09 - Toole Design Group Memorandum

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volumes were applied to all streets and the traffic conditions at the four main intersections surrounding Culbertson Fountain were analyzed. The results indicated that traffic signals were not warranted and therefore, stop sign traffic control was evaluated. With stop sign traffic control, an increase of seven seconds delay is anticipated at each intersection at the square from the existing traffic condition. Therefore, a vehicle passing through the square's two intersections would, on average, experience 14 total seconds of increased travel time during the peak hour. Vehicle queueing was also analyzed and on average, two to four vehicles are anticipated to be queued during the peak hour. The results for changes in travel time and queueing are both acceptable. In fact, the stopping of motorists at the intersections around the Square, where many pedestrians are desired, and slower speeds within the downtown, are desirable for safety and comfort reasons. The current speeding and crash problems should be ameliorated nicely. Finally, traffic diversion was assessed. The highest traffic movement in the "worst case" was only 460 vehicles per hour in the eastbound direction during the peak hour. Obviously, only a small percentage of the 460 vehicles are travelling across the entire City. Even if it were as high as 10%, or 46 vehicles over the hour, the team anticipates that only a fraction of those vehicles would change habits and use the loop road due to the small change in travel time in the downtown. At the same time, it is likely that some motorists, who currently use the bypass, might be interested to see some of changes and activities in the downtown and would use the downtown streets. Therefore, the increase and decrease of diverted trips would likely involve small numbers of motorists and, more or less, cancel each other out, amounting to a negligible change due to traffic diversion. Benefits of Two-way Streets and Stop Sign Traffic Control There are several benefits that will likely occur by restoring two-way travel and installing stop signs downtown. • Safety. Fewer crashes are anticipated with stop signs and two-way streets because both traffic - related modifications eliminate stale green lights and the ability to do drag racing between traffic signals. By not having one-way streets with two or more adjacent lanes going in the same direction, weaving between lanes will be eliminated. Wrong way travel cannot happen on two- way streets. Shorter pedestrian crossing distances will increase safety. • Improved Access. Motorists will be able to drive directly to businesses rather than circulating around the block in a one-way system. • Simplified Wayfinding. Providing directions and finding destinations will be easier with two-way streets. • Visibility. Access and visibility of businesses will double because of motorists can approach from both directions. Stop -controlled intersections will also ease parking operations due to the slower speed environment created. • Redundancy. Two-way streets will naturally create a redundant street network which will improve emergency vehicle access. It will also make hosting special events easier and allow street maintenance to occur without system -wide disruptions. • Cost. Stop signs are inexpensive to install and cost less to maintain as compared with the approximate $5,000 annual maintenance cost for a single traffic signal. Also, the traffic signal poles, mast arms, and signal cabinets are unattractive street features and result in obstacles in the sidewalks. 12