Seashore Superintendent Announces 30-Day Review Period for Environmental Assessment on Rehabilitation of Moors Road with Bicycle Accommodations in the Province Lands

Date: May 27, 2010
Contact: Karst Hoogeboom, Facilities Manager, 508-771-2144

Cape Cod National Seashore Superintendent George E. Price, Jr. has announced that the 30-day public comment period for the Rehabilitation of Moors Road with Bicycle Accommodations in the Province Lands Environmental Assessment begins May 27 and closes on June 28, 2010.  The NPS proposes to rehabilitate Moors Road with bicycle accommodations to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety; improve the structural integrity of the road; reduce congestion; protect natural resources of the national seashore; and encourage alternative forms of transportation.  “These improvements are critical for ensuring public safety and are one more step towards our efforts to create an enjoyable car-free experience at this end of Cape Cod,” said Superintendent Price.

The EA examines four alternatives: no action, and three action alternatives. Under all action alternatives, the abandoned section of US 6 where it enters the project area would eventually be paved, creating a 10-foot wide bicyclist/pedestrian path. Another element common to all action alternatives is the full-depth rehabilitation of the roadway to better withstand increasing use by heavy vehicles. The width of the rehabilitated road varies by action alternative. Additionally, the existing culverts may be replaced in the same location and a guard rail would be added along both sides of the culvert for safety. All action alternatives would better manage stormwater runoff. All alternatives would include at least one raised crosswalk. Signs may be added to warn drivers of the crosswalks.

Alternative B would rehabilitate the existing roadway without widening it and provide three raised crosswalks.

Alternative C would also rehabilitate the existing roadway and provide three raised crosswalks. The roadway rehabilitation, however, would include the addition of widened paved shoulders.

Alternative D would rehabilitate the existing roadway and provide a 10-foot separate multiuse path on the southwest side of the road.

Copies for review are available at local libraries, the two park visitor centers, and can be accessed online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ or the park’s website at www.nps.gov/caco.   Comments can be sent to the Superintendent, Cape Cod National Seashore, 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, Massachusetts, 02667. Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone] or email at [e-mail].

-NPS-