Blue Valley Elementary TIS ReportS:\projects\19-75 Blue Valley Elementary School\doc\Blue Valley Elementary TIS-Revised.docx
TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY
BLUE VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
WEST ADA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Meridian, Idaho
February 26, 2020
Revised April 8, 2020
Prepared For:
LKV ARCHITECTS
Prepared By:
181 East 50th Street
Garden City, ID 83714
(208) 841-4996
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 i
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 Proposed Development ............................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 Improvements Needed to Mitigate 2020 Existing Traffic .......................................................................... 3
3.0 Improvements Needed to Mitigate 2021 Opening Year Background Traffic ............................................ 3
4.0 Improvements Needed to Mitigate 2021 Opening Year Total Traffic ....................................................... 3
5.0 Idaho Code 67-6519(3) School Site Checklist ........................................................................................... 3
1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Proposed Development ............................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Study Approach .......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Study Area .................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.4 Study Period ............................................................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Analysis Methods and Performance Measure Thresholds.......................................................................... 6
2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Roadway Network and Lane Configuration ............................................................................................... 7
2.2 Existing Traffic Volumes ........................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Intersection Crash Data ............................................................................................................................ 10
2.4 Roadway Segment Planning Level of Service ......................................................................................... 10
2.5 Intersection Operations ............................................................................................................................. 10
2.6 Roadway Segment Mitigation .................................................................................................................. 11
2.7 Intersection Mitigation ............................................................................................................................. 11
3.0 2021 BACKGROUND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ................................................................................. 12
3.1 Roadway Network .................................................................................................................................... 12
3.2 Background Traffic .................................................................................................................................. 13
3.3 Roadway Segment Planning Level of Service ......................................................................................... 13
3.4 Intersection Operations ............................................................................................................................. 13
3.5 Roadway Segment Mitigation .................................................................................................................. 13
3.6 Intersection Mitigation ............................................................................................................................. 13
4.0 2021 OPENING YEAR TOTAL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ................................................................. 16
4.1 Site Traffic ................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.1.1 Trip Generation ................................................................................................................................16
4.1.2 Trip Capture ......................................................................................................................................16
4.1.3 Pass-by Trips ....................................................................................................................................16
4.1.4 Modal Split .......................................................................................................................................16
4.1.5 Trip Distribution and Assignment ....................................................................................................16
4.2 Total Traffic.............................................................................................................................................. 16
4.3 Roadway Segment Planning Level of Service ......................................................................................... 22
4.4 Intersection Operations ............................................................................................................................. 22
4.5 Roadway Segment Mitigation .................................................................................................................. 22
4.6 Intersection Mitigation ............................................................................................................................. 24
4.7 Site Access and Circulation ...................................................................................................................... 25
4.8 Queuing Analysis ..................................................................................................................................... 25
5.0 IC-67 SCHOOL SITE CHECKLIST ...................................................................................................... 28
APPENDIX A: SCOPE ........................................................................................................................................... A
APPENDIX B: TRAFFIC COUNTS ..................................................................................................................... B
APPENDIX C: COMPASS FORECASTS ............................................................................................................ C
APPENDIX D: 2020 CAPACITY ANALYSIS REPORTS ................................................................................. D
APPENDIX E: 2021 CAPACITY ANALYSIS REPORTS ................................................................................. E
APPENDIX F: TURN LANE WARRANT WORKSHEETS .............................................................................. F
APPENDIX G: MUTCD SIGNAL WARRANT WORKSHEETS ..................................................................... G
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 ii
List of Figures
Figure 1.1 – Site Location and Vicinity .....................................................................................................................4
Figure 1.2 – Preliminary Site Plan .............................................................................................................................5
Figure 2.1 – Existing Intersection Control Lane and Configuration ..........................................................................8
Figure 2.2 – 2020 Existing Peak Hour Traffic ...........................................................................................................9
Figure 3.1 – 2021 Opening Year Peak Hour Background Traffic ............................................................................14
Figure 4.1 – Estimated Site Traffic Distribution Patterns ........................................................................................17
Figure 4.2 – 2021 Opening Year AM Peak Hour Site Traffic ..................................................................................18
Figure 4.3 – 2021 Opening Year PM Peak Hour Site Traffic ..................................................................................19
Figure 4.4 – 2021 Opening Year AM Peak Hour Total Traffic ...............................................................................20
Figure 4.5 – 2021 Opening Year PM Peak Hour Total Traffic ................................................................................21
Figure 4.6 – Site Access and Circulation .................................................................................................................26
List of Tables
Table 1 – Proposed Intersection Improvements Summary .........................................................................................1
Table 2.1 – Existing Roadway Characteristics ...........................................................................................................7
Table 2.2 – 2020 Existing ADT Summary .................................................................................................................7
Table 2.3 – Intersection Crash Data (2014-2018) ....................................................................................................10
Table 2.4 – Roadway Segment Level of Service – 2020 Existing Traffic ...............................................................10
Table 2.5 – Intersection Operations – 2020 Existing Traffic ...................................................................................11
Table 3.1 – Planned Improvements Summary ..........................................................................................................12
Table 3.2 – Roadway Segment Level of Service – 2021 Opening Year Background Traffic ..................................13
Table 3.3 – Intersection Operations – 2021 Opening Year Background Traffic ......................................................15
Table 4.1 – Build-Out Site Traffic Trip Generation Summary ................................................................................16
Table 4.2 – Roadway Segment Level of Service – 2021 Opening Year Total Traffic .............................................22
Table 4.3 – Intersection Operations – 2021 Opening Year Total Traffic .................................................................23
Table 4.4 – Build-Out Site Traffic Percentage on Roadway Segments....................................................................24
Table 4.5 – Build-Out Site Traffic Percentage at Intersections ................................................................................24
Table 4.6 – Site Access Intersection Operations – 2021 Opening Year Total Traffic .............................................27
04/08/20
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The West Ada School District (WASD) is planning to construct a new elementary school, Blue Valley Elementary
School, located west of Linder Road between Overland Road and American Fork Drive in Meridian, Idaho, as
shown in Figure 1.1. CR Engineering, Inc. has been retained to prepare a traffic impact study (TIS) for the proposed
Blue Valley Elementary School. The scope of this TIS was determined through coordination with the Ada County
Highway District (ACHD).
The TIS evaluates the potential traffic impacts resulting from background traffic growth and the proposed
development, and identifies improvements to mitigate the impacts if needed. Traffic impacts were evaluated under
weekday AM and school PM peak hours traffic conditions. The TIS also reviewed and addressed the 22 items
related to school facilities per Idaho Code 67-6519(3). Table 1 summarizes the improvements needed to mitigate
the traffic impacts for the following analysis years traffic conditions:
2020 Existing traffic
2021 Opening year background traffic
2021 Opening year total traffic
Table 1 – Proposed Intersection Improvements Summary
Intersection
2020
Existing
2021 Opening Year
Background Total
Spanish Sun Way
and
Overland Road
None None None
Overland Road
and
Linder Road
None None None
American Fork Drive
and
Linder Road
None None Pedestrian hybrid signal
Victory Road
and
Linder Road
None None None
Bus/Staff Access
and
Spanish Fork Way
na na Stop-controlled
Farmington Avenue
and
American Fork Drive
None None Two-way stop-controlled
Woodhouse Avenue
and
American Fork Drive
None None Two-way stop-controlled
with RRFB
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 2
1.0 Proposed Development
1.1 Blue Valley Elementary School is a proposed pre-school plus grades K-5 elementary school estimated to
accommodate up to 750 students. The expected opening year is 2021.
1.2 Based on the procedures outlined in the Trip Generation Handbook, 3rd Edition and the Trip Generation
Manual, 10th Edition, both published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the proposed
development is estimated to generate approximately 1,418 trips per weekday with 503 trips during the AM
peak hour and 255 trips during the school PM peak hour.
No internally-captured trips were assumed in the analysis
No pass-by trips were assumed in the analysis
The school trips are expected to include walking, bicycling, bus, personal, or commercial vehicles
1.3 The estimated site traffic distribution patterns are:
30% with origins/destinations west of the site
65% with origins/destinations east of the site
5% with origins/destinations south of the site
1.4 Blue Valley Elementary School is proposing one access on Spanish Fork Way and two accesses on American
Fork Drive for site access:
North access on Spanish Fork Way
• This driveway provides access for school buses and staff
• Located approximately 360 feet south of Spanish Sun Way and 400 feet north of the American Fork
Drive roundabout
o Meets ACHD spacing guidelines of 245 feet driveway separation on a 25-mph collector street
o ACHD prohibited directed lot access on Spanish Fork Way in the original final plat for
Southridge Subdivision
• Is not expected to require turn lanes based on ACHD’s turn-lane guidelines
• Expected to meet ACHD’s minimum operational thresholds with 2021 total traffic
West access on American Fork Drive
• This driveway provides access to parent/visitor parking and parent drop-off/pick-up area
• Aligns with Farmington Avenue and meets ACHD access spacing on a 25-mph collector street
• Is not expected to require turn lanes based on ACHD’s turn-lane guidelines
• Expected to meet ACHD’s minimum operational thresholds with 2021 total traffic
East access on American Fork Drive
• This driveway provides access to parent/visitor parking and parent drop-off/pick-up area
• Aligns with Woodhouse Avenue and meets ACHD access spacing on a 25-mph collector street
• Is not expected to require turn lanes based on ACHD’s turn-lane guidelines
• Expected to meet ACHD’s minimum operational thresholds with 2021 total traffic
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 3
2.0 Improvements Needed to Mitigate 2020 Existing Traffic
2.1 With 2020 existing traffic, all study area intersections meet minimum operational thresholds analyzed with
the existing intersection control and lane configurations. None of the study area intersections require turn
lanes based on ACHD’s turn-lane guidelines. As a result, no intersection improvements are needed to
mitigate existing traffic operations.
2.2 With 2020 existing traffic, all study area roadway segments meet ACHD’s level of service planning
thresholds with the existing lane configuration. As a result, no roadway capacity improvements are needed
to mitigate 2020 existing traffic operations.
3.0 Improvements Needed to Mitigate 2021 Opening Year Background
Traffic
3.1 With 2021 background traffic, all study area intersections are expected to meet minimum operational
thresholds analyzed with the existing intersection control and lane configurations. None of the study area
intersections require turn lanes based on ACHD’s turn-lane guidelines. As a result, no intersection
improvements are needed to mitigate 2021 background traffic operations.
3.2 With 2021 background traffic, all study area roadway segments are expected to meet ACHD’s level of
service planning thresholds with the existing lane configuration. As a result, no roadway capacity
improvements are needed to mitigate 2021 background traffic operations.
4.0 Improvements Needed to Mitigate 2021 Opening Year Total Traffic
4.1 With 2021 total traffic, all study area intersections are expected to meet minimum operational thresholds
analyzed with the existing intersection control and lane configurations. None of the study area intersections
require turn lanes based on ACHD’s turn-lane guidelines. As a result, no intersection improvements are
needed to mitigate 2021 total traffic operations.
4.2 With 2021 total traffic, all study area roadway segments are expected to meet ACHD’s level of service
planning thresholds with the existing lane configuration. As a result, no roadway capacity improvements are
needed to mitigate 2021 total traffic operations.
5.0 Idaho Code 67-6519(3) School Site Checklist
5.1 Each item in the school site checklist in the Idaho Code is discussed in the report, and key findings are:
Crossing guards will be needed within and adjacent to the site during school peak hours
Fencing is proposed along the site frontages on Linder Road and American Fork Drive along the
playground
ACHD and WASD will determine school zones and install flashing beacons on American Fork Way,
Spanish Fork Drive, and Linder Road
A pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) should be installed at the American Fork Drive/Kodiak Drive and
Linder Road intersection as planned
Install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) for pedestrian crossing at the American Fork Drive
and Woodhouse Avenue intersection (east access)
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 4
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The West Ada School District is proposing to construct the Blue Valley Elementary School located west of Linder
Road between Overland Road and American Fork Drive in Meridian, Idaho. Figure 1.1 shows the site location and
its vicinity. This traffic impact study (TIS) evaluates the potential traffic impacts resulting from background traffic
growth and the proposed school, and identifies improvements to mitigate the impacts if needed. This TIS also
reviews and addresses each of the 22 items in the school site checklist in the Idaho Code 67-6519(3).
Figure 1.1 – Site Location and Vicinity
Blue Valley Elementary School
Mary
McPherson
Elementary
School
Peregrine
Elementary
School
Siena
Elementary
School Linder Rd
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 5
1.1 Proposed Development
Figure 1.2 shows the preliminary site development plan with the proposed access locations. The development is an
elementary school with an expected maximum occupancy of 750 students. The anticipated opening year is 2021.
Based on the preliminary site plan, the development is proposing one full access on Spanish Fork Way and two full
accesses on American Fork Drive aligning with Farmington Avenue and Woodhouse Avenue.
Figure 1.2 – Preliminary Site Plan
Staff parking
Bus pick-up/drop-off area
Parent pick-up/drop-off area
Parent/visitor parking
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 6
1.2 Study Approach
The TIS was prepared in accordance with ACHD Policy, Section 7106 – Traffic Impact Studies. The scope of this
TIS was determined through coordination with ACHD. The TIS scope of work correspondence is included in the
appendix.
1.3 Study Area
The following study area roadway segments were identified for collecting 24-hour counts traffic impact analysis:
Spanish Fork Way between Spanish Sun Way and American Fork Drive
American Fork Drive west of Linder Road
Linder Road north of Victory Road
The following study area intersections were identified for collecting peak hour turning movement counts and traffic
impact analysis:
1. Spanish Sun Way and Overland Road
2. Overland Road and Linder Road
3. American Fork Drive and Linder Road
4. Victory Road and Linder Road
5. All proposed site access intersections
1.4 Study Period
The analysis periods are weekday AM peak hour (7:00 AM-9:00 AM) and school PM peak hour (2:00 PM-4:00
PM). The analysis years and traffic conditions are:
2020 existing traffic
2021 opening year background traffic
2021 opening year total traffic
1.5 Analysis Methods and Performance Measure Thresholds
Roadway segments under ACHD’s jurisdiction were evaluated based on the level of service (LOS) planning
thresholds in accordance with Table 2 of ACHD Policy Manual, Section 7106. The roadway segment planning level
of service is based on the maximum peak hour directional volume for different roadway functional classifications,
the number of through lanes, and the left-turn type. The planning level of service is LOS E for arterial streets and
LOS D for collector streets. No LOS or volume threshold for local streets was listed in the ACHD Policy Manual.
Intersection capacity analysis was performed usi ng the Synchro 10 (Version 10.3.122.0), which utilizes HCM6
methodologies. All parameters used in the analysis were based on existing data when available or Synchro default
values, when not available.
According to ACHD Policy Manual, the minimum operational threshold for unsignalized intersections is a volume
to capacity (v/c) ratio of 1.00 for the critical lane group. Unsignalized intersections that are projected to operate at
LOS D or worse require signal warrant analysis based on MUTCD guidelines. The minimum operational threshold
for signalized intersections is a v/c ratio of 0.90 for the overall intersection and 1.00 for a lane group. For
intersections under ITD’s jurisdiction, the minimum operational threshold is a v/c ratio of 0.90 for the overall
intersection and lane group.
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 7
2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS
2.1 Roadway Network and Lane Configuration
Table 2.1 summarizes the study area roadway characteristics. The roadway functional classification is based on the
COMPASS 2040 Functional Classification Map. Figure 2.1 summarizes the existing intersection control and lane
configuration. American Fork Drive, Kodiak Drive, and Spanish Sun Way are designed and operating as collector
roadways with no front-on housing. However, according to the ACHD 2040 Functional Classification Map, the
roads are shown as local roads. For the purposes of this TIS, these roadways were evaluated as collector streets.
Table 2.1 – Existing Roadway Characteristics
Roadway
Functional
Classification
Number
of Lanes
Posted Speed
Limit (mph) Pedestrian Facilities
Overland Road Principal Arterial 5 45 • Sidewalks and bicycle lanes on both sides
Spanish Sun Way Collector Street 2 25 • Sidewalks on both sides
Linder Road Minor Arterial 2 - 5 45-50 • Sidewalks along developed frontages
American Fork Drive Collector Street 2 - 3 25 • Sidewalks on both sides
• Bulb outs at local road intersections
Kodiak Drive Collector Street 2 - 3 25 • Sidewalks and bicycle lanes on both sides
Victory Road Minor Arterial 2 50 • No sidewalks or bicycle lanes
2.2 Existing Traffic Volumes
Weekday AM and school PM peak hour turning movement traffic counts as well as 24-hour daily traffic counts
were obtained February 4-6, 2020. The peak hour intersection turning movement counts were collected on a
weekday for a 2-hour period at 15-minute intervals between 7:00 and 9:00 during the AM peak travel period and
between 2:00 and 4:00 during the school PM peak travel period. Existing turning movement counts are included in
the appendix. Figure 2.2 summarizes the existing peak hour traffic volumes. The Average Daily Traffic (ADT) for
the roadway segments within the study area are summarized in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2 – 2020 Existing ADT Summary
Roadway Segment ADT Count Date
Spanish Fork Way Between Spanish Sun Way and American Fork Drive 530 February 4, 2020
American Fork Drive West of Linder Road 1,250 February 4, 2020
Linder Road North of Victory Road 2,405 February 6, 2020
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 8
Figure 2.1 – Existing Intersection Control Lane and Configuration
FUTURE LEG
3 American Fork Dr & Linder RdSpanishSun Wy & Overland Rd1
STOP
4 Victory Rd & Linder Rd
STOPSTOP STOPSTOPSTOPSTOP2 Overland Rd & Linder Rd
STOP
SITE 3
1 2
4
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 9
Figure 2.2 – 2020 Existing Peak Hour Traffic
6 27 37 9 21 6
28 84 51 4
506 229 480 193 6 2 137 63
22 30 29 43 1 13 5 7
19 8 AM 69 351 AM 2 310 27 AM 27 256 40 AM
21 105 44 34 85 10
13 53 12 8
251 428 234 359 2 5 69 122
8 5 50 130 7 30 9 50
26 24 PM 64 107 PM 1 59 15 PM 13 50 25 PM
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
SITE 3
1 2
4
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 10
2.3 Intersection Crash Data
The most current five-year crash data (2014-2018) was obtained from the Local Highway Technical Assistance
Council (LHTAC) website (http://gis.lhtac.org/safety/). Table 2.3 summarizes the crash data statistics for the study
area intersections. The historical crash data shows:
• No fatal crashes were recorded at the study area intersections
• None of the study area intersections appear to have apparent safety issues
• The majority (83%) of crashes at the Victory Road and Linder Road intersection were angle-turning crashes
o The majority (67%) of crashes were due to failure to yield or obey stop sign at an all-way stop-
controlled intersection
Table 2.3 – Intersection Crash Data (2014-2018)
Intersection
Total
Crashes
Crash Severity
Notes PDO Injury Fatal
Spanish Sun Way
and
Overland Road
1 1 0 0 Angle crash due to inattentive driving
Overland Road
and
Linder Road
4 3 1 0 No common crash type or contributing factor
American Fork Drive
and
Linder Road
1 1 0 0 Angle crash due to inattentive driving
Victory Road
and
Linder Road
6 5 1 0
83% angle-turning crashes
67% of crashes failed to yield/obey stop sign
67% of crashes occurred in 2018
2.4 Roadway Segment Planning Level of Service
The study area roadway segments were evaluated based on ACHD’s level of service planning thresholds. Table 2.4
summarizes the roadway segment level of service with existing traffic and lane configuration. All study area
roadway segments currently meet ACHD’s level of service planning thresholds with 2020 existing traffic volumes.
Table 2.4 – Roadway Segment Level of Service – 2020 Existing Traffic
Roadway Segment
Functional
Classification
(No. of Lanes)
Left-Turn
Lane Type
ACHD
Planning
Threshold
[vph]
Peak Hour
Directional Volume
[vph]
Meets
LOS
Planning
Threshold? AM Peak
School
PM Peak
Spanish Fork Wy North of
American Fork Dr
Collector
(2) None 425 52 50 Yes
American Fork Dr West of Linder Rd Collector
(2) None 425 35 27 Yes
Linder Rd North of Victory Rd Minor Arterial
(2 / 3) Partial LT 575 / 720 311 129 Yes
2.5 Intersection Operations
To determine the existing traffic operations, the study area intersections were analyzed with the existing intersection
control and lane configuration with the 2020 existing peak hour traffic volumes. Copies of the analysis reports are
included in the appendix. Table 2.5 summarizes the intersection capacity analysis results. All study area
intersections currently operate at LOS C or better under 2020 existing peak hour traffic conditions.
1
2
3
4
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 11
Table 2.5 – Intersection Operations – 2020 Existing Traffic
Intersection Control / Lane
Intersection
or
Lane Group
AM Peak Hour School PM Peak Hour
LOS
Delay
[s/veh]
v/c
Ratio LOS
Delay
[s/veh]
v/c
Ratio
Spanish Sun Wy
and
Overland Rd
EBT - - - - - -
EBTR - - - - - -
WBL A 9 0.04 A 8 < 0.01
WBT - - - - - -
NBLR B 12 0.06 B 10 0.07
Overland Rd1
and
Linder Rd
EBL Future lane group
EBT - - - - - -
EBTR - - - - - -
WBL A 9 0.05 A 8 0.11
WBT - - - - - -
WBR Future lane group
NBL C 19 0.22 C 20 0.22
NBT Future lane group
NBR C 16 0.53 A 10 0.13
SB - - - - - -
American Fork Dr
and
Linder Rd
EB B 14 0.09 B 11 0.04
WBTL B 13 0.03 B 12 0.07
WBR B 44 0.13 A 9 0.07
NBL A 7 < 0.01 A 8 < 0.01
NBTR - - - - - -
SBL A 7 0.03 A 8 0.04
SBTR - - - - - -
Victory Rd
and
Linder Rd
Intersection B 12 - A 9 -
EB B 11 0.34 A 8 0.13
WB A 9 0.14 A 9 0.25
NB B 13 0.53 A 8 0.12
SB A 9 0.06 A 9 0.18
1 Analyzed as a T-intersection
2.6 Roadway Segment Mitigation
All study area roadway segments currently meet ACHD’s level of service planning thresholds with the existing lane
configuration. As a result, no roadway capacity improvements are needed to mitigate existing conditions.
2.7 Intersection Mitigation
All study area intersections currently meet ACHD’s minimum operational thresholds under 2020 existing peak hour
traffic conditions. In addition, no study area intersection meets ACHD’s turn-lane guidelines with the existing traffic
volumes. As a result, no intersection improvements are needed to mitigate 2020 existing traffic operations.
STOP
FUTURE LEG
STOP
STOPSTOPSTOPSTOP STOPSTOP1
2
3
4
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 12
3.0 2021 BACKGROUND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
3.1 Roadway Network
The study area roadways and intersections are expected to remain unchanged by year 2021. Table 3.1 summarizes
the improvements planned within the study area vicinity from the ACHD 2016 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)
or in the ACHD 2020-2024 Integrated Five-Year Work Plan (IFYWP). Study area intersection improvements as
shown in the ACHD 2016 CIP or in the 2020-2024 IFYWP will be considered to mitigate the traffic impacts if
necessary.
Table 3.1 – Planned Improvements Summary
Transportation
Plan Project Project Year Funding
ACHD
2020-2024
IFYWP
Linder Road
• Widen to 5 lanes from Overland Road to Franklin Road and
construct a 4-lane I-84 overpass with curb, gutter, sidewalk, and
bicycle lanes
Unknown Unfunded
Ten Mile Road
• Widen to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk, and a Level 3 bike
facility from Victory Road to Overland Road
Preliminary
Development Programmed
Stoddard Street
• Reconstruct Stoddard from Victory Road to Overland Road for 3
lanes
Unknown Unfunded
ACHD
2016 CIP
Linder Road – Franklin Road to Overland Road
• Widen to 5 lanes and construct a 4-lane I-84 overpass 2031-2035 Unfunded
Linder Road – Overland Road to Victory Road
• Reconstruct/widen - two to five lanes 2021-2025 Unfunded
Linder Road – Victory Road to Amity Road
• Reconstruct/widen - two to three lanes 2031-2035 Unfunded
Overland Road – Black Cat Road to Ten Mile Road
• Construct a new three-lane roadway 2031-2035 Unfunded
Victory Road – Ten Mile Road to Linder Road
• Reconstruct/widen - two to three lanes 2026-2030 Unfunded
Victory Road - Linder Road to Meridian Road
• Reconstruct/widen - two to three lanes 2026-2030 Unfunded
Linder Road and Overland Road intersection
• Reconstruct/widen signal for dual left-turn lanes on Overland
approaches, one left-turn lane on Linder Road approaches, and a
through and shared through/right-turn lane on all approaches. To be
constructed with Linder Road overpass.
2031-2035 Unfunded
Linder Road and Victory Road intersection
• Construct a single-lane roundabout 2021-2025 Unfunded
Linder Road and Amity Road intersection
• Construct a modified single-lane roundabout with a southbound
right-turn bypass lane and two entering southbound lanes
2031-2035 Unfunded
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 13
3.2 Background Traffic
2021 background traffic was estimated by extrapolating the 2020 existing traffic counts by a 2.0% annual growth
rate along all the study area roadways. These growth rates are based on COMPASS forecasts and historical counts
within the area. In addition to the annual growth, off-site traffic from the in-process Southridge Apartments was
added as off-site traffic. Southridge Apartments is located northwest of the American Fork Drive and Spanish Fork
Way roundabout and is currently under construction with no occupancy at the time traffic counts were collected.
Southridge Apartments is expected to contain 476 dwelling units.
The 2021 annual traffic growth was added to the 2021 off-site traffic volumes to result in the 2021 background
traffic volumes. Figure 3.1 summarizes the 2021 opening year peak hour background traffic
3.3 Roadway Segment Planning Level of Service
The study area roadway segments were evaluated based on ACHD’s level of service planning thresholds. Table 3.2
summarizes the roadway segment level of service with the existing lane configurations and 2021 background traffic
volumes. The study area roadway segments are expected to meet ACHD’s level of service planning thresholds
under 2021 background traffic conditions.
Table 3.2 – Roadway Segment Level of Service – 2021 Opening Year Background Traffic
Roadway Segment
Functional
Classification
(No. of Lanes)
Left-Turn
Lane Type
ACHD
Planning
Threshold
[vph]
Peak Hour
Directional Volume
[vph]
Meets
LOS
Planning
Threshold? AM Peak
School
PM Peak
Spanish Fork Wy North of
American Fork Dr
Collector
(2) None 425 103 80 Yes
American Fork Dr West of Linder Rd Collector
(2) None 425 77 44 Yes
Linder Rd North of Victory
Rd
Minor Arterial
(2 / 3) Partial LT 575 / 720 321 136 Yes
3.4 Intersection Operations
To determine the 2021 background traffic operations, the study area intersections were analyzed with the existing
intersection control and lane configuration. Copies of the analysis reports are included in the appendix. Table 3.3
summarizes the intersection capacity analysis results. All study area intersections are expected to continue to meet
minimum operational thresholds with the existing intersection control and lane configuration.
3.5 Roadway Segment Mitigation
All study area roadway segments are expected to continue to meet ACHD’s level of service planning thresholds
with the existing lane configuration. As a result, no roadway capacity improvements are needed to mitigate 2021
background traffic conditions.
3.6 Intersection Mitigation
All study area intersections are expected to meet ACHD’s minimum operational thresholds under 2021 peak hour
background traffic conditions. In addition, no study area intersections are expected to meet ACHD’s turn-lane
guidelines with the 2021 background traffic. As a result, no intersection improvements are needed to mitigate 2021
background traffic operations.
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 14
Figure 3.1 – 2021 Opening Year Peak Hour Background Traffic
12 28 38 9 27 12
58 86 52 6
516 234 554 224 6 2 140 64
26 58 30 50 13 13 5 7
31 72 AM 70 387 AM 6 316 28 AM 28 263 41 AM
31 107 45 35 89 12
25 54 12 11
256 437 263 411 2 5 70 124
15 50 51 143 11 31 9 51
32 48 PM 65 121 PM 8 60 15 PM 13 55 26 PM
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd1234
1 2 3 4
SITE 3
1 2
4
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 15
Table 3.3 – Intersection Operations – 2021 Opening Year Background Traffic
Intersection Control / Lane Lane Group
AM Peak Hour School PM Peak Hour
LOS
Delay
[s/veh]
v/c
Ratio LOS
Delay
[s/veh]
v/c
Ratio
Spanish Sun Wy
and
Overland Rd
EBT - - - - - -
EBTR - - - - - -
WBL A 9 0.07 A 8 0.04
WBT - - - - - -
NBLR B 12 0.19 B 11 0.12
Overland Rd1
and
Linder Rd
EBL Future lane group
EBT - - - - - -
EBTR - - - - - -
WBL A 9 0.06 A 8 0.12
WBT - - - - - -
WBR Future lane group
NBL C 22 0.27 C 23 0.26
NBT Future lane group
NBR C 19 0.62 B 10 0.15
SB - - - - - -
American Fork Dr
and
Linder Rd
EB C 15 0.19 B 11 0.07
WBTL B 13 0.03 B 12 0.07
WBR B 11 0.13 A 9 0.06
NBL A 7 < 0.01 A 8 0.01
NBTR - - - - - -
SBL A 8 0.03 A 8 0.03
SBTR - - - - - -
Victory Rd
and
Linder Rd
Intersection B 11 - A 9 -
EB B 11 0.31 A 9 0.13
WB A 9 0.13 A 9 0.26
NB B 12 0.49 A 8 0.13
SB A 9 0.08 A 9 0.19
1 Analyzed as a T-intersection
STOP
FUTURE LEG
STOP
STOPSTOPSTOPSTOP STOPSTOP1
2
3
4
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 16
4.0 2021 OPENING YEAR TOTAL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
4.1 Site Traffic
4.1.1 Trip Generation
Site trip generation is estimated using the procedures recommended in the latest edition of the Trip Generation
Manual (10th edition), published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Table 4.1 summarizes the site trip
generation. The proposed elementary school is estimated to generate approximately 1,418 trips per weekday with
503 trips during the AM peak hour and 255 trips during the school PM peak hour.
Table 4.1 – Build-Out Site Traffic Trip Generation Summary
4.1.2 Trip Capture
Based on the proposed land use and ITE methodologies, the development is not expected to retain trips internally
within the site. No reduction for internal trip capture was assumed in the traffic analysis .
4.1.3 Pass-by Trips
The development is not expected to generate pass-by trips. No pass-by trips were assumed in the traffic analysis.
4.1.4 Modal Split
The proposed school is located within the residential areas and is expected to generate trips by walking or bicycle
modes. For the traffic analysis purposes, all trips generated by the development were assumed to be made by
personal and commercial vehicles as well as school buses.
4.1.5 Trip Distribution and Assignment
Site traffic was distributed and assigned to the external roadway system based on the current travel patterns, site
layout, and the general location of the site within the school boundary. Figure 4.1 summarizes the expected site
traffic distribution patterns. Figure 4.2 and Figure 4.3 summarize the estimated build-out AM and PM peak hour
site traffic, respectively.
4.2 Total Traffic
The site traffic is then added to the 2021 background traffic as determined above to obtain the 2021 total traffic.
Figure 4.4 and Figure 4.5 summarize the estimated 2021 opening year AM and PM peak hour total traffic,
respectively.
Land Use
ITE
Code Size Unit Period
Trip Rate
per Unit
Total
Trips
Weekday Daily (vpd)1.89 1,418 50%709 50%709
AM Peak Hour (vph)0.67 503 54%272 46%231
School PM Peak Hour (vph)0.34 255 45%115 55%140
Entering Exiting
Elementary
School 520 750 Students
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 17
Figure 4.1 – Estimated Site Traffic Distribution Patterns
Mary
McPherson
Elementary
School
Peregrine
Elementary
School
Siena
Elementary
School Linder Rd 20% 10%
20% 10% 5% 25%
Expected Boundary
10%
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 18
Figure 4.2 – 2021 Opening Year AM Peak Hour Site Traffic
49 0 0 23 12 58
5 0 27 68
0 0 41 5 46 55 0 0
27 5 0 49 93 0 0 0
23 41 0 5 108 0 0 0 13 0
5 27 66 5 115 1 5 26
10 20 32 3 159
6 22 118 53
3 0 0 0 0
54 21 0 5 0 0 5 0
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
Farmington Ave & American Fork Dr Woodhouse Ave & American Fork Dr Bus/Staff Access & Spanish Fork Wy
1 2 3 4
765
49 0 0 23 12 58
5 0 27 68
0 0 41 5 46 55 0 0
27 5 0 49 93 0 0 0
23 41 0 5 108 0 0 0 13 0
5 27 66 5 115 1 5 26
10 20 32 3 159
6 22 118 53
3 0 0 0 0
54 21 0 5 0 0 5 0
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
Farmington Ave & American Fork Dr Woodhouse Ave & American Fork Dr Bus/Staff Access & Spanish Fork Wy
1 2 3 4
765
SITE 3
1 2
4
5
6
7
7
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 19
Figure 4.3 – 2021 Opening Year PM Peak Hour Site Traffic
21 0 0 14 7 35
3 0 11 29
0 0 25 2 28 23 0 0
12 2 0 21 56 0 0 0
14 25 0 3 46 0 0 0 6 0
2 12 42 2 70 1 2 9
6 8 9 1 77
9 5 78 13
8 0 0 0 0
33 4 0 2 0 0 2 0
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
Bus/Staff Access & Spanish Fork Wy Farmington Ave & American Fork Dr Woodhouse Ave & American Fork Dr
1 2 3 4
765
21 0 0 14 7 35
3 0 11 29
0 0 25 2 28 23 0 0
12 2 0 21 56 0 0 0
14 25 0 3 46 0 0 0 6 0
2 12 42 2 70 1 2 9
6 8 9 1 77
9 5 78 13
8 0 0 0 0
33 4 0 2 0 0 2 0
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
Bus/Staff Access & Spanish Fork Wy Farmington Ave & American Fork Dr Woodhouse Ave & American Fork Dr
1 2 3 4
765
SITE 3
1 2
4
5
6
7
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 20
Figure 4.4 – 2021 Opening Year AM Peak Hour Total Traffic
61 28 38 32 39 70
63 86 79 74
516 234 595 229 52 57 140 64
53 63 30 99 106 13 5 7
54 113 70 392 114 316 28 28 276 41
89 27 66 5 115 1 5 26
10 20 32 3 159
69 42 181 69
3 16 2 10 4
157 21 10 5 10 6 5 14
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
Bus/Staff Access & Spanish Fork Wy Farmington Ave & American Fork Dr Woodhouse Ave & American Fork Dr
1 2 3 4
765
61 28 38 32 39 70
63 86 79 74
516 234 595 229 52 57 140 64
53 63 30 99 106 13 5 7
54 113 70 392 114 316 28 28 276 41
89 27 66 5 115 1 5 26
10 20 32 3 159
69 42 181 69
3 16 2 10 4
157 21 10 5 10 6 5 14
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
Bus/Staff Access & Spanish Fork Wy Farmington Ave & American Fork Dr Woodhouse Ave & American Fork Dr
1 2 3 4
765
SITE 3
1 2
4
5
6
7
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 21
Figure 4.5 – 2021 Opening Year PM Peak Hour Total Traffic
52 107 45 49 96 47
28 54 23 40
256 437 288 413 30 28 70 124
27 52 51 164 67 31 9 51
46 73 65 124 54 60 15 13 61 26
67 12 42 2 70 1 2 9
6 8 9 1 77
34 42 107 46
8 5 7 2 12
113 4 17 2 6 10 2 10
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
Bus/Staff Access & Spanish Fork Wy Farmington Ave & American Fork Dr Woodhouse Ave & American Fork Dr
1 2 3 4
765
52 107 45 49 96 47
28 54 23 40
256 437 288 413 30 28 70 124
27 52 51 164 67 31 9 51
46 73 65 124 54 60 15 13 61 26
67 12 42 2 70 1 2 9
6 8 9 1 77
34 42 107 46
8 5 7 2 12
113 4 17 2 6 10 2 10
Spanish Fork Wy & Overland Rd Overland Rd & Linder Rd American Fork Dr & Linder Rd Victory Rd & Linder Rd
Bus/Staff Access & Spanish Fork Wy Farmington Ave & American Fork Dr Woodhouse Ave & American Fork Dr
1 2 3 4
765
SITE 3
1 2
4
5
6
7
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 22
4.3 Roadway Segment Planning Level of Service
The study area roadway segments were evaluated based on ACHD’s level of service planning thresholds. Table 4.2
summarizes the roadway segment level of service with the existing lane configurations and 2021 total traffic
volumes. The study area roadway segments are expected to meet ACHD’s level of service planning thresholds
under 2021 total traffic conditions.
Table 4.2 – Roadway Segment Level of Service – 2021 Opening Year Total Traffic
Roadway Segment
Functional
Classification
(No. of Lanes)
Left-Turn
Lane Type
ACHD
Planning
Threshold
[vph]
Peak Hour
Directional Volume
[vph]
Meets
LOS
Planning
Threshold? AM Peak
School
PM Peak
Spanish Fork Wy North of
American Fork Dr
Collector
(2) None 425 167 119 Yes
American Fork Dr West of Linder Rd Collector
(2) None 425 232 134 Yes
Linder Rd North of Victory Rd Minor Arterial
(2 / 3) Partial LT 575 / 720 429 192 Yes
4.4 Intersection Operations
To determine the 2021 total traffic operations, the study area intersections were analyzed with the existing
intersection control and lane configuration with 2021 build-out total traffic volumes. Copies of the analysis reports
are included in the appendix. Table 4.3 summarizes the intersection capacity analysis results. All study area
intersections are expected to continue to meet ACHD’s minimum operational thresholds.
4.5 Roadway Segment Mitigation
All study area roadway segments are expected to meet ACHD’s level of service planning thresholds with the
existing lane configuration. No roadway capacity improvements are needed to mitigate 2021 total traffic conditions.
Table 4.4 summarizes the proportionate share of the site traffic at each study area roadway segment.
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 23
Table 4.3 – Intersection Operations – 2021 Opening Year Total Traffic
Intersection Control / Lane Lane Group
AM Peak Hour School PM Peak Hour
LOS
Delay
[s/veh]
v/c
Ratio LOS
Delay
[s/veh]
v/c
Ratio
Spanish Sun Wy
and
Overland Rd
EBT - - - - - -
EBTR - - - - - -
WBL A 9 0.07 A 8 0.05
WBT - - - - - -
NBLR B 14 0.32 B 11 0.18
Overland Rd1
and
Linder Rd
EBL Future lane group
EBT - - - - - -
EBTR - - - - - -
WBL A 10 0.12 A 9 0.15
WBT - - - - - -
WBR Future lane group
NBL D 32 0.36 D 26 0.29
NBT Future lane group
NBR C 20 0.65 B 10 0.16
SB - - - - - -
American Fork Dr
and
Linder Rd
EB D 30 0.63 B 13 0.23
WBTL C 23 0.27 C 15 0.16
WBR B 11 0.13 A 9 0.06
NBL A 8 0.08 A 8 0.04
NBTR - - - - - -
SBL A 8 0.03 A 8 0.03
SBTR - - - - - -
Victory Rd
and
Linder Rd
Intersection B 13 - A 10 -
EB B 13 0.40 A 9 0.15
WB B 11 0.25 A 10 0.31
NB C 15 0.57 A 9 0.15
SB B 11 0.25 A 10 0.28
1 Analyzed as a T-intersection
STOP
FUTURE LEG
STOP
STOPSTOPSTOPSTOP STOPSTOP1
2
3
4
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 24
4.6 Intersection Mitigation
All study area intersections are expected to meet ACHD’s minimum operational thresholds under 2021 peak hour
total traffic conditions. The Overland Road and Linder Road intersection, as well as the American Fork Drive and
Linder Road intersection, are expected to operate at LOS D under 2021 total traffic operations. Based on ACHD
Policy, MUTCD signal warrant analysis is needed when an unsignalized intersection is expected to operate with an
overall LOS of D or worse. The Overland Road and Linder Road intersection meets Warrant 2, four-hour vehicular
volume, under existing traffic conditions. However, the intersection meets minimum operational thresholds and the
intersection is not expected to be signalized until the Linder Road overpass is constructed. No improvements at the
intersection are needed under 2021 total traffic conditions.
For the American Fork Drive and Linder Road intersection, neither Warrant 1 or Warrant 2, eight -hour and four-
hour vehicular volume, were met with 2021 total traffic volumes. However, the West Ada School District (WASD)
in 2014 provided $138,000 for a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) at the intersection. A PHB is warranted when 20
pedestrians are expected to cross Linder Road in any hour. The PHB should be constructed with the build of Blue
Valley Elementary School as planned.
No study area intersections are expected to meet ACHD’s turn-lane guidelines with 2021 total traffic. As a result,
no intersection improvements beyond the PHB are needed to mitigate 2021 total traffic operations. Table 4.4
summarizes the proportionate share of the site traffic at each study area roadway segment. Table 4.5 summarizes
the proportionate share of the site traffic at each study area intersection.
Table 4.4 – Build-Out Site Traffic Percentage on Roadway Segments
Roadway Segment
% Site Traffic of 2021 Total Traffic
AM Peak PM Peak Average
Spanish Fork Way,
Between Spanish Sun Way & American Fork Drive 38.3% 32.8% 35.6%
American Fork Drive,
West of Linder Road 66.8% 67.0% 66.9%
Linder Road,
North of Victory Road 25.2% 29.1% 27.1%
Table 4.5 – Build-Out Site Traffic Percentage at Intersections
Intersection
% Site Traffic of 2021 Total Traffic
AM Peak PM Peak Average
Spanish Sun Way
and
Overland Road
9.3% 6.0% 7.7%
Overland Road
and
Linder Road
7.1% 4.6% 6.0%
American Fork Drive
and
Linder Road
37.0% 31.0% 34.8%
Victory Road
and
Linder Road
23.5% 16.7% 20.7%
1
2
3
4
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 25
4.7 Site Access and Circulation
Figure 4.6 shows the proposed site accesses, internal circulation, parent pick-up/drop-off, and school bus
loading/unloading zones. Blue Valley Elementary School is proposing one full access driveway on Spanish Fork
Way and two full access driveways on American Fork Way aligning with Farmington Avenue and Woodhouse
Avenue.
Both Spanish Fork Way and American Fork Way are 25-mph collector streets. According to ACHD Policy Section
7206.4, the minimum driveway spacing requirements on a 25-mph collector street are:
• A minimum driveway separation of 245 feet
• Outside the area of influence or 150 feet near an unsignalized intersection or roundabout
The north driveway on Spanish Fork Way is proposed as a full access providing access for the school buses and
staff. Its proposed location is approximately 360 feet south of Spanish Sun Way and 400 feet north of the
roundabout. The proposed location meets the minimum distance away from an unsignalized intersection
Both proposed driveways on American Fork Drive aligned with the existing local roads, Woodhouse Avenue and
Farmington Avenue. Both proposed driveways meet ACHD’s spacing requirements.
All proposed site access intersections are not expected to need turn lanes based on ACHD’s turn lane guidelines.
All proposed access site access intersections are located in a generally flat area and are expected to have adequate
intersection sight distance, but should be verified during construction. Landscaping design should not obstruct
intersection sight distance. Table 4.6 summarizes the site access intersection capacity analysis results. All proposed
site access intersections are expected to meet minimum operational thresholds.
4.8 Queuing Analysis
Vehicular queuing at schools during the school AM peak hour is generally not significant since the student drop -
off is quicker and more temporally distributed compared to the school PM peak hour student pick -up. Maximum
vehicular queuing typically occurs during the school PM peak hour when parents simultaneously pick up their
children. Queuing analysis was conducted to assess vehicular queuing for the school PM peak period. It is expected
that the potential vehicular queuing is temporary, typically lasting 10 to 20 minutes during the PM peak period.
Brief research indicated that there is no standardized methodology for estimating queue length at schools. Generally,
queue length for a new school is based on observing existing schools. Two methods were found as described below:
1) Vehicular queuing is estimated with a rate of one vehicle per ten (10) students (Charterology – Spring 2014)
2) Maximum number of vehicle queueing is approximately 50% of the PM peak hour inbound traffic
(DeShazo Group 2012)
Applying these methodologies with 750 students and 25 feet per vehicle, the maximum vehicular queuing at the
Blue Valley Elementary School site could range from 1,450 feet to 1,875 feet, equivalent to 58 to 75 vehicles. The
parent drop-off/pick-up area is approximately 475 feet long and is estimated to accommodate a maximum of 17
vehicles. The remaining vehicle queuing could be accommodated within the parking lot. There is a combined total
of 141 parking stalls in the parent/visitor parking lot, which is greater than the estimated 115 entering trips in the
school PM peak hour. Therefore, the site has adequate vehicle storage to accommodate the maximum vehicle queue
during the school hours.
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 26
Figure 4.6 – Site Access and Circulation
33 Parking Stalls (Staff Parking) 52 Parking stalls
450’ Bus loading/unloading area
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G RRFB
H
B
P
Parent Pick-Up/Drop-Off Circulation
Bus circulation
Pedestrian circulation
Crossing guard
Rectangular rapid flashing beacon
Pedestrian hybrid beacon
G
RRFB
H
B
P
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 27
Table 4.6 – Site Access Intersection Operations – 2021 Opening Year Total Traffic
Intersection Control / Lane Lane Group
AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
LOS
Delay
[s/veh]
v/c
Ratio LOS
Delay
[s/veh]
v/c
Ratio
Bus/Staff Access
and
Spanish Fork Wy
WB B 10 0.02 B 10 0.02
NB - - - - - -
SB A 8 0.02 A 8 0.01
Farmington Ave
and
American Fork Dr
EB A 7 0.02 A 7 0.01
WB A 7 < 0.01 A 7 0.01
NB B 10 0.04 A 10 0.03
SBL B 11 0.18 A 10 0.09
SBTR A 9 0.08 A 9 0.05
Woodhouse Ave
and
American Fork Dr
EB A 8 < 0.01 A 8 < 0.01
WB A 8 < 0.01 A 8 0.01
NB B 11 0.04 A 10 0.03
SBL B 12 0.05 B 10 0.02
SBTR B 11 0.01 A 10 0.01
STOPSTOPSTOP
STOPSTOP
5
6
7
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 28
5.0 IC-67 SCHOOL SITE CHECKLIST
Each item in the school site checklist in Idaho Code 67-6519(3) is reviewed and addressed as follows:
1. Land Use Master Plan: The proposed school site is currently vacant and zoned as Traditional Neighborhood -
Residential (TNR) according to the City of Meridian Zoning Map. The proposed land use (elementary school)
is consistent with the residential land use types allowed.
2. School Bus Plan: The proposed school will have a designated school bus loading/unloading zone separated
from the parent pick-up/drop-off area. The bus loading/unloading zone is approximately 475 feet, which could
accommodate up to 10 buses. School buses will use the north access on Spanish Fork Way, which will be
designated for buses and staff only.
3. Access Safety: The proposed driveways on American Fork Drive aligned with existing local roads to the south
and meet ACHD’s minimum spacing requirements. Landscaping design along American Fork Drive should not
obstruct intersection distance and should be verified during construction.
The proposed driveway on Spanish Fork Way meets ACHD’s minimum spacing requirements. The existing
landscape on Spanish Fork Way should be maintained to ensure adequate sight distance.
4. Pedestrian Plan: There are existing sidewalks along Overland Road, Linder Road along developed frontages,
and all local and collector roadways within the study area. Students walking from the residential neighborhoods
within the vicinity of the site will have a continuous sidewalk for school route to and from school.
Within the site, bus loading/unloading and parent drop-off/pick-up areas are curbside, allowing students to walk
directly to the building without vehicle conflicts or crossing drive aisles. Students being dropped-off/picked-up
in the parking lot will require walking across drive aisles . A designated pathway through the parent/visitor
parking lot aligns with the western edge of Farmington Avenue and leads directly to the front entrance. Crossing
guards will be stationed as shown in Figure 4.6 during the school hours for safe crossing within the site.
Currently, unmarked crosswalks are cut out of the splitter islands at the American Fork Drive and Spanish Fork
Way roundabout. With the construction of Blue Valley Elementary School, these crosswalks should be signed
and striped consistent with MUTCD and ACHD guidelines.
5. Crossing Guard Plan: Figure 4.6 shows the recommended crossing guard locations. Additional crossing guards
may be needed as determined by the actual pedestrian routes once the school is under full operation.
6. Barriers between Highways and School: According to the site plan, fencing is proposed along the site frontages
on Linder Road and along American Fork Drive within the playground area.
7. Location of School Zone: ACHD and WASD will determine school zones. It is anticipated that school zones
will be needed on American Fork Way, Spanish Fork Drive, and Linder Road.
8. Need for a Flashing Beacon: Flashing beacons should be installed with the established school zones, to be
determined by ACHD and WASD. Flashing beacons should be installed on American Fork Way, Spanish Fork
Drive, and Linder Road as recommended by ACHD staff in their initial review of the TIS.
9. Need for a Traffic Control Signal: All study area intersections are expected to meet minimum operational
thresholds under 2021 opening year total traffic conditions as unsignalized intersections.
In 2014, the West Ada School District placed $138,000 in a road trust fund with ACHD for a future pedestrian
hybrid beacon (PHB) at the American Fork Drive/Kodiak Drive and Linder Road intersection. The PHB should
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 29
be installed with the Blue Valley Elementary School. Based on Figure 4F-2 from the 2009 Edition of the
MUTCD, a PHB is warranted when any hour has more than 20 pedestrians crossing based on the posted speed
limit and expected crosswalk length (75 feet). The Blue Valley Elementary School’s boundary will include
areas east of Linder Road extending to Meridian Road. It is anticipated that more than 20 school children will
cross Linder Road during the school hours.
There are no existing or proposed traffic signals in the vicinity of the site. With the long-term improvements of
the Linder Road overpass and the Overland Road extension to the west, the Overland Road and Linder Road
intersection will need a traffic signal, and is planned in the ACHD 2020-2024 IFYWP.
10. Anticipated Future Improvements: See Section 3.1 for planned improvements within the study area.
11. Speed on Adjacent Highways: See Section 2.1 for posted speed limits on the study area roadways.
12. Traffic Volumes on Adjacent Highways: See previous sections for existing traffic counts and forecasts.
13. Effect Upon the Highway’s Level of Service: See previous sections for the roadway segment and intersection
capacity analysis results. All study area roadway segments and intersections are expected to meet ACHD’s
minimum operational thresholds.
14. Need for Acceleration and Deceleration Lanes: See previous sections for turn lane warrant analysis results.
None of the study area intersections, including site access intersections, require turn lanes based on ACHD’s
turn-lane guidelines.
15. Internal Traffic Circulation: See Figure 4.6 in the previous section for internal site circulation.
16. Anticipated Development on Surrounding Undeveloped Parcels: At the time of this study, Southridge
Apartments is under construction west of the site and is expected to be fully built by the 2021 opening year. In
the future, additional homes are planned south and west of the Ridenbaugh Canal and will utilize the existing
Southridge Subdivision roadway network to access the arterial roadway network.
17. Zoning in the Vicinity: The parcel north of the school is currently zoned as Traditional Neighborhood –
Commercial (TN-C) and Community Business (C-C). To the west, south, and east, the areas are zoned as
Residential of varying densities (R-2, R-4, R-8, and R-15).
18. Access Control on Adjacent Highways: American Fork Drive and Spanish Fork Way currently function as
collector streets with a posted speed limit of 25 mph adjacent to the site. The access requirements on these
roadways are in accordance with ACHD’s Access Policy.
19. Required Striping and Signing Modifications: School zones and school crosswalks, once determined, should be
signed and striped in accordance with MUTCD and ACHD standards.
20. Funding of Highway Improvements to Accommodate Development: No major roadway or intersection
improvements are required with the development as discussed in the previous sections. Funding for the
proposed PHB, flashing beacons, signing, and pavement striping will be provided by the development.
21. Proposed Highway Projects in the Vicinity: Table 3.1 in Section 3.l summarizes the planned highway projects
in the vicinity. A traffic signal at the Overland Road and Victory Road intersection will be needed once the
Linder Road overpass is constructed. The signal poles, controller, cabinet, junction boxes, and underground
conduits have already been installed. The construction of the Linder Road overpass is beyond the opening year
of Blue Valley Elementary School.
22. Any Other Issues: None.
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 A
APPENDIX A: SCOPE
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 B
APPENDIX B: TRAFFIC COUNTS
Traffic Impact Study
Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 C
APPENDIX C: COMPASS FORECASTS
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 D
APPENDIX D: 2020 CAPACITY ANALYSIS REPORTS
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 E
APPENDIX E: 2021 CAPACITY ANALYSIS REPORTS
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 F
APPENDIX F: TURN LANE WARRANT WORKSHEETS
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Blue Valley Elementary School - Meridian, Idaho
April 2020 G
APPENDIX G: MUTCD SIGNAL WARRANT WORKSHEETS