Corridor Studies LA 415 and LA 73
Project Approach for Both Corridors 1. Data Collection 2. Data Summary 3. Traffic Analysis 4. Micro-Simulation modeling 5. Generation of alternatives 6. Modeling alternatives 7. Recommended alternative
LA 415 Lobdell Avenue in West Baton Rouge Parish US 190 LA 415 I-10
LA 415 North-south state highway between I-10 and US 190 Southern end classified as a urban arterial between I-10 and Rosedale Road 5 lane section with a continuous two-way left turn lane (TWLTL) Multiple commercial developments and driveways on both sides of LA 415. Northern end classified as suburban arterial between Rosedale Road and US 190. Four lane section with a depressed median (42-45 feet wide) Numerous median openings Mostly farmland along this section of LA 415
LA 415 Major intersections along corridor I-10 ramps Commercial Drive Court Street Rosedale Road Lafiton Lane Signalized intersections Court Street Rosedale Road Provide connection between LA 415 and Port Allen
LA 415 LA 415 and US 190 are used as alternative routes to get into and/or out of Baton Rouge when there is an incident on I-10 MRB During an incident on the I-10 MRB, LA 415 and US 190 become heavily congested Proposed LA 1 toll road connector to the south of I-10 may greatly effect traffic volumes at the LA 415 / I-10 interchange
Data Collection LA 415 Seven day 24-hour classification counts (2 locations) 24-hour approach counts (4 locations) Turning movement counts (4 locations) Driveway Counts (35 locations) Corridor Travel Times Spot Speeds
Travel Time (sec) Travel Time Comparison LA 415 300 AM Peak Period Travel Times 250 215 224 235 242 200 150 Southbound Northbound 100 50 51 51 0 Between I-10 & Court Street Between Plantation Drive & Court Street Between I-10 & Plantation Drive Corridor Sections
85 th Percentile Speeds LA 415
# Vehicles Speed Distribution LA 415 Average weekday SB speed distribution - b/w Court St and I-10 (Segment A) 25% 20% 15% 10% AM Peak Noon PM Peak 5% 0% 1-15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 76-999 Speed (mph)
Crash Data LA 415 Crash reports for three previous years for two control sections Crash data acquired from DOTD database Analyzed types and severity of crashes at intersections and along the corridor Crashes by Reported Type Right Turn-h, 2 Right Turn-i, 1 Side Swipe, 21 Right Angle, 40 Left Turn-e, 9 Rear End, 70 Left Turn-f, 19 Left Turn-g, 7 Non Coll, 22 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Left Turn-e Control-Section 013-01 between logmile 0.000 and 3.298 Reported Crash Type Left Turn-f Left Turn-g Non Coll Rear End Right Turn-i Right Turn-h Right Angle Side Swipe State Avg-Rural 4-Ln Divided Control Section%
LA 73 Jefferson Highway in East Baton Rouge Parish I-12 LA 73 US 61 I-10
LA 73 Jefferson Highway is a state highway that runs northwestsoutheast located in center of Baton Rouge Classified as a urban arterial: 5 lane section with a continuous two lane left turn lane (TWLTL) through out the corridor. Turn lanes at most of the signalized intersections. 7 lane section at major signalized intersections. Multiple commercial developments and driveways on both sides of LA 73.
LA 73 Major intersections with heavy volumes: Corporate Boulevard / Old Hammond Highway Essen Lane Drusilla Lane Bluebonnet Boulevard 3.5 mile section 10 signalized intersections 25+ unsignalized intersections Over 100 driveways Issues: Heavy delays during peak hours Safety issues with high density of driveways
Data Collection LA 73 Seven day 24-hour classification counts (4 locations) 24-hour approach counts (10 locations) Turning movement counts (10 locations) Driveway Counts (150 locations) Corridor Travel Times Spot Speeds
Travel Time Comparison LA 73
85 th Percentile Speeds LA 73
Speed Distribution
Crash Data LA 73 Crash reports for three previous years Crash data from DOTD database Analyzed types of crashes at intersections along study corridor 60% Control Section 077-05 from logmile 0 and 3.71 - Reported Crash Type 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Head On Left Turn-e Left Turn-f Left Turn-g Non Coll Rear End Right Turn-h Right Turn-i RT Angle S Swipe (OD) S Swipe (SD) State Avg Urban 4-Ln Divided Control Section%
Alternative Pyramid After Draft Technical Memo approval: Begin alternative analysis 5 initial alternatives developed Of the 5 alternatives 2 are eliminated and the remaining 3 are modeled in Vissim for comparative benefits. From comparative analysis 1 final alternative is chosen. The final alternative is segmented into constructable segments and preliminary engineering costs (ROW, utility relocation, and construction costs) are estimated. LA 415 investigate potential alternative corridor for I-10 / US 190 connection.
Constructability LA 415 biggest challenge not to disrupt the truck traffic which greatly effects the interstate ramps. Additionally connection with US 190 with the at grade rail crossing. LA 73 maintenance of traffic during construction, especially at key locations at I-12, Essen Lane, and Old Hammond Hwy / Corporate Boulevard
LA 73 and LA 415 Goals Safety Improve safety and reduce number of accidents. Mobility Make movement of traffic along the corridor more efficient. Accessibility Utilize access management techniques and strategies to reduce the number of direct openings on to the study corridors. Intelligent Design Use innovative techniques and designs to for smooth traffic flow (Super-streets, J-turns, etc.,) Future uses A design that would sustain future growth and traffic needs.
Difference in approach Purpose for studying the corridors LA 415 a primary goal is to maintain the integrity of the corridor for smooth traffic flow in case of emergency I-10 closure. LA 73 goal is to improve safety and traffic flow. Urban (LA 73) vs. Rural (LA 415) Available ROW to make improvements Not much available ROW for LA 73. Expensive to buy surrounding land. Existing ROW available for LA 415.
Difference in approach Nearby network Area around LA 73 is mostly built out with not many possibilities of alternate routes or options for changing the alignment. Less complicated for LA 415 to achieve the project goals.
Modeling Tools SYNCHRO HCM methodology Easy to understand output for Traffic engineers to make assessments Quick
Modeling Tools VISSIM micro simulation: Stochastic Time step model Pseudo-physical car following algorithm Ability to simulate and analyze unconventional designs Wide variety of MOEs
Public/Local Official Involvement During the course of the alternative design visits to local officials are planned to involve leadership in the design process Alternative workshops will take place to review the alternatives and solicit input to the alternatives to form a strong work relationship with local agencies and officials
Final Deliverables Vissim model (LA 415)
Vissim Model - LA 73
Final Deliverables VISSIM model of the final design Final design alternate with associated construction and ROW costs Constructible build segments Final report which explains design methodology used, alternative choice matrices, and final alternative preliminary layout
QUESTIONS? Contact Information Karl F. Rothermel, P.E., PTOE karl.rothermel@aecom.com (225) 751-3012