Figure 35: Snapshot of Traffic on Avenue H and 31st

Transportation Supply Gaps Analysis

The City of Temple is situated along the major north-south Interstate Highway (IH) 35 that runs through Texas connecting several major cities within the state. The interstate and interchanges in the City of Temple continue to be improved to add capacity and accommodate not only through traffic, but also local traffic and freight travel. H. K. Dodgen Loop provides a bypass loop around the City connecting several of its major corridors, such as SH 190, Airport Road, Industrial Parkway, SH 317, Adams Ave, Avenue H, 31st Street, 3rd Street, 1st Street, Central Avenue. Typically, travelers will encounter the most traffic on these facilities in the City and during the peak travel periods. However, there are several areas of concern highlighted in this section that will be built upon as the development of the plan continues. A description of these known traffic concerns in the City of Temple are presented in the following sections:

• Intersection of Avenue H and 31st Street • West Temple Commuters - Congestion along FM 2305 • Underdeveloped roads • Congestion along 31st Street • Downtown Temple One-Ways • Potential Under Utilized Roadway Capacity

Intersection of Avenue H and 31st Street

The intersection of Avenue H and 31st Street is a signal-controlled intersection situation just west of downtown that experiences heavy travel activity during peak AM and PM periods causing periodic congestion and delay, as well as safety concerns. Avenue H is an east-west facility separated by a tree lined median with two travel lanes in each direction and protected left turn lanes. 31st Street is a fourlane undivided north-south corridor with protected left turn lanes at the intersection. The project team preformed a desktop analysis as well as a field visit to the intersection to learn more about the characteristics that may be impacting traffic and safety. The team found the following concerns:

Congestion and Delay – Figure 35 provides a snapshot of a typical Monday afternoon commute. As displayed in the screenshot traffic appears to back up along Avenue H in both directions as well as northbound traffic on 31st Street.

Geometry of the Intersection – The intersection is an atypical uniquely situation with possible confusion for motorist turning off 31st Street onto Avenue H. Protected left turns on Avenue H are separated from the two travel lanes by pedestrian island that can appear to be the travel lane turning traffic are intended to follow. This has potential for wrong way driving as well as rear end/angle crashes. Figure 36 provides a closer look at the configuration. Figure 35: Snapshot of Traffic on Avenue H and 31st

Source: Google Maps