pf_03509 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Dennis Welsch May 9, 1996 Page 4 This existing generation and distribution data can be used to adjust the existing traffic volumes to background forecasts for future traffic analyses of various land use scenarios. Capacity Analyses A capacity analysis is an established method for determining the quality of traffic flow through an intersection or along a roadway segment. The basic output from a capacity analysis is a letter grade (A through F) similar to letter grades on a report card. Level of service A (LOS A) signifies a high quality of traffic flow with little or no delay and congestion, while LOS F denotes operating conditions with long traffic delays and queues and severe congestion. The capacity of a roadway or intersection is typically given as LOS E. The minimum acceptable LOS is usually dependent upon the size of the metropolitan area and the aggressiveness of the driving public. Most governmental agencies within the Twin Cities Metro area use LOS D as the minimum acceptable design level of service. Roadway segments and intersections with operating conditions below (LOS E or F) the minimum level need to consider mitigating improvements. Capacity analyses were conducted for each of the following seven key intersection locations surrounding the State Farm site using the procedures outlined in the 1994 Hi~hway Capacity Manual Update. o The CR B intersections with TH 51, State Farm Boulevard, Pascal Avenue and Hamline A venue The Commerce Street intersections with Pascal Avenue, N. Albert Street and Hamline A venue Analyses were conducted for both tl1e peak weekday and peak weekend-day hours. The results of the analyses are documented in Table 1. The data indicate that the CR BrrH 51 intersection currently operates at LOS F during both the peak weekday and weekend-day hours. However, observations of the intersection operations during the peak traffic demand periods indicate that only some of the signal cycles were loaded (Le. in most instances, vehicles cleared the intersection in one signal cycle). The data also indicate that the other six key intersection locations currently operate at LOS A or B with only minor congestion during the peak weekday and weekend-day hours. Safety Analysis A traffic safety analysis was conducted to determine the recent accident history of the following seven key intersection locations surrounding the State Farm site. o The CR B intersections with TH 51, State Farm Boulevard, Pascal Avenue, N. Albert Street and Hamline A venue '"