Introduction
The City of Moreno Valley’s Transportation Engineering Division (TED) requires a thorough evaluation of traffic and circulation impacts for proposed development projects, General Plan Amendments, and Specific Plans. This evaluation is conducted through a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), which must adhere to the City's Transportation Engineering Division guidelines. The TIA serves as a crucial tool in assessing the transportation-related effects of a project, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and identifying necessary mitigations to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow.
To ensure the accuracy and credibility of the TIA, the study must be prepared, signed, and sealed by a qualified professional. Specifically, a Traffic Engineer or a Civil Engineer registered in the State of California and authorized to practice traffic engineering must conduct the analysis. This requirement guarantees that the study meets professional standards and provides reliable data for decision-making.
The adoption of Senate Bill (SB) 743 has introduced additional requirements for traffic impact analyses. Traditionally, traffic studies focused on Level of Service (LOS) analysis, which measures congestion and roadway efficiency based on vehicle delay at intersections and along road segments. However, with SB 743, the TIA must now also incorporate an assessment of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), which evaluates the overall distance traveled by vehicles as a result of a project. This shift aligns with California’s broader environmental goals by prioritizing sustainable transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Given these regulatory requirements, the TIA must include both LOS analysis to maintain compliance with the City’s General Plan and VMT analysis to meet CEQA standards. The study should evaluate the project's potential effects on existing and planned transportation networks, including impacts on roadway capacity, intersection performance, pedestrian and bicycle access, and public transit services. Additionally, the TIA should propose mitigation measures where necessary to address adverse traffic conditions and ensure the project does not negatively impact overall mobility and safety.
This Traffic Impact Analysis Preparation Guide (Guide) outlines the required methodology, structure, and content for preparing a TIA. It provides detailed instructions on data collection, analysis techniques, impact assessment, and mitigation strategies. While these guidelines establish a standardized approach for conducting traffic studies, the City of Moreno Valley retains the discretion to modify the specific requirements based on the unique characteristics of each project. Factors such as project size, location, surrounding infrastructure, and anticipated growth patterns may influence the scope and depth of the required analysis.
Overall, the goal of the TIA process is to ensure that development projects contribute to a well-functioning transportation system. By identifying and addressing traffic impacts early in the planning process, the City can support sustainable growth while preserving mobility, safety, and environmental quality for all road users.
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