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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTraffic Impact Study_Part 2A 01 16 2018  TheLakesatValleyWest TrafficImpactStudy    $SSHQGL['    ,QGLYLGXDO3LSHOLQH3URMHFWV  TheLakesatValleyWest,SupplementalTISAnalysis#2 Page 5 is a reasonable and practical interim improvement to assure vehicle and pedestrian safety for the Laurel Parkway/Durston Road intersection. 0.4 D. The 80 percent criterion would not apply here again as collision histories are currently low for the intersection. 0.5. Beyond interim improvement and volume justifications, further support of a signal based on MUTCD guidelines would include: i “The need to control left turn conflicts.” As indicated, the southbound left-turn impact is the primary reason for LOS issues at the intersection. i “The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near locations that generate high pedestrian volumes.” Again as indicated, Bozeman is an active community and this intersection is situated within a growing residential neighborhood desiring access to the water features and trails of the Lakes of Valley West development. The nearest protected crossing would be ½ mile to the east at the Cottonwood Road/Durston Road intersection; which is a spacing sufficient enough for pedestrians to risk uncontrolled crossings as to not circumvent what would be one-mile round trip back to Laurel Parkway. Thus, this criterion can be used in justification of a controlled crossing promoted via the all-way stop. i “A intersection of two residential neighborhood collector (through) streets of similar design and operating characteristics where multi-way stop control would improve traffic operational characteristics of the intersection.” Laurel Parkway will evolve into a residential collector as the neighborhood develops. To that end, the City has been promoting the design of roundabouts at major intersections located along the roadway. Intersecting with the Durston Road arterial, a four way stop would “improve traffic operational characteristics of the intersection.” It is understood that some of the rationale in justification of the all way stop is circumstantial and less finite without current collision histories and hourly volume, pedestrian, and bike data being used for support. However, given the combination of poor traffic operations, the advent of consistently high hourly forecast traffic volumes, and given this intersection will become a focal point of pedestrian and bicycle activity, it is in the best interests of the neighborhood that this all-way stop be developed to preserve traffic operations and safety. Again, a future analysis and justification can be provided to remove the all-way stop as east-west roadway connections are promoted in the future. 3. SUMMARY Supplemental analyses #2 of the Lakes at Valley West Traffic Impact Study (TIS) confirms that a basic signal system will preserve traffic operations and safety at the Cottonwood Road/Durston Road intersection through year 2024. Turn lane and signal improvements would likely be warranted following this forecast horizon. Furthermore, this study reinforces the conclusion for the development of a four-way stop at the Laurel Parkway/Durston Road intersection in order to preserve traffic operations and pedestrian/bicycle safety as based on a review of MUTCD guidelines. It is anticipated the removal of this four way stop could occur following the construction of future east-west arterials to Cottonwood Road, as traffic volumes will likely decrease at the intersection. Thus, this should be considered a temporary or interim improvement measure for the intersection.