Transportation Mitigation Measures

Mitigation measures to avoid or reduce transportation impacts from energy transmission projects.

The following are examples of mitigation measures that could be applied to reduce transportation impacts of a project depending on site- and project-specific conditions. Impacts to transportation are related to the project location and footprint (e.g., type and extent of project-related traffic on existing roads and the extent of access roads required to be established), existing traffic patterns, and condition and weight-limits of existing roads. Many impacts can be reduced or avoided when considered during the siting and design of a project during the site evaluation phase.

Develop a final set of mitigation measures for any project in consultation with the appropriate federal resource management agencies and stakeholders. Conduct these consultations in the project development process and preferably prior to final project siting and design.

Siting and Design Mitigation Measures

Siting and design considerations that mitigate impacts include:

• Consult with local planning authorities regarding traffic. Address specific issues (e.g., school bus routes and stops) in a traffic management plan.
• Develop a traffic management plan for site access roads and for use of main public roads.
• Use existing roads to the extent possible.

General Mitigation Measures

General mitigation practices and principles that could apply to any or all phases of an energy transmission project include:

• Instruct and require all personnel and contractors to adhere to speed limits to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.

Project Phase-Specific Mitigation Measures

Mitigation measures specific to a particular phase of an energy transmission project include:

Construction

• Limit construction vehicle traffic on public roadways to off-peak commuting times to minimize impacts on local commuters.
• Employ traffic control flaggers and post signs warning of construction activity and merging traffic, when necessary, for short interruptions to traffic flow.
• Repair any damage to local roads caused by construction traffic.
• Install gates on access roads to reduce unauthorized access when requested by property owners.

Decommissioning/Site Reclamation

• Limit decommissioning vehicle traffic on public roadways to off-peak commuting times to minimize impacts on local commuters.