This page outlines potential mitigation measures for addressing project impacts related to geometric design hazards and unsafe queuing from a freeway off-ramp:
Mitigation Measures for Geometric Design Hazards:
-
Traffic Control Devices: Install traffic control devices such as traffic signals, stop signs, or electronic warning devices at site access points to enhance safety.
-
Access Point Redesign: Consider redesigning, reducing, or relocating project access points, including driveways, to improve safety.
-
Internal Circulation Redesign: Modify the internal (on-site) circulation system to enhance safety and traffic flow.
-
Internal Pavement Markings: Install stop signs and pavement markings within the site to highlight potential conflict points, including marking or striping through bike lanes.
-
Access Point Turns: Restrict or prohibit specific turns at site access points to reduce conflicts.
-
Sidewalk and Curb Enhancements: Widen sidewalks and/or add curb extensions to improve pedestrian safety.
-
Sight Line Improvements: Enhance driver and pedestrian sightlines to reduce the risk of collisions.
-
Vehicle/Parking Demand Management: Implement measures to manage vehicle and parking demand, which may include strategies to reduce the number of trips generated by the project.
Mitigation Measures for Unsafe Freeway Off-Ramp Queuing:
-
Transportation Demand Management (TDM): Implement TDM programs to reduce the project's trip generation. TDM strategies can include measures to encourage alternative modes of transportation and reduce the reliance on automobiles.
-
Active Transportation Infrastructure: Invest in active transportation infrastructure, such as bike lanes or pedestrian facilities, or transit system amenities to reduce the project's trip generation.
-
Operational Changes: Consider operational changes to the ramp terminal operations, such as lane reassignment, traffic signalization, signal phasing or timing modifications. This option requires coordination with Caltrans and LADOT for feasibility assessment and approval.
Exemptions from Mitigation:
Mitigation may not be required under specific conditions, including when:
- Freeway exit-ramp queuing already spills back onto the mainline.
- Queuing on the exit ramp already exceeds the length of a freeway auxiliary lane.
- Freeway traffic volumes already cause freeway exit ramp turning lanes to exceed capacity.
Physical Changes to the Ramp:
If deemed necessary and beneficial for safety, a physical change to the freeway exit ramp, such as adding an auxiliary lane or widening the ramp, may be considered. However, this change must demonstrate substantial safety benefits, not induce additional VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled), and not result in other environmental issues. The cost of such changes may require a fair-share contribution from the project applicant if specific requirements are met, including Caltrans defining the improvement cost and opening a Project File/Project Account to accept the financial contribution for the improvement. If required, the applicant would be responsible for paying the project's fair-share of the improvement cost and the fair-share contribution.
These mitigation measures are aimed at addressing safety and operational concerns associated with project impacts, and they may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the project and its potential effects on geometric design hazards and freeway off-ramp queuing.
Please contact us if you need help preparing a transportation assessment report for a development project in the City of Los Angeles LADOT.