20A - AA FIRST ST BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION JULY 2010 FIRST STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT CITY OF SANTA ANA C. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? Less than significant impact with mitigation. The proposed project will result in some physical changes in the project site. The existing First Street bridge over Santa Ana River will be demolished and replaced with the new structure that conforms to the current building and seismic standards. The proposed bridge would be widened to accommodate two extra lanes and ultimate width of First Street. The new bridge structure will be located in the same vertical position as the existing one (different horizontal), will look similar to the existing bridge, and will be at the same elevation. The slight physical changes will not substantially affect views of the bridge or views from the bridge. As mentioned above, the bridge replacement activities will require removal of several ornamental trees to accommodate the sound barrier walls. The views from the First Street/Santa Ana Bridge are limited to the surrounding built-out environment, Santa Ana River Channel, adjacent residences including manufactured housing parks. Construction activities will temporary affect the views of and on the Santa Ana River. This impact is not considered significant because it will be short-term and cease upon the project completion. Implementation of the proposed project will not adversely affect scenic vistas because the new replacement bridge will look very similar to the existing bridge structure. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated and no mitigation is required. However, the project will involve the construction of three sound barrier walls each exceeding six feet in height. This will introduce a visual change to the roadway corridor. The following mitigation measure is included to ensure that the sound barrier walls will blend in with surrounding elements to reduce the visual intrusion of the walls. Mitigation Measure VIS-1 As part of the final design plans for the sound barrier walls, a neutral earth-tone color palette will be selected to blend in with surrounding area. The color specification will be reviewed and approved by the Santa Ana Public Works Director or designee, and included as part of the bid package for the project. D. Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Less than significant impact. The proposed project is a bridge replacement and street widening project that would not incorporate substantial new sources of light or glare which would affect day or nighttime views in the area. The sidewalks that will be built as part of the First Street Bridge and First Street Widening will require additional lighting for pedestrians. In the existing condition, sidewalks are not continuous along First Street. The project will include relocated replacement street lights. Due to the project area's high level of development, there are many existing sources of light in the area. Therefore, incorporation of the replacement street lights will not result in significant impact to nighttime views. No mitigation is required. 07/25/10 «PADMJ0701\MND\4.0 Environmental Analysis.doc» 4-2 20A-53