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The following summary describes the process used to develop and analyze forecasted design year (2026) traffic volumes.Future traffic conditions were analyzed using traffic projections provided by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). These traffic forecasts were developed using a traffic simulation model that considers expected growth in population, housing, employment and planned highway improvements both within and outside the detailed study area.
The DVRPC model projected the number of vehicular trips to be generated; the destination of those trips; the modes of transportation to be used; and finally, it assigned projected traffic volumes for individual roadways throughout the study area. These volumes are required to evaluate potential transportation improvement alternatives. Morning and afternoon peak hour design year (2026) traffic volumes were also established so that operational characteristics (e.g.: levels of service) could be determined.
While traffic volumes provide a measure of activity on a roadway network, it is also important to evaluate how well a network can accommodate traffic by comparing peak hour traffic volumes with available roadway capacity. Intersections are usually the most critical points in a roadway network. It is at intersections that conflict exists between through, crossing and turning traffic, and where vehicle congestion and delay is most likely to occur. Factors that affect average vehicle delays at both signalized and non-signalized intersections include:
- The width of the approach;
- The number of lanes;
- The available time a signal remains green;
- Turning volumes;
- The percentage of trucks using the intersection; and
- The coordination of traffic signals.
The level of service (LOS) for each of the intersections was determined using traffic simulation modeling analysis. Simulation modeling is the most appropriate analysis tool for the Woodhaven Road Project due to existing and forecasted traffic conditions. These traffic conditions include: analyzing intersections with demand volumes that are at or over capacity; closely spaced intersections; coordinated signals; queuing conditions that affect traffic flow; and complex roadway geometry. The analysis was performed using traffic simulation software that models traffic operations and optimizes traffic signal timings. Using this software, the operations of the roadway system can be analyzed as a whole. The effects of changes from a proposed alternative that result in one part of the roadway network can be easily measured and observed in other parts of the network.
