HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-08-24 Public Comment - N. ten Broek - Traffic Study Code Violations The GuthrieFrom:Noah ten Broek
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Traffic Study Code Violations The Guthrie
Date:Monday, April 8, 2024 1:01:47 PM
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Traffic Impact Study Shortcomings (Bozeman Code 38.220.060 A. 11):
The project's traffic impact study overlooks crucial elements, which is a cause for
concern under Montana law, particularly the regulations governing comprehensive
planning and development. Specifically, it fails to recognize N 6th Street as an
existing roadway, omits a thorough evaluation of intersections within a half-mile
radius, and does not adequately address safety issues associated with Whittier School. Such omissions may not align with Montana's standards for thorough traffic
impact analyses, as required under laws like the Montana Environmental Policy Act
(MEPA), which mandates thorough environmental reviews for public projects. This
oversight could potentially violate local planning statutes as well, which require detailed assessments of a project's impact on community infrastructure and safety.
It's essential to adhere to these legal standards to ensure that development projects
are responsibly integrated into the community, with minimal adverse effects on local
infrastructure and public safety.
Bozeman code 38.220.060.a11gh requires that all arterial-arterial, collector-collector,
and arterial-collector intersections within a half-mile radius of the site must be
included in the traffic impact study. This is necessary during various review stages
like pre-application, concept plan, or informal project reviews, as determined by thecity engineer. However, it is important to note that this essential analysis has not been
completed in accordance with the code's requirements.
Bozeman code 38.220.060.a11gh specifically requires an analysis to determine iftwo-way stop controlled intersections would satisfy signalization warrants upon the
removal of the two-way stop control. The current study indicates that several
intersections are projected to fail to meet city standards by 2038. However, it falls
short in analyzing traffic signal warrants as mandated by the code. Furthermore, thestudy does not thoroughly evaluate or propose any mitigation measures to address
the deficiencies identified at these intersections.
Under the Bozeman code 38.220.060.A.12, arterial and collector streets, along withtheir intersections, are required to maintain a minimum Level of Service (LOS) of "C".
However, this standard is not being met at certain locations, specifically at the
intersections of 7th and Villard, and 7th and Beall, which are currently operating at a
LOS "D". The methodology for evaluating LOS is derived from the most recent editionof the Highway Capacity Manual, ensuring that the assessment of traffic flow and
capacity adheres to recognized standards. The deviation from the required LOS "C"
at these intersections indicates a need for review and potential mitigation to meet the
city's established traffic standards.
Allowing for the continued use of failing intersections sets a dangerous precedent,
particularly in light of the ongoing national dialogue surrounding the urgent need for
infrastructure updates. This approach not only overlooks immediate safety concerns
but also undermines efforts to address broader infrastructure challenges. By
accepting subpar standards at these critical junctions, we risk normalizing neglect and
inefficiency in our approach to infrastructure maintenance and improvement,
contradicting the pressing calls for robust and forward-thinking solutions in this sector that mobilizing development to fund could solve.
-- Noah ten Broek