TRAFFIC and SAFETY ANALYSIS
By planning welcoming places that increase mobility and access, we can forge lasting community partnerships with common values of neighborhood preservation and restoration while working diligently towards new options for addressing traffic congestion. CFS evaluates traffic conditions with regards to speed, level-of-service, crashes, and projected land use utilizing the latest in data gathering and modeling technology to provide safe and effective transportation solutions. Our Traffic Engineering Department offers design expertise for access management, safe routes to schools, traffic calming, traffic signals, roundabouts, ITS installation, traffic noise barriers, railroads crossings, ADA inspection and ADA access, and fiber connectivity.
CFS performs roadway safety assessments in both urban and rural settings with regards to crash data interpretation, crash trends, roadway safety audits, speed surveys, traffic calming solutions, sight distance evaluations, and access management requirements. Through our process of taking inventory of safety concerns and evidence of roadside damage, a list of possible crash countermeasures can then be determined to reduce the number of crashes. Based on a benefit-cost ratio, system-wide and site-specific recommendations can be evaluated to fit within near-term and future projects.
PROJECTS
East Locust Creek Transportation Planning Report for Infrastructure, Utility, Construction Access and Local Access Evaluation
Milan, Missouri
This Major Street Rerouting and Implementation Plan was prepared for the North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission to analyze conceptual roadway plans for the creation of the East Locust Creek Reservoir (ELCR). This new rural, water supply reservoir in northern Missouri is sanctioned by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and will provide water to a 10-county region in critical need. The main purpose of the ELCR is water supply but supplementally provides flood control and a source for recreational tourism while spurring commercial and residential growth. The transportation planning report examined the effect of several alternatives created due to inundation of state and local roadways by the ELCR and provides recommendations for improvements to traffic safety, access, and operations.
This study covered the transportation planning for infrastructure, utilities, and construction access for the surrounding roadway network. This report utilized a conceptual trip generation scenario to determine effects of traffic 20 years following completion of the dam. Modeling was performed using VISSIM software. Coordination with MoDOT allowed this project to successfully more forward towards completion and leverage it’s financial strategy in tandem with MoDOT goals.
Transportation Crash Safety Analysis
City of Lawrence / Douglas County MPO
The goal of the study was to compile a current geodatabase that identifies locations with high traffic crash records for Lawrence and Douglas County, Kansas. These “hot spot” locations were prioritized in regards to a set of defined location variables and recommendations were made for cost-efficient crash countermeasures for the locations. The approach was centered on a repeatable methodology which utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) mapping and tools for calculating performance measures of the identified “hot spots.”
The outcome of this effort is a list of recommended projects with specific and implementable improvements to roadway segments and intersections with supplemental cost estimation for funding applications.
Once a hot spot was determined using GIS software, a prioritization ranking method was applied to identify a list of the top highest hazard hot spot locations based on regional concerns. Using a list of hot spot crash locations within Lawrence and Douglas County, the Steering Committee used a prioritization method to narrow down the list to several projects that could be implemented in the next few years. Twelve total road safety audits were performed with half in the urban setting and half in the rural setting.
A list of possible crash countermeasures was compiled for each safety audit site to reduce the number of crashes.
Gladstone Traffic Signal & ADA Improvements
Gladstone, Missouri
This group of four intersections was prepared for the City of Gladstone to analyze ADA crossings which were then developed into construction plans including traffic signal replacement or modification. Intersections included 72nd Street & Broadway, 72nd Street & N. Oak, 72nd Street & Troost, and NE 65th Terrace & N Prospect Avenue / MO Route 1. The plans utilized optimal ADA ramp designs according to the U.S. Access Board and included a new accessible pushbutton system with pedestrian signal heads. The construction plans were generated while efficiently minimizing utility relocations and accommodating future improvements to traffic safety, access, and operations. The construction plans covered curb replacement, ramp placement, accessible pushbutton pole and pedestrian signal head placement and design, pedestrian signal wiring, pavement marking, and necessary changes to utilities.