HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOME INSTEAD PLAZA - Filed GC-GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE -DELICH ASSOCIATES Traffic& Transportation EngineeringaitimaiN
2272 Glen Haven Drive Loveland, Colorado 80538
Phone: (970) 669-2061 Fax: (970) 669-5034 r
May 12, 2014
Mr. Joe Olson, P.E.
Fort Collins Traffic Engineer
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Ms. Sheri Langenberger, P.E.
Fort Collins Engineering Department
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
Dear Joe/Sheri:
This letter pertains to the short range operation at the Boardwalk/Landings-Post
Office Access intersection as it relates to the Home Instead development. The "Home
Instead Transportation Impact Study,"dated May 2014, indicated that the minor approach
legs currently operate at level of service (LOS) D during the afternoon peak hour and will
operate at LOS E during the afternoon peak hour, under the background traffic condition
and the total traffic condition. According to Section 4.5.3A.3.b Intersection Delay in the
Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS), in the "All other areas" land
use category at unsignalized intersections, the LOS threshold is: Any Leg — LOS C. In
order to mitigate the LOS D/E condition, two options exist: 1)construct a roundabout at the
Landings-Post Office Access intersection; or 2) reclassify Landings Drive from a two-lane
arterial street to a collector street. The first of these mitigation measures is considered to
be an alternate design as mentioned in the variance process outlined in LCUASS. After
discussions with Fort Collins Traffic Operations staff, it was agreed that a variance should
be submitted with regard to the LOS D/E condition.
The alternate design of building a roundabout at the Boardwalk/Landings-Post
Office Access intersection, along with the necessary right-of-way to have it function as
intended, is an expensive project that may be a disproportionate improvement for this
development. It would require property acquisition on all four corners, two of which are
owned by the United States Postal Service. It would likely qualify as having unusual and
exceptional practical difficulty, as well as an exceptional and undue hardship on this
development. If this mitigation measure is pursued, it should be done by the City of Fort
Collins. The roundabout at this intersection would operate acceptably, reduce the delay on
the minor legs (Landings Drive and the Post Office Access), and provide a calming of the
speed on Boardwalk Drive.
Given the forecasted traffic on Landings Drive (<2,500 vehicles per day), changing
the classification to a collector street or connector local may be appropriate. The
forecasted traffic volume does not meet that of the current arterial street classification. It is
1
not clear how the arterial street classification for Landings Drive was determined, but it is
my opinion that it is not appropriate and it is recommended that it be changed. A collector
or connector local street classification would allow the minor street legs at this intersection
to operate at LOS E, which is termed acceptable. Reclassifying Landings Drive from a
two-lane arterial street to a collector or connector local street will require a change to the
City of Fort Collins Master Street Plan. This change request must be proposed/supported
by the City of Fort Collins and requires approval from City Council. It is not known when
the next revision of the City of Fort Collins Master Street Plan will occur. Unless the City of
Fort Collins desires to implement the roundabout mitigation measure at this intersection,
changing the classification of Landings Drive seems to be the most cost effective method
of achieving acceptable operation at this intersection. It is acknowledged that this measure
does nothing to reduce the delay to the minor legs at this intersection.
While the vehicle delay for the approach legs is at LOS D/E in the afternoon peak
hour, it does not cause the City of Fort Collins additional maintenance costs. The delay is
to the travelling public; however there are alternative routes available should the motorists
decide to use them. It is important to note that this LOS D/E condition only occurs during
one peak hour on an average weekday.
In light of the above information, it is respectfully requested that the LOS D/E
condition for minor street approach legs during one peak hour be accepted at the
Boardwalk/Landings-Post Office Access intersection. The variance will not be detrimental
to the public health, welfare and safety; will not reduce the design life of the existing
intersection; and will not cause the City of Fort Collins additional maintenance costs.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely, / ,
Matthew J. f eliirh, P. TOE fl
File: 1359 VAR '_ __