Month 20XX Draft Design Report PIN XXXX.XX
CHAPTER 2 - PROJECT CONTEXT: HISTORY, TRANSPORTATION PLANS, CONDITIONS AND NEEDS (Go to end of this document for instructions on turning on/off GREEN text during document preparation and for summary of changes)
This chapter addresses the history and existing context of the project site, including the existing conditions, deficiencies, and needs for this part of the Route __ corridor.
2.1. Project History
This section should summarize the project's evolution up to the point where the report begins to provide new information. The problem(s), the severity of the problem(s), titles and dates of previous reports, any community coordination and input which has occurred, correspondence, Department commitments, etc., should be briefly discussed. If the project was part of an approved Congestion Management System (CMS), or has followed the Interim Congestion Management System (ICMS) process and/or is a Major Investment Study (MIS), then the relevant information should be summarized. For EIS projects, NEPA scoping actions, such as publication of the Notice of Intent, scoping meetings, etc., should be briefly described.
NOTE: The following is necessary to avoid reviewers raising questions regarding location alternatives that have been previously considered.
In the case of projects following the one hearing process, this section would reduce to a summary of the project scoping work done to date. However, this section should be more extensive in the case of projects following the two hearing process. It should:
(1) Summarize the location alternatives considered and state which location alternative was chosen and why.
(2) Include a map of the approved location alternative.
(3) List the planning documents that have previously been reviewed by the public and give addresses where they can be reviewed.
(4) Make clear that the alternatives considered in the DR/DEIS are design alternatives and that the question of location alternatives has already been methodically resolved as has the model choice.
2.2. Transportation Plans and Land Use
2.2.1. Local Plans for the Project Area
2.2.1.1. Local Master Plan - Any adopted local comprehensive plans should be referenced and briefly described in this section. Summarize local planning goals and objectives.
The Regional Planning Group has reviewed the local master plan prepared for the town of ______. This project is consistent with the local master plan.
2.2.1.2. Local Private Development Plans – Any approved development planned for the area which would change the culture, land use patterns, zoning, traffic volumes, parking conditions (e.g., more on street parking which may add to congestion), rural uninterrupted to suburban interrupted flow, etc., in the area, should be described, with approximate year when implementation of planned development is expected. Indicate if the necessary permits have been obtained and if SEQR process has been completed for the proposed local development.
There are no approved developments planned within the project area that will impact traffic operations.
2.2.2. Transportation Corridor
2.2.2.1. Importance of the Project Route Segment - Discuss the relationship of the project's problem(s) to other existing transportation problems in the area or Region. Is the proposed project a "connecting link" in a systems development plan? How would it fit into the system? Does it complement the system? Is it an "essential gap" in the regional system?
2.2.2.2. Alternate Routes – Discuss routes that could serve as a detour or alternate route if improvements are not made.
There is an/are no alternative routes that would be suitable as a permanent detour.
2.2.2.3. Corridor Deficiencies and Needs - Does the corridor limit mobility (movement of people and goods) in the area or Region? Have Transportation System Management (TSM) and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) type improvements, or transit, vanpool, rideshare type services been implemented in the project area and if so, what impact are they having. See HDM Chapter 24 for information and discussion concerning mobility issues.
2.2.2.4. Transportation Plans - Identify relationship to any statewide plan. Identify relationship to any adopted urban area transportation plan (i.e., is the project in the Long Range Plan, on the TIP, or expected to be on the TIP?). What is the relative priority of the project, if known?
Is the project part of an approved Congestion Management System or adequate Interim Congestion Management System? Is the project subject to a Major Investment Study (MIS)? If so, has the study been completed or will further actions be required in the design stage? Specify, if applicable, whether the results are reflected in the most recent MPO long-range transportation plan?
Is there a plan for implementing the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), TSM and/or TDM type of improvements in the project area to reduce congestion and improve overall operating conditions? Discuss the potential need for coordination of maintenance and protection of traffic since the subject project route may serve as a construction detour for another project.
This project is on the approved Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as project No. ____.
2.2.2.5. Abutting Highway Segments and Future Plans for Abutting Highway Segments -
Briefly describe the existing conditions of the abutting highway segments including lane and shoulder widths, general vertical and horizontal alignment, existing pavement condition, clear zone, and speed limits.
It is important to assure that the work being proposed is consistent with future plans, including long range system plans, for abutting highway segments. Include a brief statement regarding plans to reconstruct or widen the abutting highway segment within 20 years. If the project involves a state highway, a brief statement should be provided by the Regional Planning and Program Manager. If the project is not on a state highway, a written statement from the unit of government having authority over the facility should be obtained.
The Regional Planning Group has confirmed that there are no plans to reconstruct or widen this highway segment, or the adjoining segments, within the next 20 years.
2.3. Transportation Conditions, Deficiencies and Engineering Considerations
This section is very important. The transportation conditions, deficiencies and engineering considerations must be clearly described because this section establishes the need for the project, which in turn establishes the objectives for the project (i.e., the purpose or desired results of the project).
This section of the design approval document is intended to build upon the work accomplished during scoping for the ultimate purpose of selecting a preferred alternative and to obtain design approval.
This section will describe existing and expected future no-build design year transportation features/conditions within the logical termini. It is important to properly and adequately describe the transportation features/conditions so they are clearly understood. This is especially important where the existing and expected future features/conditions result in problems or deficiencies that create the need for the project. General references or broad definitions of the features/conditions are not appropriate. Be as specific as possible.
While it is important to document the consideration of each item, only that information or data that is pertinent to the project (i.e., affects scope, quality, cost, or schedule) should be detailed. The level of treatment of any item will depend on a project's problems, complexity and character, and the level of detail and accuracy necessary to refine the scope and cost for the project at design approval.
For items below that are not applicable there should be a brief statement to explain why the subject is not relevant; therefore just using the phrase "Does not apply" is not acceptable. The use of "does not apply" is acceptable for in-house documents such as a Project Scoping Report but a more adequate explanation should be provided for reports that are distributed to the public. For example, for the section on Railroads, a statement such as "There are no railroads in the project area" or "The project has no effect on the adjacent Baltimore and Ohio Railroad mainline" would be appropriate.
2.3.1. Operations (Traffic and Safety) Maintenance
2.3.1.1. Functional Classification and National Highway System (NHS) – Refer to Bridge Manual Section 2.4 for the vertical clearance network. Qualifying and truck access route information can be found on Office of Operations web site:
https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/operating/oom/transportation-systems/manuals
Exhibit - 2.3.1.1Classification Data
Route(s)
Functional
Classification / Select OneUrban Principal Arterial InterstateRural Principal Arterial InterstateUrban Principal Arterial ExpresswayRural Principal Arterial OtherUrban Principal Arterial OtherUrban Minor ArterialRural Principal Arterial OtherRural Minor ArterialUrban CollectorRural Major CollectorRural Minor CollectorRural LocalUrban Local / Select OneUrban Principal Arterial InterstateRural Principal Arterial InterstateUrban Principal Arterial ExpresswayRural Principal Arterial OtherUrban Principal Arterial OtherUrban Minor ArterialRural Principal Arterial OtherRural Minor ArterialUrban CollectorRural Major CollectorRural Minor CollectorRural LocalUrban Local
National Highway System (NHS) / Select OneNoYes / Select OneTBDNoYes
Designated Truck Access Route / Select OneTBDNoYes / Select OneTBDNoYes
Qualifying
Highway / Select OneTBDNoYes / Select OneTBDNoYes
Within 1.6 km of a Qualifying Highway / Select OneTBDNoYes / Select OneTBDNoYes
Within the 4.9 m vertical clearance network / Select OneTBDNoYes / Select OneTBDNoYes
2.3.1.2. Control of Access - State whether access to the highway is fully controlled, partially controlled, or uncontrolled; see HDM 2.6.15 and PDM App. 8 if need be. State if there is control of access at ramp intersections where applicable.
2.3.1.3. Traffic Control Devices – Covers signs, traffic signals, motorist information systems, ramp metering, surveillance systems, etc. Describe traffic signal locations, elements (e.g., type of controller, type of activation, if coordinated, number and types of phases, etc.); and give an overview of sign, signal, or other traffic control device deficiencies including lack of conformance with the latest guidelines and warrants for such devices.
2.3.1.4. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) – Refer to PDM Appendix 6.
There is/are no ITS systems in operation or planned for the project area. Include a statement whether Regional ITS Coordinator was involved in identifying needs during scoping.
2.3.1.5. Speeds and Delay - Refer to HDM Section 5.2. If different speed limits apply, describe or illustrate on 1:24,000 (1"=2000') or 1:9,600 (1"=800') scale map.
Exhibit - 2.3.1.5Speed Data
Route
Existing Speed Limit
Operating Speed and Method Used for Measurement
*Travel Speed and Delay Runs for Existing Conditions / Not required since existing LOS is C or better. / Not required since existing LOS is C or better.
*Travel Time and Delay Runs Estimates / Not required since existing LOS is C or better. / Not required since existing LOS is C or better.
*For major capacity projects only.
2.3.1.6. Traffic Volumes - Refer to Appendix C of this report for traffic flow diagrams. The traffic data was obtained in the year ____.
2.3.1.6. (1) Existing traffic volumes – Include a statement indicating if school buses, farm machinery, milk trucks, large trucks, etc., routinely use the route.
NOTE: There may be a need to give traffic volumes for other peak periods for commercial generators or special events (e.g., Saturday peak shopping hours, concert performances, fairs, etc). Also, some highways have a noon peak period that should be shown and considered in the project's geometric and traffic signal design. Discuss how the peak period was determined or reference the traffic appendix for a discussion (e.g., this discussion may include a graph of the 24 hour traffic in both directions).
Refer to Exhibits __ through ___ for a summary of the traffic data. A discussion of the traffic count methodology, peak hour, and turning movement volumes for intersections with identified accident problems, all major intersections, & major traffic generator driveways/entrances are included in Appendix __.
Exhibit - 2.3.1.6-1Traffic Data
Route
Directional Distribution / ___ AM, ___PM / ___ AM, ___PM
Peak Hour Factor / 0.90 / 0.90
% Peak Hour Trucks / ___ %AM, ___%PM / ___ %AM, ___%PM
% Daily Trucks
Exhibit - 2.3.1.6-2
Existing and Forecast Traffic Volumes /
Route / From __ to ___ / From __ to ___ /
Year / ADT / DHV / ADT / DHV
Existing
(XXXX)
ETC
(XXXX)
ETC+10
(XXXX)
ETC+20
(XXXX)
ETC+30
(XXXX)
Note: ETC is the Estimated Time of Completion
2.3.1.6. (2) Future no-build design year traffic volume forecasts – The Estimated Time of Completion (ETC)+__ design year was selected per PDM Appendix 5. An ETC+30 year projection was not completed as the project is not near a bridge or large culvert. Peak hour turning movement volumes for intersections with identified accident problems, all major intersections, & major traffic generator driveways/entrances are included for the design year(s) in Appendix __.
2.3.1.7. Level of Service and Mobility
2.3.1.7. (1) Existing level of service and capacity analysis – Existing level of service and capacity analysis findings for commuter travel periods (e.g., A.M. and P.M. peak hours) on the mainline and major connecting links, for all approaches of intersections and major traffic generator driveways/entrances for which existing traffic volumes have been provided.
NOTE: There may be a need to give level of service for other peak periods for commercial generators or special events (e.g., Saturday peak shopping hours, concert performances, fairs, etc.). Also, some highways have a noon peak period that should be shown and considered in the project's geometric and traffic signal design.
For non-freeway 3R alternatives and bridge replacement and rehabilitation alternatives where no capacity improvements are proposed, this section should be more general with a brief discussion of conditions on the mainline and at major intersections or traffic generators. For bridge rehabilitation and replacement alternatives this should include discussion of any major intersections or traffic generators adjacent to the bridge.
For low volume roads and intersections it is acceptable to state that by observation, the intersection operates at LOS C or better and, for the no-build alternative, will operate at an acceptable LOS in the design year.
This section should include or reference a discussion of the methodology used. The Highway Capacity Manual's level of service methodology presents the standard procedures for level of service analysis. For locations with poor service during commuter travel periods or other peak periods, estimates of the duration of congestion (period of delay), should be provided.
For complex projects, computed LOS should be presented in either a table or a diagram. The traffic flow diagram format may be used for this purpose. Maps showing queue lengths, travel speed, and delay may be used for areas with LOS less than D.