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APPENDIX A <br />LEVEL OF SERVICE AND CAPACITY ANALYSIS <br />A good indication of the adequacy of the existing major <br />street system is a comparison of the traffic volumes with the <br />ability of the streets to move traffic freely at a desirable <br />speed. The ability of a street to move traffic freely, <br />safely, and efficiently with a minimum of delay is controlled <br />principally by the spacing of major intersections, the width <br />of the pavement, and the traffic control devices utilized. <br />Thus, the ability of a street to move traffic can be <br />increased by restricting parking and turning movements, using <br />proper sign and signal devices, and by the application of <br />other traffic engineering techniques. <br />Capacity is defined as the maximum number of vehicles <br />which has a reasonable expectation of passing over a given <br />section of a roadway in one direction, or in both directions, <br />during a given time period under prevailing roadway and <br />traffic conditions. The relationship of traffic volumes to <br />the capacity of the roadway will determine the level of <br />service being provided. Six levels of service has been <br />selected to identify the conditions existing under various <br />speed and volume conditions on and highway or street. The <br />six levels of service are: <br />1. Level of Service A - A condition of free flow with <br />low traffic volumes and high speeds. Traffic <br />density is low, with speeds controlled by driver <br />desires, speed limits, and physical roadway <br />conditions.- There is little or no restriction in <br />maneuverability due to the presence of other <br />vehicles, and drivers can maintain their desired <br />speeds with little or no delay. <br />2. Level of Service B - A zone of stable flow, with <br />operating speeds beginning to be restricted <br />somewhat by traffic conditions. Drivers still have <br />reasonable freedom to select their speed and lane <br />of operation. Reductions in speed are not <br />unreasonable, with a low probability of traffic <br />flow being restricted. <br />3. Level of Service C - A zone of stable flow, but <br />speeds and maneuverability are more closely <br />controlled by higher volumes. Most of the drivers <br />are restricted in their freedom to select their own <br />speed, change lanes, or pass. A relatively <br />satisfactory operating speed is still obtained with <br />service volumes perhaps suitable for current design <br />practice. <br />55 <br />