approximately 13.63 acres of permanent new right-of-way, in addition to some temporary right-of-way needed during construction. The project will also require the displacement of two residences.

Cast of Characters

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT): The state agency responsible for transportation projects in Indiana. They are the applicant/owner for the Governors Parkway project, organized the public hearing, are coordinating with emergency services, local school corporation officials, and project stakeholders to minimize potential disruptions and impacts, and have their public involvement procedures approved by the FHWA.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): A division of the U.S. Department of Transportation that oversees federal aid for highways. They approved INDOT’s public involvement procedures and have agreed that this project poses minimal impact to the natural environment, leading to the preparation of a Categorical Exclusion environmental document.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): The federal agency responsible for regulating navigable waters and wetlands. They conducted wetland determination data sheet sampling in the project area and believe there may be jurisdictional aquatic resources in the review area. They advise the requestor of the option to request an approved Jurisdictional Determination (AJD).
Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS): The railroad company whose tracks are being overpassed by the proposed Governors Parkway project. The project addresses delays and exposure to frequent train crossings at their existing at-grade crossings. They are identified in U.S. DOT Crossing Inventory Forms for the Parrish Street crossing.
Hammond Redevelopment Commission: A local governmental entity in Hammond, Indiana, identified as a party involved in the project.
Lake County Board of Commissioners: The governing body of Lake County, Indiana, identified as a party involved in the project.
City of Hammond Department of Redevelopment: A department within the City of Hammond, Indiana, involved in redevelopment efforts and identified as a party in the project documents.
Trustees of Purdue University: Identified as property owners in the project area. Purdue University Northwest Library in Hammond is listed as a location where preliminary design information and environmental documentation are available for viewing.
Dean Shepherd Community Center: A location in Hammond, Indiana, where preliminary design information and environmental documentation are available for viewing.
Hammond City Hall: A location in Hammond, Indiana, where preliminary design information and environmental documentation are available for viewing.
Rich Matta: The INDOT representative listed as the contact for accommodation requests for the public hearing.
Indiana University, Indiana Geological Survey: Compiled the Environmental Assessment Report data on geological hazards and mineral resources, including the disclaimer about the data’s accuracy and limitations.
Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community: Sources for the mapping data used in the environmental document.
HDR: The firm that prepared the Engineering Assessment, which included a memo referenced in the FRA crossing inventory form. (Inferred from the document).
STADIANA, INC.: Identified as a property owner in the project area.
Department of Waterworks of the City of Hammond, Indiana: Identified as a property owner in the project area.
Individuals Providing Oral Statements and Written Comments: Members of the public who participated in the public hearing process by offering feedback on the proposed project. (Not individually named in the provided excerpts).
Emergency Services, Local School Corporation Officials, and Project Stakeholders: Groups with whom INDOT is coordinating to minimize project impacts. (Not individually named).
Residents Being Displaced: Two residences are noted as requiring displacement due to the project. (Not individually named).

Briefing Document: Governors Parkway Project Environmental Document

Main Themes:

Addressing Traffic Delays and Safety: A primary driver for the project is to mitigate existing delays and safety concerns caused by frequent train crossings at the current at-grade intersection of Parrish Avenue and the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks in the Hessville neighborhood of Hammond. The document explicitly states, “the need for the project is to address delays from and exposure to frequent train crossings that vehicles and pedestrians experience at the at-grade road crossings of the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks in the Hessville neighborhood of Hammond, Indiana.”
Construction of a New Roadway and Overpass: The proposed solution involves the construction of a new roadway, to be named Governors Parkway, which will include an overpass over the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. This new roadway will connect 173rd Street to the north and tie into the existing Parrish Avenue to the northwest, effectively bypassing the current at-grade crossing.
Environmental Considerations and Assessment: The document includes an environmental assessment, detailing potential impacts on terrain, access control, traffic, geological hazards, mineral resources, and water resources. Wetland areas are specifically identified and evaluated, with some potentially not being federally jurisdictional.
Public Engagement and Input: A public hearing was held to gather input on the project. The document includes data on public sentiment towards the project, indicating a significant level of support.
Project Design and Technical Specifications: Detailed information on the proposed roadway design, including vertical curves, elevations, materials (like HMA resurfacing and full depth HMA), drainage elements (riprap), and lighting specifications, is presented.
Property Acquisition and Displacement: The project will require the acquisition of approximately 13.89 acres of permanent new right-of-way and some temporary right-of-way during construction. It will also necessitate the displacement of two residences.
Funding Sources: Federal and state funds are proposed for the construction phase of the project, while local and state funds have been used for the right-of-way phase.

Most Important Ideas or Facts:

Project Location: The project is located in the Hessville neighborhood of Hammond, Lake County, Indiana, specifically involving the area around the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks and Parrish Avenue/173rd Street.
Purpose: To alleviate “delays from and exposure to frequent train crossings that vehicles and pedestrians experience at the at-grade road crossings of the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks”.
Proposed Solution: Construction of “a new terrain roadway, to be named Governors Parkway,” for a distance of approximately “0.7 mile.” This new roadway will begin near the existing intersection of 173rd Street and Parrish Avenue, traverse north, and “overpass the Norfolk Southern Railroad.”
Roadway Design: The new roadway will have “one travel lane in each direction.” A “shared-use path” will be constructed along the east side of the roadway.
Parrish Avenue Crossing Closure: The existing at-grade railroad crossing on Parrish Avenue will be “permanently closed to both vehicles and pedestrians.”
Temporary Closures: Parrish Avenue will need to be closed between 169th Place and 170th Street for construction of the new tie-in with Governors Parkway.
Detour: A proposed Parrish Avenue detour would consist of 169th Street to Grand Avenue to 173rd Street.
Right-of-Way Acquisition: The project requires approximately “13.89 acres of permanent new right-of-way” and temporary right-of-way.
Displacements: The project will also require the “displacement of two residences.”
Funding: Federal and state funds are proposed for construction, and local/state funds for right-of-way. The total programmed cost is $12,719,479.
Environmental Finding: The Federal Highway Administration and the Indiana Department of Transportation have agreed that this project “poses minimal impact to natural environment.” A “Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document has been prepared for the project.”
Public Hearing: A public hearing was held on April 10, 2024, at Scott Middle School in Hammond, Indiana. The hearing included a presentation and the opportunity for public comment.
Public Sentiment: Based on survey data presented (G-13, G-14, G-15), a significant majority of respondents were in favor of the project. Specifically, 46.67% were “Very Strongly In Favor” and 16.35% were “Somewhat In Favor,” totaling 63.02% in favor. 74.76% answered “Yes” to question G-15 (question not provided in excerpt, but implies a positive response related to the project).
Wetland Identification: Several wetland areas (WA) are identified within the Area of Potential Effects, including Wetland B, a “0.02-acre palustrine forested broadleaf deciduous (PFO1) wetland.” While Wetland B was noted to likely not be federally jurisdictional due to no observed hydrologic connectivity, other wetland areas are noted and assessed using the US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Determination Data Sheet.
Potential for Jurisdictional Aquatic Resources: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicates that there “may be jurisdictional aquatic resources in the review area.” The document outlines the applicant’s options regarding obtaining an Approved Jurisdictional Determination (AJD) versus proceeding with a Permit Jurisdiction Determination (PJD), and the implications of each choice on potential mitigation and legal challenges.
Geological Hazards: The area is identified as having “High liquefaction potential 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard.”
Mineral Resources: The area has “High Potential Sand and Gravel Resource” and “Low Potential” Bedrock Resource. No active or abandoned mineral extraction sites were documented.
Noise Assessment: A traffic noise analysis was conducted to identify noise-sensitive land uses and predict noise levels. Receptors identified include residential properties and a community park area.

Key Quotes:

“the need for the project is to address delays from and exposure to frequent train crossings that vehicles and pedestrians experience at the at-grade road crossings of the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks in the Hessville neighborhood of Hammond, Indiana.”
“As proposed, the project involves the construction of a new terrain roadway, to be named Governors Parkway, for a distance of about 0.7 mile.”
“The existing at-grade railroad crossing of Parrish Avenue will be permanently closed to both vehicles and pedestrians.”
“The project will require approximately 13.89 acres of permanent new right-of-way, in addition to some temporary right-of-way needed during construction.”
“The project will also require the displacement of two residences.”
“Federal and state funds are proposed to be used for construction of this project.”
“INDOT and the Federal Highway Administration have agreed that this project poses minimal impact to natural environment.”
“This PJD finds that there ‘may be’ waters of the U.S. and/or that there ‘may be’ navigable waters of the U.S. on the subject review area…”
“Geological Hazards: High liquefaction potential 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard”
“Mineral Resources: Bedrock Resource: High Potential Sand and Gravel Resource: Low Potential”
“Wetland B is a 0.02-acre palustrine forested broadleaf deciduous (PFO1) wetland located within a micro depression within the west-central portion of the project area…”

Governors Parkway Project Overview

What is the primary purpose of the Governors Parkway Project?

The primary purpose of the Governors Parkway Project is to address delays and exposure to frequent train crossings experienced by vehicles and pedestrians at the at-grade road crossings of the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks in the Hessville neighborhood of Hammond, Indiana. The project proposes constructing a new roadway, Governors Parkway, to provide an alternate route and an overpass of the railroad.

Where is the proposed Governors Parkway located and how will it connect to existing roads?

The proposed Governors Parkway will be approximately 0.7 miles long. It will begin near the existing intersection of 173rd Street and Parrish Avenue, approximately 400 feet east of the existing intersection. The new roadway will traverse northward before turning northwest and connecting with the existing Parrish Avenue. The project will end immediately south of the existing 169th Street and Parrish Avenue intersection. A new westbound right-turn lane will be provided at the 173rd Street and Governors Parkway intersection, and a new connector road will be constructed extending 169th Street eastward from Parrish Avenue to the new Governors Parkway.

What will happen to the existing Parrish Avenue railroad crossing?

The existing at-grade railroad crossing of Parrish Avenue will be permanently closed to both vehicles and pedestrians at the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks as part of the Governors Parkway Project.

What traffic management measures are planned during the construction of the project?

During construction, traffic maintenance (MTF) plans involve lane shifts along 173rd Street to construct the new intersection with Governors Parkway. Parrish Avenue will need to be closed between 169th Place and 169th Street to construct the new tie-in with Governors Parkway. The proposed Parrish Avenue detour will consist of using 169th Street to Grand Avenue to 173rd Street. INDOT will coordinate with emergency services, local school corporation officials, and project stakeholders to ensure potential disruptions and impacts are minimized as much as possible. Access to all properties will be maintained during construction.

What environmental documentation has been prepared for the project, and what is the initial environmental impact finding?

A Categorical Exclusion (CE) environmental document has been prepared for the project. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration have agreed that this project poses minimal impact to the natural environment. An environmental documentation and preliminary design information are available for public review at locations including the Purdue University Northwest Library and the Jean Shepherd Community Center in Hammond.

How will the project be funded?

The project is proposed to be funded with a combination of federal and state funds for construction, and local and state special projects funds for right-of-way acquisition. As of the documented figures, the total programmed amount for the project is $12,719,479, with construction accounting for the largest portion.

What are some of the environmental considerations noted in the project documentation, specifically regarding wetlands and geological hazards?

The environmental assessment notes the presence of three wetlands and four floodplains within a 0.5-mile search radius. One specific wetland (Wetland B) is described as a palustrine forested broadleaf deciduous (PFO1) wetland within a microdepression, likely not federally jurisdictional due to observed lack of hydrologic connectivity. Geological hazards identified include high liquefaction potential and a 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard. Sand and Gravel resources have a low potential in the area, while Bedrock resources have a high potential, with no documented active or abandoned mineral extraction sites.

How is public involvement being facilitated for the Governors Parkway Project?

Public involvement for the project includes a public hearing to offer all interested persons the opportunity to comment on the proposed separation of grades for Governors Parkway in Lake County. The public hearing was held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Scott Middle School in Hammond. Written comments submitted prior to the deadline were to be evaluated, considered, and addressed in subsequent environmental documentation. With advance notice, INDOT provides accommodations for persons with disabilities and those requiring auxiliary aids or language interpretation services for participation and access to project information.

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