16B-001 Traffic Study Warner Hill Estates-2005The
Berkshire
Design
—
Group, Inc.
TRAFFIC STUDY
Warner Hill Estates
20 Bridge Road
January 7, 2005
This proposed residential development will be compromised of 46 residential units, (2 existing
homes plus 44 new three bedroom homes). Three of the homes will have direct access onto
Bridge Road and will not utilize the proposed project roadways. The residential homes within the
complex are slated to be age restricted to "over 55" and will be deeded accordingly. As such, it
is anticipated that the development will be primarily occupied by couples with no children, and
although the units are proposed to be three bedroom units, it is reasonable to assume that the
units will only house two people.
Traffic Generation
According to ITE, Trip Generation 6 th Edition, Land Use code 251 Elderly Housing — Detached:
Average Vehicle Trip ends per Dwelling Unit on a Weekday, peak hour of Adjacent
Street Traffic, One Hour Between 7 and 9 a.m., 36% entering, 64% exiting,
Average rate = 0.21 vehicle trips/hour
(0.21 vph /unit x 46 units = 9.66 vph, 4 entering, 6 exiting)
Average Vehicle Trip ends per Dwelling Unit on a Weekday, peak hour of Adjacent
Street Traffic, One Hour Between 4 and 6 p.m., 64% entering, 36% exiting,
Average rate = 0.23 vehicle trips per hour
(0.23 vph/unit x 46 units = 10.58 vph, 6 entering, 4 exiting)
The project will generate approximately 10 vehicle trip ends per hour during the morning and
afternoon rush hour with roughly 4 to 6 cars entering the site and 4 to 6 vehicles exiting the site
during those periods.
Given the low number of anticipated traffic to be generated by this project, it is reasonable to
assume that there will be no significant traffic capacity impacts associated with the development
of this project, and that a more extensive or detailed traffic impact analysis which examines the
capacity and level of service on the adjacent Bridge Road would not provide any significant
findings.
4 Allen Place • Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 • Telephone (413) 582 -7000 • Fax (413) 582 -7005 • E -mail bdg @berkshiredesign.com
TRAFFIC ANALYSIS •
Warner Hill Estates - 20 Bridge Road
January 7, 2005
Page 2
Traffic Safety - Geometry
The project is essentially designed as a subdivision road, and as such, provides simplistic ability
for all vehicles to maneuver within the project, similar to any conventional subdivision. Given
the nature of the project, this traffic study is limited to examining the geometry and safety of
intersection of the new road and Bridge Road.
The proposed driveway access to the project is designed to be built in accordance with the City
of Northampton's Subdivision regulations, and as such, the intersection complies with the City's
standards for design. The pavement will be 24 feet wide, the curb radius will be 25 feet, and the
profile will have a 2% landing area adjacent to Bridge Road. The drive to the JFK Middle
School is located in excess of 550 feet away, and the intersection of Juniper Street on the south
side of Bridge road is over 300 feet away. The Northampton Subdivision Regulations, (Section
7.01- 4 -d &e), require subdivision road intersections to be no closer than 150 feet from other
intersections, so this proposed intersection greatly exceeds than minimum requirement
The width of pavement and curb radius provide ample geometry for emergency apparatus to
enter into the project site. The sight distance at Bridge Road from the proposed drive looking to
the west is totally unobstructed to the intersection of Bridge Road and Route 9, (approximately
320 feet). The sight distance looking to the east is well over 800 ft. Bridge Road is relatively
flat with no vertical curves to affect stopping sight distance. As such, the intersection of the
proposed drive with Bridge Road has a totally unobstructed view of oncoming traffic.
It is our understanding the City is proposing alterations to the intersection of Bridge Road and
Route 9 that will involve modifying Bridge Road. Based upon a review of the reconstruction
plan concept, the planned alteration of Bridge Road will not detrimentally affect the sight
distance at the proposed drive.
Summary
The proposed project will generate a very small quantity of traffic which will have an
insignificant impact on the Level of Service or capacity of Bridge Road. The intersection of the
proposed drive at Bridge Road will meet or exceed the City's requirements for a subdivision
road, even though this is a private drive to a private facility. The location of the proposed drive
as it intersects Bridge Road has adequate and safe stopping sight distance. The proposed
intersection will still have those same safe conditions should Bridge Road be reconstructed in
accordance with the City's current plans.
/:ark ire D i Gro p, Inc.
B. Darnold, P.E.
4 Allen Place • Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 • Telephone (413) 582 -7000 • Fax (413) 582 -7005 • E -mail bdg @berkshiredesign.com