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HomeMy WebLinkAbout009 Traffic Analysis TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS Technical Memorandum FOR: Gallatin Center Phase 5 ZMA Bozeman, MT Prepared By: WWC Engineering 895 Technology Drive, Suite 203 Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 586-0262 March 2025 Gallatin Center Phase 5 ZMA - Technical Memorandum Page 1 of 3 895 Technology Boulevard, Suite 203, Bozeman, MT 59718 | 406.586.0262 TO: City of Bozeman Engineering Department (Attn: Cody Flammond) 20 East Olive St. Bozeman, MT 57915 FROM: WWC Engineering/Madison DATE: March 19th, 2025 SUBJECT: Gallatin Center Phase 5 ZMA (24626) – Traffic Analysis The City of Bozeman has requested an analysis of potential traffic impacts associated with the proposed zoning change from B-2 and BP zoning to B-2M zoning on the property located just north of Baxter Lane and just west of North 19th Avenue. This technical memorandum outlines the potential impacts in traffic demands due to the proposed zoning change. Existing Zoning and Traffic Impact: The existing zoning consists of a combination of Business Park (BP) and Community Business (B-2). These zoning districts permit a variety of land uses including a broad range of retail and commercial service functions and employment opportunities.  Business Park (BP) Zoning permits uses such as office spaces, light industrial, other employee-based uses. For this reason, the trip generation for most land use in this zoning is relatively low, with typical peak hours in the morning and evening, driven by employees commuting to and from work.  Community Business (B-2) Zoning permits mixed-use facilities with a focus on retail, commercial services, and community-oriented businesses. The peak trip generation for these types of land use can have a significant midday peak and evening peaks due to retail interest. The combined permitted land uses in the existing zoning districts would likely produce trips concentrated at morning and evening hours, with a slight midday peak. Proposed Zoning and Traffic Impact: The proposed B-2M (Community Business Mixed) Zoning will allow a wider range of land uses, including retail and commercial facilities and some residential use. Although specific land uses are difficult to predict, traffic generation will likely result from a combination of both commercial and residential activities. As a result, traffic patterns are expected to be dispersed throughout the day with prolonged peaking. While the combination of commercial and residential uses could increase overall trip generation, the presence of residential development in a predominantly commercial area may help mitigate some of this by encouraging alternative modes of transportation, such as biking or walking. Additionally, the likelihood of residential and commercial use within the subject property would capture some of the trips internally. Residents on the property would be less likely to make a trip across town with the convenience Gallatin Center Phase 5 ZMA - Technical Memorandum Page 2 of 3 of services in close proximity, which would help mitigate traffic congestion in other areas of Bozeman. Trip generation from the proposed zoning will likely include a morning peak, primarily driven by residents commuting to work, along with employees traveling to the retail and commercial establishments on the property. A midday peak is anticipated due to retail activity, which typically generates higher traffic during lunchtime hours. In the evening, a prolonged peak is expected, as residents return home, and retail activity continues into the evening. In summary, the proposed zoning may impact overall trip generation, and cause more distributed and prolonged peak traffic periods compared to the existing zoning. Surrounding Roadway Network: The subject property is well-supported by an existing and robust roadway network, which will help accommodate the anticipated traffic associated with future development. A brief overview of the surrounding roadways is as follows: North 19th Avenue: North 19th Avenue is classified as a Principal Arterial by both the City of Bozeman and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). During the Opportunity Subdivision developments, MDT confirmed that there are no plans for future widening of North 19th Avenue, and it is fully built out. Max Avenue: Max Avenue and Rawhide Ridge Road are fully constructed local streets that run adjacent to the property. They will be utilized and extended as necessary to facilitate access to future developments on the site. Cattail Street: Cattail Street is classified as a Local Street by MDT and as a Collector by the City of Bozeman, Cattail Street is fully constructed to non-city standards and will help provide access to the northern portion of the property once it is developed. Thomas Drive: Thomas Drive is currently an existing local street and the City of Bozeman is planning improvements to North 27th Avenue, which will extend through the area of Thomas Drive from Baxter Lane to Cattail Street. These improvements will result in a fully built-out Collector street along the entire west side of the subject property. These improvements will also include a proposed roundabout at the Cattail Street/North 27th Avenue intersection. Since the existing Thomas Drive terminates south of Cattail Street, the future improvements will increase traffic flow in the area by providing increased connectivity. The North 27th Avenue improvements will also include a signal at the Baxter Lane intersection which will add capacity to the network. Baxter Lane: Baxter Lane is classified as a Major Collector by MDT and a Minor Arterial by the City of Bozeman. It runs along the southern border of the property and will facilitate traffic access near the southern portion of the site. Gallatin Center Phase 5 ZMA - Technical Memorandum Page 3 of 3 Conclusion The proposed zoning change will allow for a wider variety of land uses on the property, which could potentially result in higher trip generation rates and a more spread-out traffic peak schedule. Once the property is subdivided and development plans are finalized, a more detailed traffic analysis will be conducted to ensure that the traffic demands are properly accommodated. A complete Traffic Impact Study (TIS) will be provided with future applications. The TIS will identify any improvements necessary to mitigate transportation impacts.