Physical Context
Multi-modal Level of Service Analysis METHODOLOGY
Introduction The intersections analysed for the proposed condition is similar to the existing condition. Understanding that the major difference between the existing and proposed is the driving lane width. Lane designation and proposed alterations have been assumed to be negligible for modeling purposes.
Methodology The current state of practice for multi-modal analysis includes a variety of methods and approaches to conduct the integrated operational assessment. The more widely accepted approaches have been developed by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program 616 program (NCHRP) and the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM).
The HCM model was developed with the technical guidance from the NCHRP studies; however the published multi-modal analysis methodology had the following limitations: 1. Presence or lack of on-street parking; 2. Driveway density or access control; 3. Lane additions leading up to or lane drops leading away from intersections; 4. The effects of grades between intersections; 5. Any capacity constraints between intersections (such as a narrow bridge); 6. Mid-block medians and two-way left-turn lanes; 7. Turning movements that exceed 20 percent of the total volume on the street; 8. Queues at one intersection backing up to and interfering with the operation of an upstream intersection; and 9. Cross-street congestion blocking through traffic.
The NCHRP have conducted video observation studies in a variety of locations (in United States) to develop statically accurate models to understand the integrated measures of effectiveness for the four modes. It should be noted that both methods only determine LOS based on perceived separation. The current practice for an integrated evaluation for the four modes does not consider the volume of people biking or walking as part of the LOS calculation. Results from the multi-modal evaluation produce a “score” versus the traditional seconds of delay that corresponds to a letter grade. While the multi-modal field is an ever evolving practice, for purposes of the 61 Avenue evaluations, the NCHRP 616 methodology was adopted to determine measures of effectives for the study corridor. The analysis was divided in two directions: • Eastbound 61 Avenue • Westbound 61 Avenue By separating the analysis into the various directional flows, the results provided operational results for people cycling and walking on the corridor (segment) and the approach (intersection). The NCHRP methodology provided results for each segment and intersection for the study boundary.
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61 Avenue SW - Preliminary Design Report