Agenda - 02-21-2012 - 9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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NC 54/ I-40 CORRIDOR STUDY TRANSPORTATION-LAND USE MASTER PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Conclusion The analysis of growth and transportation indicates express routes are planned to meet the corridors growing that substantial capacity improvements will be needed needs in the interim to light rail, and these services will by 2035 with or without new development anticipated complement the rail system when it is built. to occur in the corridor. The 1-40 interchange at NC 54 A network of non-motorized transportation facilities, is fast approaching its capacity, and the proximity of along with signage/markings for shared on-road use the Farrington Road intersection creates operational where appropriate,is needed to create a more accessible challenges that affect much of the corridor. Heavy corridor and study area.This addresses travel along the through traffic volumes projected along the corridor NC 54 corridor by bicyclists and pedestrians, as well require intersection modifications that will help reduce as crossing the corridor safely and efficiently. Elsewhere delay. While the planned light rail transit system will in the study area, the network provides additional help when it becomes operational sometime around connections between residential areas, commercial 2025, it will not eliminate congestion. Rather, the light destinations and regional facilities,such as the American rail network provides a sound basis to guide future Tobacco Trail. growth into the planned station areas as part of a nodal development strategy that will help reduce trip lengths, Establishing benchmarks and targets is an effective way lower vehicle miles traveled per capita, and provide for to measure progress toward plan implementation. The more location-efficient housing choices to increase the NC 54/I-40 Corridor Study is a multi-year, multi-phase financial flexibility of those residents. master plan aimed at improving overall mobility and accessibility,consistent with plans to create development While the recommended land use plan increases growth focal points as places that become multipurpose in the corridor beyond the levels assumed for the destinations. Given the concerns of some residents and adopted Long Range Transportation Plan, most of that many stakeholders about traffic conditions and future additional growth is expected to occur in Orange County development plans, it makes sense to take an approach because the LRTP assumptions appear low relative to in partnership with NCDOT and the local governments development potential and future plans. that addresses various aspects of this report to track progress toward achieving outcomes of this planning The recommended phasing plan for the transportation effort, not merely the programming and construction of network creates better mobility for the next 25 years capital projects. through a series of improvements to enhance local street connectivity for alternate routes, relieve bottlenecks The recommended approach is for the MPO to prepare at key interchanges and intersections through grade a biannual monitoring report every two years to separation, and increase operational efficiency through document progress toward achieving the mobility goals "superstreet" intersection treatments. outlined in this study. This monitoring report would document transportation system conditions over time As indicated,due to traffic impacts,much of the potential using the performance measures defined through this future growth will need to wait until the light rail system study and expanded to address specific implementation is operational and can help moderate auto travel activities and accomplishments on the part of each study demand. However, the plan calls for expanded park- partner or jurisdiction. The report would fit within the and-ride opportunities north and east of the NC 54/ MPO's established Congestion Management Process, 1-40 interchange to serve regional commuters, satellite and should document actions from a land development, parking for nearby employment centers,and future light transportation and urban design framework to implement rail transit station by capturing a reasonable share of the recommendations for improved livability, mobility, single occupancy vehicles before they enter the corridor. safety and access. Expanded local bus, Bus Rapid Transit, and commuter DECEMBER 2011 E-7