HomeMy WebLinkAboutTIS Waiver Request
March 18, 2025
City of Bozeman Engineering Department
20 E Olive St # 202
Bozeman, MT 59715
RE: Response to Traffic Impact Study (TIS) Comment - Rest Area Property
Dear City of Bozeman Engineering Division,
We appreciate the City’s review of the Traffic Impact Study (TIS) waiver request for the Rest
Area Property and the detailed comments provided regarding traffic impacts.
To address your requests, we have worked with our traffic engineer to provide the requested
peak hour trip generation values, expected peak hours for each phase, and the worst-case peak
hour for the entire project. Please find this information attached in a memo prepared by our
traffic engineer, E5 Engineering. Key takeaways include:
• Peak Hour Trip Generation: The busiest peak hour for the entire site is anticipated to
occur between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m., as detailed in the attached analysis.
• Queuing Analysis: Internal site roadways and access points to North 19th Avenue are
private, and extended queues are not expected to impact adjacent public rights-of-way.
Studies indicate that longer drive-through queues naturally regulate themselves as
customers either opt to enter the restaurant or choose an alternative location. Additional
research on queueing behavior is included in the attached memo.
• Drive-Through Service Rate & Signal Timing Coordination: The applicant will
coordinate with MDT regarding the signal timing at the North 19th Avenue and East
Valley Center intersection for each phase of development.
Additionally, we have attached the MDT-approved Approach Permit for the project.
The Conditions and Additional Conditions of the permit specify that any on-site work must be
coordinated with MDT in accordance with the approved access permit. The applicant
acknowledges these requirements and will ensure compliance with MDT’s stipulations.
Finally, we have worked with the MDT for many years on the Bozeman Rest Area project and
the intersection at the site entrance and N 19th Street has been thoroughly studied in coordination
with MDT. We have coordinated with MDT on the use of and improvements to the site access
for this specific project, and the intersection improvements have been approved by MDT – with
plans for their improvements to N 19th Ave beginning in just a few months in spring of 2025.
Included in Attachment A are the traffic estimates you have requested. They were estimated by
Traffic Engineering Company E5 and included in the coordination of the intersection
improvements with MDT. We believe the attached information addresses your Bridger Point
Development Questions.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your feedback.
Best,
Juliene Sinclair, PE, Project Manager
Alpine Surveying & Engineering, Inc.
Attachments:
• Attachment A: Peak Hour Info
• Attachment B: MDT Permit
Attachment A:
The estimated peak hour trip generation information is below:
• Business Hotel (ITE LUC 312)
o Weekday, AM Peak Hour (One Hour between 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.)
▪ Total = 65 Trip Ends | 25 Enter and 40 Exit
o Weekday, Midday Peak Hour (One Hour between 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.)
▪ Total = 28 Trip Ends | 14 Enter and 14 Exit
o Weekday, PM Peak Hour (One Hour between 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
▪ Total = 56 Trip Ends | 31 Enter and 25 Exit
o Average Weekday (24-Hour Period)
▪ Total = 724 Trip Ends | 392 Enter and 392 Exit
• Chick-Fil-A | Fast-Food Restaurant with Drive-Through Window (ITE LUC 934)
o Weekday, AM Peak Hour (One Hour between 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.)
▪ Total = 239 Trip Ends | 122 Enter and 117 Exit
o Weekday, Midday Peak Hour (One Hour between 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.)
▪ Total = 297 Trip Ends | 148 Enter and 149 Exit
o Weekday, PM Peak Hour (One Hour between 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
▪ Total = 177 Trip Ends | 92 Enter and 85 Exit
o Average Weekday (24-Hour Period)
▪ Total = 2,496 Trip Ends | 1,248 Enter and 1,248 Exit
• Full Development – Combined
o Weekday, AM Peak Hour (One Hour between 7:00 – 9:00 a.m.)
▪ Total = 304 Trip Ends | 147 Enter and 157 Exit
o Weekday, Midday Peak Hour (One Hour between 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.)
▪ Total = 325 Trip Ends | 162 Enter and 163 Exit
o Weekday, PM Peak Hour (One Hour between 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
▪ Total = 233 Trip Ends | 123 Enter and 110 Exit
o Average Weekday (24-Hour Period)
▪ Total = 3,220 Trip Ends | 1,640 Enter and 1,640 Exit
The busiest peak hour for the total site is anticipated to occur one hour between 12:00 and 2:00
p.m.
Regarding queuing, the internal site roadways and access to North 19th Avenue are private
roadways; therefore, any longer queues would not be anticipated to impact adjacent public
rights-of-way. Additionally, studies have shown that when drive-through queues become too
long, customers often either decide to go inside the restaurant to order or choose a different
establishment altogether. Research in consumer behavior and queueing theory indicates that wait
time perception heavily influences customer choices. Long drive-through lines can create
frustration, leading some customers to seek a faster alternative inside the restaurant, while others
may abandon the location entirely in favor of a competitor with a shorter wait time.
For additional support, through some research a study published in the Journal of Business
Research found that perceived wait time significantly affects customer satisfaction and brand
loyalty. Similarly, industry reports from organizations like QSR Magazine and the National
Restaurant Association highlight how excessive wait times in drive-throughs can drive customers
away, emphasizing the importance of efficiency in fast-food operations.
Tom Eastwood, PE, PTOE – Owner
E5 Engineering, PLLC
406.209.3960 | teastwood@e5engineeringpllc.com