Roadway Segment Evaluation and General Plan Consistency Requirements for the City of Murrieta

Roadway Segment General Plan Consistency Requirements

While intersections are typically the primary constraint on vehicle capacity, roadway segments may also require evaluation under certain circumstances. The City of Murrieta may request a roadway segment analysis to ensure that development projects align with the City's transportation goals and maintain acceptable traffic operations.

Consistent with the City's General Plan, the following roadway segment performance requirements should be applied in traffic studies. If a project exceeds the operational thresholds outlined below, appropriate improvements should be recommended to mitigate the impact and maintain roadway functionality.

Roadway Segment Performance Criteria and Required Improvements

1. Degradation of Roadway Segment Performance

   • If a roadway segment currently operates at an acceptable Level of Service (LOS) C or better without project-related traffic but degrades to LOS E or F due to the addition of project traffic, the study must identify improvements to restore segment operations to LOS C or better.

2. Exceptions for Specific Areas

   • In certain designated employment and commercial areas, a LOS D may be deemed acceptable instead of LOS C. These areas include:
     • North Murrieta Business Corridor
     • Clinton Keith/Mitchell Area
     • Golden Triangle North (Central Murrieta)
     • South Murrieta Business Corridor
     • Other City-designated Focus Areas or employment centers
   • If a project is located in these areas and results in roadway segment degradation, improvements should be evaluated based on the unique traffic patterns and development goals of these districts.

3. Projects Impacting Already Deficient Roadway Segments

   • If a roadway segment is already operating below the acceptable LOS threshold (e.g., LOS E or F) in the no project scenario, additional traffic from the project may further impact operations. In these cases, the study should identify improvements if the project contributes more than 5% of the roadway's capacity (equivalent to a 0.05 increase in the volume-to-capacity ratio).
   • Recommended improvements should focus on adding roadway capacity through strategies such as lane widening, intersection enhancements, or alternative traffic management measures.

By adhering to these roadway segment performance standards, the City of Murrieta ensures that new developments maintain roadway efficiency, minimize congestion, and support the City's long-term transportation and mobility goals.

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