CCP 11-13-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I. '- '- (the segment of Highway 96 between Rice and McMenemy may be considered to be rural highway) it provides a general sense of the volume of traffic that may be carried on a two lane cross-section having little access and cross traffic. III There is a large range for level of service "E" on this type offacility and the maximum capacity is about 20,000 vehicles per day. However at about 10,000 vehicles per day, the traffic flow becomes ,,- . relatively unstable. In the neighborhood of 15,000 vehicles per day there is high probability of breakdown in the traffic flow. Because the two lane section on Highway 96 is downstream from a III signalized intersection the traffic is compressed into platoons. Because of the platoons, breakdowns in the traffic flow can occur at volumes ofless than 15,000 vehicles per day, especially at the point where the two lanes (in one direction) merge into one. III The 1992 average daily traffic volume on Highway 96 between Rice Street and McMenemy was 14,500 vehicles per day. The 2015 forecast is 21,300 vehicles per day. The forecast volumes in III other segments of the corridor range up to 31,500 vehicles per day. Based on these traffic volumes, a four lane cross-section is needed throughout the corridor to provide at least level of service "D". Turn lanes will also be needed at many locations for both safety and capacity reasons. III Level of Service " The level of service on an urban arterial is defined by the relationship between the average travel speed and the free flow travel speeds. The free flow speed is defined as the average desired speed of all vehicles on the arterial. One of the most important factors affecting the average travel speed .. on an arterial is the frequency and location of signals. As the number of signals increases, the average travel speed will decrease because of the additional delay caused by the signals. In addition, III poor spacing between signals can result in poor progression and therefore further delays to traffic on the arterial. Progression is the ability of a platoon of vehicles to move through a series of signalized intefsections without having to stop. l1li Other factors which affect the average travel speed include traffic density, driveway access point density, the existence of parking, the level of pedestrian activity, the proportion of trucks and busses, ~ and turning movements. Actions which will improve the level of service on an arterial include limiting access points, prohibiting on street parking, and providing turn lanes for turning traffic. III INITIAL SCREENING OF ALTERNATIVES The initial screening of alternatives was based on the County's fundamental guidelines for the III design of Highway 96. If any of the roadway cross-section altematives do not meet or comply with these fundamental guidelines, they should be dismissed. Some of the guidelines that affect the selection of the roadway cross-section are discussed below. ~ . Highway 96 is designated as an "A-Minor" Arterial. - Highway 96 is part of the regional highway system and is intended to provide for the W movement of traffic between regions within the metropolitan area. .," .III, 66 .- ' -,----