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Snelling Avenue Alternative <br />Third Lane Analysis <br />October 24, 2018 <br />Page 2 <br />Avenue intersection was augmented by a factor equal to the g/C (green time to cycle length) ratio at <br />the intersection, to account for metering of northbound traffic in advance of the lane drop. The <br />resulting analyses indicated that the segment of Snelling Avenue near the lane drop location is <br />expected to contain a vehicle density which allows the segment to operate at Level of Service C. <br />The lane drop north of Lydia Avenue was also evaluated in SimTraffic along with the rest of the <br />corridor between Midway Parkway and Hamline Avenue, as modeled for the signal re -timing project <br />in 2015. The model was observed qualitatively for indications of congestion near the lane drop. <br />Signal timing adjustments were also applied to the Lydia Avenue intersection to apply a degree of <br />sensitivity analysis to the metering effect at the signal. Adjustments included increasing and <br />decreasing green time for mainline and side street approaches at the intersection, while maintaining <br />the cycle length consistent with the Snelling Avenue corridor. In each observed case, the model <br />operated acceptably and northbound vehicles in the right lane were able to find appropriate gaps to <br />merge prior to the lane drop. <br />A by -hand capacity calculation was also applied to the potential lane drop configuration, assuming a <br />northbound volume of approximately 2,500 vehicles per hour per lane and a lane utilization in the <br />far -right lane of 30%. Under these parameters, the combination of the merging traffic volumes from <br />the right two lanes would equal approximately 1,625 vehicles per hour, which is less than the <br />assumed single -lane capacity of 1,900 vehicles per hour. <br />Conclusions <br />Based on the various analysis methods applied to the Snelling Avenue third lane and lane drop <br />configurations, it is expected that the facility will operate acceptably with minimal congestion or <br />queuing. More detailed microsimulation analysis of this facility could be conducted using Vissim <br />software to confirm findings and assist with determining optimal location of the lane drop. <br />H.\Projects\ 11000\ 11130\TS\Lane DrofiAnal <br />is\SnelligAve Lane Drop Anayl sis Memadocx <br />