Appendix M. Traffic Impact Analysis Report

Transcription

1 Appendix M Traffic Impact Analysis Report

2 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Impact Analysis Report August 5, 213

3 Contents Executive Summary Introduction Existing Conditions Accident / Safety Analysis Existing Plus Project Construction Phase Conditions Project Operation Phase Plus Cumulative Conditions List of Exhibits Exhibit 1: Regional Map Exhibit 2: Project Location Map Exhibit 3: Existing Intersection Geometry Exhibit 4: Existing Weekday (Mon.-Thur.) Peak Hour Volumes Exhibit 5: Existing Friday Peak Hour Volumes Exhibit 6: Project Construction Phase: Project Trip Distribution Exhibit 7: Project Operations Phase: Project Trip Distribution Exhibit 8: Project Construction Phase: Peak Hour Trip Assignment Exhibit 9: Project Operations Phase: Peak Hour Trip Assignment Exhibit 1: Project Construction and Operations Phase Intersection Geometry Exhibit 11: Private Access Road / SR 41 Intersection Improvements Exhibit 12: Project Site Plan and Access Roads Exhibit 13: On-Site Access Road Configuration Exhibit 14: Existing Plus Project Construction Phase: Weekday (Mon.-Thur.) Peak Hour Volumes Exhibit 15: Existing Plus Project Construction Phase: Friday Peak Hour Volumes Exhibit 16: SR 46 Existing and Future Roadway Widening Projects Exhibit 17: Proposed Project Driveway Alignment

4 List of Tables Table 1: HCM Level of Service (LOS) Criteria for Unsignalized Intersections Table 2: Table 3: Table 4: Table 5: HCM Level of Service (LOS) Criteria for Roadway Segments Existing Roadway Level of Service Analysis Existing Intersection Level of Service Analysis Current Accident Totals and Rates Table 6a: Project Construction Trip Generation Rates: 12 Month Construction Schedule Table 6b: Project Construction Trip Generation Rates: 18 Month Construction Schedule Table 6c: Project Operations Phase Trip Generation Rates Table 7: Table 8: Table 9: Project Construction and Operations Phase Trip Distribution Existing Plus Project Construction Phase Roadway Segment Level of Service Existing Plus Project Construction Phase Intersection Level of Service (Weekday Peak Hours) Table 1: Existing Plus Project Construction Phase Intersection Level of Service (Friday Peak Hours) Appendix Appendix A: Intersection Manual Count Sheets Appendix B: Appendix C: Appendix D: Intersection Level of Service Calculations: Existing Weekday and Friday Conditions Intersection Level of Service Calculations: Existing Weekday and Friday Plus Project Construction Phase Conditions Project Construction Phase Delivery, Construction, Excavation, and Materials Hauling Trip Detail Based Upon 12 Month Construction Schedule

5 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Executive Summary This report presents the results of the traffic impact analysis (TIA) for the proposed California Flats Solar Project located in the unincorporated area of southern Monterey County, California. The proposed project consists of the construction and operations of an approximately 28 Mega-Watt (MW) solar Project. Project construction is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 214 and continue over a 12 to 18 month timeline with construction activity occurring during the week from Monday through Friday. The impacts of the proposed Project to the surrounding transportation system were evaluated following the guidelines of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The operations at the three study intersections and seven roadway segments were evaluated with level of service calculations for Existing and Existing + Project Construction Phase. Project Study Area This analysis included the following three study intersections and roadway segments: Study Intersections: 1. SR 41 / Private Access Road (Project Driveway) 2. SR 41 / SR Cholame Valley Road / SR 41 / 46 Roadway Segments: 1. SR 41 between SR 46 / Private Access Road 2. SR 41 between Private Access Road / SR SR 46 between SR 41 / SR SR 46 between SR 41 / West Centre Street 5. SR 46 between West Centre Street / Estrella Road 6. SR 46 between Estrella Road / Branch Road 7. SR 46 between Branch Road / U.S. Highway 11 Development Scenarios The study analyzed traffic conditions under the following development scenarios: Existing Weekday (Monday through Thursday) Traffic Conditions Existing Friday Traffic Conditions Existing Weekday Plus Project Construction Phase Conditions Existing Friday Plus Project Construction Phase Conditions August 5, 213 Page

6 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Project Trip Estimates The California Flats Solar Project is estimated to generated 1 new AM and 1 new PM peakhour trips and 28 daily trips during the Project s long term operations and maintenance phase. The Project Construction Phase is estimated to generate 88 new trips during both the AM and PM peak-hour trips and 263 daily trips. Project Operations Phase traffic will be less compared to the Project Construction Phase. Potential Operations Phase Project impacts will also be significantly less. Impacts due to the Project Construction Phase will be temporary and occur only during the duration of Project construction. Applicant Proposed Project Measures to Alleviate Potential Traffic Impacts The Project will implement traffic management measures that will alleviate potential impacts of construction traffic on the surrounding transportation network. These measures include the following: The implementation of a Shuttle program that will transport 95% of the total construction workforce to/from the Project site each day. Participation in the shuttle program will be a mandatory condition of employment. The Project will implement a permit system to restrict on-site vehicle access and parking to only allow specific vehicles to access the Project site. Turn lane and acceleration/deceleration lane improvements on SR 41 at the Project access driveway intersection. The Project may take advantage of the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments rideshare program to assist in matching employees for carpools The majority of deliveries to the Project site will be scheduled to occur during off-peak hours. Intersection and Roadway Segment Impacts Existing Plus Project Construction Phase Conditions For Existing Plus Project Construction Phase conditions the roadway segment of SR 46 from West Centre Street to Branch road will operate at an unacceptable LOS E. This roadway segment is currently under construction and will be expanded from two lanes to four lanes from West Centre Street to Branch Road. After completion of construction this segment will operate at an acceptable LOS A. The intersection of SR 41 / SR 46 will operate at an overall LOS A however the southbound left will operate at an unacceptable LOS F during Friday PM peak hour conditions. This is a significant impact. August 5, 213 Page

7 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Existing Plus Project Operations Phase Conditions The intersection of SR 41 / SR 46 will operate at an overall LOS A, however the southbound left will continue to operate at an unacceptable LOS F during the Friday PM peak hour conditions under Existing Plus Project Operations Phase. The Project Operations Phase will add three trips to this movement during the Friday PM peak hour and would be imperceptible. Cumulative + Project Operations Phase Conditions The proposed California Flats Solar Project will consist of 8 to 1 permanent employees during the Project Operations Phase that will gain access to/from the Project site via personal vehicles. The addition of the Project Operation Phase traffic will be insignificant. The project will add 28 daily trips (1 in the AM peak hour and 1 in the PM peak hour) to the roadway network. The permanent employees are not projected to have significant LOS and/or delay impacts to the adjacent roadway. Therefore, Project Operation Phase conditions are projected to be similar to Existing conditions with project impacts less critical than under Project Construction Phase conditions. Thus, a quantitative Project Operations Phase conditions analysis is not warranted. In addition, Caltrans has approved and funded and is widening additional sections of SR 46. In addition, Caltrans expects that additional funding will be available to construct the Whitley 2B, the Cholame, the SR 41 / SR 46 interchange (the Wye) and Antelope Grade in 218. Access to the Ranch and the project will be relocated The project traffic will not impact the proposed future improvements to the SR 46, SR 41 and the SR 41/SR 46 interchange. August 5, 213 Page

8 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report 1. Introduction The following traffic impact analysis has been prepared to determine the potential impacts to the local transportation network due to truck and employee traffic related to the construction and operation of the proposed California Flats Solar Project in Monterey County, California. Once constructed, the project will generate a minimal amount of traffic related to operations and maintenance, therefore, the focus of this analysis is on the potential transportation impacts related to construction. A qualitative evaluation is provided for Project Operations traffic. This report includes the following sections: Project Description Existing Conditions Analysis Approach and Methodology Significance Criteria Analysis of Existing Conditions Trip Generation / Distribution / Assignment Project Access On-Site Circulation Analysis of Existing Plus Construction Phase Conditions Significance of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Evaluation of Project Operations Conditions 1.1 Project Description The proposed project site is located north of SR 41 and SR 46, and approximately 14 miles northeast of the community of Shandon. Exhibit 1 presents the regional project location and Exhibit 2 presents the project location with respect to the surrounding transportation system. The California Flats Solar Project consists of a 28 Megawatt ( MW ) alternating current (AC) photovoltaic ( PV ) solar project. The Project is located on an approximately 2,675-acre site in southeastern Monterey County, California, near the borders of Monterey County, San Luis Obispo County, Kings County, and Fresno County. The proposed project will include solar arrays, related structures, electrical equipment and infrastructure improvements, including two sub-stations and switching station that will provide an interconnect to the Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) owned Morro Bay Gates 23 (kv) transmission line, which currently transects the project site, and an operations and maintenance (O&M) facility. Project improvements will be located on approximately 1,9 acres of the site. Primary access to the Project site will be provided from an existing private driveway off of California State Route (SR) 41, and emergency access also will be available from Turkey Flat Road. A complete description of the proposed project is provided in the California Flats Solar Project, Project Description, Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc. (July 212). August 5, 213 Page

9 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report The phrase Project Construction Phase used in this report refers to the construction of the California Flats Solar Project. Project Operations Phase refers to the long-term maintenance and operations phase of the project. August 5, 213 Page

10 Santa Clara San Jose Cupertino Campbell S a n t a C l a r a S t a n i s l a u s 99 Merced M a r i p o s a Morgan Hill S a n t a C r u z Gilroy Santa 1 Watsonville Cruz 152 M e r c e d 33 Madera M a d e r a Clovis Seaside 68 Salinas 11 S a n B e n i t o F r e s n o Fresno Hanford M o n t e r e y K i n g s Parkfield 41 P a c i f i c O c e a n K e r n 46 5/2/212 JN M:\MDATA\61865\GIS\MXD\TIA_Ex1_RegionalMap.mxd LS Project Location 1 San Luis Obispo Santa Maria S a n L u i s O b i s p o Orcutt 1 S a n t a B a r b a r a Miles CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Regional Map Source: ESRI Streetmap 5/2/212 Exhibit 1

11 Parkfield To I-5 Cholame Valley Rd. Project Site Existing Private Access Road (Project Access) Paso Robles 46 Shandon Bitterwater Rd. Lost Hills 33 5/2/212 M:\MDATA\61865\GIS\MXD\Templates\Cal_Flats_8.5x11_L.mxd 1 11 Atascadero ! Not to Scale Source: RBF Consulting CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Project Location Map 5/11/212 Exhibit 2

12 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Currently, the project site consists of cattle ranch grazing land accessible from Turkey Flat Road and SR 41. Regional access from SR 41/46 is established via Cholame Valley Road to Turkey Flat Road. The existing access gates are being used by the ranch for cattle ranching operations. There are currently 1 to 2 daily trips going to and from the land that are associated with typical ranch operations and are not expected to change. To determine potential significant impacts related to the proposed project, the following existing intersections and roadway segments were selected for analysis based on the Project s potential impacts, local area knowledge, and project vicinity. All intersections were analyzed under current weekday (Monday through Thursday), and Friday, AM and PM peak hour traffic conditions. Roadway segments were analyzed based upon average daily traffic (ADT) on each of the study segments. This analysis included the following three study intersections and roadway segments: Study Intersections: 1. SR 41 & Private Access Road (Project Driveway) 2. SR 41 / SR Cholame Valley Road / SR 41/46 Roadway Segments: 1. SR 41 between SR 46 / Private Access Road 2. SR 41 between Private Access Road / SR SR 46 between SR 41 / SR SR 46 between SR 41 / West Centre Street 5. SR 46 between West Centre Street / Estrella Road 6. SR 46 between Estrella Road / Branch Road 7. SR 46 between Branch Road / U.S. Highway Study Scenarios The following scenarios were evaluated to provide for a baseline for determining Project related impacts: Existing Weekday (Monday Thursday) Traffic Conditions: Existing Weekday Conditions represents existing weekday or Monday through Thursday peak-hour traffic volumes on the existing roadway network. Existing traffic volumes were obtained from manual peak hour traffic counts at the study intersections. Exiting Friday Traffic Conditions: Existing Friday Conditions represents the existing Friday peak hour traffic volumes on the existing roadway network. Friday peak hour traffic volumes were obtained from recent transportation and circulation studies completed within the project vicinity. August 5, 213 Page

13 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Existing Weekday (Monday Thursday) Plus Project Construction Phase Conditions: Existing Weekday Plus Project Construction Phase conditions represents the existing weekday peak hour traffic plus trips associated with the construction of the proposed California Flats Solar Project. Existing Friday Plus Project Construction Phase Conditions: Existing Friday Plus Project Construction Phase conditions represents the existing Friday peak hour traffic plus trips associated with the construction of the proposed California Flats Solar Project. Cumulative Plus Project Operations Phase Conditions: Qualitative analysis of Project Operations Phase Plus Existing Conditions was conducted that evaluates the proposed project operation phase traffic plus Existing Conditions traffic volumes. Project Operations Phase Conditions represents the project s long term operations phase. Due to the very limited traffic associated with the Operations Phase of the project (28 ADT), a quantitative Project Operations Phase conditions analysis is not warranted. 1.3 Trip Generation Trip generation for Project Construction Phase and Project Operations Phase was developed using information provided by the project applicant. 1.4 Traffic Operations Methodologies The methodologies outlined in the 2 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) were used to perform the operational analysis and provide quantitative levels of services (LOS). The Synchro 7. software program was used to evaluate intersection level of service operations. These methodologies are consistent with Caltrans standards for traffic analysis. Unsignalized Intersections Intersection traffic flow operations are evaluated using a level of service (LOS) concept. Intersections are rated based on a grading scale of LOS A through LOS F with LOS A representing free flowing conditions and LOS F representing oversaturated conditions where traffic flows exceed design capacity, resulting in long queues and delays. For one and two-way stop controlled intersections, the operating efficiency of vehicle movements that must yield to through movements are analyzed. The level of service of vehicle movements on the controlled approaches is based on the distribution of gaps in the major street traffic stream and on driver judgment in selecting gaps. Table 1 shows the relationship between vehicle delay and level of service for two-way stop controlled intersections. The 2 HCM calculations the level of service of the minor street approaches. Using this data, an overall intersection level of service was calculated. Both are reported in this study because traffic on the minor street approaches has the lowest priority of right-of-way at the intersection and is the most critical in terms of delay. Generally, an LOS operation on the side street approach is the threshold that warrants improvements. August 5, 213 Page

14 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Table 1: HCM Level of Service (LOS) Criteria for Unsignalized Intersections Level of Service Description Control Delay (Sec/Vehicle) A B Intersections operating at LOS A contain no congestion. The intersection operates with very little delay, from to 1 seconds per vehicle. Intersections operating at LOS B contain very little congestion. The intersection operates with minimal delay, from 1 to 15 seconds per vehicle. C Intersections operating at LOS C contain little congestion. The intersection operates with some delay, from 15 to 25 seconds per vehicle. D Intersections operating at LOS D contain some congestion. The intersection operates with longer delays, from 25 to 35 seconds per vehicle. E Intersections operating at LOS E border on being congested. The intersection operates with delays from 35 to 5 seconds per vehicle. F Intersections operating at LOS F contain congestion. The intersection operates with delays over 5 seconds. 1 >1 15 >15 25 >25 35 >35 5 >5 Source: Highway Capacity Manual, (2), Chapter 17, Unsignalized Intersections, p and p Roadway Segments Levels of Service were calculated for the study roadway segments using methods documented in the HCM 2. The average daily traffic (ADT) roadway segment LOS thresholds based on HCM 2 methodologies are shown in Table 2 below: Table 2: Level of Service (LOS) Criteria for Roadway Segments Functional Roadway Classification Type Maximum Two-Way Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Volume-Carrying Capacity for each LOS Designation LOS A LOS B LOS C LOS D LOS E 2-Lane Rural Highway 2,4 4,8 7,9 13,5 22,9 4-Lane Expressway 24, 28, 32, 36, 4, Source: Highway Capacity Manual, (2) August 5, 213 Page

15 1.5 Regulatory Setting & Level of Service (LOS) Standards California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Caltrans has jurisdiction of all state maintained facilities including SR 41 and SR 46. Caltrans strives to maintain operations at the LOS C/D threshold on all of its facilities. LOS C is acceptable in all cases and LOS D is acceptable on a case-by-case basis. Any modifications to facilities within the Caltrans right-of-way must be approved by the State. The Transportation Concept Report (TCR) for SR 46 states that LOS C is considered acceptable for the segment of SR 46 from Branch Road to the San Luis Obispo/Kern County Line. 1.6 Significance Criteria All study area intersections and roadway segments are state highway facilities and are under the jurisdiction of Caltrans. The standards of significance criteria apply to project traffic being added to roadways operating at an LOS that does not meet the required standard of the applicable agency. The following the significance standard for Caltrans: The Caltrans Guide for the Preparation of Traffic Impact Studies (Caltrans 22) defines significant impacts to occur when: 1. The addition of project traffic causes roadway operations to degrade from an acceptable level (LOS C or better) to an unacceptable (LOS D or worse) level, or 2. Project traffic is added to a roadway operating at an unacceptable level (LOS D or worse). August 5, 213 Page

16 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report 2. Existing Conditions This chapter presents a description of the existing roadway network, traffic volumes, intersection and roadway segment operations analysis, and an overview of traffic flow within the study area. 2.1 Existing Roadway Network Regional north-south freeway access is provided via Interstate 5 (I-5) located to the east of the site and via US 11 located to the west of the site in the City of Paso Robles. East-west access is provided via SR 46 and SR 41. SR 46 is a major east-west facility that extends from SR 1 through Paso Robles and continues east to I-5 and the Central Valley. In the immediate vicinity of the site, SR 46 contains one lane in each direction. SR 41 is another east-west / north-south facility that also extends from SR 1 to the west and extends northeast towards the I-5, the Central Valley and the Sierras. SR 41 intersects SR 46 immediately east of the Cholame Valley Road/SR 46 intersection. Cholame Valley Road is a two-lane north-south County Road located within Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties that extends north from the intersection of SR 41/46. Cholame Road consists of no shoulders and traverses rolling terrain with moderate grades and sections of sharp turns. Turkey Flat Road is a two-lane east-west rural road that extends for approximately four miles between Cholame Valley Road and a gated entry at the western border of the project site. Turkey Flat Road varies in width between 14 and 24 feet and consists of windy curves and undulating grades throughout. State Route 41 (SR 41) is a north-south state highway that provides a regional connection between Atascadero in the south to King and Fresno counties in the northeast. SR 41 is designated as a state STAA truck route. State Route 46 (SR 46) is a major east-west state highway that provides a critical connection between the Central Coast region (SR 1, US 11) and the Central Valley and Southern California region via Interstate 5 and SR 99. Regionally, SR 46 begins near Cambria in San Luis Obispo County and connects with Interstate 5 at Lost Hills in Kern County. SR 46 is designated as a state STAA Truck Route and carries interregional and regional traffic as well as local rural and urban traffic. SR 46 is currently a two lane highway east of Airport Road with a posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour (MPH). The section west of Airport Road is a four lane expressway facility. SR 46 serves as the principal regional east-west commute route as well as an inter-regional truck route. The segment east of the US 11 interchange in Paso Robles is known to be congested on Friday s and weekends, as well as during seasonal travel periods. Per the State Route 46 Concept Report (July 28), SR 46 is recommended to be improved (widened) to a 4-lane expressway from West Centre Street to the four lane expressway section at Branch Road. Construction of this improvement is currently underway. August 5, 213 Page

17 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report U.S. Highway 11 (US-11) is a regional roadway that traverses through Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties, continuing north to San Francisco and south to Los Angeles. In the vicinity of the project, US 11 is a four-lane roadway with an interchange with SR 46 East. Interstate 5 (I-5) is a north-south freeway that runs the length of California between the Mexico border and the Oregon border. In the project area, I-5 is a four lane freeway with interchanges at SR 41 and SR 46. Intersections: 1. SR 41 / Private Access Road intersection is an uncontrolled three legged T intersection. SR 41 is uncontrolled in both the northbound and southbound directions. The Private Drive is currently uncontrolled and access is restricted with a locked cattle gate. 2. SR 41 / SR 46 intersection is a T intersection that is one-way stop controlled in the southbound left direction. The SR 41 southbound right turn lane is yield controlled merge lane where vehicles traveling to westbound SR 46 must yield to westbound SR 46 traffic. In the westbound direction, SR 46 has a left turn pocket with deceleration lane and uncontrolled through lane. The eastbound approach of SR 46 consists of uncontrolled shared through-right movement and includes a channelized right turn exit lane that merges with traffic making the eastbound left onto northbound SR Cholame Valley Road / SR41/46 is a three legged T intersection is located approximately 7 feet to the west of SR 41/46 and 2 feet west of the gore point of SR 41 merge lane with westbound SR 46. The intersection is one-way stop control in the southbound direction on Cholame Valley Road. SR 41/46 consists of a single through lane in the westbound direction. The eastbound direction consists of a left turn pocket and single through lane. A summary of existing intersection geometry is shown in Exhibit 3. August 5, 213 Page

18 1 SR 41 / Project Driveway SR 41 Private Access Road (Project Access) PRIVATE ACCESS RD 41 1 L/R 1 L/T SR 41 1 T/R 2 SR 41 / SR 46 1 R (Free) 1 L Cholame Valley Rd L 1 T 1 T/R SR 46 Approx. Distance = 1 Mile 1 5/2/212 M:\MDATA\61865\GIS\MXD\Templates\Cal_Flats_8.5x11_L.mxd 3 CHOLAME VALLEY / SR 41/46 1 L 1 T 1 L/R! Not CHOLAME VALLEY 1 T/R to Scale Source: RBF Consulting SR 41 / Legend # = Study Intersection AM (PM) Peak Hour Volumes L= Left Turn Lane T = Through Lane R = Right Turn Lane CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Existing Intersection Geometry 5/11/212 Exhibit 3

19 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report 2.2 Alternative Transportation Network: Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Facilities Due to the rural nature of the area, there were no pedestrian and/or bicycle activities observed within the vicinity of the study area. None of the project roadways are designated as existing or proposed future bike routes and no sidewalks or trail facilities exist along the study roadway segments. There are no transit or railroad facilities within the vicinity of the project study area. 2.3 Existing Conditions Traffic Volumes Traffic counts were collected on Wednesday March 7, 212 from 6: AM to 9: AM in the morning period and 3: PM to 6: PM during the evening hours at Intersections #2 and #3. Volumes at Intersection #1 were extrapolated from Intersection #2 data. Turning movements at Intersection #1 were based on typical ranch operations. The AM peak hour occurred between 8: AM and 9: AM and the PM peak hour between 4:35 PM and 5:35 PM. Truck classification counts were recorded during the peak hours and are incorporated into the LOS analysis by turning movement. Exhibit 4 shows Existing Weekday (Monday Thursday) peak hour traffic volumes. Friday peak hour conditions were also analyzed due to significant seasonal and weekend traffic along SR 46. Intersection traffic counts for the Friday AM and PM peak were obtained from the Shandon Community Plan Traffic Impact Analysis (prepared by Wood Rodgers, February 21). The Friday peak hour reflects the period with heaviest traffic volumes on an average Friday. Exhibit 5 shows Existing Friday peak hour traffic volumes. Average Daily Traffic (ADT) count data for the study roadway segments was obtained from the Caltrans Traffic Data Branch ( The ADT traffic volumes on Caltrans facilities were collected during 21. August 5, 213 Page

20 1 SR 41 / Project Driveway 1 (1) 1 (2) 2 (1) 15 (21) 1 (1) 88 (151) PRIVATE ACCESS RD 2 SR 41 / SR (152) 1 (1) (1) 75 (121) SR (21) 19 (127) 3 CHOLAME VALLEY / SR 41/ (4) (2) 6 (4) 216 (326) 2 (2) 161 (271) SR 41 / 46 Legend # = Study Intersection AM (PM) Peak Hour Volumes 1! Not to Scale Source: RBF Consulting 58 CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Existing Weekday (Mon-Thur) Peak Hour Volumes 8/5/213 Exhibit 4

21 1 SR 41 / Project Driveway 1 (1) 1 (2) 2 (1) 27 (372) 1 (1) 21 (332) PRIVATE ACCESS RD 2 SR 41 / SR (332) 1 (2) 12 (3) 163 (263) SR (37) 21 (234) 3 CHOLAME VALLEY / SR 41/ (9) 5 (4) 11 (7) 393 (6) 4 (2) 351 (593) SR 41 / 46 Legend # = Study Intersection AM (PM) Peak Hour Volumes 1! Not to Scale Source: RBF Consulting 58 CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Existing Friday Peak Hour Volumes 8/5/213 Exhibit 5

22 2.4 Existing Conditions Roadway Segment LOS Analysis California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report The project study area roadway segments were analyzed under the existing roadway capacity configuration using the ADT-based LOS thresholds presented in Table 2. The results of this analysis are presented in Table 3 below. As shown, the roadway segment of SR 46 between SR 41 and Branch Road currently operates at an unacceptable LOS E on an ADT basis. Roadway Segment SR 41 SR 46 Between Table 3: Existing Roadway Level of Service Analysis SR 46 / Private Access Rd. Private Access Rd. / SR 33 SR 41 / SR 33 (Antelope Grade, Segment II and III) SR 41 / West Centre Street (Cholame, Whitley 2B West Centre Street / Estrella Rd. (Whitley 2A, Whitley 1) Estrella Rd. / Branch Rd. (Union) Branch Rd. / US 11 Functional Classification Type Average Daily Traffic (ADT) LOS Two-Lane Rural Highway 6,5 C Two-Lane Rural Highway 6,5 C Two-Lane Rural Highway 7, C Two-Lane Rural Highway 14,8 E Two-Lane Rural Highway 17, E Two-Lane Rural Highway 18,4 E Four-Lane Expressway 3, C Notes: 1. Analysis performed using HCM 2 methodologies 2. Overall level of service (LOS) standard for Caltrans is LOS C/D 3. Highlighted values indicate operations worse than Caltrans adopted minimum LOS standards. 4. Roadway segment ADT volumes were conducted by Caltrans in Existing Conditions Intersection LOS Analysis The Synchro analysis software was used to determine the intersection LOS for weekday and Friday AM and PM peak hours at each of the study intersections within the project area. The results of these analyses for the three study intersections are summarized in Table 4. All intersections operate at an acceptable LOS during both Weekday Peak and Friday Peak AM/PM peak hours except for the intersection of SR 41 / 46. The intersection of SR 41 / 46 operates at an acceptable overall LOS A during all peak hours, however the southbound left movement operates at an unacceptable LOS F during Friday PM peak hour conditions. August 5, 213 Page

23 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report The Synchro output calculation worksheets for existing conditions are provided in Appendix B. # Intersection: 1 SR 41 / Private Access Rd. 2 SR 41 / SR 46 3 Cholame Valley Rd. / SR 41/46 Table 4: Existing Intersection Level of Service Analysis Control Type Stop (EB) Stop (SBL) Stop (SB) Weekday Peak Overall / (Mon-Thurs) Friday Peak Critical AM Peak PM Peak PM Peak AM Peak Hour Movement Hour Hour Hour Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Overall.2 A.1 A.1 A.1 A EBL/R 9.2 A 9.8 A 1.6 B 12.2 B NBL.1 A. A.1 A. A SBR. A. A. A. A Overall 2.9 A 3.7 A 3.2 A 4.3 A SBL 11.8 B 21.7 C 24.9 C 72. F EBL 7.9 A 8.1 A 8.2 A 9.7 A Overall.2 A.2 A.3 A.3 A SBL/R 9.2 A 11.4 B 13.1 B 18.7 C EBL 8.5 A 7.9 A 8.1 A 9. A Notes: 1. Analysis performed using HCM 2 methodologies 2. Delay indicated in seconds 3. Overall level of service (LOS) standard for Caltrans is LOS C/D 4. Highlighted values indicate operations worse than Caltrans adopted minimum LOS standards. August 5, 213 Page

24 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report 3. Accident / Safety Analysis Traffic collision and injury accident data for each of the three study intersections was obtained from the CHP/SWITRS database for the most recent three year period from 28 through 21. The collision and injury accident data is summarized in Table 5 below: Table 5: Current Accident Totals and Rates (Per Million of Vehicles Entering the Intersection) # Location 1 SR 41 / Private Access Rd. 2 SR 41 / SR 46 3 Cholame Valley Rd. / SR 41/46 Number of Accidents Actual per Total Injury Fatal MVE Collisions Post mile Statewide Average per MVE Notes: 1. MVE is the number of Million Vehicles Entering the intersections 2. Highlighted values indicate intersections with higher than average accident rates. The overall accident rate for intersections of SR 41 / Private Access Road and Cholame Valley Road / SR 41/46 are below the statewide average accident rate. The intersection of SR 41 / SR 46 is more than two times the statewide average. All traffic collisions at the SR 41 / SR 46 were recorded as broadside collisions resulting from vehicles turning left from the eastbound approach into the westbound through lane. Long-range improvements have been identified to reconfigure the SR 41/SR 46 intersection to address long-term capacity and safety concerns (Caltrans District 5, Route Corridor Improvement Study, EA/FONSI/EIR May 26). August 5, 213 Page

25 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report 4. Existing Plus Project Construction Phase Conditions This chapter describes the impacts associated with the proposed California Flats Solar Project Construction and Operational phases. The methodology used to develop the project traffic volumes and to evaluate roadway operations under these scenarios is described below. 4.1 Trip Generation Trip generation for the proposed California Flats Solar Project was developed for the construction and operation phases of the project using information from similar solar project sites including the Centinela, Silverleaf, and Kern County Solar projects. Project Construction Phase Trip Generation: The Project Construction Phase is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 214 with a total construction phase duration of approximately 12 to 18 months. For traffic analysis purposes this analysis assumes the shortest construction period possible of 12 months; thus a worst case scenario in regards to number of employees, deliveries and project trip generation. A construction period longer than 12 months will yield lower daily construction traffic. The trip generation of the Project Construction Phase is estimated to represent the equivalent of constructing an average of 5.5 Mega Watt (MW) panels per week and assumes a maximum workforce of 816 construction employees per day. The project will implement a shuttle service that will transport 95% of the total construction workforce to and from the project site each day. The remaining 5% of construction workers will be issued permits that will allow them to drive personal vehicles to the site each day. The project construction phase will include the following type of vehicle trips: Construction workforce (95%) commute trips via shuttle bus (Heavy Vehicles) Construction workforce (5%) commute trips via personal vehicles Equipment Deliveries (Heavy Vehicles) Employee Food Deliveries (Heavy Vehicles) Excavation, Debris, Concrete and Material Hauling (Heavy Vehicles) The following discussion uses a 12-month construction schedule: The total construction workforce will generate 34 employee shuttle trips (heavy vehicles) per day and 93 personal vehicle trips per day, including personal trips for five night shift employees, who arrive outside of the AM and PM peak hours. A total of 136 non-workforce trips including 74 daily equipment deliveries, 34 food delivery trips, and 28 excavation/debris/material hauling trips are expected per day. Appendix D provides detail of project trips generated by delivery, construction, excavation, and material hauling trips during the Project Construction phase. A summary of the trip generation August 5, 213 Page

26 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report for Project Construction Phase is shown in Table 6a for a worst case scenario of 816 employees per day and a construction schedule of 12 months. Table 6a: Project Construction Phase Trip Generation Rates 12 Month Construction Duration Project Trip Type: Project Construction Phase Personal Vehicle Trips Daily Trips AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour Total IN OUT Total IN OUT Construction Workforce: Personal Vehicles Heavy Vehicle Trips Total Passenger Vehicle Trips Construction Workforce Shuttle: Heavy Vehicles Equipment Deliveries Employee Food Deliveries 34 Excavation, Debris, Concrete, Material Hauling, Misc. Deliveries Total Heavy Vehicle Trips Total Construction Phase Trips Notes: *Based upon peak construction phase of a 28 Megawatt Facility over a 12-month construction period. If the project construction period lasts for longer than 12-months, the number of peak hour trips would be slightly lower. *Project Construction Phase trip generation is based upon a total workforce of 816 employees. * Personal Vehicles are FHWA Class 1-3 vehicles. Heavy vehicles are FHWA Class 4 and above vehicles. *Estimated number of shuttle bus trips is based upon 95% of employees transported to the site via shuttle with a single bus capacity of 46 passengers. Construction employees will be required to utilize the shuttle program as a condition of their employment. As discussed above, this report assumes that a shuttle service will transport the construction workforce to and from the project site. Of the entire workforce, 5% of the total construction workforce (27 to 41 employees depending on the construction schedule) will be permitted to drive personal vehicles to the project site. The remaining 95% of the total construction workforce ( employees, depending on the construction schedule) will be mandated as a condition of their employment to ride employee shuttle buses from the designated employee shuttle park and ride locations. Each location will provide sufficient parking for the construction workforce. One shuttle park and ride lot will be located west of the site on SR 46 in Paso Robles, the other park and ride lot will be located northeast of the project site approximately at the intersection of SR 41 and SR 33. Based upon peak workforce levels and a 12-month construction schedule, a maximum of 17 shuttle buses with a capacity of 46 passengers per bus will transport employees to and from the project site each day. The number of shuttle buses per day will vary throughout construction depending upon the size of the construction workforce. August 5, 213 Page

27 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report The construction workforce is expected to arrive at the project site between 6: AM and 7: AM and leave the site between 4: PM and 5: PM for a majority of the year. During the summer months, construction hours will begin and end at earlier times due to hot weather conditions. Employees will remain on the site during lunch breaks and will either bring their own lunches or food trucks may deliver lunches to the site. This analysis assumes that food trucks will deliver food to the site each day and presents a worst case scenario in regards to project trip generation. Construction staff is expected to arrive one hour before the AM peak hour of the study area roadways thus this analysis presents a conservative or worst case analysis of Construction Phase Project conditions during the AM peak hour. Five night shift employees are anticipated to arrive/leave the project site outside of the AM and PM peak hours; thus, these employee trips are reflected in the daily project trip generation, but are not included in the peak hour project trip totals. Night shift employees are also excluded when estimating the number of food trucks required at the site each day. Non-workforce Construction Phase trips will consist of solar panel equipment deliveries, employee food deliveries, excavation, debris and material hauling trips and miscellaneous deliveries. The size of the trucks is anticipated to be a California Legal Truck Tractor Semitrailer (Type WB-5) which is 8.5 feet wide and 55 feet long. Forty percent of all equipment deliveries, excavation debris, and material hauling trips are anticipated to take place in the nighttime or daytime off-peak hours. The night time trip generation represents the maximum number of trips that can reasonably be expected to deliver equipment to the site on one or more nights. These trips will vary, depending on the ability of equipment providers and shippers to deliver goods in the daytime, and also the ability to offload equipment in a timely manner. No more than 8 total night time trips are expected to occur during the 12 or 18 month construction period. All of the employee food delivery trips will take place during the daytime off-peak period. Aggregate material hauling trips will travel between the project site and an off-site quarry site. Approximately 1 daily trips to and from the quarry site will occur during the off-peak hours and will not have a significant impact on traffic operations. Approximately 2 truckloads throughout the duration of the Project Construction Phase will be considered oversized loads. These trips will be required to obtain permits in accordance with Caltrans and applicable governing agencies. 18 Month Construction Schedule Trip Generation As previously stated, a construction schedule longer than 12 months will result in lower daily construction trip generation. The Project Construction Phase trip generation for an 18-month construction schedule is displayed in Table 6b. The 18-month construction schedule will result in 196 daily trips and 64 trips during the AM and PM peak hours or 67 fewer daily trips and 24 fewer AM and PM peak hour trips than would occur during the 12-month construction schedule. The potential impacts will thus be less with reduced traffic with an 18-month construction period. August 5, 213 Page

28 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Table 6b: Alternative Project Construction Phase Trip Generation Rates: 18 Month Construction Duration Project Trip Type: Project Construction Phase Personal Vehicle Trips Daily Trips AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour Total IN OUT Total IN OUT Construction Workforce: Personal Vehicles Heavy Vehicle Trips Total Passenger Vehicle Trips Construction Workforce Shuttle: Heavy Vehicles Equipment Deliveries Employee Food Deliveries 22 Excavation, Debris, Concrete, Material Hauling, Misc. Deliveries Total Heavy Vehicle Trips Total Construction Phase Trips Notes: *Based upon peak construction phase of a 28 Megawatt Facility over an 18-month construction period. *Project Construction Phase trip generation is based upon a total workforce of 541 employees. * Personal Vehicles are FHWA Class 1-3 vehicles. Heavy vehicles are FHWA Class 4 and above vehicles. *Estimated number of shuttle bus trips is based upon 95% of employees transported to the site via shuttle with a single bus capacity of 46 passengers. Construction employees will be required to utilize the shuttle program as a condition of their employment. Project Operation Phase Trip Generation: The proposed project is anticipated to have approximately 8 to 1 permanent employees during Project Operations Phase which will take place after Project Construction Phase completion. The permanent employees will gain access to/from the project site via personal vehicles during the hours of 7 AM to 8 AM and 4 PM to 5 PM. In addition, approximately 8 trips per day are assumed for preventative and corrective maintenance activities which will occur during the offpeak hours. For trip generation and traffic operations analysis a worst case assumption of 1 permanent employees was assumed for the Project Operation Phase. The total daily trip generation for the Project Operation Phase is 28 trips per day. Trip generation for the Project Operations Phase is displayed in Table 6c. August 5, 213 Page

29 Project Trip Type: Project Operations Phase* California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Table 6c: Project Operations Phase Trip Generation Rates Daily Trips AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour Total IN OUT Total IN OUT Employee Trips: Personal Vehicles Maintenance Trips 8 Total Operations Phase Trips Notes: *Based upon a conservative assumption of 1 permanent employees. 4.2 Trip Distribution Trip distribution estimates were developed for both Project Construction Phase and Project Operations Phase assuming project traffic would access the project site via the Private Road off SR 41. Construction traffic distribution estimates were based on the location of suppliers and construction personnel. The solar panels will be shipped from southern California via Interstate 5. Other materials are expected to be delivered from the San Francisco Bay area and from Southern California. The use of the site access point at Turkey Flat road would be infrequent and consistent with the number of trips generated by current ranch operations (approximately 1 trips per day). Existing ranch related trips to the Turkey Flat access point will be transferred to the project driveway at SR 41 due the project constructed driveway improvements. The roadway improvements at SR 41 will provide a faster access route to the ranch compared to Turkey Flat Road. The transfer of ranch trips to the project site will offset the potential additional project related trips to Turkey Flat Road and will result in a zero net increase in trips on Turkey Flat Road under both Project Construction and Operations Phase conditions. Construction workers are anticipated to arrive and depart from neighboring populated communities including southern Monterey County, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, and Bakersfield and travel on I-5, US 11, SR 41, and SR 46. All shuttle traffic to the site will travel from Paso Robles via SR 46 or SR 41 from the east. Distribution estimates for the Project Operation Phase were developed based upon the anticipated residence location of the workforce. The trip distribution is presented in Table 7. Trip distribution at the project study intersections is presented for Project Construction Phase in Exhibit 6 and for Project Operation Phase in Exhibit 7. August 5, 213 Page

30 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Table 7: Project Construction and Operations Phase Trip Distribution Trip Type To / From West / Southwest East Northeast Local Area / Paso Robles / San Luis Obispo Via SR 46 Kern County / Lost Hills / Southern California Via SR 46 / I-5 Kettleman City / Fresno / Northern California Via SR 41 / I-5 Project Construction Phase Construction Workforce Shuttle Bus Trips Construction Workforce Personal Vehicle Trips 7% % 3% 7% 3% % Heavy Vehicle Delivery Trips 2% 7% 1% Project Operations Phase Employee Trips (Personal Vehicles) 7% 3% % August 5, 213 Page

31 1 SR 41 / Project Driveway Private Access Road (Project Access) 9% 91% 9% % SR 41 PRIVATE ACCESS RD 91% % 41 2 SR 41 / SR 46 SR 41 1 Cholame Valley Rd % 38% 53% % 38% % SR 46 Approx. Distance = 1 Mile 1 5/2/212 M:\MDATA\61865\GIS\MXD\Templates\Cal_Flats_8.5x11_L.mxd 3 CHOLAME VALLEY / SR 41/46 % % % 53%! Not CHOLAME VALLEY % 53% SR 41 / 46 to Scale Source: RBF Consulting Legend # = Study Intersection AM (PM) Peak Hour Volumes CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Project Construction Phase: Project Trip Distribution 5/11/212 Exhibit 6

32 1 SR 41 / Project Driveway Private Access Road (Project Access) % 1% % % SR 41 PRIVATE ACCESS RD 1% % 41 2 SR 41 / SR 46 SR 41 1 Cholame Valley Rd. 46 7% 3% 7% % 3% % SR 46 Approx. Distance = 1 Mile 1 5/2/212 M:\MDATA\61865\GIS\MXD\Templates\Cal_Flats_8.5x11_L.mxd 3 CHOLAME VALLEY / SR 41/46 % % % 7%! Not CHOLAME VALLEY % 7% SR 41 / 46 to Scale Source: RBF Consulting Legend # = Study Intersection AM (PM) Peak Hour Volumes CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Project Operations Phase: Project Trip Distribution 5/11/212 Exhibit 7

33 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report 4.3 Trip Assignment The peak-hour trips generated by the proposed project were assigned to the roadway system in accordance with the trip distribution pattern discussed above. Exhibit 8 presents the Project Construction Phase peak hour project trip assignment and Exhibit 9 presents the Project Operations Phase peak hour trip assignment at the three project study intersections. 4.4 Site Access Approximately one mile east of Cholame Valley Road, the project will have access off SR 41. This will be the primary access during construction and the operations phase of the project and will require all delivery and construction traffic to conduct a turning movement from SR 41 to and from the driveway along the private road to the site. To accommodate vehicle turns from SR 41 the applicant will construct Caltrans standard driveway improvements including one northbound left and one southbound right turn lane including deceleration/ acceleration lanes, vehicle storage space, and lane taper striping. To accommodate nighttime deliveries the project will also install lighting at the intersection of the SR 41 and the Private Access Road. The Existing Plus Project Construction and Operations Phase intersection geometry based upon these access improvements is presented in Exhibit 1. A conceptual layout of the proposed driveway access and turn lanes improvements at the project driveway is shown in Exhibit On-Site Circulation Access roads to the project site will consist of private roads from the public roadway system as described above. Additional private roads will be located amongst the panels to provide for construction, maintenance and fire protection. The existing private access road at SR 41 is currently gated. The gate will be relocated further into the ranch to increase queuing distance for inbound traffic. It is recommended that storage be provided for four WB-5 vehicles or a minimum of 2 feet from the ROW line. The road traverses through several other gates and cattle guards to the project site. These gates and guards are all 1 feet or wider. For delivery loads that cannot navigate the 1-foot wide gates, the fence and gate posts that obstruct the load will be removed and replaced. A portion of the road, which is currently being used to transfer cattle, is approximately 2 feet wide with an all-weather surface and narrowest travel width of between 15 feet and 19 feet at six creek crossings. Shoulder width is between 2 feet and 4 feet on each side of the road. North of the corral, the road is currently between 2 and 3 feet wide and will be graveled to provide an all-weather surface. The current roadway width can accommodate truck traffic. All gates and cattle guards are 1 feet or wider and can allow truck access. For delivery loads that cannot navigate the 1-foot wide gates, the fence and gate posts that obstruct the load will be removed and replaced. August 5, 213 Page

34 California Flats Solar Project Traffic Analysis Report Current and future access to the site from Cholame Valley Road is along Turkey Flat Road. Turkey Flat road is a paved public road from Cholame Valley Road until it reaches the gate at the ranch. The gate access is just west of the project site. Turkey Flat Road then continues as an all-weather gravel road from the gate through the project site. The roadway travel width is generally 2 feet. The narrower widths are located at creek crossings only and vary between 11 feet and 16 feet. The roadway has sufficient width to accommodate truck and fire truck movements. The ranch uses this access road for cattle farming activities. On-site dirt roads in-between the panels will be 2 feet wide. These roads will be used for construction and maintenance. August 5, 213 Page

35 41 Private Access Road (Project Access) Cholame Valley Rd Approx. Distance = 1 Mile 1 SR 41 / Project Driveway (8) (8) 3 2 Legend # = Study Intersection AM (PM) Peak Hour Volumes 58 CHOLAME VALLEY (48) (32) SR 41 8 () () 8 () () SR 41 PRIVATE ACCESS RD 2 SR 41 / SR () () SR () () 3 CHOLAME VALLEY / SR 41/46 () () () (48) SR 41 / 46 () 48 ()! Not to Scale Source: RBF Consulting CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Project Construction Phase: Peak Hour Trip Assignment 5/29/212 Exhibit 8 5/2/212 M:\MDATA\61865\GIS\MXD\Templates\Cal_Flats_8.5x11_L.mxd

36 1 SR 41 / Project Driveway () (1) 1 () () () () PRIVATE ACCESS RD 2 SR 41 / SR 46 1 (7) (3) 3 () () SR () () 3 CHOLAME VALLEY / SR 41/ () () () 7 () () (7) SR 41 / 46 Legend # = Study Intersection AM (PM) Peak Hour Volumes 1! Not to Scale Source: RBF Consulting 58 CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Project Operations Phase: Peak Hour Trip Assignment 5/11/212 Exhibit 9

37 1 SR 41 / Project Driveway SR 41 Private Access Road (Project Access) PRIVATE ACCESS RD 41 1 L/R SR 41 1 R 1 T 1 L 1 T 2 SR 41 / SR 46 1 R (Free) 1 L Cholame Valley Rd L 1 T 1 T/R SR 46 Approx. Distance = 1 Mile 1 5/2/212 M:\MDATA\61865\GIS\MXD\Templates\Cal_Flats_8.5x11_L.mxd 3 CHOLAME VALLEY / SR 41/46 1 L 1 T 1 L/R! Not CHOLAME VALLEY 1 T/R to Scale Source: RBF Consulting SR 41 / Legend # = Study Intersection = Project Improvement AM (PM) Peak Hour Volumes L= Left Turn Lane T = Through Lane R = Right Turn Lane CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Project Construction and Operations Phase Intersection Geometry 5/11/212 Exhibit 1

38 Private Access Road (Project Access) SR 41 5/2/212 M:\MDATA\61865\GIS\MXD\Templates\Cal_Flats_8.5x11_L.mxd! Not to Scale Source: RBF Consulting CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Private Access Road / SR 41 Intersection Improvements 5/11/212 Exhibit 11

39 Turkey Flat Rd Cholame Rd Legend Panels Project Area Cholame Valley Rd! Not to Scale Source: RBF Consulting CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Project Site Plan and Access Roads 6/8/212 Exhibit 12

40 5/2/212 M:\MDATA\61865\GIS\MXD\Templates\Cal_Flats_8.5x11_L.mxd! Not to Scale Source: RBF Consulting CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR On-Site Access Road Configuration 6/8/212 Exhibit 13