PCP 08-02-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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, " An intersection capacity analysis was conducted for the existing study intersections per the Highway Capacity Manual. Intersections controlled by traffic signals or all-way stop signs are assigned a "Level of Service" letter grade based on the intersection geometry, traffic volumes, and traffic control. Level of Service A (LOS A) represents light traffic flow (free flow conditions) while Level of Service F (LOS F) represents heavy traffic flow (over capacity conditions). LOS D is considered acceptable in urban conditions, although LOS C or better is preferred. Intersections that have no control for the main roadway and stop sign or yield sign control for the side streets are not assigned an overall LOS grade. Usually, an intersection that has side-street stop sign control has little delay because most of the traffic is moving through without stopping. LOS grades are assigned to each of the side street approaches and main line left turns based on the intersection geometry and traffic volumes. It is common for the side street approach to have a poor LOS during the peak hours. LOS F is considered acceptable at stop controlled approaches as long as the approach volumes are relatively light and there are no stacking problems. The LOS calculated at a stop sign controlled intersection is different than the LOS calculated at a signalized intersection. Motorists have more tolerance for delay at a traffic signal than they do at a stop sign. ~ The Highway 96/Hamline Avenue intersection currently operates at LOS C in the a.m. peak hour and LOS 0 in the p.m. peak hour. The stop sign controlled eastbound approach to the Hamline Avenue/Karth Lake Circle intersection operates at LOS E in the a,m. peak hour and LOS F in the p.m. peak hour. The calculations are included in the Appendix. 111. TRAFFIC FORECASTS A trip generation analysis was performed for the site based on the methods and rates published in the ITE Trip Generation Manual, 7th Edition. The site is currently zoned for neighborhood business uses, which includes offices. It is anticipated that all of the units will be used as offices, but it is possible that a business with a retail component could be allowed to occupy a unit under the current zoning. The zoning would not allow high traffic generators (i.e. McDonald's), but would allow small boutiques (i.e, antiques store). The uses allowed would generate approximately the same amount of traffic that a normal office would, so it is assumed all of the units would generate traffic as office unils, The results are shown in Table 1, e -_.~~ Arden /Jills Office Park 6 Arden Hills,MN Traffic Impact Study May 2005