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BOZEMAN GATEWAY PUD
PHASE 4 APARTMENTS
TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY
Prepared For
Morrison-Maierle
MARCH
2021
Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana
Traffic Impact Study
BOZEMAN GATEWAY PUD
PHASE 4 APARTMENTS
Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana
Prepared For
Morrison-Maierle
March 2021
Project No. 20-0100
619 Milestone Drive ● Belgrade, Montana 59714 ● (406) 209-3960 ● E5EngineeringPLLC@gmail.com
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Traffic Impact Study - Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments
March 2021
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 1
Purpose of Report & Study Objectives .............. 1
Study Area ..................................................... 1
Alternate Modes of Transportation ................... 2
Pedestrians & Bicyclists .................................. 2
Transit ............................................................ 2
Proposed Development ................................... 2
Traffic Operations .......................................... 2
Existing Conditions ......................................... 2
Projected Traffic .............................................. 2
Proposed Study Area
Development 4
Proposed Development Plan ............................ 4
Development Horizon ...................................... 6
Transportation Elements of the
Proposed Development ................................... 6
Trip Generation ............................................... 6
Trip Distribution .............................................. 7
Traffic Assignment .......................................... 8
Parking ........................................................... 8
Pedestrians & Bicyclists ................................ 10
Transit Service .............................................. 10
Existing Conditions 11
Study Area Land Use .................................... 11
Transportation Network ................................ 11
Study Area Roadways .................................... 11
Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) ....... 11
West Garfield Street .......................... 11
Fowler Avenue ................................... 12
Harmon Stream Boulevard ............... 12
Technology Boulevard West .............. 12
South 29th Avenue ............................ 12
Study Area Intersections ............................... 13
Traffic Volumes ............................................ 16
Count Locations & Data ................................ 16
COVID-19 Effects on Count Data ................... 16
Alternative Modes of Transportation .............. 18
Pedestrian Accommodations ......................... 18
Bicycle Facilities ........................................... 19
Transit .......................................................... 19
Safety ......................................................... 19
Projected Traffic 19
Through Traffic Projections ........................... 19
COVID-19 Traffic Volume Recovery ................ 19
Growth Rate Projections ................................ 22
Planned Developments ................................. 23
Projected Through Traffic Volumes ................. 24
Total Traffic Projections ................................ 24
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Traffic Impact Study - Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments
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Transportation Analyses 24
Analysis Scenarios ....................................... 24
Analysis Methodologies ................................ 24
Operations .................................................... 24
Signalized Intersections .................... 26
Unsignalized Intersections ................ 28
Study Scenario Analyses ................... 30
Assessment of Impacts 34
Baseline Scenario –
2020 Existing Conditions .............................. 34
Traffic Operations.......................................... 34
Alternative Modes of Transportation .............. 34
Pedestrian Accommodations ............ 34
Bicycle Facilities ................................. 34
Transit ................................................. 34
Crash Experience .......................................... 34
No Build Scenario – Estimated 2023
Non-Site Traffic Conditions ........................... 35
Traffic Operations.......................................... 35
Huffine Lane (US Highway 191)
& Fowler Avenue ................................ 35
Full Buildout Scenario –
Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Conditions ......... 38
Traffic Operations.......................................... 38
Impacts & Mitigation ......................... 38
Functionality of
Mitigation Strategies.......................... 38
Site Accessibility ........................................... 38
Parking ......................................................... 38
Alternative Modes of Transportation .............. 39
Pedestrians & Bicyclists .................... 40
Transit Service ................................... 40
Compliance with Applicable Local Codes ....... 40
Conclusions & Recommendations 40
Study Area Intersections............................... 40
Huffine Lane (US Highway 191)
& Fowler Avenue ........................................... 40
Fowler Avenue &
Technology Boulevard West ........................... 41
Remaining Study Area Intersections .............. 41
Site Accessibility ......................................... 41
Site Parking ................................................ 41
Alternative Modes of Transportation .............. 42
Pedestrians & Bicyclists ................................ 42
Transit Service .............................................. 42
Improvements & Traffic Control Guidance ...... 42
References 43
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Traffic Impact Study - Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments
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Appendices
Appendix A
Level of Service Concepts, Analysis Methodologies, & Standards of Significance
Appendix B
Traffic Count Data
Appendix C
Trip Generation Analyses
Appendix D
Traffic Growth Analyses
Appendix E
Capacity & Level of Service Analyses
E-1: 2020 Existing Conditions
E-2: 2023 Estimated Non-Site Traffic
E-3: 2023 Estimated Total Traffic
E-4: Intersection Operations Summaries
Appendix F
Mitigation Analyses
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List of Tables
Table 1: Estimated Project Trip Generation ......................................................................................................................... 6
Table 2: Parking Requirements ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Table 3: Study Area Intersections Existing Characteristics .............................................................................................. 13
Table 4: Study Area Reported Crashes | 2015 – 2019 ................................................................................................... 20
Table 5: Estimated Average Annual Growth Rates for Study Area Roadway Traffic Volumes ....................................... 23
List of Figures
Figure 1: Overall Site Plan ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 2: Site Location & Study Area .................................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3: Primary Trip Distribution ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 4-1: Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments
Development Traffic Assignment | Intersections 1 – 6 ...................................................................................................... 9
Figure 4-2: Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments
Development Traffic Assignment | Intersections 7 – 13 Plus A & B ............................................................................... 10
Figure 5-1: Existing Traffic Volumes | Intersections 1 – 6 ............................................................................................... 17
Figure 5-2: Existing Traffic Volumes | Intersections 7 - 13 .............................................................................................. 18
Figure 6-1: Estimated COVID-19 Recovery Traffic Volumes | Intersections 1 – 6 ......................................................... 21
Figure 6-2: Estimated COVID-19 Recovery Traffic Volumes | Intersections 7 – 13 ....................................................... 22
Figure 7-1: Estimated 2020 to 2023 Through Traffic Growth | Intersections 1 – 6 ..................................................... 25
Figure 7-2: Estimated 2020 to 2023 Through Traffic Growth | Intersections 7 – 13 ................................................... 26
Figure 8-1: Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Volumes | Intersections 1 – 6 ................................................................. 27
Figure 8-2: Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Volumes | Intersections 7 – 13 ............................................................... 28
Figure 9-1: Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Volumes | Intersections 1 – 6 ....................................................................... 29
Figure 9-2: Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Volumes | Intersections 7 – 13 Plus A & B .................................................. 30
Figure 10: Traffic Operations Summary for 2020 Existing Conditions ............................................................................ 31
Figure 11: Traffic Operations Summary for Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Conditions ............................................. 32
Figure 12: Traffic Operations Summary for Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Conditions ................................................... 33
Figure 13: Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) & Fowler Avenue Intersection
Traffic Operations Mitigation Measures Layout ................................................................................................................ 36
Figure 14: Traffic Operations Summary for Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Conditions
with Huffine Lane & Fowler Avenue Mitigation ................................................................................................................. 37
Figure 15: Traffic Operations Summary for Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Conditions with
Huffine Lane & Fowler Avenue Mitigation ......................................................................................................................... 39
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Executive Summary
Purpose of Report & Study Objectives
This report summarizes the results of a traffic impact study conducted by E5 Engineering, PLLC for the proposed
Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments development in Bozeman, Montana. The project is bounded by West
Garfield Street to the south, Harmon Stream Boulevard to the west, the planned connection of Technology Boulevard
West to the north, and open space to the east. The objectives of the traffic study are as follows:
▪ Determine the existing vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit conditions in the study area
to establish a base condition.
▪ Assess the impact that the proposed development will have on transportation conditions in the area.
▪ Determine any street, access, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit modifications and/or improvements that will
be necessary to effectively accommodate and mitigate future conditions.
Study Area
The proposed development is located within the Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 on currently vacant land that is
bounded by West Garfield Street to the south, Harmon Stream Boulevard to the west, the planned connection of
Technology Boulevard West to the north, and open space to the east. Access to the development is proposed via two
accesses to West Garfield Street, one access to Harmon Stream Boulevard, and an access to the east through the
open space that would link to a shared access with adjacent commercial properties and then northerly to
Technology Boulevard West or easterly to South 29th Avenue. The area offers a mixture of retail, office, restaurants,
banking, and grocery uses, including Kohl’s northeast of the proposed site and Rosauers Supermarket to the
northwest. Across West Garfield Street to the south is agricultural land owned by Montana State University.
Vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle counts were conducted during the weekday morning and evening peak periods at
thirteen intersections in the vicinity of the site to determine the existing traffic volumes during the general peak hour
of activity within each of these time periods. The intersections evaluated included the following:
▪ Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) & Fowler Avenue;
▪ Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) & Harmon Stream Boulevard / Gallatin Valley Mall Access;
▪ Huffine Lane / West Main Street (US Highway 191) & West College Street / Gallatin Valley Mall Access;
▪ West College Street & South 29th Avenue;
▪ Technology Boulevard West & Fowler Avenue;
▪ Technology Boulevard West & Harmon Stream Boulevard;
▪ Technology Boulevard West & South 29th Avenue;
▪ West Garfield Street & Harmon Stream Boulevard;
▪ West Garfield Street & South 29th Avenue;
▪ Harmon Stream Boulevard and its intersections with the Rosauers / Bozeman Bank access and the
Nova Urgent Care / Jewelry Studio Access; and
▪ South 29th Avenue and its intersections with the Kohl’s access and the City Brew / Qdoba access.
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Alternate Modes of Transportation
Pedestrians & Bicyclists
Pedestrian facilities including sidewalks and crosswalks are generally provided in the area. Separated pathways are
also included within the Bozeman Gateway PUD, providing complementary routes for pedestrian access throughout
the development. As development progresses within the PUD, the sidewalk network is expanded with the completion
of improvements. Within the study area, dedicated bike lanes are provided on Fowler Avenue and the north side of
West Garfield Street. Bicycles may share the roadway on the local streets within the Bozeman Gateway PUD. No
additional bicycle facilities are proposed as part of the BTMP within the development.
Transit
Accessibility to and from the area is enhanced by various alternative modes of transportation. Streamline Transit’s
Redline, Yellowline, and Greenline weekday routes; Redline and Yellowline Saturday routes; Sunday service route;
and the Thursday through Saturday Latenight route are within walking distance from the site and a route stop is
located adjacent to the study area.
Proposed Development
At full build-out, the Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments is proposed to include 229 apartments consisting
of a mix of studio as well as one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that are projected to generate an estimated 1,250
average weekday vehicular trips as well as 84 and 102 vehicular trips during the weekday, AM and PM peak hours.
Access to the site is proposed via multiples accesses to West Garfield Street, Harmon Stream Boulevard, and
indirectly to Technology Boulevard West and South 29th Avenue. For the purposes of this study, it is assumed the
proposed development will achieve full build-out and occupancy by the year 2023.
Traffic Operations
Existing Conditions
Known issues related to traffic in the area include the existing intersection of Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) and
Fowler Avenue. In the past, this intersection has experienced longer average delays per vehicle on the northbound,
Fowler Avenue approach particularly during weekday, PM peak periods. These longer delays result in queue lengths
for left-turn movements on that approach exceeding the available queue storage. With continued development in
the area, this trend is anticipated to continue.
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) recently evaluated the intersection of Huffine Lane and Fowler
Avenue for potential improvements as part of a protected left-turn phase study. In a memorandum dated
August 5, 2019, MDT recommended not making any changes to the existing intersection geometrics or traffic signal
phasing and timing.
Projected Traffic
This study found that substandard traffic operations for the intersection of Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) and
Fowler Avenue are estimated to be experienced during the weekday, PM peak hour based on continued background
traffic growth in the area, excluding the addition of traffic generated by the proposed Bozeman Gateway Subdivision
PUD, Phase 4 Apartments project. Traffic generate by the proposed development has a very minor impact to
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intersection traffic operations. It was found through mitigation analyses that intersection operations could be
improved with the following modifications:
▪ Convert the southbound, Fowler Avenue approach to have (1) left-turn lane and (1) shared thru-right turn
lane separated by a painted median;
▪ Modify the northbound, Fowler Avenue approach to have (2) left-turn lanes, (1) thru lane,
and (1) right-turn lane; and
▪ Make slight reductions to the traffic signal cycle lengths for the AM and PM peak periods.
Only one other study area intersection was identified as potentially experiencing substandard traffic operations with
continued development in the area – the intersection of Fowler Avenue and Technology Boulevard West. The
substandard operations are primarily related to the eastbound approach, which will serve the proposed hotel
development on the west side of Fowler Avenue and north of Technology Boulevard West. Due to its proximity to the
intersection of Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) and Fowler Avenue and that auxiliary turn lanes are already provided
on each of the approaches at the intersection, no additional mitigation is recommended for the intersection of
Fowler Avenue and Technology Boulevard West to address substandard traffic operations. A westerly future
extension of Technology Boulevard West as well as West Garfield Street is anticipated to address any substandard
traffic operations by providing an alternate route for vehicles in the area.
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Proposed Study Area Development
Proposed Development Plan
Quadrant Communities, LLC is proposing the development of four apartment buildings within the Bozeman Gateway
PUD, Phase 4 totaling 229 units. The project is bounded by West Garfield Street to the south, Harmon Stream
Boulevard to the west, the planned connection of Technology Boulevard West to the north, and open space to the
east. Access to the development is proposed via two accesses to West Garfield Street, one access to Harmon
Stream Boulevard, and an access to the east through the open space that would link to a shared access with
adjacent commercial properties and then northerly to Technology Boulevard West or easterly to South 29th Avenue.
The proposed site plan is shown in Figure 1 below. The site location and study area are shown in Figure 2 on the
following page.
Figure 1: Overall Site Plan
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Figure 2: Site Location & Study Area
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Development Horizon
It is anticipated that the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments will be fully developed and occupied
by the 2023. Therefore, this study assesses the potential impacts the proposed development may have to the study
area transportation network within that timeframe.
Transportation Elements of the Proposed Development
Trip Generation
Estimated trip generation for the proposed development was derived utilizing rates published by the Institute of
Transportation Engineers (ITE) in the Trip Generation Manual, 10th Edition. The rates used in the analyses were
based on a general urban/suburban setting or location and the proposed number of apartments as the independent
variable. Based on the ITE trip generation rates, the proposed project is estimated to generate 1,250 average
weekday vehicle trips and 84 vehicle trips during weekday, AM peak hour plus 102 during the weekday, PM peak
hour. Pedestrian, bicyclist, and/or transit related trips are estimated at 8 for the weekday, AM peak hour and 12 for
the weekday, PM peak hour. The estimated project trip generation for the proposed development is presented in
Table 1 below and is provided in Appendix C.
Table 1: Estimated Project Trip Generation
Average Weekday
Trip Ends
Weekday, AM Peak Hour
Trip Ends
Weekday, PM Peak Hour
Trip Ends
Land Use ITE Code Quantity Enter Exit Total Enter Exit Total Enter Exit Total
Building 1 – Apartments 221 63 DU Multifamily Housing (Mid-Rise)
Total Estimated Vehicle Trip Ends 172 172 344 6 17 23 17 11 28
Total Estimated Walk, Bike, & Transit Trip Ends 1 1 2 2 1 3
Building 2 – Apartments 221 52 DU Multifamily Housing (Mid-Rise)
Total Estimated Vehicle Trip Ends 142 142 284 5 14 19 14 9 23
Total Estimated Walk, Bike, & Transit Trip Ends 1 1 2 2 1 3
Building 3 – Apartments 221 54 DU Multifamily Housing (Mid-Rise)
Total Estimated Vehicle Trip Ends 147 147 294 5 15 20 15 9 24
Total Estimated Walk, Bike, & Transit Trip Ends 1 1 2 2 1 3
Building 4 – Apartments 221 60 DU Multifamily Housing (Mid-Rise)
Total Estimated Vehicle Trip Ends 164 164 328 6 16 22 16 11 27
Total Estimated Walk, Bike, & Transit Trip Ends 1 1 2 2 1 3
Total Units = 229 DU
Total Estimated Vehicle Trip Ends = 625 625 1,250 22 62 84 62 40 102
Total Estimated Walk, Bike, & Transit Trip Ends = 4 4 8 8 4 12
DU = Dwelling Units
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Trip Distribution
Trip distribution is the process of identifying the probable traffic routes that development related traffic will utilize
based on likely trip origins and destinations given the characteristics of the proposed development and the
surrounding area. Various methods are available for estimating trip distribution, including the analogy, trip
distribution model, area of influence, origin-destination (O-D), and surrogate data methods. This study utilizes a
combination of the analogy method that bases the trip distribution on existing travel patterns in the area, and the
O-D method that considers likely trip origins and destinations. The primary trip distribution for the proposed
Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments is shown in Figure 3 below.
Figure 3: Primary Trip Distribution
Internal trip distribution within the Bozeman Gateway PUD is anticipated to be primarily non-motorized (pedestrian
or bicycle trips). Thereby, all estimated vehicular trips are distributed to the adjacent transportation system as a part
of the analyses included with this study.
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Traffic Assignment
The assignment of development traffic provides the information necessary to determine the level of site related
impacts to the area roadway system and intersections. It involves determining the volume of traffic and its
movements within the transportation system. At a minimum, trip assignment must also consider route choice, how
the existing transportation system functions, and travel times to and from the development. The resulting traffic
assignment within the study area is shown in Figures 4-1 and 4-2 on the following pages.
Parking
Parking requirements are defined in the City of Bozeman’s Unified Development Code (UDC). These requirements
define the required minimum number of vehicle and bicycle parking spaces. Accessible parking must also be
provided in accordance with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design published in the Federal Register by the
United States Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division. The parking requirements for the proposed development
are shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Parking Requirements
Land Use Type Criteria Units Total Parking Spaces Required
Studio Apartment 1.25 Parking Spaces Required per Dwelling Unit 6 8
One-Bedroom Apartment 1.5 Parking Spaces Required per Dwelling Unit 114 171
Two-Bedroom Apartment 2.0 Parking Spaces Required per Dwelling Unit 100 200
Three-Bedroom Apartment 3.0 Parking Spaces Required per Dwelling Unit 9 27
Bicycle Parking 10% of Required Automobile Parking Stalls 406 41
Total Required Parking Spaces 406 - Automobile
41 - Bicycle
Accessible Parking Requirements
208.2.3 Residential Facilities. Parking spaces provided to serve residential facilities shall comply with Section 208.2.3 of the
ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
208.2.3.1 Parking for Residents. Where at least one parking space is provided for each residential dwelling unit, at least one parking
space complying with Section 502 (Parking Spaces Layout, Design, & Identification) shall be provided for each residential dwelling
unit required to provide mobility features complying with Sections 809.2 through 809.4 (Residential Dwelling Units – Accessible
Routes, Kitchen, Toilet Facilities, and Bathing Facilities).
208.2.3.2 Additional Parking Spaces for Residents. Where the total number of parking spaces provided for each residential dwelling
unit exceeds one parking space per residential dwelling unit, 2 percent, but no fewer than one space, of all the parking spaces not
covered by 208.2.3.1 shall comply with Section 502.
208.2.3.3 Parking for Guests, Employees, and Other Non-Residents. Where parking spaces are provided for persons other than
residents, parking shall be provided in accordance with Table 208.2 of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
208.2.4 Van Parking Spaces. For every six or fraction of six parking spaces required by Section 208.2 (Minimum Number of Accessible
Parking Spaces) to comply with Section 502, at least one shall be a van parking space complying with Section 502.
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Figure 4-1: Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments Development Traffic Assignment | Intersections 1 – 6
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Figure 4-2: Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments Development Traffic Assignment | Intersections 7 – 13 Plus A & B
Pedestrians & Bicyclists
Sidewalk connections are proposed within the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments development
as well as providing connections to the adjacent roadways and open space area, linking the proposed site to the
commercial areas and services available within the Bozeman Gateway PUD and elsewhere outside the development.
Bicycle parking will also be provided with the site improvements. The proposed pedestrian facilities and bicycle
parking areas can be seen in Figure 1 on page 4.
Transit Service
No specific additional improvements to the existing available transit service features within the Bozeman Gateway
PUD are proposed with the Phase 4 Apartments project.
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Existing Conditions
Study Area Land Use
Currently, the site of the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments is vacant land. The area offers a mixture
of retail, office, restaurants, banking, and grocery uses, including Kohl’s northeast of the proposed site and Rosauers
Supermarket to the northwest. The site is bounded by West Garfield Street to the south, Harmon Stream Boulevard to
the west, the planned connection of Technology Boulevard West to the north, and open space to the east. Across West
Garfield Street to the south is agricultural land owned by Montana State University.
Transportation Network
Some of the key characteristics of the existing streets and intersections within the study area are listed below and are
provided in Table 3 on pages 13-15. All streets are under the jurisdiction of the City of Bozeman except Huffine Lane /
West Main Street (US Highway 191), which is under Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) jurisdiction.
Study Area Roadways
Huffine Lane (US Highway 191)
Huffine Lane is functionally classified as a principal arterial by the Bozeman Transportation Master Plan (BTMP)
prepared by Robert Peccia and Associates for the City of Bozeman in 2017. It is also a portion of US Highway 191,
which is a National Highway System (NHS) route. West of its intersection with West College Street, the roadway is
named Huffine Lane and generally runs in a westerly direction providing a link to Four Corners from Bozeman. East
of the West College Street intersection, the roadway is named Main Street and runs in an easterly direction,
eventually linking with Interstate 90 on the east side of Bozeman. Land uses along Huffine Lane within the study
area are commercial.
Through the study area, Huffine Lane provides two travel lanes in each direction with left turn lanes provided at each
of the study intersections on that route segment. additional turn lanes at some intersections. Bicycles have the
option of utilizing approximately six-foot wide outside shoulders on each side of the roadway or a 10-foot wide
shared-use pathway on the south side of Huffine Lane that is separated from the roadway. Pedestrians are
accommodated with six-foot curbside sidewalks on both sides of the roadway. Huffine Lane has a posted speed limit
of 45 miles per hour (mph) within the study area.
West Garfield Street
West Garfield Street is functionally classified as a collector by the BTMP. It provides an east-west link between
Fowler Avenue, South 19th Avenue, and the Montana State University campus. Single travel lanes are provided in
each direction, with curb, gutter, and a six-foot wide bicycle lane on the north side of the roadway. The south side of
the roadway includes an approximately four-foot-wide shoulder but does not currently have curb and gutter except
near the intersection of West Garfield Street and South 19th Avenue. Six-foot boulevard sidewalk is installed
adjacent to developed properties on the north side of West Garfield Street. Within the study area, West Garfield
Street has a posted speed limit of 35 mph. Land uses along West Garfield Street within the study area are primarily
commercial on the north side where developed and agricultural on the south side.
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Fowler Avenue
Fowler Avenue is functionally classified as a minor arterial by the BTMP. It generally runs in a north-south direction,
serving as a link between West Garfield Street within the study area and West Babcock Street to the north.
Generally, two travel lanes are provided in each direction. The southbound lanes transition to a single travel lane
prior to the intersection of Fowler Avenue and West Garfield Street. Dedicated left turn lanes are provided at each
intersection, excluding West Garfield Street that currently functions similarly to a ninety degree turn on a through
street at this time. Five-foot wide bicycle lanes are provided on both sides of the roadway. Six-foot wide boulevard
sidewalks are installed adjacent to developed sites on the east side of the roadway. Fowler Avenue has a posted
speed limit of 35 mph between Huffine Lane and West Garfield Street. Land uses along Fowler Avenue within the
study area are primarily commercial on the east side and agricultural on the west side.
Harmon Stream Boulevard
Harmon Stream Boulevard is a local street providing access to developments within the Bozeman Gateway PUD. It
generally runs north-south, serving as a link among West Garfield Street, Technology Boulevard West, and Huffine
Lane. The roadway accommodates single travel lanes in each direction with a roadway width of approximately
35 feet from top-back of curb to top-back of curb. Parking is generally allowed on both sides of the roadway, having
no restrictions marked or signed for most of its length except near intersections. A meandering six-foot wide
sidewalk is provided on the west side of the roadway. A six-foot wide boulevard sidewalk is available on the east side
of the roadway adjacent to developed properties. A bus pullout is provided on the west side of Harmon Stream
Boulevard south of its intersection with Technology Boulevard West. Although not posted, by statute the speed limit
on the roadway is 25 mph. Land uses adjacent to Harmon Stream Boulevard are primarily commercial, presently.
Technology Boulevard West
Technology Boulevard West is also a local street. Currently, the roadway runs generally east-west and is only
completed from Fowler Avenue to Harmon Stream Boulevard, and then continues from approximately 375 feet west
of South 29th Avenue to roughly 460 feet east of South 29th Avenue. As noted previously, the segment between
Harmon Stream Boulevard and the completed section west of South 29th Avenue is to be installed with the
proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments project.
The roadway accommodates single travel lanes in each direction and includes angle parking on both sides of the
roadway for the eastern completed segment. Approximately twelve-foot-wide sidewalks are provided on both sides of
the roadway adjacent to developed properties and angle parking areas. Commercial land uses are currently located
along Technology Boulevard West. The statutory speed limit is 25 mph.
South 29th Avenue
South 29th Avenue is a local street that also provides access to developments within the Bozeman Gateway PUD.
Running north-south, it provides connectivity between West Garfield Street, Technology Boulevard West, and West
College Street. South 29th Avenue also accommodates single travel lanes in each direction and includes angle
parking on both sides of the roadway along select segments. Approximately twelve-foot-wide sidewalks are provided
on both sides of the roadway adjacent to developed properties and angle parking areas. Six-foot wide boulevard
sidewalks are provided where angle parking is not present. Commercial land uses are currently located along
South 29th Avenue. The statutory speed limit is 25 mph.
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Study Area Intersections
The existing intersections evaluated as a part of this study and their current traffic control plus configurations are
summarized in Table 3 below.
Table 3: Study Area Intersections Existing Characteristics
Intersection Traffic
Control Approach
Lane
Configuration
Bike
Lane
Pedestrian Accommodations
ID Roadways Crossing Marked Crosswalk
1 Huffine Lane (US 191)
& Fowler Avenue
EB
Option to
Share
Shoulder ✓
WB
Option to
Share
Shoulder ✓
NB Ends
✓
SB
✓
2
Fowler Avenue
&
Technology
Boulevard West
(WB)
WB
✓
Stamped Concrete
NB
SB
3
West Garfield Street
&
Harmon Stream
Boulevard
(SB)
EB
Option to
Share
Shoulder
WB
SB
✓
Stamped Concrete
4
Harmon Stream
Boulevard
&
Technology
Boulevard West
(EB)
EB
✓
Stamped Concrete
NB
✓
Stamped Concrete
SB
✓
Stamped Concrete
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Table 3: Study Area Intersections Existing Characteristics (continued)
Intersection Traffic
Control Approach
Lane
Configuration
Bike
Lane
Pedestrian Accommodations
ID Roadways Crossing Marked Crosswalk
5
Harmon Stream
Boulevard
&
Rosauers /
Bozeman Bank /
Private
Access Driveway
2-Way
(EB & WB)
EB
✓
Stamped Concrete
WB
✓
Stamped Concrete
NB
SB
6
Harmon Stream
Boulevard
&
Nova Urgent Care /
Jewelry Studio
Access Driveway
(WB)
WB
✓
Stamped Concrete
NB
SB
7
Huffine Lane (US 191)
&
Harmon Stream
Boulevard
2-Way
(NB & SB)
EB
Option to
Share
Shoulder
WB
Option to
Share
Shoulder
NB * ✓
SB
✓
Drive Approach
8
Huffine Lane (US 191) /
West Main Street
&
Gallatin Valley Mall
Access /
West College Street
EB
Option to
Share
Shoulder ✓
WB
Option to
Share
Shoulder ✓
NB ✓
SB
✓
*Approach is signed and intended to limit movements to right-out only; however, width and lack of restrictions on Huffine Lane (US 191) allow
for left and through movements to be accomplished for northbound vehicles.
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Table 3: Study Area Intersections Existing Characteristics (continued)
Intersection Traffic
Control Approach
Lane
Configuration
Bike
Lane
Pedestrian Accommodations
ID Roadways Crossing Marked Crosswalk
9
West College Street
&
South 29th Avenue /
First Interstate Bank
Access Driveway
2-Way
(NB & SB)
EB
WB
NB ✓
SB
✓
Drive Approach
10
South 29th Avenue
&
City Brew /
Qdoba
Driveway Access
(EB)
EB
✓
Stamped Concrete
NB
SB
11
South 29th Avenue
&
Kohl’s
Driveway Access
(EB)
EB
✓
Stamped Concrete
NB
SB
12
South 29th Avenue
&
Technology
Boulevard West
2-Way
(EB & WB)
EB
✓
Stamped Concrete
WB
✓
Stamped Concrete
NB
✓
Stamped Concrete
SB
✓
Stamped Concrete
13
West Garfield Street
&
South 29th Avenue
(SB)
EB
Option to
Share
Shoulder
NB
SB
✓
Stamped Concrete
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Traffic Volumes
Count Locations & Data
To determine current vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle conditions within the study area, peak period traffic,
pedestrian, and bicycle counts were utilized for the following intersections:
▪ Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) & Fowler Avenue | Tuesday, November 17, 2020
▪ Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) & Harmon Stream Boulevard / Gallatin Valley Mall Access
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
▪ Huffine Lane / West Main Street (US Highway 191) & West College Street / Gallatin Valley Mall Access;
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
▪ West College Street & South 29th Avenue | Wednesday, November 18, 2020
▪ Technology Boulevard West & Fowler Avenue | Tuesday, November 17, 2020
▪ Technology Boulevard West & Harmon Stream Boulevard | Wednesday, November 18, 2020
▪ Technology Boulevard West & South 29th Avenue | Thursday, November 19, 2020
▪ West Garfield Street & Harmon Stream Boulevard | Tuesday, November 17, 2020
▪ West Garfield Street & South 29th Avenue | Tuesday, November 17, 2020
▪ Harmon Stream Boulevard and its intersections with the Rosauers / Bozeman Bank access and the
Nova Urgent Care / Jewelry Studio Access | Wednesday, November 18, 2020
▪ South 29th Avenue and its intersections with the Kohl’s access and the City Brew / Qdoba access
Thursday, November 19, 2020
All counts were conducted during the morning (7:00 – 9:00 a.m.) and evening (4:00 – 6:00 p.m.) peak periods. The
results of the traffic counts show that the peak hours generally occur between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 and
5:45 p.m. The count data were not adjusted for seasonal variations due to COVID-19 effects on traffic patterns in
the area as discussed below. Adjustments were made to the data for balancing the counts between the study area
intersections. Summaries of the count data are shown in Figures 5-1 and 5-2 on the following pages and are
provided in Appendix B.
COVID-19 Effects on Count Data
Evaluating the traffic data collected on the dates noted above, it was evident that COVID-19 effects to traffic
patterns in the area were prevalent. These effects primarily include reduced traffic volumes due to persons being
unemployed or working remotely; area schools (all levels including Montana State University) conducting classes
remotely with limited in-person learning; and limited retail, restaurant, or other business activity due to the
pandemic. This was determined through a comparison to recent traffic data collected by MDT in September 2018 as
part of their protected left turn phase study for the Huffine Lane and Fowler Avenue intersection completed in
August 2019.
Although it is anticipated that traffic volumes will increase in the area with the ease of COVID-19 related restrictions
and there is some return to normal activity, residual changes resulting from an increase in online shopping,
telecommuting, and potentially online learning (primarily at the university level) due to the pandemic may alter travel
patterns in the area. An estimate of post COVID-19 traffic volumes in the area is provided later in this study.
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Figure 5-1: Existing Traffic Volumes | Intersections 1 – 6
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Figure 5-2: Existing Traffic Volumes – Intersections 7 – 13
Alternative Modes of Transportation
Pedestrian Accommodations
As noted in the descriptions of the study area roadways and intersections, sidewalks are available for pedestrians
within the study area adjacent to developed properties. Crosswalks are provided at study area intersections as listed
in Table 3. Additionally, separated pathways are also included within the Bozeman Gateway PUD, providing
complementary routes for pedestrian access throughout the development. As development progresses within the
PUD, the sidewalk network is expanded with the completion of improvements.
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Bicycle Facilities
Within the study area, dedicated bike lanes are provided on Fowler Avenue and the north side of West Garfield
Street. Bicycles may share the roadway on the local streets within the Bozeman Gateway PUD. No additional bicycle
facilities are proposed as part of the BTMP within the development.
Transit
Streamline Transit provides service within Bozeman and serves commuter routes to Four Corners, Belgrade, and
Livingston. No routes are presently located adjacent to the site of the Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments;
however, routes are available along Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) as well as West College Street in the vicinity of the
development. Streamline Transit’s Redline, Yellowline, and Greenline weekday routes; Redline and Yellowline
Saturday routes; Sunday service route; and the Thursday through Saturday Latenight route are within walking
distance from the site and a route stop is located adjacent to the study area. As noted previously, within the Bozeman
Gateway PUD, a bus pullout is provided on Harmon Stream Boulevard south of Technology Boulevard West.
Safety
Traffic safety conditions in the study area were documented by reviewing the crash history of the study area
intersections using provided data from the MDT crash database. Public crash information for the period 2015
through 2019, the latest five years available, were reviewed. MDT reported 46 crashes within the study area, 45 of
those occurring at or near intersections over the five-year period. The greatest number of crashes occurred on
Huffine Lane (US 191) at its intersections with Fowler Avenue and West College Street / Gallatin Valley Mall access,
with a total of 14 crashes each, an average of nearly three crashes per year. Table 4 on the following page provides
a summary of the number of reported crashes at each of the study area intersections. Limited data is available
through the public crash information provided by MDT. Additional crash information such as type; weather, roadway,
and lighting conditions; number of vehicles, pedestrian, or bicyclist involvement; age and gender of drivers; and
other potentially contributing conditions can be obtained through a review of the specific crash reports.
Projected Traffic
Through Traffic Projections
COVID-19 Traffic Volume Recovery
Existing traffic count data within the study area were adjusted to account for anticipated recovery to traffic conditions
that existed prior to the impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collected by MDT in September 2018 as
part of their protected left turn phase study for the Huffine Lane and Fowler Avenue intersection completed in August
2019 were used as a guideline in estimating traffic volume recovery at the intersection of Huffine Lane (US Highway 191)
and Fowler Avenue. The analyses are provided in Appendix D. The estimated recovery volumes were then distributed
through the study area intersections to provide estimates of potential growth on the transportation network. The
estimated traffic volumes at study area intersections following an anticipated COVID-19 recovery are summarized in
Figures 6-1 and 6-2 on pages 21 and 22.
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Table 4: Study Area Reported Crashes | 2015 – 2019
Intersection Total Number of
Reported Crashes
Percentage of Total
Crashes in Study Area
Average Number of Reported
Crashes Per Year ID Roadways
1 Huffine Lane (US 191)
& Fowler Avenue 14 30.44% 2.8
2 Fowler Avenue &
Technology Boulevard West 1 2.17% 0.2
3 West Garfield Street &
Harmon Stream Boulevard 2 4.35% 0.4
4 Harmon Stream Boulevard &
Technology Boulevard West 0 0.00% 0.0
5
Harmon Stream Boulevard &
Rosauers / Bank of Bozeman /
Driveway Access
0 0.00% 0.0
6
Harmon Stream Boulevard &
Nova Urgent Care /
Jewelry Studio Access
0 0.00% 0.0
7
Huffine Lane (US 191) &
Harmon Stream Boulevard /
Gallatin Valley Mall Access
7 15.22% 1.4
8
Huffine Lane (US 191) /
West Main Street &
West College Street /
Gallatin Valley Mall Access
14 30.44% 2.8
9 West College Street &
South 29th Avenue 0 0.00% 0.0
10
South 29th Avenue &
City Brew /
Qdoba Access
0 0.00% 0.0
11 South 29th Avenue &
Kohl’s Access 0 0.00% 0.0
12 South 29th Avenue &
Technology Boulevard West 0 0.00% 0.0
13 West Garfield Street &
South 29th Avenue 0 0.00% 0.0
-
Fowler Avenue &
West Garfield Street
(Functions as Thru Street)
3 6.52% 0.6
- Huffine Lane (US 191)
& Private Driveways 3 6.52% 0.6
- South 29th Avenue &
Private Driveway 1 2.17% 0.2
- Huffine Lane (US 191)
Not in Intersection 1 2.17% 0.2
TOTALS = 46 100% 9.2
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Figure 6-1: Estimated COVID-19 Recovery Traffic Volumes | Intersections 1 – 6
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Figure 6-2: Estimated COVID-19 Recovery Traffic Volumes | Intersections 7 – 13
Growth Rate Projections
Estimated traffic volumes for the 2023 analysis year due to growth outside of the study area were projected by
applying an average annual growth rate (AAGR) to the COVID-19 recovery traffic volumes, assuming that the volumes
were present in the year 2020. Historical traffic data for the years 2014 through 2019 available from MDT were
evaluated for forecast growth trends within the study area. The growth rate traffic projections are exclusive of site
generated traffic from the Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments as well as nearby development traffic within
the study area. The AAGRs utilized as a part of this study are summarized Table 5 on the following page and the
analyses are provided in Appendix D.
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Table 5: Estimated Average Annual Growth Rates for Study Area Roadway Traffic Volumes
Roadway Location
Roadway Segment
Weighted 5-Year AAGR
Huffine Lane (US 191) West of West College Street 3.7%
West Main Street (US 191) East of West College Street 3.7%
West College Street Southeast of Huffine Lane /
West Main Street 3.1%
Fowler Avenue North of Huffine Lane 0.6%
Fowler Avenue /
West Garfield Street
South of Huffine Lane /
West of South 19th Avenue 1.4%
Planned Developments
Additionally, traffic growth projections also included proposed developments within the study area that are
anticipated to be completed and occupied prior to the 2023 analysis year. Vehicle trips were estimated for the
following additional developments within the Bozeman Gateway PUD:
▪ 138 Room Hotel
Northwest of the Intersection of Fowler Avenue & Technology Boulevard West
o Estimated Weekday Vehicle Trip Ends = 1,154
o Estimated Weekday, AM Peak Hour Vehicle Trip Ends = 65
o Estimated Weekday, PM Peak Hour Vehicle Trip Ends = 83
▪ ± 15,600 Square Foot Office (Rothgeb Building)
West of AED Building on South Side of Technology Boulevard West
o Estimated Weekday Vehicle Trip Ends = 154
o Estimated Weekday, AM Peak Hour Vehicle Trip Ends = 19
o Estimated Weekday, PM Peak Hour Vehicle Trip Ends = 18
▪ ± 15,500 Square Foot Office (Security Title Building)
Northeast Corner of West Garfield Street & South 29th Avenue
o Estimated Weekday Vehicle Trip Ends = 152
o Estimated Weekday, AM Peak Hour Vehicle Trip Ends = 18
o Estimated Weekday, PM Peak Hour Vehicle Trip Ends = 18
▪ ± 3,750 Square Foot Medical/Dental Office Building
East of Security Title Building on North Side of West Garfield Street
o Estimated Weekday Vehicle Trip Ends = 146
o Estimated Weekday, AM Peak Hour Vehicle Trip Ends = 11
o Estimated Weekday, PM Peak Hour Vehicle Trip Ends = 13
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Projected Through Traffic Volumes
The increase in estimated through traffic volumes from growth rate projections and planned developments within
the study area were combined and are shown in Figures 7-1 and 7-2 on the following pages. The estimated
COVID-19 recovery volumes were then combined with the growth rate traffic projections and anticipated volumes
from planned developments in the study area to develop the estimated 2023 non-site traffic volumes. These are
summarized in Figures 8-1 and 8-2 on pages 27 and 28.
Total Traffic Projections
Estimated total traffic volumes for the year 2023 were developed by combining the projected 2023 non-site traffic
volumes with forecast volumes for the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments. The estimated 2023 total
traffic volumes are shown in Figures 9-1 and 9-2 on pages 29 and 30.
Transportation Analyses
Analysis Scenarios
To identify significant project impacts, the following scenarios for study area intersections were evaluated:
▪ Existing Conditions (2020)
Consists of an operational analysis of year 2020 counts collected as part of this study.
▪ No Build Scenario – Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Volumes
Consists of forecasted traffic volumes including COVID-19 recovery volumes and projected, non-site through
traffic volumes resulting from growth outside of the study area as well as estimated traffic generated by
nearby developments.
▪ Full Buildout Scenario – Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Volumes
Consists of estimated 2023 non-site traffic volumes in combination with forecast traffic from the proposed
Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments.
Analysis Methodologies
Operations
The intersection analyses employ methodologies based on empirical research conducted by the Transportation
Research Board (TRB) and other authorities, utilizing level of service (LOS) as the performance measure to evaluate
the cumulative effects of such things as travel speed, traffic volumes, roadway and intersection capacity, travel
delay, and traffic interruptions. Operating conditions are designated as LOS A through LOS F, representing the most
to least favorable.
LOS for intersections is determined by control delay, which is defined as the total elapsed time from when a vehicle
stops at the end of a queue to the time the vehicle departs from the stop line. The total elapsed time includes the
time required for the vehicle to travel from the last-in-queue position to the first-in-queue position, including
deceleration of vehicles from the free flow speed to the speed of vehicles in the queue. LOS characteristics based
on varying durations of average vehicle delay as listed in the Highway Capacity Manual, 6th Edition | A Guide for
Multimodal Mobility Analysis (HCM) published by the TRB are summarized in Appendix A.
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Figure 7-1: Estimated 2020 to 2023 Through Traffic Growth | Intersections 1 – 6
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Figure 7-2: Estimated 2020 to 2023 Through Traffic Growth | Intersections 7 – 13
Signalized Intersections
Signalized intersection operations were evaluated using TEAPAC Complete (Version 9.50 – 26JAN19 Build 02)
developed and maintained by Strong Concepts that utilizes methodologies provided in Chapter 19 of the HCM. The
HCM methodology for evaluating signalized intersections assigns a corresponding letter grade based on average
control delays for each lane group at the intersection as well as overall intersection traffic operations. The overall
condition of the intersection is determined by taking a volume-weighted average of all the delays for all vehicles
entering the intersection.
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Figure 8-1: Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Volumes | Intersections 1 – 6
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Figure 8-2: Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Volumes | Intersections 7 – 13
Unsignalized Intersections
The methodology used to determine the level of service for unsignalized intersections is based on Chapter 20 of the
HCM for two-way stop-controlled (TWSC) intersections. The LOS criteria are applicable for both two-way and all-way
stop-controlled intersections. The TWSC analyses were performed using HCS TWSC Version 7.9 developed and
maintained by the McTrans Center at the University of Florida. The HCM methodology for evaluating TWSC intersections
is based on gap acceptance and conflicting traffic for vehicles stopped on the minor street approaches. The critical gap
(or minimum acceptable gap) is defined as the minimum time interval in the major street traffic stream that allows entry
for one minor street vehicle. Average control delay and LOS for the minor street approach(es) is/are reported. LOS is not
defined by the HCM for the intersection because major street traffic volumes and operations may skew the results of
the LOS analyses.
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Figure 9-1: Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Volumes | Intersections 1 – 6
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Figure 9-2: Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Volumes | Intersections 7 – 13 Plus A & B
Study Scenario Analyses
Intersection capacity and LOS analyses for the study scenarios were performed using the existing geometry and traffic
control at each of the study area intersections except where new roadway connections are proposed as shown in the
previous figures. The analyses are summarized in the following figures and detailed results are included in Appendix E.
▪ Figure 10: Traffic Operations Summary for 2020 Existing Conditions – Page 31
▪ Figure 11: Traffic Operations Summary for Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Conditions – Page 32
▪ Figure 12: Traffic Operations Summary for Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Conditions – Page 33
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Figure 10: Traffic Operations Summary for 2020 Existing Conditions
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Figure 11: Traffic Operations Summary for Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Conditions
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Figure 12: Traffic Operations Summary for Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Conditions
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Assessment of Impacts
Baseline Scenario – 2020 Existing Conditions
Traffic Operations
No traffic operational issues requiring mitigation were identified at any of the intersections evaluated as part of this
study based on 2020 count data. It is inferred that COVID-19 likely affected area traffic volumes present in
November 2020. Previously known issues related to traffic in the area include the existing intersection of Huffine
Lane (US Highway 191) and Fowler Avenue. In the past, this intersection has experienced longer average delays per
vehicle on the northbound, Fowler Avenue approach particularly during weekday, PM peak periods. These longer
delays result in queue lengths for left-turn movements on that approach exceeding the available queue storage.
With continued development in the area, this trend is anticipated to continue.
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) recently evaluated the intersection of Huffine Lane and Fowler
Avenue for potential improvements as part of a protected left-turn phase study. In a memorandum dated August 5,
2019, MDT recommended not making any changes to the existing intersection geometrics or traffic signal phasing
and timing.
Alternative Modes of Transportation
Pedestrian Accommodations
Sidewalks are currently available for pedestrians within the study area adjacent to developed properties, including
the provision of crosswalks at pedestrian crossing locations. Separated pathways are also included within the
Bozeman Gateway PUD, providing complementary routes for pedestrian access throughout the development. As
development progresses within the PUD, the sidewalk network is expanded with the completion of improvements.
Bicycle Facilities
Dedicated bike lanes are provided on Fowler Avenue and the north side of West Garfield Street. Bicycles may share
the roadway on the local streets within the Bozeman Gateway PUD. No additional bicycle facilities are proposed as
part of the BTMP within the development.
Transit
No transit routes are presently located adjacent to the site of the Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments.
Routes are available along Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) as well as West College Street in the vicinity of the
development with multiple weekday routes as well as Saturday and Sunday service with stops near the Bozeman
Gateway PUD. A bus pullout is provided on Harmon Stream Boulevard south of Technology Boulevard West within
the Bozeman Gateway PUD.
Crash Experience
From data provided in the MDT crash database, no significant crash trends were identified at any of the study area
intersections based on the reported number of crashes in comparison to the traffic volumes at those locations.
Further review of the data from the specific crash reports may provide insight for additional crash information such
as type; weather, roadway, and lighting conditions; number of vehicles, pedestrian, or bicyclist involvement; age and
gender of drivers; and other potentially contributing conditions.
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No Build Scenario – Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Conditions
No Build traffic conditions reflect anticipated traffic volume levels for the study design year, 2023, excluding traffic
contributions from the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments development. Estimated 2023
non-site traffic conditions were developed by considering the anticipated traffic related impacts of planned new
development in the site vicinity, projected recovery of existing traffic volumes to pre-COVID-19 levels, and by
application of an overall traffic growth rate to reflect impacts of potential land use changes outside of the study area
and other factors.
Traffic Operations
This study found that substandard traffic operations for the intersection of Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) and
Fowler Avenue are estimated to be experienced during the weekday, PM peak hour based on continued background
traffic growth in the area, excluding the addition of traffic generated by the proposed Bozeman Gateway Subdivision
PUD, Phase 4 Apartments project. Additionally, the eastbound approach at the intersection of Fowler Avenue and
Technology Boulevard West is projected to experience substandard operations during the weekday, AM and PM
peak periods. Mitigation of substandard operations at this intersection are limited due to its proximity to the
intersections of Huffine Lane and West Garfield Street with Fowler Avenue.
Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) & Fowler Avenue
Impact: This intersection is projected to operate at an unacceptable level of service (LOS D) during the
weekday, PM peak hour under year 2023 estimated non-site traffic conditions. Primary drivers for
the substandard LOS are operating conditions on the westbound and northbound approaches at the
intersection. The westbound, Huffine Lane approach is projected to operate at LOS D during this
analysis period, and the northbound, Fowler Avenue approach was assessed to operate at LOS E.
Vehicle queue lengths for the westbound through-right turn lane group, northbound left turns, and
southbound left turns are forecast to exceed the available storage on those approaches.
Mitigation: The northbound, Fowler Avenue approach at its intersection with Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) has
a high number of left-turning vehicles during the weekday, PM peak hour as shown in Figure 8-1 on
page 27. The estimated volume of 477 left turns satisfies the minimum of 300 vehicles as
suggested for consideration of dual left-turn lanes as outlined in the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Official’s (AASHTO’s) publication A Policy on Geometric Design of
Highways and Streets, 2018 7th Edition.
The intersection of Huffine Lane and Fowler Avenue was evaluated with the addition of northbound,
dual left-turn lanes and removal of one through lane on the southbound approach. With these
modifications, the intersection is projected to operate at LOS C during the weekday, PM peak hour.
The westbound approach is projected to improve to LOS C, and the northbound approach is
estimated to improve to LOS D. Improvements to vehicle queue lengths are also anticipated for the
westbound through-right turn lane group as well as northbound left turns. There is also an added
benefit of improved sight distance for northbound left turn movements with the removal of the
eastern through lane on the southbound approach. The mitigated intersection layout is shown in
Figure 13 on the following page. Traffic operations for the proposed intersection mitigation are
summarized in Figure 14 on page 37 as well as in Appendix E-4. Detailed analyses are included in
Appendix F.
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Figure 13: Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) & Fowler Avenue Intersection Traffic Operations Mitigation Measures Layout
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Figure 14: Traffic Operations Summary for Estimated 2023 Non-Site Traffic Conditions
with Huffine Lane & Fowler Avenue Mitigation
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Full Buildout Scenario – Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Conditions
The Full Buildout Scenario incorporates forecast traffic volumes from the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4
Apartments with those for estimated 2023 non-site traffic conditions.
Traffic Operations
Impacts & Mitigation
No additional impacts requiring additional discussion, evaluation, or mitigation were identified with the addition of
vehicular traffic from the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments development. Capacity and level of
service analyses for the intersection of Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) and Fowler Avenue were performed for
estimated 2023 total traffic volumes with the proposed mitigation measures for non-site traffic conditions. The
results for weekday, AM and PM peak hours with estimated 2023 total traffic volumes are summarized in Figure 15
on the following page.
Functionality of Mitigation Strategies
The City of Bozeman also requires that any proposed mitigation measures be evaluated for a 15-year timeframe
following their installation. The proposed mitigation measures for the intersection of Huffine Lane (US Highway 191)
and Fowler Avenue were evaluated for the year 2040, in keeping with the BTMP planning horizon. The results of the
analyses are summarized in Appendix E-4, and the detailed analyses are included in Appendix F. The analyses also
include evaluations of intersection traffic operations for the year 2040 without the inclusion of the proposed
mitigation measures for comparison purposes.
Generally, the proposed mitigation measures for the intersection of Huffine Lane and Fowler Avenue are projected to
result in lower average vehicle delays (with a few exceptions on the southbound, Fowler Avenue approach) and
reduced queue lengths than if there were no modifications. Continued traffic growth in the area is estimated to
strain operations at the intersection, particularly with some movements exceeding their available capacity
(volume-to-capacity ratio greater than one) without the development of additional routes in the area to disperse
traffic, improvements to increase capacity, implementation of travel demand management strategies, or
combinations of these alternatives.
Site Accessibility
As shown in the traffic operations analyses, the proposed accesses to West Garfield Street from the Bozeman
Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments are projected to function with acceptable capacity and within reasonable levels
of service as full access approaches. The acceptable operations and limited turn movements limit the need for
consideration of auxiliary turn lanes on West Garfield Street with the proposed development. Adequate queue
storage is recommended at each of the accesses to West Garfield Street.
Parking
Based on City of Bozeman parking requirements, the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments
development requires a minimum of 406 vehicle parking stalls and 41 bicycle spaces as defined by the City of
Bozeman UDC. The UDC does include provisions for parking reductions; however, a review of the proposed site
development plan did not identify any specific reductions that may be requested with the site development.
Accessible parking must be provided in accordance with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
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Figure 15: Traffic Operations Summary for Estimated 2023 Total Traffic Conditions
with Huffine Lane & Fowler Avenue Mitigation
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Alternative Modes of Transportation
Pedestrians & Bicyclists
Proposed sidewalk connections within the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments development as
well as ties to the adjacent roadways and open space area will link the proposed site to the commercial areas and
services available within the Bozeman Gateway PUD and elsewhere outside the development. Bicycle parking will
also be provided with the site improvements.
Transit Service
No specific additional improvements to the existing available transit service features within the Bozeman Gateway
PUD are proposed with the Phase 4 Apartments project.
Compliance with Applicable Local Codes
The proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments development improvements should be installed in
accordance with the City of Bozeman UDC requirements as well as the most current editions of the City Engineering
Division Design Standards and Specifications Policy and the City of Bozeman Modifications to the Montana Public
Works Standard Specifications.
Conclusions & Recommendations
Analysis of trip generation estimates, traffic operations, and considerations for alternative modes of transportation
reveal that the proposed Bozeman Gateway, PUD Phase 4 Apartments development will have minimal impact on the
area transportation system. Based on the analyses included herein, the following are recommended as appropriate:
Study Area Intersections
Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) & Fowler Avenue
In the past, this intersection has experienced longer average delays per vehicle on the northbound, Fowler Avenue
approach particularly during weekday, PM peak periods. These longer delays result in queue lengths for left-turn
movements on that approach exceeding the available queue storage. With continued development in the area, this
trend is anticipated to continue as shown in the year 2023 analyses for estimated non-site and total traffic
conditions. Mitigation for substandard traffic operations at this intersection include the following:
▪ The addition of northbound, dual left-turn lanes and removal of one through lane on the southbound
approach, which will also require modifications to existing traffic signal hardware at the intersection.
▪ Modifications to signal timing and phase sequencing based on the proposed mitigation.
The need for mitigation at this intersection has been previously identified, as noted by MDT’s prior studies
for consideration of potential improvements or signal modifications. Mitigation at the intersection of Huffine
Lane (US Highway 191) and Fowler Avenue is based on existing conditions (prior to traffic reductions
resulting from COVID-19 impacts) and traffic growth projections within the study area through the 2023
analysis year and not directly related to traffic impacts resulting from the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD,
Phase 4 Apartments development.
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Fowler Avenue & Technology Boulevard West
Substandard levels of service are forecast on the eastbound, Technology Boulevard West approach at this
intersection with the extension of Technology Boulevard West to the west of its intersection with Fowler Avenue
associated with the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD hotel development. Westbound left turns at this intersection
may also experience excessive delays during peak periods. No mitigation is recommended at this intersection based
on the following:
▪ Due to its proximity to the Huffine Lane (US Highway 191) and West Garfield Street intersections with Fowler
Avenue, traffic control modifications at the intersection of Fowler Avenue and Technology Boulevard West
are not recommended.
▪ Traffic volumes on the eastbound Technology Boulevard West approach as well as for westbound left turn
movements are not intensive or sustained enough throughout an average weekday for additional mitigation
measures that may have an adverse impact on through traffic volumes on Fowler Avenue.
▪ A westerly future extension of Technology Boulevard West as well as West Garfield Street is anticipated to
address any substandard traffic operations by providing an alternate route for vehicles in the area.
Remaining Study Area Intersections
No substandard traffic operations or other transportation related impacts were identified for year 2023 analyses for
estimated non-site or total traffic conditions at any of the other study area intersections.
Site Accessibility
▪ Driveways should be installed in accordance with City of Bozeman standards.
▪ No adverse impacts were identified to traffic operations for through traffic on West Garfield Street because
of development related traffic; therefore, auxiliary lanes would not be required to mitigate any substandard
traffic operations.
▪ Driveway and internal drive aisles should be designed for the appropriate vehicles that may access the
facility, including emergency and solid waste vehicles.
▪ Adequate sight distance must be preserved at driveways, internal intersections, and crosswalks for driver,
pedestrian, and bicyclist safety in accordance with City of Bozeman and AASHTO standards.
▪ Stop control should be installed on each of the site accesses to West Garfield Street and
Harmon Stream Boulevard.
Site Parking
Site parking should be installed in accordance with City of Bozeman standards for vehicles and bicycles as well as in
accordance with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
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Traffic Impact Study - Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments
March 2021
Alternative Modes of Transportation
Pedestrians & Bicyclists
The proposed sidewalk connections within the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments development
as well as ties to the adjacent roadways and open space area will link the proposed site to the commercial areas
and services available within the Bozeman Gateway PUD and elsewhere outside the development. Bicycle parking
will also be provided with the site improvements.
Transit Service
No specific additional improvements to the existing available transit service features within the Bozeman Gateway
PUD are proposed with the Phase 4 Apartments project.
Improvements & Traffic Control Guidance
Included recommendations for mitigation and the proposed Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments
development improvements should be installed in accordance with the City of Bozeman UDC requirements, the most
current editions of the City Engineering Division Design Standards and Specifications Policy, the City of Bozeman
Modifications to the Montana Public Works Standard Specifications, Montana Department of Transportation
standards, and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
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Traffic Impact Study - Bozeman Gateway PUD, Phase 4 Apartments
March 2021
References
1. City of Bozeman. (December 14, 2020). Bozeman Unified Development Code. Bozeman, MT.
2. City of Bozeman. (March 13, 2020). Design Standards and Specifications Policy. Bozeman, MT.
3. City of Bozeman. (August 1, 2017). City of Bozeman Modifications to Montana Public Works Standard
Specifications Sixth Edition. Bozeman, MT.
4. Institute of Transportation Engineers. (2005). Transportation Impact Analyses for Site Development:
An ITE Proposed Recommended Practice. Washington, DC.
5. Institute of Transportation Engineers. (September 2017). Trip Generation Handbook, 3rd Edition.
Washington, DC.
6. Institute of Transportation Engineers. (September 2017). Trip Generation Manual, 10th Edition.
Washington, DC.
7. Kittelson & Associates, Inc., Texas Transportation Institute, the University of Maryland, Tom Urbanik, Siemens
ITS, Purdue University, & the Institute of Transportation Engineers. (June 2008). Traffic Signal Timing Manual.
(Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-08-024). Washington, DC: United States Department of Transportation –
Federal Highway Administration.
8. Robert Peccia & Associates. (April 25, 2017). Bozeman Transportation Master Plan. Bozeman, MT.
9. Transportation Research Board. (2016). Highway Capacity Manual, 6th Edition | A Guide for Multimodal
Mobility Analysis. Washington, DC: The National Academies of Sciences · Engineering · Medicine.
10. United States Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division. (September 15, 2010). 2010 ADA Standards for
Accessible Design. Washington, DC.
619 Milestone Drive ● Belgrade, Montana 59714 ● (406) 209-3960 ● E5EngineeringPLLC@gmail.com