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Methodology: <br />The TRM (Triangle Regional Model) <br />DCHC -MPO staff used the TRM in performing their <br />analysis. The TRM is a computer model built on SE <br />(socio- economic) data for the communities within the <br />DCHC -MPO and CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan <br />Planning Organization). The model is most useful in <br />analyzing regional impacts of large scale transportation <br />and land use changes. Data is entered based on TAZs <br />(Traffic Analysis Zones). TAZs are special areas <br />delineated by state and/or local transportation officials <br />for tabulating traffic- related data- especially journey -to- <br />work and place -of -work statistics. A TAZ usually <br />consists of one or more census blocks, block groups, or <br />census tracts. <br />TRM Weaknesses <br />There are only 14 TAZs covering Hillsborough and the <br />immediate vicinity (see map on page 3 of the DCHC- <br />MPO report). This limits the effectiveness of using the <br />TRM to analyze fine grain changes to the Hillsborough <br />transportation network. For example, TAZ 1896 <br />Brady Alternatives <br />September 20, 2010 <br />Page 2 of 6 <br />What is SE Data and How Is It Used <br />in the TRM? <br />SE (socio- economic) data includes <br />the number of dwellings, number of <br />residents, and number of jobs by <br />type within each TAZ. The number <br />of residents is extrapolated from the <br />number of dwellings. Each <br />jurisdiction within the MVO tracks <br />this data within their jurisdiction and <br />updates it with each plan update or <br />more often depending on local <br />preferences. Using the SE data and <br />actual traffic counts, the model <br />projects traffic on various routes to <br />estimate traffic flows and possible <br />congestion. The model is checked <br />against reality and equations <br />assigning traffic are adjusted until <br />the model can closely predict future <br />conditions. <br />includes the area bounded by South Churton Street, 1-85,140 and NC 86 South. This one TAZ <br />includes all of the Waterstone, Hampton Pointe and Old Mill Business Park developments. This <br />creates problems in predicting traffic flows to and from this TAZ because the route chosen <br />depends on where within the TAZ you are going. Travel within a TAZ cannot be analyzed using <br />the TRM. <br />Project Analysis <br />In November of 2009, Planning Department staff suggested 11 substitute projects be studied to <br />determine if any one or more in combination would effectively reduce congestion on Churton <br />Street in downtown Hillsborough. The projects that were able to be analyzed in the TRM are <br />listed below with the alternative number that matches the DCHC -MPO report: <br />1. Update the Feasibility Study for the widening of South Churton Street (TIP project R- <br />2825) to include an assessment of the recommendations in the Town's adopted Churton <br />Street Corridor Strategic Plan and the potential impacts of the Waterstone development. <br />4. Conduct a Feasibility Study for the construction of Orange Grove Road extension to <br />US 70 Business (US 70 -A East). <br />w <br />