2.2 Transportation Projects

Introduction

Transportation projects play a crucial role in shaping urban environments and determining the flow of traffic within cities. With increasing concerns over traffic congestion, air quality, and sustainability, the assessment of transportation projects is essential for making informed decisions. This section provides an extensive overview of how to analyze transportation projects, particularly focusing on the need for a detailed Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis. The following subsections elaborate on the criteria for determining when a detailed VMT analysis is required, the methodologies and tools for conducting such analyses, the significant impact thresholds, and potential mitigation measures to address adverse effects.

2.2.1 Determining Need for Detailed VMT Analysis

The need for a detailed VMT analysis arises primarily when a transportation project is anticipated to increase overall VMT, particularly projects that encourage single-occupant vehicle use. In urban planning, VMT serves as a crucial metric for assessing the impact of transportation projects on the environment and the community. The projects requiring a detailed VMT analysis typically include:

• Addition of Through Lanes: Any proposal that involves adding through lanes on existing or new highways is a significant trigger for a detailed VMT analysis. This includes various types of lanes, such as general purpose lanes, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, peak period lanes, auxiliary lanes, or lanes associated with grade-separated interchanges.

• Exemptions from VMT Analysis: If a transportation project has previously undergone a VMT analysis as part of a broader citywide plan, it may be exempt from additional analysis. This exemption can be granted when the initial VMT analysis comprehensively identifies and quantifies necessary mitigations at the plan level.

Projects Excluded from VMT Analysis Requirements

Certain projects are considered unlikely to result in increased vehicular travel and are therefore exempt from VMT analysis. Examples of such projects include, but are not limited to:

• Rehabilitation and Maintenance Projects: Projects focused on the rehabilitation, maintenance, replacement, safety, and repair of existing transportation assets, as long as they do not increase the capacity for motor vehicles.

• Traffic Control Device Installations: The installation of roadside safety devices such as median barriers and guardrails does not typically require a detailed VMT analysis.

• Reconfiguration of Traffic Lanes: This includes projects that involve the installation, removal, or reconfiguration of traffic lanes that are not intended for through traffic, such as left-turn pockets, right-turn lanes, and two-way left-turn lanes.

• Capacity Addition on Local Streets: The addition of roadway capacity on local or collector streets is exempt as long as the project significantly improves conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users.

• Managed Lanes and Transit Lanes: Conversion of existing general-purpose lanes into managed lanes or transit lanes, as well as modifications to lane management strategies that do not significantly increase vehicle travel.

• Reduction of Through Lanes: Projects that result in a reduction in the number of through lanes, which may help decrease VMT by encouraging alternative modes of transportation.

• Traffic Calming Measures: The installation or reconfiguration of traffic calming devices, such as roundabouts or speed bumps, which aim to enhance safety without increasing vehicle capacity.

• Transit Services Initiation: Starting new transit services, which can help reduce VMT by providing alternatives to single-occupant vehicle travel.

• Parking Modifications: The removal or relocation of off-street or on-street parking spaces and changes to on-street parking or loading restrictions.

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities: The addition of new or enhanced bike or pedestrian facilities, including the establishment of Class I bike paths, trails, and other off-road facilities that promote non-motorized travel.

• Alternative Fuel Infrastructure: The installation of publicly accessible alternative fuel and charging infrastructure to support electric vehicles and other low-emission transportation options.

These exemptions recognize that not all transportation projects will contribute to increased VMT, and certain improvements may even enhance transportation efficiency and safety.

2.2.2 Methodology and Tools

Once a need for a detailed VMT analysis has been established, it is essential to employ systematic methodologies and tools to assess the potential impacts effectively. For projects requiring a detailed VMT analysis, two tiers of evaluation must be conducted: near-term VMT analysis and long-term VMT analysis.

2.2.2.1 Near-Term VMT Analysis

The near-term VMT analysis aims to estimate immediate changes in citywide VMT due to potential rerouted trips resulting from a new or expanded transportation facility. This analysis should be conducted using the Glendale Model, which is a comprehensive modeling tool designed to reflect the specific transportation dynamics of the City of Glendale.

Key Steps for Near-Term Analysis:

1. Modeling Scenarios: The analysis requires running the model under two scenarios: one with the implementation of the transportation project and one without it. This comparative approach allows planners to capture the net changes in VMT attributable to the project.

2. Boundary Method: To accurately capture the total daily VMT across all roads within the city, the boundary method should be employed. This method helps delineate the area of analysis and ensures that all relevant trips are accounted for.

3. Metrics of Analysis: The primary metric for this near-term analysis is the net change in total citywide VMT resulting from the transportation project. This metric is critical for understanding the immediate impacts of the project on the overall transportation network.

2.2.2.2 Induced Demand Analysis

The long-term VMT analysis focuses on estimating potential increases in citywide VMT due to induced demand, which refers to the phenomenon where increased road capacity leads to higher travel demand. It is essential to recognize that additional lanes or highways can encourage more people to drive, resulting in long-term increases in VMT.

Key Steps for Induced Demand Analysis:

1. Induced Demand Formula: To assess long-term effects, an induced demand assessment must be performed using the following recommended formula:

   \text{VMT resulting from the project} = \text{[% increase in lane miles]} \times \text{[baseline VMT]} \times \text{[elasticity]}

   Here, the baseline VMT is estimated using the boundary method on a model run that excludes the proposed transportation project.

2. Elasticity Considerations: Research indicates that an elasticity value of 0.75 may be appropriate for arterial roads within Glendale. This value represents the sensitivity of travel demand to changes in road capacity. Consultation with City staff is recommended before initiating any induced demand analysis to ensure that appropriate parameters are used.

3. Metrics of Analysis: The main metric for long-term VMT analysis is the net increase in total citywide VMT due to the project. Understanding this increase is critical for assessing the long-term sustainability of transportation improvements.

2.2.3 Significant Impact Threshold

In evaluating the potential impacts of transportation projects, it is vital to establish significant impact thresholds. The appropriate metric for assessing transportation projects within the City of Glendale is the total citywide VMT, derived using the boundary method.

Conditions for Significant Impact:

A significant impact will be deemed to occur if any of the following conditions are met:

1. Net Increase in VMT: If a transportation project results in a net increase in total citywide VMT for any study scenario—whether near-term or long-term—this constitutes a significant impact.

2. Comparison to Baseline: The analysis must compare the projected VMT with existing conditions, ensuring that any increase is clearly identified and quantified.

Identifying significant impacts is crucial for implementing appropriate mitigation strategies and maintaining the sustainability of the transportation network.

2.2.4 Mitigation

When a transportation project results in significant VMT impacts, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mandates that mitigation measures be implemented to reduce or alleviate these impacts. Effective mitigation strategies are essential for promoting sustainable transportation practices and reducing reliance on single-occupant vehicle travel.

Potential Mitigation Measures:

Mitigation measures for transportation projects may encompass various strategies aimed at reducing VMT. The following potential measures can be considered:

• Bicycle Network Improvements: Enhancing the existing bicycle infrastructure by adding bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and safe parking facilities can encourage more people to cycle instead of driving.

• Pedestrian Network Improvements: Developing safer and more accessible pedestrian pathways, crosswalks, and sidewalks can promote walking as a viable transportation option.

• Transit Network Improvements: Investing in the expansion and enhancement of public transit services can encourage greater use of buses, trains, and other forms of mass transit, thereby reducing VMT.

• Off-Site Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategies: Implementing off-site TDM strategies can encourage individuals to adopt alternative modes of transportation. These strategies may include carpooling programs, incentives for public transit usage, and flexible work arrangements to reduce peak travel demand.

• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): Employing advanced traffic management technologies, such as real-time traffic monitoring and signal optimization, can improve overall transportation efficiency. ITS strategies can be considered as alternatives to adding additional vehicular through lanes.

The implementation of these mitigation measures can effectively address significant VMT impacts and contribute to a more sustainable transportation environment in Glendale.

2.3 Area Plans

In addition to individual transportation projects, the analysis of area plans—such as specific plans and citywide area plans—is crucial for understanding broader transportation impacts. This section provides information on methodologies and tools for analyzing these area plans.

2.3.1 Methodology and Tools

Area plans must be evaluated using the Glendale Model, which offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the interactions between land use and transportation.

Key Model Runs and Scenarios:

1. Base Year Model: This initial model run estimates existing conditions and establishes a baseline for comparison.

2. Cumulative Model: The cumulative model run estimates horizon year conditions based on the no-project or previous plan scenario, providing insights into potential future conditions without the proposed area plan.

3. Cumulative Model with Proposed Project: An updated cumulative model run reflects the proposed project, allowing planners to estimate horizon year conditions with the planned developments.

Metrics for Assessing Area Plans:

The total VMT per service population (residents and employees) serves as the appropriate metric for evaluating area plans. Calculating total VMT per service population helps assess the overall efficiency and sustainability of the proposed developments.

• General Plans: In the context of a general plan, total VMT per service population includes all trips originating and/or ending within the city limits.

• Specific Plans: For specific plans, the calculation includes all trips originating and/or ending within the defined plan area.

2.3.2 Significant Impact Thresholds

To determine whether an area plan will result in significant impacts, the following conditions must be evaluated:

1. Exceeding Existing Conditions: A significant impact occurs if the plan generates total VMT per service population in the horizon year that exceeds the total VMT per service population under existing conditions.

2. Exceeding No-Project Scenario: A significant impact is also identified if the plan generates total VMT per service population in the horizon year that exceeds the total VMT per service population under the horizon year no-project or previous plan scenario.

Establishing these thresholds is essential for understanding the potential impacts of area plans on the transportation network and ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to mitigate adverse effects.

2.3.3 Mitigation

If an area plan is found to result in significant impacts, CEQA requires the implementation of mitigation measures to address these impacts. Potential mitigation strategies for area plans may include:

• Increasing Density and Mix of Land Uses: Promoting higher density and diverse land uses can reduce the need for vehicular travel and encourage walking, biking, and public transit use.

• Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Network Improvements: Prioritizing investments in non-automobile facilities enhances accessibility and promotes alternative modes of transportation.

• Reducing Parking Supply: Implementing policies that limit parking availability can encourage individuals to seek alternative transportation options.

• Worker Commute Reduction Programs: Establishing programs aimed at reducing commuting impacts, such as telecommuting options and flexible work schedules, can help decrease peak travel demand.

• On-Site TDM Strategies: Requiring individual projects under the area plan to implement on-site TDM strategies can further support reductions in VMT.

Comprehensive mitigation measures tailored to the specific context of the area plan are crucial for fostering sustainable transportation outcomes.

2.4 Other CEQA Analyses

Beyond VMT analysis, a complete assessment of a project’s potential effects on the transportation network under CEQA must also consider other relevant factors. This section outlines additional analyses that must be conducted to capture the full range of impacts.

2.4.1 Impacts to Public Transit, Bicycles, and Pedestrians

A proposed project will result in a significant impact if it conflicts with existing or proposed public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or if it diminishes the performance or safety of these facilities. The following assessments are crucial for evaluating potential impacts:

• Transit Impacts: Analyze potential operational impacts on transit routes and facilities resulting from increased vehicular conflicts or traffic volumes. Additionally, assess the safety and accessibility of all existing and planned transit stops or stations adjacent to the project site or within a quarter-mile radius.

• Bicyclist Impacts: Examine potential impacts on bicyclist safety and accessibility for all existing and planned bikeways and bicycle facilities in proximity to the project site. This includes ensuring connections to transit stops or stations.

• Pedestrian Impacts: Evaluate potential impacts on pedestrian safety and accessibility for sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian facilities adjacent to the project site or within a quarter-mile radius, especially regarding access to transit.

Additional Safety-Related Impact Criteria:

A proposed project will result in a significant impact if it substantially increases hazards due to design features (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible land uses (e.g., proximity to heavy agricultural equipment).

• Inadequate Emergency Access: A significant impact also occurs if the project leads to inadequate emergency access, compromising public safety.

 

As urban areas continue to grow and evolve, the need for thorough transportation project analyses becomes increasingly critical. The considerations outlined in this section—ranging from the necessity for detailed VMT analyses to the methodologies employed and the mitigation measures available—underscore the importance of making informed decisions that prioritize sustainability and public welfare. By implementing these frameworks, city planners can foster transportation systems that enhance mobility while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and community well-being.

 

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