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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTraffic Impact StudyTraffic Impact Study Michigan Road Mixed -Use Development Carmel, Indiana Prepared For: American Village Properties, LLC Prepared By: Pf lum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 47 South Pennsylvania Street, 9th Floor Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 317.636.1552 October 2, 2000 RECD JAN 22 2001 DOCS Indianapolis, Indiana • Cincinnati, Ohio • Louisville, Kentucky • Hudson, Ohio • Charleston, West Virginia • Pflum, -�: Klausmeier& Gehrum 47 South Consultants Pennsylvania • Street, 9th Floor ' ▪ Indianapolis, IN 2 October 2000 • 46204 -3622 I Mr Michael R. Speedy American Village Properties, LLC Tel 317 636 1552 4635 Moss Creek Terrace Fax 317 636 1345 IIndianapolis, Indiana 46237 Re. Traffic Impact Study I Carmel, Indiana Engineering Planning Dear Mr Speedy: Landscape Architecture I This letter is to submit seven (7) copies of our final Traffic Itnpact Study for the proposed mixed - use development along U.S 421 between 106`h and 116'1' Streets in Carmel, Indiana. Our analysis is based on the best estimate of future land use that was available at the time this study was I along with a background growth rate of 2% per year within the study area. undertaken. In addition to the subject site, the traffic impacts of five vacant sites were analyzed Our recommendations address both site layout and traffic control issues. We have found that I U.S. 421 will accommodate the projected traffic volumes at an acceptable level of service in the , • peak hours. However, a traffic signal will be necessary at the proposed driveway upon buildout. • I We would be happy to discuss our findings further with you Please call if we can be of any , ::::::: further assistance. We will be available to attend the public hearing in November at your request IVery truly yours, PFLUM, KLAUSMEIER & GEHRUM CONSULTANTS, INC General Partners: John E. Pflum, PE / James P Klausmeier, PE IJennifer A. Pyrz, P.E John E. Gehrum Enclosures #3266 Offices: I Cincinnati, OH Indianapolis, IN Hudson, OH Glasgow, Scotland 1 . 1 1 Contents Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Page 1 Preparer Qualifications 2 Introduction 3 IExisting Roadway Conditions 5 Committed Improvements 6 I Existing Traffic Conditions 7 Traffic Generation 9 I Traffic Distribution and Assignment 11 Future Conditions 11 Traffic Operations Issues 13 1 Conclusions and Recommendations 14 1 List of Tables Table 1 — Level of Service Criteria for Signalized Intersections 8 1 Table 2 - Level of Service Criteria for Unsignalized Intersections 8 Table 3 — Intersection LOS: Existing Traffic Conditions with Proposed Geometrics 8 Table 4 — Trip Generation Estimates: Proposed Development 9 I Table 5 — Trip Generation Estimates: Anticipated Non -Site Development 10 Table 6 — Trip Generation Estimates: Site As Zoned 11 I Table 7 — Development Scenarios 11 Table 8 — Intersection LOS: Final Results 12 1 List of Figures Figure 1 — Location Map 4 1 Figure 2 — Traffic Volumes, Scenario I 17 Figure 3 — Traffic Volumes, Scenario II 18 Figure 4 — Traffic Volumes, Scenario III 19 1 Figure 5 — Traffic Volumes, Scenario IV 20 Appendix Site Layout ' Trip Generation Calculations Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis Highway Capacity Software Output 1 1 1 #3266 Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Preparer Qualifications I certify that this Transportation Impact Study has been prepared by me or under my direct supervision and that I have experience and training in the field of traffic and transportation engineering. Jennifer A. Pyrz, P.E. Indiana Registration # 10001153 Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. This Study has been completed in accordance with the Applicant's Guide, Transportation Impact Studies for Proposed Development, adopted by the City of Carmel Resolution 021892, February 18, 1992. Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 2 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Introduction American Village Properties, LLC is proposing to develop a 34 -acre site in Carmel, Indiana. The site is located along Michigan Road (U.S. 421), approximately halfway between 106`'' Street and 116`h Street as shown in the location map, Figure 1. The development will consist of a mix of multi - family homes and commercial sites and will require re- zoning of the subject property from S -1 residential. The intersections of Michigan Road at 106th Street, the proposed site drive, and 116th Street were each analyzed as part of this study. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is currently developing plans for the improvement of Michigan Road in the site vicinity, with construction to be completed in 2001 between 96th and 102 "d Streets, and construction to begin in 2002 between 102 °d Street and CR 550 (Boone County). Details of these improvements will follow. All analyses assumed that these improvements would be completed before full buildout of the subject site. The conditions of each intersection were determined under the proposed configuration and four scenarios were analyzed as follows: Existing Background growth Development proposed by American Village Properties Anticipated Non -Site Development Development as zoned Scenario I represents existing traffic conditions, assuming that improvements to Michigan Road are complete. Scenario II represents year 2010 traffic conditions, which includes the effect of background traffic growth and volumes generated by full build -out of the subject site. Scenario III also represents year 2010 traffic conditions and is equivalent to Scenario II with the addition of traffic volumes from six currently undeveloped sites. Finally, Scenario IV represents year 2010 traffic conditions assuming the subject site is developed as currently zoned. Scenario IV includes existing, background growth, non -site, and as -zoned traffic volumes. Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 3 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Sites A, B, and C (see Figure 1) were identified for inclusion as anticipated non -site development in Scenarios III and IV. Site A is directly opposite the subject site along Michigan Road and is currently zoned for retail and industrial development. Although no specific plans are currently being considered for this site, land uses and building sizes were assumed based on the current zoning and lot acreage. Sites B and C are located on the east side of Michigan Road, south of 106th Street. Current plans indicate that Site B will be developed as a SuperTarget store, and Site C will develop as a Home Depot. In order to account for traffic produced by the remaining vacant sites in the vicinity a background traffic growth rate of 2% per year was used for Scenarios II, III, and IV to approximate. Year 2010 conditions. This growth rate was determined based upon growth rates developed by INDOT for this corridor, reduced to account for our explicit analyses of traffic associated with the subject site and vacant sites A, B, and C. An explanation of all assumptions and trip generation calculations is included in the Appendix. Existing Roadway Conditions Michigan Road (U.S. 421) is currently a two -lane undivided roadway running along the front of the site. Turn lanes are constructed for various driveways along the highway and at major intersections. U.S. 421 is under the jurisdiction of INDOT, which classifies this section of it as urban principal arterial under the statewide system. The intersections of Michigan Road with 106`x' Street and 116`x' Street are both currently signalized. The intersection with 116`x' Street remains more rural, although development is expected to begin expanding north to this area. The subject site is bordered by an undeveloped parcel and existing single family homes to the south, with Altum's Nursery, and additional commercial zoning and undeveloped land to the north. The site directly across Michigan Road is also vacant. A church and multi - family development are to the northwest of the site, with driveway access to Michigan Road. Although directly opposite each other, the driveways for Altum's nursery and the church / multi - family development are not in alignment across Michigan Road. Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 5 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Committed Improvements INDOT is planning improvements to Michigan Road (U.S. 421) in front of the proposed development. The improvements are separated into two individual projects. In spring 2001, a project to improve the interchange of I -465 with Michigan Road will be let, with completion expected by the end of that year. The project extends from 96`'' Street to approximately 2000 feet north of the interchange. Improvements were designed to satisfy traffic demands through the year 2015. Following is the configuration of the I -465 ramps at Michigan Road to be constructed as part of this project: At Eastbound ramps — Northbound: 4 through lanes and 1 channelized right turn lane Southbound: 1 left turn lane and 3 through lanes Off -ramp: 2 left turn lanes and 2 right turn lanes At Westbound ramps -- Northbound: 1 left turn lane and three through lanes Southbound: 4 through lanes and 1 channelized right turn lane Off -ramp: 3 left turn lanes and 2 right turn lanes In 2002, construction is expected to begin on the widening project of Michigan Road from 102nd Street in Hamilton County to CR 550 in Boone County. The intersection of Michigan Road with 106`1' Street will be improved to include the following: Northbound: 1 left turn lane, 2 through lanes, and 1 right turn lane Southbound: 1 left turn lane, 2 through lanes, and 1 right turn lane Eastbound: 1 left turn lane and 1 through / right turn lane Westbound: 1 left turn lane, 1 through lane, and 1 right turn lane The 106"' Street intersection will operate under a three -phase signal, including a separate phase for northbound and southbound left turn movements. The assumed timing plan is included in the Appendix as part of the Highway Capacity Software (HCS) output. The intersection of Michigan Road with 116th Street will be improved to include the following: Northbound: 2 left turn lanes, 2 through lanes, and 1 right turn lane Southbound: 1 left turn lane, 2 through lanes, and 1 right turn lane Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 6 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Eastbound: 1 Left turn lane, 1 through lane, and 1 right turn lane Westbound: 2 left turn lanes, 1 through lane, and 1 right turn lane This intersection will operate under a four -phase signal, including separate phases for each set of left turn movements. The assumed timing plan is included in the Appendix as part of the HCS output. Existing Traffic Conditions Intersection capacity analyses were conducted for AM and PM peak hour conditions at each of the study intersections. The Highway Capacity Software (HCS) was used to produce Level of Service (LOS) ratings for each traffic movement or combined traffic movement (if a lane is shared)'. These LOS ratings are measured in terms of average control delay, where delay is a measure of driver discomfort, frustration, fuel consumption, and lost travel time. The term "control" refers to the inclusion of deceleration delay, queue move -up time, stopped delay, and acceleration delay in the final delay measure. LOS A is the best operating condition, and LOS F has the longest delays, therefore being the worst operating condition. Table 1 provides the criteria for the various LOS ratings for a signalized intersection in terms of control delay. Table 2 provides the LOS criteria for unsignalized intersections. Table 3 provides the LOS results for existing AM and PM peak hours at each intersection in the study area, assuming the INDOT proposed intersection configurations described in the preceding section. Peak hour turn movement counts were conducted in the first half of August 2000 to represent existing volumes. LOS results are based upon the peak hour of an average weekday. These LOS results will occur during the peak hours, and will improve during the remainder of the day. The Highway Capacity Software (HCS) program is associated with the latest release of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) as published by the Transportation Research Board. Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 7 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Table 1 Level of Service Criteria for Signalized Intersections LeVe1.O "f Service p Control Delay f per Vehicle (seconds) A B C D E F <_ 10 > 10 and 20 > 20 and <_ 35 > 35 and S 55 > 55 and _< 80 > 80 Table 2 Level of Service Criteria for Unsignalized Intersections Table 3 Intersection LOS: Existing Traffic Conditions with Proposed Geometries Both intersections are expected to operate at acceptable levels of service during the AM and PM peak hours based on existing traffic volumes and proposed geometrics. Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 8 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Traffic Generation Table 4 summarizes the results of the trip generation for the proposed site. Table 5 summarizes the trip generation for the anticipated non -site development, with pass -by trips accounted for, where appropriate. All calculations are consistent with the methodology prescribed by the 6th Edition Trip Generation as published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (1997). The commercial development mix was assumed based on land area and a preliminary development concept. The uses that are indicated by a double asterisk ( * *) are hypothetical only and were chosen based on their generating the highest number of trips for a use of that type. Details of the land use assumptions and all trip generation calculations are included in the Appendix. Table 4 Trip Generation Estimates: Proposed Development 65,000 SF Supermarket ** 36,000 SF Shopping Center 12,000 SF Pharmacy ** 12,000 SF Sit -Down Restaurant ** 298 DU Multi- Family 850 820 881 832 220 Sub -Total - Pass -By Trips - Internal Capture (23% of Non Pass -By) Total New External Trips 175 53 18 58 24 328 -76 252 112 34 14 53 127 340 -78 262 287 87 32 111 151 668 -154 514 351 154 61 78 121 765 -266 -115 384 337 166 64 52 59 678 -266 -95 317 688 320 125 130 180 1,443 -531 -210 702 * Square footage amounts used are the best estimates at the time this study was conducted. * * Assumed land uses were based on highest trip generation estimates. Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Table 5 Trip Generation Estimates: Anticipated Non -Site Development Land, Use . : , Site Al: Apartments, ITE Code 220 In 22 AMP Out Peak 114 Total 136 In 110 P k Out 54 Total T 164 Site Al: Industrial Warehouse, ITE Code 150 310 68 378 90 286 376 Site A2: Shopping Center, ITE Code 820 90 57 147 275 298 573 Pass -By Trips -115 -115 -230 Site A3: Free Standing Discount Superstore, 205 196 401 408 424 832 ITE Code 813 Site B: SuperTarget, ITE Code 813 164 158 322 328 341 669 Pass -By Trips -57 -57 -114 Site C: Home Depot, ITE Code 862 102 86 188 171 193 364 Pass -By Trips -87 -87 -174 TOTAL NEW TRIPS 893 679 1572 1,123 1,337 2,460 Pass -By Trips Pass -by trips are those that make an intermediate stop at the site on the way to another ultimate destination. The trips are attracted from an adjacent roadway, in this case U.S. 421, while passing by the site. They add traffic to the site driveway traffic, but do not increase volumes on the adjacent street system. Pass -by trips were calculated using the research and procedure outlined in the ITE Trip Generation Handbook (October 1998). Based on that procedure, pass -by trip percentages were calculated for the PM Peak hour for each qualifying land use category within the site. These pass -by trip percentages were applied only to the external trips made during the PM peak hour. Calculations are included in the Appendix. Internal Capture Rate Because the proposed site is to be developed with a mix of uses, it can be expected that a certain percentage of the generated trips will have both origins and destinations within it. In this case, these internal trips will not travel through any of the intersections on U.S. 421, but only along internal roadways. The internal capture rate was calculated using the ITE Trip Generation Handbook (October 1998) procedure for Multi -Use Developments. Based on studies of actual multi -use developments, a 23% internal capture rate was calculated for the site during the PM Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 10 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Peak hour. Internal trips are likely during the AM peak hour as well, but were not considered due to lack of sufficient data. Calculations are included in the Appendix. Table 6 presents the trip generation estimates for the subject site, if developed as currently zoned. Table 6 Trip Generation Estimates: Site As Zoned 'Land' 82 Single Family Homes, ITE Code210 AM Peak In Out Total 17 50 67 PM Peak Out Total 58 32 90 Traffic Distribution and Assignment Traffic was distributed for each of the scenarios based on existing traffic patterns, operational characteristics of the area, and future development potential. To the north, travelers can reach the Cities of Carmel, Lebanon, and Zionsville, and gain access to I -65. To the south, heavier retail and commercial development, the City of Indianapolis and the City of Carmel are attractors. Further details are included in the Appendix. Future Conditions The following scenarios were analyzed using the data generated in previous sections of this report: ic:Conditio`ns Table 7 Development Scenarios Development proposed by American Village Properties Anticipated Non -Site Development Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 11 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana After computing existing levels of service, the Scenario I volumes were combined with background traffic growth of 2% per year over 10 years to simulate year 2010 conditions. The background growth rate was estimated based on INDOT traffic projections and is used in conjunction with the explicit analysis of several vacant sites (see Table 5). The proposed development traffic was then added to result in Scenario II. Anticipated non -site development was added to that for Scenario III. Finally, Scenario IV is used to compare traffic impacts between conditions where the site is developed as zoned versus as proposed. Each of the study intersections was analyzed under each of the development scenarios. Table 8 provides the results of these analyses. Figures 2 through 5 illustrate the turning movement volumes for the AM and PM peak hours of Scenarios I, II, III, and IV. All results assume that the improvements to Michigan Road as discussed previously will be fully implemented. Additionally, Scenarios II, III, and IV assume that this study's recommendations are implemented. These recommendations are outlined in the section titled Conclusions and Recommendations. Table 8 Intersection LOS: Final Results Michigan Road and Site Drive (unsignalized)* Michigan Road and Site Drive (signalized) * Note: For unsignalized intersections, the LOS for each movement is calculated, but no overall intersection LOS is calculated. The reported LOS for Michigan Road at the site drive are the lowest values that were calculated for any one approach. The Levels of Service for each of the individual movements can be found in the HCS output, provided in the Appendix. Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 12 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Traffic Operations Issues Vehicular Connectivity South of the subject site, an adjacent neighborhood was constructed with a roadway stub -out (Monitor Lane) to allow a future connection with the subject property. The extension of Monitor Lane would allow vehicular traffic access between the existing neighborhood and the subject site, including access by emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Since the subject site has access to U.S. 421, this additional connection through a residential neighborhood would provide little or no value to either site. Emergency vehicles could reach the site more quickly and safely via U.S. 421 and travel of any sort through the neighborhood would be slow and circuitous. Although the access point would provide convenience to the existing residents, they are more concerned about through traffic in their neighborhood and are therefore strongly opposed to such a connection, as is American Village Properties. There appears to be no persuasive reason for such a connection at this time, except perhaps for pedestrians / bicyclists. Signal Warrant Analysis As described in previous sections of this report, the Level of Service at the intersection of U.S. 421 and the site drive will operate at poor levels of service until a signal is installed. The decision on whether or not a signal is installed at this location rests with INDOT and is based upon state warrants set forth in the Indiana Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (IMUTCD). Traffic control signals should not be installed unless one or more of the primary volume signal warrants in IMUTCD are met. Supplemental warrants should be considered as an advisory condition, and do not mandate the installation of a traffic signal. The supplemental guidelines are additional considerations in the determination for the need to install traffic signals. Satisfaction of the requirements listed in the guidelines is not sufficient cause, in itself, to install traffic signal. PRIMARY WARRANTS Warrant 1 — Minimum vehicular volume. Warrant 2 — Interruption of continuous traffic. Warrant 3 — Minimum pedestrian volume. SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANTS Warrant 4 — School crossings. Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 13 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Warrant 5 — Progressive movement. Warrant 6 — Accident experience. Warrant 7 — Systems. Warrant 8 — Combination of warrants. Warrant 9 — New facilities. Warrant 10 — Special Access. Warrant 11 — Four hour volumes. SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDELINES Guideline 12 — Peak hour delay. Guideline 13 — Peak hour volume. A signal warrant analysis was completed for the intersection of U.S. 421 with the site drive for Scenario II and III. The analysis was based upon the following assumptions: • Traffic volumes on U.S. 421 will meet or exceed warrants for a signal during all hours. • 80% of weekday traffic generation estimates will be evenly distributed over a 12 -hour period between lam and 7pm. • In Scenario III, the driveway of Sites Al, A2 and A3 will be constructed to align with the subject site drive. Further details and calculations are included in the Appendix. Signal warrant analysis shows that primary warrants 1 and 2 will be met with the traffic generated by the vacant site alone (Scenario II). This alone provides justification for a signal to be installed. With the addition of traffic from vacant sites Al, A2, and A3, the need for a signal at that location will become even more imperative. Conclusions and Recommendations Field survey and analyses as presented in Figures 2 through 5 and summarized in Table 8, lead to the findings outlined as follows: Scenario II — Full Buildout of Subject Site • All signalized study intersections are expected to operate at LOS D or better upon buildout of the subject site (Scenario II). This scenario accounts for existing and site traffic, as well as background growth equating to nearly 22% (growth rate of 2% compounded over 10 years). LOS D is considered acceptable for the peak hours in most municipal settings. • The unsignalized intersection of U.S. 421 with the site drive will operate at LOS F in the PM peak hour of Scenario II (full buildout of the subject site as shown in Table 4). Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 14 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana It has been demonstrated in the previous section that a signal will be warranted at this location. With a signal, the intersection improves to LOS C or better. Buildout (Scenarios III and IV) — Full Buildout of Subject and Vacant Sites • The vacant sites that were considered in this analysis account for a large portion of the traffic in Scenarios III and IV (three times that of the subject site). When traffic volumes from these sites are added to the network, peak hour LOS breaks down to E at some locations. • Scenarios III and IV are both buildout scenarios. Scenario III includes site traffic as proposed, and IV includes site traffic as zoned. LOS are worse for Scenario III during only two of the peak hours, where they drop from LOS D to E. Recommendations • The proposed site drive approach to U.S. 421 should be constructed with one left turn lane, one through lane, and one right turn lane. It should be positioned to align with a future driveway on the west side of U.S. 421, directly opposite this one. U.S. 421 is within the jurisdiction of INDOT. The intersection will be constructed to meet with its standards and specification. • A right turn lane should be constructed northbound at the site drive with appropriate taper designed to INDOT specifications. • A left turn lane southbound into the site should be 'formalized with raised curb and pavement markings. Design should meet with INDOT specifications. • A traffic signal should be installed at the site drive to facilitate safe and efficient traffic operations. Further signal analysis is included in the previous section, titled Traffic Operations Issues with worksheets provided in the Appendix. • It is recommended that the study site not be connected to the adjacent neighborhood to the south. Such a connection is considered undesirable by the neighborhood and would provide little or no benefit to either community. Emergency vehicles can best reach the subject site via U.S. 421. Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc. 15 Traffic Impact Study American Village Properties, LLC Carmel, Indiana Special note regarding improvements: An eastbound right turn lane will be necessary at the intersection of U.S. 421 and 106`' Street upon full buildout of the adjacent vacant sites. The need for this lane is related to traffic generated by sites on the west side of Michigan Road only. The subject site has no impact on this need. Pflum, Klausmeier & Gehrum Consultants, Inc.