Traffic Study North Shore School District 112

Transcription

1 Traffic Study North Shore School District 112 Proposed Expansion of Northwood Junior High School Prepared By: May 1, 2015

2 1. Introduction Kenig, Lindgren, O Hara, Aboona, Inc. (KLOA, Inc.) has been retained by North Shore School District 112 (NSSD 112) to perform a traffic study regarding the proposed expansion of Northwood Junior High School located in. The Northwood Junior High School campus is located on the north side of North Avenue generally bounded by Summit Avenue to the west and Greenwood Avenue to the east. Wayne Thomas Elementary School is located directly north of the campus. The junior high school currently has an enrollment of 514 students in grades sixth through eighth with approximately 62 faculty and staff. Access to the campus is provided via one access drive and one drop-off/pick-up circle on North Avenue and one access drive on Priscilla Avenue. Figure 1 shows the location of the school and Figure 2 shows an aerial view of the existing campus. (All of the figures are located in the Appendix). The expanded school is proposed to serve grades fifth through eighth and have a projected enrollment of approximately 1,000 students. In addition, the expanded school is estimated to have a total of approximately 110 faculty and staff. As part of the proposed expansion, Wayne Thomas Elementary School would be closed and a portion of the school would be used as an early childcare center for approximately 150 to 200 students with 25 faculty and staff. The expanded school and the early childcare center would be located on one combined campus with shared access and circulation. Currently, NSSD 112 is considering various alternative development plans and access and circulation systems for the combined campus. Since a campus development plan has not yet been finalized, this traffic study does not address the direct access to/from the campus, the circulation through the campus, or the loading and parking within the campus. This traffic study focuses on the impact that the expanded school would have on the external roadways and intersections providing access to and from the campus. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine the existing traffic conditions, determine the traffic characteristics of the proposed expansion and evaluate its impacts on the roadway system. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 1

3 2. Existing Conditions Existing roadway and traffic conditions within the study area were documented based on field visits and traffic counts. The following provides a summary of the physical characteristics of the roadways including geometry, traffic control and the peak hour volumes along area roads. Study Area Location and Surrounding Land Uses The Northwood Junior High School campus is generally bounded by Wayne Thomas Elementary School to the north, single family homes/greenwood Avenue to the east, North Avenue to the south and single family homes/summit Avenue to the east. The junior high and elementary school campuses are generally surrounded by single family homes. Wayne Thomas Elementary School has an enrollment of 317 students in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade and 37 faculty and staff. Access to Wayne Thomas Elementary School is provided via a single access drive located on Summit Avenue. The study area generally includes Old Trail Road to the north, Greenwood Avenue to the east, Half Day Road to the south and Summit Avenue to the west. Existing Roadway System The characteristics of the primary roadways within the study area are described below and the characteristics of all the roads within the study area are illustrated in Figure 3. All roads are under the jurisdiction of the City of Highland Park. Summit Avenue is a north-south, collector road generally providing one lane in each direction. At its signalized intersection with Half Day Road, Summit Avenue provides an exclusive southbound left-turn lane and an exclusive right-turn lane. An outbound only access drive for the City of Highland Park s Public Works Department and Fire Department is located opposite Summit Avenue at its intersection with Half Day Road. The access drive provides one exclusive left-turn lane and a combined through/right-turn lane. Summit Avenue is under all-way stop sign control at its intersections with North Avenue, Auburn Avenue and Old Trail Road. In addition, Marl Oak Drive and the Wayne Thomas Elementary School access drive are under two-way stop sign control at their intersections with Summit Avenue. Summit Avenue has a posted speed limit of 25 mph and a 20 mph school speed limit (on school days when children are present). Northwood Junior High School Expansion 2

4 North Avenue is an east-west, local road providing one lane in each direction. This segment of North Avenue extends from Idlewood Lane to Priscilla Avenue. The access drive to the school s east parking lot is located opposite North Avenue at Priscilla Avenue. North Avenue is under allway stop sign control at its intersection with Summit Avenue. Parking is prohibited from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on school days on the south side of the road between Marl Oak Drive and Summit Avenue and prohibited at all times between Marl Oak Drive and Priscilla Avenue. North Avenue provides a midblock crosswalk on the west approach of its intersection with the access drive to the school s north parking lot. North Avenue has a posted speed limit of 25 mph and a 20 mph school speed limit (on school days when school children are present). Half Day Road (IL 22) is an east-west, arterial road generally providing one lane in each direction separated by a striped median, exclusive left-turn lane, or two-way left-turn lane. At its intersection with Summit Avenue, Half Day Road provides an exclusive left-turn lane and combined through/right-turn lane on its eastbound approach and a combined through/right-turn lane on its westbound approach. At its intersection with Greenwood Avenue, Half Day Road provides an exclusive left-turn lane and a combined through/right-turn lane on its eastbound approach and a combined left-turn/through/right-turn lane on its westbound approach. Half Day Road has a posted speed limit of 35 mph. Greenwood Avenue is a north-south, local road providing one lane in each direction. Greenwood Avenue is disconnected just north of North Avenue prohibiting through movements on Greenwood Avenue at this location. Greenwood Avenue is under all-way stop sign control at its intersection with Woodleigh Avenue and is under two-way stop sign control at its intersection with Half Day Road. Greenwood Avenue has a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Priscilla Avenue is a north-south, local road providing one lane in each direction. Priscilla Avenue has an uncontrolled intersection with North Avenue and terminates in a cul-de-sac approximately 500 feet south of Woodleigh Avenue. It has a posted 20 mph school speed limit (on school days when school children are present). Marl Oak Drive is generally a north-south, local road that is aligned opposite Kent Avenue at its intersection with Summit Avenue. It provides one lane in each direction at its uncontrolled intersection with North Avenue and is under two-way stop sign control at its intersection with Summit Avenue. Marl Oak Drive has a posted speed limit of 20 mph. Old Trail Road is an east-west, local road providing one lane in each direction. Old Trail Road is under all-way stop sign control at its intersection with Summit Avenue and has a posted speed limit of 20 mph east of Summit Avenue. Woodleigh Avenue is an east-west, local road providing one lane in each direction. It is under allway stop sign control at its intersection with Greenwood Avenue. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 3

5 Existing Operations of Northwood Junior High School The following provides a description of the existing operation of the school, including notable observations taken during the morning and afternoon peak periods. School Operations Northwood Junior High School campus is located on the north side of North Avenue between Summit Avenue and Priscilla Avenue. It currently has an enrollment of approximately 514 students in grades sixth through eighth with approximately 62 faculty and staff. The school is generally in session from 7:55 A.M. to 2:40 P.M. The campus has two parking lots with the north lot located along the east side of the school building and the east lot located east of the intersection of Priscilla Avenue at North Avenue. In addition, parking is provided within the drop-off/pick-up circle located in the front of the building. Access to the campus is provided via the following locations. A drop-off/pick-up circle is located on the north side of North Avenue with two access drives located on either sides of Marl Oak Drive. Drop-off and pick-up activity primarily occurs along this drive in a one-way, counter-clockwise direction. All bus loading occurs within the North Parking Lot, which is accessed via North Avenue between Marl Oak Drive and Priscilla Avenue. The buses stack counter-clockwise along the west side of the parking lot. Access to the east parking lot is provided via the extension of North Avenue east of its intersection with Priscilla Avenue. Notable Observations Overall, the roadway system generally operates well during peak school drop-off/pick-up periods due to the following. Multiple ingress/egress routes are provided to and from the campus. The bus loading and the drop-off/pick-up activity is separated, with the bus loading occurring within the north parking lot. Activity along the area roadways is limited to queuing of vehicles only (no loading on the area roadways). The separation of Northwood Junior High School and Wayne Thomas Elementary School on North Avenue and Summit Avenue helps to distribute the traffic on the roadway system and at the loading zones. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 4

6 The staggering of the start and end times of Northwood Junior High School and Wayne Thomas Elementary School reduces the surging of traffic and better distributes the traffic. As with most other schools, congestion does occur in the area and lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes during the schools peak periods. The following issues were observed and noted as contributing factors to congestion during the morning and afternoon peak periods. Limited internal stacking results in the majority of pick-up traffic to queue along North Avenue until space is available within the drop-off/pick-up circle. Queuing occurs along both North Avenue and Priscilla Avenue with the maximum queues on North Avenue extending to just east of Summit Avenue and the maximum queues on Priscilla Avenue extending to just north of Woodleigh Avenue. Given the width of the roads, the vehicle queuing reduces the flow of traffic along these roads. Some vehicles were illegally parked on the north side of North Avenue west of the drop-off/pick-up circle, reducing the flow of traffic along the road. Occasionally, localized congestion was observed during the peak periods at several intersections in the area. However, the congestion typically cleared within 10 to 15 minutes. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 5

7 Existing Traffic Volumes In order to determine the traffic characteristics within the study area, KLOA, Inc. conducted vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle counts at the following intersections. Half Day Road/Summit Avenue Half Day Road/Greenwood Avenue Summit Avenue/Marl Oak Drive Summit Avenue/North Avenue Summit Avenue/Old Trail Road Summit Avenue/Wayne Thomas Elementary School access drive Greenwood Avenue/Woodleigh Avenue Priscilla Avenue/Woodleigh Avenue North Avenue/Priscilla Avenue North Avenue/Marl Oak Drive North Avenue/north parking lot access drive North Avenue/loading circle The traffic counts were conducted on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 during the morning (7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.) and afternoon (2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.) peak periods. The results of the traffic counts show that the morning peak hour occurs from 7:15 A.M. to 8:15 A.M. and the afternoon peak hour occurs from 2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. Figure 4 illustrate the existing peak hour vehicle traffic volumes. Figure 5 shows the existing peak hour pedestrian and bicycle volumes. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 6

8 3. Traffic Characteristics of the Proposed Expansion The following provides a description of the proposed expansion of the Northwood Junior High School with respect to the surrounding area and how traffic will be able to access the campus by way of the existing roadway system. To evaluate the impact of the expansion on the area roadway system, it is necessary to quantify the number of vehicle trips the expansion will generate during the weekday morning and weekday afternoon peak hours and determine the directional distribution from where these vehicle trips will approach and depart the campus. Characteristics of the Proposed Expansion As proposed, the expansion is to increase the enrollment of the school to approximately 1,000 students in grades fifth through eighth. In addition, the junior high school is estimated to have approximately 110 faculty and staff. As part of the expansion, the Wayne Thomas Elementary School will be closed and a portion of the school will be utilized as an early childhood center. This center will have approximately 150 to 200 students with approximately 25 faculty and staff. The expanded junior high school and early childcare center will be located on one combined campus with shared access and circulation. Since a campus development plan has not yet been finalized, the traffic study does not address direct access to/from the campus, the circulation through the campus and the loading and parking within the campus. For the purpose of this study, it was assumed that access to the campus would be provided via the following locations. One full access drive on North Avenue aligned opposite Marl Oak Drive. One full access drive on Summit Avenue at the approximate location of the existing access drive serving Wayne Thomas Elementary School. To enhance the flow of traffic to, from and through the campus and reduce the impact on the roadway system, it was assumed that the access drive would be restricted to inbound left-turn movements and outbound right-turn movements during the school s peak periods. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 7

9 Directional Distribution The directions of approach and departure of the expanded junior high school traffic were estimated based on the existing travel patterns, as determined from the traffic counts and the location of the campus within the NSSD 112 school boundaries. Figure 6 illustrates the estimated directional distribution to and from the campus. Proposed Expansion Traffic Generation The additional traffic to be generated by the proposed expansion was estimated based on surveys conducted at the existing school. The surveys were conducted on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 and Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and counted the vehicles arriving and departing the school, including those vehicles entering/exiting driveways or dropping-off/picking-up students. Table 1 shows the results of the trip generation surveys and the calculated trip rates (trips per student). Table 1 EXISTING TRIP SURVEYS AND RATES Morning Afternoon In Out Total In Out Total December 2014 March 2015 Number of Trips Trip Rate (Trips/Student) Number of Trips Trip Rate (Trips/Student) To provide a conservative (worst case) analysis, it was assumed that the expansion will have similar traffic generation characteristics as the existing school. This represents a worst case analysis as the percentage of students who will ride the bus is anticipated to increase with the expansion due to the increase in the number of students that will be eligible to ride the bus. Table 2 shows the new traffic estimated to be generated by the proposed expansion and is based on the average of the two trip rates. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 8

10 Table 2 ESTIMATED EXPANSION-GENERATED TRIPS Morning Afternoon Size In Out Total In Out Total 486 New Students Projected Traffic Volumes The estimated peak hour traffic volumes that will be generated by the proposed expansion were assigned to the roadway system based on the directional distribution and the assumed access system, as illustrated in Figure 7. Figure 8 illustrates the total projected traffic volumes which include the existing traffic volumes and the new expansion-generated traffic volumes. Please note the following regarding the total projected traffic volumes. It was assumed that all traffic entering/exiting the campus to/from the north on Summit Avenue will do so via the access drive on Summit Avenue. As such, the existing school traffic traveling to and from the north on Summit Avenue was redistributed from the existing North Avenue access drives to the Summit Avenue access drive. It was assumed that all traffic entering/exiting the campus to/from the south (via Half Day Road) will do so via the access drive on North Avenue. The existing traffic using the various access drives on North Avenue were redistributed to the assumed single access drive on North Avenue aligned opposite Marl Oak Drive. Background growth was included along Half Day Road to reflect increases in traffic outside of the study area. The through movements along Half Day Road were therefore increased by five percent. While Wayne Elementary School will be closed, the existing traffic generated by the school was included in the projected total traffic volumes to (1) provide a worst case analysis and (2) to account for any future traffic to be generated by the early childcare center. It should be noted that the early childcare center will have an enrollment of approximately half that of the existing elementary school and that the start and end times of the early childcare center and expanded school will be sufficiently staggered so that the peak periods of the two schools do not overlap. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 9

11 4. Roadway System Evaluation Traffic analyses were performed for the intersections in the study area to determine the operation of the existing roadway system, evaluate the impact of the proposed expansion and determine the ability of the roadway system to accommodate projected traffic demands. Analyses were performed during the morning and afternoon school s peak hours to understand the impact the additional traffic will have on the area. The traffic analyses were performed using the Synchro 8.0 computer software. The ability of an intersection to accommodate traffic flow is expressed in terms of level of service, which is assigned a letter grade from A to F based on the average control delay experienced by vehicles passing through the intersection. Control delay is that portion of the total delay attributed to the traffic signal or stop sign control operation and includes initial deceleration delay, queue move-up time, stopped delay and final acceleration delay. Level of Service A is the highest grade (best traffic flow and least delay), Level of Service E represents saturated or at-capacity conditions and Level of Service F is the lowest grade (oversaturated conditions, extensive delays). For two-way stop controlled (TWSC) intersections, levels of service are only calculated for the approaches controlled by a stop sign (not for the intersection as a whole). The Highway Capacity Manual definitions for levels of service and the corresponding control delay for unsignalized and signalized intersections are provided in Table 3. The results of the capacity analysis for both existing and projected conditions are summarized in Table 4. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 10

12 Table 3 LEVEL OF SERVICE CRITERIA Signalized Intersections Level of Service A B Interpretation Favorable progression. Most vehicles arrive during the green indication and travel through the intersection without stopping. Good progression, with more vehicles stopping than for Level of Service A. Average Control Delay (seconds per vehicle) 10 >10 20 C Individual cycle failures (i.e., one or more queued vehicles are not able to depart as a result of insufficient capacity during the cycle) may begin to appear. Number of vehicles stopping is significant, although many vehicles still pass through the intersection without stopping. >20 35 D The volume-to-capacity ratio is high and either progression is ineffective or the cycle length is too long. Many vehicles stop and individual cycle failures are noticeable. >35 55 E Progression is unfavorable. The volume-to-capacity ratio is high and the cycle length is long. Individual cycle failures are frequent. >55 80 F The volume to capacity ratio is very high, progression is very poor and the cycle length is long. Most cycles fail to clear the queue. Unsignalized Intersections Level of Service Average Total Delay (SEC/VEH) Source: Highway Capacity Manual, A 0 10 B > C > D > E > F > 50 Northwood Junior High School Expansion 11

13 Table 4 INTERSECTION LEVEL OF SERVICE AND DELAY Morning Existing Volumes Projected Volumes Afternoon Morning Afternoon Intersection LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay Half Day Road with Summit Avenue 1 Intersection B 12.6 B 10.2 B 18.0 B 12.9 SB Right Turn B 10.9 B 19.0 B 10.1 B 14.8 SB Left Turn E 62.4 F 85.0 E 74.4 F 86.6 WB Approach B 12.2 A 6.7 B 18.8 A 9.6 NB Through/Right Turn A 0.1 D 38.8 A 0.1 C 34.3 NB Left Turn D 53.7 E 62.5 D 48.6 E 57.2 EB Through/Right Turn A 5.8 A 3.1 A 7.4 A 4.5 EB Left Turn A 5.4 A 2.6 A 9.9 A 4.1 Half Day Road with Greenwood Avenue 2 SB Approach C 20.7 C 21.9 F 50.8 D 31.9 WB Approach C 19.7 C 15.4 D 30.0 C 17.9 Summit Avenue with Marl Oak/Kent Avenue 2 WB Approach B 14.8 B 13.9 C 24.9 B 14.7 EB Approach B 11.5 B 10.8 B 14.6 B 11.3 LOS = Level of Service, Delay = Seconds 1. Signalized Intersection 2. Unsignalized Intersection Northwood Junior High School Expansion 12

14 Table 4, Continued INTERSECTION LEVEL OF SERVICE AND DELAY Morning Existing Volume Projected Volume Afternoon Morning Afternoon Intersection LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay Summit Avenue with North Avenue 2 Intersection B 13.0 A 9.9 C 19.7 B 11.3 SB Approach B 14.3 A 9.9 B 14.2 B 10.5 WB Approach B 13.5 A 9.8 D 25.4 B 12.0 NB Approach B 11.5 B 10.1 C 18.2 B 11.7 EB Approach A 9.3 A 8.2 B 10.2 A 8.6 Summit Avenue with Old Trail Road 2 Intersection A 8.8 A 8.5 A 9.8 A 8.8 SB Approach A 8.9 A 8.4 A 9.8 A 8.6 WB Approach A 9.1 A 8.5 B 10.0 A 8.7 NB Approach A 8.7 A 8.7 A 9.8 A 9.1 EB Approach A 7.7 A 7.7 A 8.1 A 7.9 Summit Avenue with Wayne Thomas Access Drive/Proposed Expansion Access Drive 2 WB Approach B 12.3 B 11.2 A 9.8 B 10.9 LOS = Level of Service, Delay = Seconds 1. Signalized Intersection 2. Unsignalized Intersection Northwood Junior High School Expansion 13

15 Table 4, Continued INTERSECTION LEVEL OF SERVICE AND DELAY Morning Existing Volume Projected Volume Afternoon Morning Afternoon Intersection LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay Greenwood Avenue with Woodleigh Avenue 2 Intersection A 8.2 A 7.2 A 9.7 A 7.6 SB Approach A 7.2 A 7.0 A 7.5 A 7.1 WB Approach A 7.7 A 7.3 A 8.1 A 7.5 NB Approach A 8.6 A 7.5 B 10.4 A 7.9 EB Approach A 7.5 A 6.8 A 8.2 A 7.0 Priscilla Avenue with Woodleigh Avenue 2 WB Approach A 9.0 A 8.5 A 9.8 A 8.8 LOS = Level of Service, Delay = Seconds 1. Signalized Intersection 2. Unsignalized Intersection Northwood Junior High School Expansion 14

16 Table 4, Continued INTERSECTION LEVEL OF SERVICE AND DELAY Morning Existing Volumes Projected Volumes Afternoon Morning Afternoon Intersection LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay North Avenue with Priscilla Avenue 2 NB Approach A 9.6 A 9.1 B 10.8 A 9.5 North Avenue with Marl Oak Drive/Proposed Expansion Access Drive 2 NB Approach B 10.3 A 8.8 F 53.2 A 9.9 SB Approach N/A N/A N/A N/A C 23.4 B 10.6 North Avenue with Drop-off/Pick-up Circle 2 SB Approach B 10.3 A 9.1 N/A N/A N/A N/A North Avenue with North Parking Lot Access 2 SB Approach A 9.9 A 9.0 N/A N/A N/A N/A LOS = Level of Service, Delay = Seconds 1. Signalized Intersection 2. Unsignalized Intersection Northwood Junior High School Expansion 15

17 Results and Recommendations The following describes how the overall roadway system is projected to operate and details alternative strategies and mitigation measures to improve the operations of the roadway system. Operation of the Roadway System As with the majority of schools, the morning and afternoon peak periods typically lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes. In addition, the critical peak periods for most schools occur during the morning peak hour given the following. Schools typically generate far more trips during the morning peak period compared to the afternoon peak period due to the fact that many students participate in afterschool activities and they are more likely to walk or ride the bus in the afternoon as opposed to in the morning. The morning peak period of schools typically occurs at the same time as the morning peak period of the roadway system. Conversely, the afternoon peak period of most schools typically does not occur at the same time as the evening peak period of the roadway system. As such, the traffic volumes on the roadway system are higher during the school s morning peak period versus the school's afternoon peak period. However, the afternoon peak period typically results in greater vehicle queuing within the campus and on the adjacent roadways as parents arrive early and wait to pick-up their children. Operation of Intersections The results of the capacity analyses show that all of the intersections in the study area currently operate at acceptable levels of service during the school s peak periods. However, some intersections experience localized congestion during the peak periods of both Northwood Junior High School as well as Wayne Thomas Elementary School, particularly those adjacent to or within proximity to the two schools. Further, queuing from both schools extend onto the external roadway system, particularly during the afternoon peak periods. Assuming the total projected traffic volumes, the results of the capacity analyses show that all of the intersections in the study area are projected to generally operate at acceptable levels of service during the school s peak periods. This is due in part to the following reasons. The campus is severed by several routes which distributes the school-generated traffic along the roadway system. Access to the campus is to be provided via a minimum of two access drives located along two different roads which further distributes the traffic along the access drives and roadway system as well as reduce the travel along the roadways. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 16

18 The roadways and intersections in the study area generally have a low volume of traffic and, as such, have sufficient reserve capacity to accommodate the traffic to be generated by the proposed expansion of the school. However, as is the case now and inherent with all schools, some of the intersections can expect to experience localized congestion (additional delays and queues) during the school s peak periods, particularly those adjacent to and within the campus. The magnitude of this additional congestion will be dependent on the ultimate design of the campus and the mitigation strategies/measures that are implemented. Recommendations The following lists potential measures to enhance the operation of the roadway system and/or strategies to reduce the volumes of traffic to be generated by the school. Half Day Road and Summit Avenue Intersection Improvements The following improvements should be implemented at this intersection to improve its operation and help mitigate the impact of the expansion-generated traffic. Upgrade the traffic signal to provide a right-turn overlap phase (arrow) phase from southbound Summit Avenue to westbound Half Day Road. Modify the traffic signal timings to provide additional green time to both (1) the separate left-turn phase from eastbound Half Day Road to Summit Avenue and (2) the north and south approaches. Consideration should be given to extending the southbound Summit Avenue left-turn lane, which will require widening of the Summit Avenue approach, to ensure that the leftturn queue does not extend block access to the right-turn lane. Is should be noted that the eastbound Half Day Road to northbound Summit Avenue left-turn lane is only 85 feet long. Given the proximity to the City of Highland Park s Public Works Department and Fire Department access drive, it is not possible to extend the left-turn lane. Providing additional green time to the separate left-turn traffic signal phase, as recommended above, will help to reduce the left-turn queue. However, during the school s peak periods, the left-turn queue may extend past the left-turn lane and could block the eastbound through movement. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 17

19 Traffic Control Personal Depending on the ultimate design of the combined campus, traffic control personnel may be required at several intersections to better control and manage the flow of traffic through these intersections. Traffic control personnel can provide for a more efficient operation as they can give priority to the higher intersection approaches/movements while holding the traffic on the lower volume intersection approaches/movements. They can also assist with students crossing intersections or loading at drop-off/pick-up zones. Potential locations for traffic control personal include the following intersections. North Avenue with the access drives(s) to the campus Summit Avenue with the access drive to the campus Summit Avenue with North Avenue Within the campus, particularly at the drop-off/pick-up zones Extension of North Avenue To improve the flow of traffic to/from the campus, NSSD 112 should consider extending North Avenue between Priscilla Avenue and Greenwood Avenue. Currently, North Avenue terminates at Priscilla Avenue where the school s east parking lot is located. The extension of North Avenue between Priscilla Avenue and Greenwood Avenue would provide for a more efficient flow of traffic to/from the campus as it would eliminate the need for traffic to traverse the short sections of Priscilla Avenue and Woodleigh Avenue. However, depending on the ultimate design of the campus, the extension of North Avenue could result in the loss of all or some of the parking provided in the east parking lot. Internal Design of the Campus As previously mention, since a campus development plan has not yet been finalized, the traffic study does not address direct access to/from the campus, the circulation through the campus and the loading and parking within the campus. For the purpose of this study, it was assumed that access to the campus would be provided from the following locations. One full access drive on North Avenue aligned opposite Marl Oak Drive. One full access drive on Summit Avenue at the approximate location of the existing access drive serving Wayne Thomas Elementary School. To enhance the flow of traffic to, from and through the campus and reduce the impact on the roadway system, it was assumed that the access drive would be restricted to inbound left-turn movements and outbound right-turn movements during the school s peak periods. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 18

20 The impact of the proposed expansion will greatly depend on the final design of the campus. Design concepts/measures that should be considered to enhance the operation of the roadway system adjacent to and within the campus include the following. Provide access to both Summit Avenue and North Avenue to improve the flexibility of the access system which will further distribute the traffic along the access drives and the roadway system as well as reduce the travel along the roadway system. Implement peak period turning restrictions and/or one-way traffic flow at the access drives and or within the campus. These types of measures can enhance vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow adjacent to and within the campus by reducing turning conflicts, increasing capacity and providing additional areas for loading/parking. Provide sufficient vehicle stacking and parking within the campus so to minimize the overflow on the area roadways, which only reduces the flow of traffic and capacity of the area roadways. Encourage Alternative Modes of Transportation Northwood Junior High School and/or NSSD 112 officials could implement measures and/or strategies to increase the number of students that ride the bus, walk and bike to/from school as well as increase car pool options, all of which would reduce the volume of traffic generated by the expansion of the school. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 19

21 6. Conclusion This report summarizes the methodologies, results and findings of a traffic study conducted by Kenig, Lindgren, O Hara, Aboona, Inc. (KLOA, Inc.) to assess the impact of the proposed expansion of Northwood Junior High School located in. Based on the preceding analyses, the following conclusions and recommendations are made. Existing Site. The existing campus is located on the north side of North Avenue between Summit Avenue and Greenwood Avenue all access is provided from North Avenue and Priscilla Avenue. As part of the proposed expansion, Wayne Thomas Elementary School will be closed and a portion of the building will be used for an early childcare center. The expanded school and the early childcare center would be located on one combined campus with shared access and circulation. Access to the Campus. The existing roadway system provides excellent access to and from the campus which helps distribute the traffic along the roadway system. Primary access to the south is provided via both Summit Avenue and Greenwood Avenue and their respective intersections with Half Day Road. Primary access to the north and east is provided via Summit Avenue and it intersection with Old Elm Road and via Old Trail Road and its intersection with Sheridan Road. Trip Generation Estimates. The volume of traffic to be generated by the proposed expansion was based on trip generation surveys conducted at the existing school. This provides for a worst case analysis as the percentage of students who will ride the bus is anticipated to increase with the proposed expansion due to the increase in students that will be eligible to ride the bus. Wayne Thomas Elementary School. As part of the proposed expansion, Wayne Thomas Elementary School will be closed and a portion of the building will be used for an early childcare center. The enrollment of the early childhood center will be approximately half that of the existing elementary school. Further, NSSD 112 has indicated that the early childhood center and the expanded junior high school will be sufficiently staggered so that the peak periods of the two schools do not overlap. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 20

22 Operation of the Roadway System. Assuming the total projected traffic volumes, the results of the capacity analyses have shown that all of the intersections in the study area are projected to generally operate at acceptable levels of service during the morning and afternoon peak hours. As is the case now and inherent with all schools, some of the intersections can expect to experience some localized congestion (additional delays and queues) during the peak periods of the school, particularly those intersections adjacent to and within the campus. The magnitude of this additional congestion will be dependent on the ultimate design of the campus and the mitigation strategies/measures that are implemented. Mitigation Strategies/Measures. The following summarizes potential strategies to reduce the volume of school-generated traffic and/or measures to enhance the operation of the roadway system. Install modifications and improvements at the intersection of Half Day Road with Summit Avenue, including traffic signal upgrades, traffic signal timing modifications and extending existing turn lanes. Utilize traffic control personnel at select intersections and locations to better control and manage the flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic through these areas. Consider extending North Avenue between Priscilla Avenue and Greenwood Avenue to provide for a more efficient flow of traffic to/from the campus and eliminate the need to traverse the short sections of Priscilla Avenue and Woodleigh Avenue. Provide access from the campus to both Summit Avenue and North Avenue to enhance the flexibility of the access system and further distribute the traffic along the roadway system. Implement peak period turning restrictions at select access drives and/or one-way traffic flow through the campus. Implement measures and/or strategies to increase the number of students that ride the bus, car pool, walk or bike to/from school. Northwood Junior High School Expansion 21

23 Northwood Junior High School Expansion Appendix

24 Location of Northwood Junior High School Figure 1 Northwood Junior High School Expansion

25 Aerial View of Northwood Junior High School Figure 2 Northwood Junior High School Expansion

26 NUE P SCHOOL 20 NORTHWOOD JR HIGH ONE-WAY NORTH AVENUE 25 P 1 SCHOOL 25 P 20 8A-5P SCHOOL DAYS 3 P 1 3 SCHOOL 20 KENT AVENUE 25 P SUM MIT AVENUE M ARL OAK DRIVE PRISCILLA AVENUE WOOD AVE 20 P 35 HALF DAY ROAD PROJECT: Proposed Expansion of Northwood Jr. High School TITLE: EXISTING ROADWAY CHARACTERISTICS

27 NUE NORTHWOOD JR HIGH 112 (34) 50 (28) NORTH AVENUE 3 (6) 137 (126) 84 (17) 80 (42) 11 (1) 117 (67) 170 (72) 16 (10) 38 (38) ONE-WAY 0 (11) 1 (10) 0 (4) 13 (2) 22 (18) 6 (23) 88 (18) 51 (27) 148 (46) 11 (0) 37 (30) 106 (45) 8 (4) 0 (4) 39 (37) 112 (4 22 (36) 3 (1) KENT AVENUE 1 (3) 278 (204) 1 (3) SUM MIT AVENUE 157 (55) 7 (1) 5 (3) 2 (0) 14 (10) 16 (2) 5 (7) 4 (5) M ARL OAK DRIVE 0 (1) PRISCILLA AVENUE 5 (1) 1 (0) 1 (2) 17 (10) 5 (9) 137 (168) 20 (1) 242 (177) 0 (0) 63 (47) 20 (27) 367 (385) 0 (0) HALF DAY ROAD 142 (164) 261 (387) 0 (0) 7 (4) 0 (1) 8 (5) PROJECT: Proposed Expansion of Northwood Jr. High School TITLE: EXISTING TRAFFIC VOLUMES

28 NUE NORTHWOOD JR HIGH 12 (33) 1 (6) ONE-WAY NORTH AVENUE 1 (3) 0 (5) 4 (4) 0 (5) 14 (61) 24 (25) 1 (0) 5 (7) 18 (89) KENT AVENUE SUM MIT AVENUE 0 (0) M ARL OAK DRIVE PRISCILLA AVENUE WOODL AVEN 1 (0) 1 (1) 0 (1) 1 (0) HALF DAY ROAD PROJECT: Proposed Expansion of Northwood Jr. High School TITLE: EXISTING PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE TRAFFIC VOLUME

29 NUE PROPOSED COMBINED CAMPUS NORTH AVENUE KENT AVENUE SUM MIT AVENUE M ARL OAK DRIVE PRISCILLA AVENUE WOODL AVEN 40% (40%) HALF DAY ROAD 35% (40%) PROJECT: Proposed Expansion of Northwood Jr. High School TITLE: ESTIMATED DIRECTIONAL DISTRIBUTION

30 NUE 76 (2 PROPOSED COMBINED CAMPUS 19 (1) 133 (75) NORTH AVENUE 133 (75) 76 (28) 98 (32) 19 (11) 76 (28) 98 (32) 19 (1) KENT AVENUE PRISCILLA AVENUE M ARL OAK DRIVE SUM MIT AVENUE 133 (75) 98 (32) 57 (32) 76 (43) 22 (4) HALF DAY ROAD 76 (28) 57 PROJECT: Proposed Expansion of Northwood Jr. High School TITLE: ESTIMATED NEW SITE-GENERATED TRIPS

31 NUE PROPOSED COMBINED CAMPUS NORTH AVENUE 3 (6) 137 (126) 13 (2) 13 (6) 11 (1) 250 (142) 241 (132) 0 (0) 46 (29) 161 (64) 17 (15) 4 (5) 0 (11) 1 (10) 0 (4) 13 (2) 22 (18) 6 (23) 88 (18) 149 (59) 152 (57) 16 (5) 7 (1) 16 (2) 0 (0) 5 (7) 11 (0) 56 (41) 58 (48) 0 (4) 182 (73) 8 (4) 188 (7 3 (1) KENT AVENUE 1 (3) 41 (279) 1 (3) SUM MIT AVENUE 5 (3) 2 (0) 14 (10) M ARL OAK DRIVE 0 (1) PRISCILLA AVENUE 5 (1) 1 (0) 1 (2) 17 (10) 318 (220) 0 (0) 120 (79) 5 (9) 235 (200) 20 (1) 42 (31) 385 (404) 0 (0) HALF DAY ROAD 218 (192) 274 (406) 0 (0) 7 (4) 0 (1) 8 (5) PROJECT: Proposed Expansion of Northwood Jr. High School TITLE: TOTAL PROJECTED TRAFFIC VOLUMES