HomeMy WebLinkAboutITD CommentsIDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 8028
V~~~s
Boise, ID 83707-2028 (208) 334-8300
itd.idaho.gov
November 14, 2008
City of Meridian
Planning Department
660 E. Watertower Lane Suite 202
Meridian, Idaho 83642
FAX 888-6854
- ~ ~ ~N~,
~~4 ~,-, ~`~e.
Re: Location: NW Corner of W. Amity Road and S. Meridian Road
Route: SH 69 MP 7.2
Name: Hawkins Companies
File No. VAR 08-008
Hearing Date: November 25, 2008
Dear Zoning Administrator,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this notice.
Meridian Road (SH-69) is a Type IV highway. The intersection of Amity Road and SH-69 is currently
signalized, and we understand ACRD is working with developers in the area for signalization of the Harris
Street and SH-69 intersection.
Much growth is anticipated in the south Meridian and Kuna areas, which will lead to increased traffic
volumes on SH-69. Approval of a variance to allow multiple commercial accesses along the highway
frontage will increase the potential for conflicts on the state highway attributable to turning movements
and/or increased trips. There are several examples in the Treasure Valley, including Eagle Road (SH-55)
where high intensity uses fronting a state highway have reduced ITD's ability to balance access, safety and
mobility.
High intensity commercial development, such as what is proposed by the applicant, could create multiple
high speed conflict points because of the high volumes of turning movements associated with traffic
entering and exiting the site. According to the 2004 AASHTO Crreen Book, "the number of crashes is
disproportionatelybigher at driveways than at other intersections." The Transportation Research Board's
Access Management Manual, dated 2003, indicates 47% of driveway related crashes are the "left-in"
movement, which is proposed by the applicant at the '/ mile location. The Access Management Manual also
indicates, "Drivers make more mistakes and are more likely to have collisions when they are presented with
the complex driving situations created by numerous conflicts. Conversely, simplifying the driving task
contributes to improved traffic operations and fewer collisions."
We have reviewed the August 2008 traffic impact study (TIS) for the South Meridian Center, prepared by
Kittleson and Associates. The TIS does not support the need for multiple access points along SH 69.
Allowing additional access points on SH 69 does not appear to increase the operational aspects of the
intersections on SH 69 at Amity or Harris Street, as reported on Page 1 of the Applicant's narrative. The
City of Meridian Zoning Administrator
Name: Hawkins Companies
base No. CPA VAR 08-008
Hearing Date: November 25, 2008
November 14, 2008
Page 2 of 2
increase in operational efficiency at these intersections appears to come from an increased number of lanes for
the eastlwest traffic movements.
Appendix G of the TIS contains Year 2103 background traffic conditions for the weekday PM Peak hour with
no improvements to the intersection. According to the information presented, there would be an average of 45
vehicles in both the through and right turn lanes. Assuming 25 feet per vehicle, there would be a queue of
approximately 1125 feet from the intersection. Appendix H contains Year 2103 background traffic conditions
for the weekday PM Peak hour with improvements to the intersection. According to the information
presented, there will be an average of 36 vehicles in both the through and right turn lanes, or a queue length of
900 feet. Both scenarios indicate the southernmost 1/8 mile access location would be blocked during the PM
peak hour.
We respectfully disagree with the applicant's presentation of potential negative impacts presented on page 2 of
the narrative. ACHD indicated in their letter of October 7, 2008 to Kittelson & Associates that signalization of
the % mile access (i.e. the backage road) on Amity may be considered if no access to Highway 69 is granted.
Although we have not reviewed any analysis of this access scenario, we suspect that a signalized access to the
development at this location would improve the operation of Amity Access #2. Lastly, the site will be
bordered by public roads on all sides, providing several options for ingress/egress via Harris, Amity and the
backage road. This scenario is what ITD and the City of Meridian have been working towards on other
corridors.
We respectfully request that the City examine the variance request closely before taking action.
If you have any questions please call me at 334-8377.
Sincerely,
~~~~~
Pam Golden, P.E.
Development & Access Management Engineer
,,
F`