Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study For EBMUD October 2012 PHA Transportation Consultants 2711 Stuart Street Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 848-9233
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study For EBMUD October 2012 PHA Transportation Consultants 2711 Stuart Street Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 848-9233
TABLE OF CONTENTS Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... Page 1 1. INTRODUCTION... 4 1.1 Project Description... 4 1.2 Scope of Study... 9 1.3 Report Organization... 9 2. CURRENT STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION... 10 2.1 Land Use... 10 2.2 Street Network and Access... 10 2.3 Transit Service... 11 2.4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities... 11 3. CURRENT TRAFFIC OPERATION AND POTENTIAL IMPACT... 12 3.1 Study Approach and Assumptions... 12 3.2 Traffic Operation (LOS) Methodology and Evaluation Criteria... 20 3.3 Existing Conditions Traffic Operations (LOS)... 22 3.4 Project Impact on Traffic Operation during Construction... 22 3.5 Potential Impact on Parking... 28 3.6 Potential Impact on Public Transit... 31 3.7 Potential Impact on Pedestrians and Bicyclists... 31 4. CEQA REVIEW... 32 5. MITIGATION... 33 5.1 Potential Impact and Mitigation... 33
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continue List of Figures Figure 1 Project Location... Page 6 Figure 2 Pipeline Installation... 7 Figure 3 Project Storm Drain Relocations... 8 Figure 4 Stage 1 Water Pipeline Installation... 14 Figure 5 Stage 2 Water Pipeline Installation... 15 Figure 6 Stage 3 Water Pipeline Installation... 16 Figure 7 Stage 4 Water Pipeline Installation... 17 Figure 8 Stage 1 Storm Drain Relocation... 18 Figure 9 Stage 2 Storm Drain Relocation... 19 Figure 10 Study intersection Peak Hour Traffic Volume... 26 Figure 11 Study Intersection Peak Hour Construction Traffic Volume... 27 List of Tables Table 1 Construction Trip Generation Analysis... Page 20 Table 2 Traffic Operation (LOS) Ranking Criteria... 21 Table 3 Study Intersection Traffic Operation (LOS) Analysis... 24 Table 4 Construction Zone Lane Capacity Analysis... 25 Table 5 Construction Zone Merge Analysis... 25 Table 6 Study Area Parking Analysis... 30 Table 7 CEQA Review... 32 Technical Appendices Intersection LOS Calculations Peak Hour Turning Movement Count Average Daily Traffic Count Detailed Project Trip Generation By Construction Phases
Executive Summary Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Project Description PHA Transportation Consultants (PHA) has prepared this traffic report for EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District) to evaluate the potential traffic impact of replacing its existing 12 million gallons per day (mgd) Diablo Vista Pumping Plant located at 3305 Mt. Diablo Boulevard with a new 16 mgd pumping plant at the southwest corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Mt. Diablo Court. The new pumping plant, as with the current facility, will be operated remotely by EBMUD staff and will not generate vehicle or pedestrian traffic. The focus of the traffic study is to evaluate the potential traffic impact during the construction period when underground water pipelines are being installed, construction relocation of an existing storm drain, the construction of the new Diablo Vista Pumping Plant, and the demolition of the existing Diablo Vista Pumping Plant. WRECO, in collaboration with EBMUD, developed four separate construction stages for the water pipeline construction installation work, which would have the most impact on traffic. Stage 1 (see Figure 4) will close a small section of the right lane in the eastbound direction. Stage 2 (see Figure 5) would close the left-lane at the same location. This would leave one travel lane in the eastbound direction and two travel lanes in the westbound direction. Stage 3 (see Figure 6) would close two westbound lanes from the new pumping plant to the middle of the Lafayette Cemetery. Stage 4 (see Figure 7) would close two westbound lanes from the middle of the Lafayette Cemetery to about 200 feet northwest from the Lafayette Park Hotel entrance. EBMUD estimated 16 construction workers would report to the work site daily. A total of 54 vehicles, which includes 32 construction worker vehicles (i.e. 16 construction workers entering and exiting the site) and 22 construction trucks delivering pipes and other materials, would visit the site on a daily basis. The maximum hourly traffic would be 16 worker trips and 6 truck trips. The pipeline installation is expected to be completed in approximately one month. The construction traffic impacts related to the other project phases (e.g. storm drain relocation, new pumping plant construction, and existing pumping plant demolition) were also evaluated as part of this traffic study. The water pipeline construction installation phase has the greatest potential impacts to traffic and is the main focus of this traffic study. PHA s traffic analysis for the water pipeline installation phase is based on preliminary construction vehicle trip estimates provided by EBMUD. EBMUD later revised and subsequently lowered the construction vehicle trip information as the construction activities and the associated construction vehicles trips for each phase were better defined. Since the LOS along the study corridor did not degrade based on the higher preliminary truck trips, PHA did not redo the traffic analysis calculations at the lower construction vehicle trip estimate. All construction vehicle trip estimates discussed throughout the report are based on EBMUD s updated construction vehicle trip estimate for the water pipeline installation phase. Table 6 of 1
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 the Detailed Project Trip Generation By Construction Phases section of the Technical Appendices details EBMUD s initial construction vehicle trip estimates. Tables 1 5 of the same section details the construction vehicle trip estimates for the other project phases. Potential Traffic Impacts PHA evaluated traffic operations for three intersections along Mt. Diablo Boulevard at Carol Lane, the Lafayette Park Hotel, and Mt. Diablo Court to assess the potential traffic impact during construction. The study focuses on intersection delays, lane capacity (at closure), merge area delays, and impact on public transit, pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, PHA also evaluated project impacts based on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines and criteria that will be used in the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) being prepared by EBMUD. The study results indicated that the project would have minimal impact on study intersection operations. All three study intersections currently operate at Level-of-Service (LOS) A for a.m. and p.m. peak hour and will remain so during construction. With lane closures, the remaining open traffic lanes have adequate capacity to accommodate the total current level of traffic demand and volume along that segment of Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Delays at the merge areas will range between two and four seconds. The study also found that construction activities would affect on-street parking, public transit, pedestrians and bicyclists. Based on the CEQA guidelines, construction activities and lane closure could present a hazard to motorists, but will be a Less Than Significant Impact with mitigation. Recommended Mitigation PHA recommends the following mitigation measures to minimize the potential project impact during construction: 1. Prepare and submit traffic control plans with adequate guide signs for City of Lafayette staff review and approval prior to beginning construction. 2. Review and adjust traffic signal operations at the hotel entrance as needed; signal heads in front of Lafayette Park Hotel should be turned off or covered during water pipeline construction installation stage 4. Traffic control with flaggers at hotel entrance to control traffic flow in and out of hotel is recommended during stage 4. 3. Contact the public transit operator regarding the lane closure and determine whether the temporary relocation of bus stops is required. The bus stop in front of the Lafayette Cemetery in the eastbound direction could potentially be impacted. 4. Accommodate bicyclists during construction. Bicyclists will be redirected to the other side of the street and will be required to walk their bike on the sidewalk to avoid construction activity. 2
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 5. Maintain a 5 foot wide pedestrian path on either the north or south side of Mt. Diablo Boulevard to accommodate pedestrians. 6. During water pipeline construction stage 4, parking spaces on the north side of the Mt. Diablo Boulevard near Lafayette Park Hotel will be inaccessible. Those who park there, most likely hotel workers, will have to find parking elsewhere along Mt. Diablo Boulevard west of Carol Lane or further east near the overpass near Mt. Diablo Court. The City of Lafayette may consider removing the four-hour restrictions temporarily to accommodate hotel workers during stage 4 construction, which is expected to last about a week. Details of the potential impact and mitigation are discussed in Chapter 5 of this study. Alternative Truck Route Access At the request of the City of Lafayette, an alternative truck route access utilizing westbound Mt. Diablo Boulevard to the proposed pumping plant site was evaluated. Trucks would potentially make a left-turn mid-block just west of Mt. Diablo Court near the Lafayette Cemetery into the proposed site. Upon review it was determined that the more prudent truck route would be to utilize the leftturn pocket at Mt. Diablo Court for the following reasons: 1. There is no left-turn pocket at the proposed turning location which would impact traffic flow and obstruct traffic movements in the westbound direction along Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Having the construction trucks make a left turn without a turning pocket would increase the risk of rear end collisions. 2. Turning movement at the proposed location into the pump site will be slower as opposed to making the turn into Mt. Diablo Court. This would impact traffic in the eastbound direction on Mt. Diablo Boulevard and potentially become a safety issue. 3
1. Introduction Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 1.1 Project Description PHA Transportation Consultants has prepared this traffic operation analysis to evaluate the potential traffic impact associated with the proposed upgrade and replacement of EBMUD s Diablo Vista Pumping Plant located in the City of Lafayette. This study will provide the technical information needed to evaluate and mitigate traffic impacts for the MND being prepared by EBMUD, pursuant to the requirements of CEQA. EBMUD plans to replace the existing 12 mgd Diablo Vista Pumping Plant located at 3305 Mt. Diablo Boulevard with a new 16 mgd pumping plant at the southwest corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Mt. Diablo Court. EBMUD will also relocate the Leland Rate Control Station to the new site as part of the project. Access to and from the facility would be from Mt. Diablo Court. There will be a paved area for parking in front of the facility to accommodate periodic visits from EBMUD operations and maintenance staff. The project will involve installing approximately 150 feet of new 30-inch suction pipeline from the new pumping plant to connect to an existing 30-inch pipeline on the north side of Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Approximately 130 feet of parallel 30-inch pipeline will also be installed from the existing 30-inch pipeline on the north side of Mt. Diablo Boulevard to the new Leland Rate Control Station that will be below grade and adjacent to the new Diablo Vista Pumping Plant. Additionally, approximately 1,070 feet of 30-inch discharge pipeline will be installed to connect the new Diablo Vista Pumping Plant to an existing 20-inch pipeline on the north side of Mt. Diablo Boulevard, about 200 feet northwest from the Lafayette Park Hotel entrance. The pipelines will be installed using an open trench construction method; the majority of which will be installed under the far right lane of the westbound traffic on the north side of Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the new Diablo Vista Pumping Plant site and the pipeline installations associated with the project. Prior to the construction of the new pumping plant, the project will also require the relocation of an existing 30-inch Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) Storm Drain (SD) located at the new pumping plant project site. The 30-inch RCP SD will be replaced and relocated with approximately 240-feet of 24-inch High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) SD on the south side of Mt. Diablo Blvd and approximately 200 feet of 18-inch HDPE SD will be installed in the west side of Mt. Diablo Court. Two new SD manholes and two drop inlets will also be installed as part of the storm drain relocation work. Figure 3 illustrates the storm drain relocations associated with the project. Once the new pumping plant construction is completed, the project will not generate new vehicle or pedestrian traffic. The current pumping plant has no employees and is remotely operated by EBMUD. The proposed plant at the new location will be operated in the same manner. EBMUD estimates that the project will be completed in approximately 18 months to 4
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 two years. The pipeline installation portion of the project, which involves partial lane closure at various stages, would be completed in approximately one month. The focus of the study is to evaluate traffic operations associated with lane closures at various construction stages related to the water pipeline installations and storm drain relocations. Upon construction completion of the New Diablo Vista Pumping Plant and all associated water pipeline installations, the existing Diablo Vista Pumping Plant will be demolished. Traffic impacts related to increase in construction traffic for the new pumping plant construction and demolition of the existing pumping plant are also evaluated as part of this study. 5
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 1 Project Location - Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 6
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 2 Project Pipeline Installations (Source: Project Proponent) - Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 7
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 3 Project Storm Drain Relocations (Source: Project Proponent) - Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 8
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 1.2 Scope of Study The study scope of work was designed to identify the traffic operational characteristics during pipeline installation, new pumping plant construction, and demo of existing pumping plant. The study specifically evaluates peak hour traffic operational LOS for three key intersections near the project site. The study also examines parking conditions along Mt. Diablo Boulevard between Carol Lane and Mt. Diablo Court, roadway capacities and traffic merge areas at construction zones. Two traffic scenarios, existing conditions and project conditions were evaluated in the study. Below is the list of study intersections and scenarios. Study Intersections 1. Mt. Diablo Boulevard/ Carol Lane (Signalized) 2. Mt. Diablo Boulevard/ Lafayette Park Hotel Entrance (Signalized) 3. Mt. Diablo Boulevard/ Mt. Diablo Court (Stop Sign Control at Mt. Diablo Court) Study Traffic Scenarios 1. Existing Conditions (Current traffic conditions) 2. Project Conditions (Current traffic plus traffic from construction workers and trucks) 1.3 Report Organization This report consists of five chapters. Chapter 1 provides a brief description of the proposed project, site location and the scope of study. Chapter 2 reviews study area land use, access, and street system. Chapter 3 discusses study methodology, procedures, traffic operations and the potential project impact. Chapter 4 evaluates the potential project impact based on CEQA guidelines. Chapter 5 summarizes the potential project impact and recommended mitigation measures. 9
2. Study Area Description Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 2.1 Land Use Land use in the study corridor along Mt. Diablo Boulevard between Carol Lane and Mt. Diablo Court is a mixture of commercial, freeway and undeveloped land. East of Carol Lane, on the south side of the street between Carol Lane and the Mt. Diablo Court, there is a hardware store, auto repair shops, a small office building, the Lafayette Park Hotel, and the Lafayette Cemetery. Land use on the north side of the street is the freeway State Route (SR) 24. 2.2 Street Network and Access The street network providing access and circulation to the area and the project site consists of Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Carol Lane, and Mt. Diablo Court. Below is a brief description of these streets. Mt. Diablo Boulevard: Mt. Diablo Boulevard is a major east-west arterial street in the City of Lafayette. It runs parallel to SR 24 between Acalanes Road in the west and Pleasant Hill Road in the east providing access to the downtown commercial area, SR 24, and various residential areas in the City of Lafayette. The street has two travel lanes in each direction; the posted speed limit along in the study corridor between Carol Lane and Mt. Diablo Court is 35 mph. Parking is permitted on both sides of the street between Carol Lane and Pleasant Hill Road, except for parking along the frontage section of the Lafayette Cemetery to Mt. Diablo Court which is restricted. Parking on the north side of Mt. Diablo Boulevard between Carol lane and Pleasant Hill Road is prohibited between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.. On the south side of the street, parking is restricted to 30 minutes in front of the hardware store and four hours for the four marked parking spaces in front of the Lafayette Park Hotel. On-street parking is permitted along both sides of Mt. Diablo Boulevard west of Carol Lane with a four-hour restriction. The average daily vehicle traffic volume counts collected in April 2012 along Mt. Diablo Boulevard at a point west of Carol lane is approximately 16,300 vehicles per day (vpd). The average daily vehicle traffic volume count east of Mt. Diablo Court is 14,260 vpd. Carol Lane: Carol Lane is a two-lane collector street providing north-south access between residential areas in the south to Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Parking, with a two-hour restriction, is permitted on both sides of the street between Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Marlene Drive. The posted speed limit is 25 mph. The average daily vehicle traffic volume count collected at a point south of Mt. Diablo Boulevard is 3,600 vpd. 10
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Mt. Diablo Court: Mt. Diablo Court is a 400-foot length dead-end cul-de-sac running in a northsouth orientation, providing access to commercial establishments and multi-family complexes. The average daily traffic volume count collected in April 2012 at a point south of Mt. Diablo Boulevard is 690 vpd. Parking is permitted on both sides of the street with two-hour and fourhour restrictions at various locations along the street. The posted speed along Mt. Diablo Boulevard is 35 mile per hour. 2.3 Transit Service The County Connection (Central Contra Costa Transportation Authority) provides public transit service between Lafayette BART Station and Walnut Creek BART Station via Mt. Diablo Boulevard. From Lafayette BART Station service begins at 7:30 a.m., continues at 30-minite intervals, and ends at about 7:00 p.m. at Walnut Creek BART Station. From Walnut Creek BART Station, service begins at 8:00 a.m., continues at hourly intervals, and ends at Lafayette BART Station at about 6:30 p.m. There are bus stops within the Mt. Diablo Boulevard study corridor near Mt. Diablo Court, Lafayette Park Hotel, and Carol Lane. There are two bus-stops that could be impacted by construction; one in front of the Lafayette Hotel and another near Mt. Diablo Court may need to be temporarily relocated during construction. 2.4 Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Pedestrian sidewalks are provided on both sides of Mt. Diablo Boulevard within the study corridor, except for sections on the south side of the street between the hardware store and the office building west of the Lafayette Park Hotel, and between the frontage of the cemetery and Mt. Diablo Court. The City of Lafayette Bicycle Master Plan shows that Mt. Diablo Boulevard is a Class II Bike Lane. By definition, a Class II Bike Lane provides a dedicated striped, signed and stenciled lane for one-way travel on a street. Bike lane width generally ranges between 4 and 5 feet wide. Field observation revealed that the bike lane on Mt. Diablo Boulevard between Carol Lane and Pleasant Hill Road is shared with a parking lane except for the section between the cemetery frontage and Mt. Diablo Court. Field observation also noted that some pedestrian activity occurs near the intersection of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Carol Lane. This activity is largely due to visitors and patrons to the nearby business establishments. There are limited pedestrian and bicycle activities east of the hotel; these activities are mostly associated with dog walkers, recreational strollers, and motorists who parked on the north side of Mt. Diablo Boulevard. 11
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 3. Current Traffic Operations and Potential Impact 3.1 Study Approach and Assumptions As discussed above, the new pumping plant will be operated remotely and will not generate regular vehicle or pedestrian traffic to the site. Therefore, the traffic analysis focuses on the traffic operational levels along the study corridor during the pipeline installation when sections of the traffic lanes will be closed, and with the effects of increased traffic associated with the addition of construction workers and construction truck traffic. Construction Staging WRECO, in collaboration with EBMUD on this project, has developed four separate stages to complete the installation of the water pipelines along Mt. Diablo Boulevard. Stage 1 will close a small section of the right lane in the eastbound direction on Mt. Diablo Boulevard at a location about 50 feet west of Mt. Diablo Court, leaving one left lane for travel in the eastbound direction. The closed area will be about 80 to 100 feet wide and work is expected to be completed in approximately one week. Stage 2 will close the left lane on Mt. Diablo Boulevard at the same location, leaving the right lane open for travel in the eastbound direction. Work on this section is expected to be completed in about one week. Stage 3 will close a section of the two westbound lanes on Mt. Diablo Boulevard between the new Diablo Vista Pumping Plant to about halfway to the Lafayette Cemetery entrance. Vehicle traffic from both the east and west directions would be directed to use the two eastbound lanes. Work on this section is expected to be completed in about 1 week. Stage 4 will close a section of the two westbound lanes on Mt. Diablo Boulevard further west to a point past the Park Lafayette Hotel entrance. Traffic from both directions will be directed to use the two eastbound lanes. Work on this section is expected to be completed in about one week. Figures 4 through 7 illustrate the four stages of pipeline installation and the associated lane closures. WRECO, in collaboration with EBMUD on this project, also developed two separate stages to complete the storm drain replacement and relocation work on the south side of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and on the west side of Mt. Diablo Court. Stage 1 will close a small section of the right lane in the eastbound direction of Mt. Diablo Boulevard near the intersection of Mt. Diablo Court, leaving one left lane for travel in the eastbound direction. The work is expected to be completed in approximately one week. Stage 2, which is the installation of the storm drain on the west side of Mt. Diablo Court, will leave both lanes in Mt. Diablo Court open. Work on this section is expected to be completed in about one week. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the two stages of storm drain relocation work. 12
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Trip Generation and Distribution Estimates The pipeline installation phase of the project will have the greatest impact on traffic. On a daily basis during the pipeline installation phase, a total of 16 workers would be working on the site along with 22 trucks. The maximum hourly (peak hour) estimate is 16 workers and 6 trucks. For the traffic analysis, each truck is converted to two passenger car equivalents. Table 1 shows the estimated construction trips for the project. For the purpose of this study, it is assumed that workers will make one inbound trip to the site in the morning and make one outbound trip leaving the site in the afternoon after work. Trucks are assumed to be bringing in pipes and other materials and would leave the work site within the same hour. A total of 54 vehicles, which includes 32 worker vehicles (i.e. 16 construction workers entering and exiting the site) and 22 construction trucks would visit the site on a daily basis. It is also assumed that about 70 percent of the construction related traffic will come in by way of SR 24 via the Pleasant Hill Road interchange and 30 percent via the First Street interchange. Trucks are restricted from making U-turns at Mt. Diablo Boulevard and are assumed to enter the work site from the east and exit to the west or vice versa. 13
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 4 Stage 1 Water Pipeline Installation (Source: WRECO) - Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 14
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 5 Stage 2 Water Pipeline Installation (Source: WRECO) - Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 15
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 6 Stage 3 Water Pipeline Installation (Source: WRECO) - Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 16
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 7 Stage 4 Water Pipeline Installation (Source: WRECO) - Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 17
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 8 Stage 1 Storm Drain Relocation (Source: WRECO) - Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 18
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 9 Stage 2 Storm Drain Relocation (Source: WRECO) - Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 19
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Table 1 Construction Trip Generation Analysis Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study AM Peak Hour Trips AM Peak Hour Trips Daily Trips Enter Exit Enter Exit Enter Exit Total Worker Trips 16 (16) 0 0 16 (16) 16 (16) 16 (16) 32 (32) Truck Trips 1 6 (12) 0 6 (12) 0 22 (44) 0 22 (44) Total Trips 22 (28) 0 6 (12) 16 (16) 38 (60) 16 (16) 54 (66) Source: EBMUD provided worker and truck trip estimates. Numbers in parenthesis are Passenger Car Equivalents (PCE). A Passenger Car Equivalent is a metric used in Transportation Engineering to assess traffic-flow rate on a roadway. A Passenger Car Equivalent is essentially the impact that a mode of transport has on traffic variables (such as headway, speed, density) compared to a single vehicle car. 1 Trucks entering and exiting the site are considered as one combined trip since trucks are assumed to enter the construction area from one direction and exit in another direction. The traffic LOS analysis is based on preliminary construction vehicle trip estimates provided by EBMUD. EBMUD later revised and subsequently lowered the construction vehicle trip information as the construction activities and the associated construction vehicles trips for each phase were better defined. Since the LOS along the study corridor did not degrade based on the higher preliminary truck trips, the traffic analysis calculations at the lower construction vehicle trip estimate was not redone. All construction vehicle trip estimates discussed throughout the report are based on EBMUD s updated construction vehicle trip estimate for the water pipeline installation phase. Table 6 of the Detailed Project Trip Generation By Construction Phases section of the Technical Appendices details EBMUD s initial construction vehicle trip estimates. Tables 1 5 of the same section details the construction vehicle trip estimates for the other project phases. 3.2 Traffic Operation Evaluation Methodology and Criteria To identify the potential traffic impact during the water pipeline installation and storm drain relocation, PHA first evaluated traffic operations under the current condition to establish a baseline, and then evaluated for conditions under each of the four construction stages. The study examined key traffic operation Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) such as intersection delays, lane capacity, and merge area delays at the construction zone. The study also reviewed construction impacts on on-street parking, public transit, pedestrians and bicyclists along the study corridor. Traffic operation analyses for the study corridor were evaluated with methodologies and procedures prescribed in the 2000 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) and the SYNCHRO and SIMTRAFFIC computer software package. Both are industry standards and are widely used by traffic engineering and transportation planning professionals. The HCM method evaluates traffic operations based on traffic volumes, roadway configurations and capacities, traffic control types, and speeds and subsequently ranks the operation with a letter grades to signify the quality of traffic flows, or the Level-of-Service (LOS). The LOS A ranking represents free flow conditions with little traffic delays while LOS F represents jammed conditions with excessive traffic delays. Table 2 shows the LOS rankings and their relationships to traffic conditions. For signalized intersections, the LOS was evaluated and ranked based on 20
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 average delays for vehicles from all approaches and turning movements. For non-signalized side street stop control intersections such as the Mt. Diablo Boulevard/Mt. Diablo Court intersection, LOS was evaluated independently, by lane groups instead of the entire intersection and estimate delays for the approaches that are controlled by stop signs, and the left-turn movements from the major street. Table 2 Traffic Operation Ranking (LOS) Criteria Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study Signalized Intersections (HCM 2000 Methodology) LOS A B C D E F Control Delay (1) (Seconds) <10.0 10.1-20.0 20.1-35.0 35.1-55.0 55.1-80.0 >80.0 Non-signalized Intersections (HCM 2000 Methodology) LOS A B C D E F Control Delay per Vehicle (Seconds) 0.0-10.0 10.1-15.0 15.1-25.0 25.1-35.0 35.1-50.0 >50.0 Lane Capacity (HCM 2000 Methodology) LOS A B C D E F Volume-to Capacity (V/C) 0.00-0.60 0.61-0.70 0.71-0.80 0.81-0.90 0.91-1.00 >1.00 Merge Area Capacity (SYNCHRO/SIMTRAFFIC Methodology) LOS A B C D E F Merge Delay per Vehicle (Seconds) 0.0-10.0 10.1-15.0 15.1-25.0 25.1-35.0 35.1-50.0 >50.0 Source: Highway Capacity Manual 1985, 1997, 2000, and SYNCHRO/SIMTRAFFIC (1) Control delay includes delays of initial deceleration, move-up-time in the queue, stops, and reacceleration. 21
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Through movements on major streets are not evaluated because they normally would operate at LOS A as they are not faced with traffic control devices nor need to yield to traffic from other directions. The City of Lafayette General Plan Policy considers LOS D with a delay of 55 seconds the lowest acceptable condition for signalized intersections outside of the downtown area, and LOS E for non-signalized intersections (stop sign control approaches, and/or left-turn movements) with delays over 50 seconds the minimum acceptable condition. Mt. Diablo Boulevard is not a Route of Regional Significance (arterial streets that run through more than one local jurisdiction) and as such Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) which is also the congestion management agency for Contra Costa County, has no LOS standard or policy for the boulevard. 3.3 Existing Conditions Traffic Operations PHA evaluated the current study corridor traffic operation with traffic count data collected from the field in mid June 2012 while schools were out of session. Traffic counts for the morning peak hour were adjusted upward by about 15 percent based on a comparison with counts collected while schools were in session. Afternoon peak hour counts were not adjusted since there were no significant changes compared with counts collected during school days. Intersection analysis results indicated that the two signalized intersection along Mt. Diablo Boulevard at Carol Lane and at the Lafayette Park Hotel operated at LOS A for both a.m. and p.m. peak hours with delays below 10 seconds. For the non-signalized intersection at Mt. Diablo Court, through traffic including the left-turn movement operated at LOS A while traffic from Mt. Diablo Court (minor approach) operated at LOS B for a.m. and LOS C for p.m. These are good service levels and are consistent with field observation. PHA also examined the left-turn lane in the westbound direction west of the Lafayette Park Hotel entrance. Traffic count data indicated only 2 and 19 vehicles making left-turns during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours, respectively. Traffic at this location is not expected to operate at a level worse than LOS B. 3.4 Project Impact on Traffic Operation during Construction PHA evaluated the study corridor traffic operation with the added construction crew and truck trips, while assuming lane closures at various sections of Mt. Diablo Boulevard at various construction stages. The traffic operation evaluation also included other key traffic operation MOEs such as lane capacity and merge area analysis. Tables 3 through 5 illustrate traffic LOS analyses for intersection operations, lane capacities and merge areas delays. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate current peak hour study intersection traffic volumes and construction worker and truck trips. 22
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Intersection LOS Analysis Intersection LOS analysis results indicated that all of the three study intersections, during various stages of construction, would operate at the same service levels as with the current condition. This means the construction activities would have minimal impacts on intersection operations. Lane Capacity Analysis Lane capacity analysis results indicated that the one-lane section at various construction stages would operate adequately at LOS A with volume-to-capacity (V/C) ratios below 0.5, indicating closing off one lane during construction would not create a capacity problem. Lane capacity analysis is conducted simply by dividing the peak hour vehicle volume with the hourly lane capacity. The default hourly lane capacity used in the calculation was 1,900 vehicles. Note: Please follow links below to view a simulation of traffic operations for various scenarios: Existing AM Peak Hour Existing AM Peak Hour-Stage 1 Existing AM Peak Hour-Stage 2 Existing AM Peak Hour-Stage 3 Existing AM Peak Hour-Stage 4 http://youtu.be/guwrrqso1-g http://youtu.be/7v8aeg_ly_a http://youtu.be/eescsyevan0 http://youtu.be/dzjbvitseju http://youtu.be/_ginnbktifa Existing PM Peak Hour Existing PM Peak Hour-Stage 1 Existing PM Peak Hour-Stage 2 Existing PM Peak Hour-Stage 3 Existing PM Peak Hour-Stage 4 http://youtu.be/w2k9z-o0dqu http://youtu.be/3kimswa9q8g http://youtu.be/lush--yvwhw http://youtu.be/fwcs2ndepvg http://youtu.be/1a8lz5sqg5o 23
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Table 3 Study Intersection Traffic Operation (LOS) Analysis Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study Signalized Intersections Peak Existing Conditions Construction Stage 1 Construction Stage 2 Construction Stage 3 Construction Stage 4 Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Mt. Diablo Bl./Carol Ln. AM 6.2 A 6.2 A 6.2 A 6.2 A 6.2 A PM 8.9 A 9.0 A 9.0 A 9.0 A 9.0 A Mt. Diablo Bl./Lafayette Park Hotel AM 2.4 A 2.4 A 2.4 A 2.4 A 3.5 A PM 3.0 A 3.0 A 3.0 A 3.0 A 4.7 A Non-signalized Intersection Mt. Diablo Bl./Mt. Diablo Ct. Thru traffic from Mt. Diablo Bl. AM 0.0 A 0.0 A 0.0 A 0.0 A 0.0 A PM 0.0 A 0.0 A 0.0 A 0.0 A 0.0 A L-turns from Mt. Diablo Bl. AM 8.5 A 8.6 A 8.6 A 8.6 A 8.6 A PM 9.9 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A All traffic from Diablo Ct. AM 14.7 B 14.9 B 14.9 B 22.4 C 14.9 B PM 19.7 C 20.0 C 20.2 C 28.3 D 20.2 C PHA Transportation consultants, SYNCHRO analysis results. LOS: Level-of Service Delay: Average delay per vehicle Stages 1-4 relate to water Pipeline Construction Stages 24
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Table 4 Construction Zone Lane Capacity (LOS) Analysis Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study Construction Zone Peak Existing (2-lane) Construction (Stage 1, 1-lane) Construction (Stage 2, 1-lane) Construction (Stage 3, 1-lane) Construction (Stage 4, 1-lane) V/C LOS V/C LOS V/C LOS V/C LOS V/C LOS Work section (eastbound) AM 0.12 A 0.25 A 0.3 A 0.25 A 0.30 A PM 0.22 A 0.44 A 0.4 A 0.44 A 0.49 A Work section (westbound) AM 0.22 A n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.45 A 0.45 A PM 0.15 A n/a n/a n/a n/a 0.32 A 0.32 A PHA Transportation Consultants, results calculated based on peak hour direction volumes /lane capacity (1,900 vph). LOS: Level-of Service V/C: Volume-to Capacity ratio Stages 1-4 relate to water Pipeline Construction Stages Table 5 Construction Zone Merge Operation (LOS) Analysis Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Traffic Study Construction Zone Peak Existing (2-lane) Construction (Stage 1, 1-lane) Construction (Stage 2, 1-lane) Construction (Stage 3, 1-lane) Construction (Stage 4, 1-lane) Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Delay LOS Merge area (eastbound) AM n/a n/a 2.0 A 2.0 A 1.2 A 2.0 A PM n/a n/a 3.4 A 3.5 A 1.6 A 4.0 A Merge area (westbound) AM n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1.0 A 1.1 A PM n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1.0 A 1.0 A PHA Transportation consultants, results calculated with SIMTRAFFIC. LOS: Level-of Service V/C: Volume-to Capacity ratio Stages 1-4 relate to water Pipeline Construction Stages 25
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 10 Study intersection Peak Hour Traffic Volume Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 26
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Figure 11 Study Intersection Peak Hour Construction Traffic Volume Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 27
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Merge Analysis Merge analysis results conducted using SIMTRAFFIC, a traffic simulation software application, indicated that all merges at various stages of construction will operate at good service levels (LOS A) with delays ranging between 2 and 4 seconds. This means motorists would experience minimal delay merging from two lanes into one. Summary In summary, results of the above key traffic operational MOEs are consistent with one another; all indicating that construction will have minimal impacts on the study corridor traffic flow. PHA also examined vehicle queuing conditions as part of the study intersection analysis. Results revealed that the longest vehicle queues (95 th percentile) would be about 8 vehicles deep at any of the study intersection approaches and turn lanes. Vehicle queues would not block upstream traffic. The construction period for the water pipeline installation is expected to take approximately one month. 3.5 Potential Impact on Parking PHA conducted a parking accumulation survey in mid June 2012 for the study corridor to examine current parking conditions and to evaluate the potential impact of the construction activities. Parked vehicles along both sides of Mt. Diablo Boulevard between Carol Lane and the overpass east of Mt. Diablo Court were counted hourly during the morning, mid day, and afternoon peak periods to identify parking space availability, levels of utilization, and peaking characteristics. On-street parking is permitted along the corridor, but parking spaces are not striped. Parking is not permitted on the south side of the street between the Lafayette Cemetery frontage and Mt. Diablo Court, and between the hardware store and the office building west of the Lafayette Park Hotel entrance. Based on measurements of the curb lengths and assuming a standard parking space of 20 feet long, the corridor has the capacity to accommodate a total of 97 cars (76 on the north side of the street and 21 cars on the south side). Survey results indicated that the average parking occupancy was about 30 percent for the entire corridor. On an hourly basis, the maximum occupancy was 83 percent, recorded along the segment between Carol Lane and the Lafayette Park Hotel on the north side of the street. Survey results indicated that the section between Carol Lane and the Lafayette Park Hotel on the north side of the street is the most utilized due to its proximity to nearby commercial activities. Construction is not expected to have a noticeable impact on parking during Stage 1 and 2 as construction activities would be limited to the south side of the street in front the new pumping plant site and the Lafayette Cemetery where parking is not permitted. During construction stages 3 and 4, however, when the westbound lanes are closed, vehicles will be unable to park 28
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 on the north side, particularly the area across from the Lafayette Park Hotel. Parking impacts will be moderate and coordination should be done with the Lafayette Park Hotel to minimize impacts to their scheduled events. Table 9 shows a summary of current on-street parking conditions along the study corridor. 29
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 North Side South side Mt. Diablo Boulevard Street Segments Capacity Space (Curb Length) Table 6 Study Area Parking Analysis Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study Parking Restrictions 7 am 8 am 9 am 12 pm 1 pm 2 pm 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm Avg % Occupied 1. Carol Ln. to Hotel. 24 (480 ) 4 hrs. 5 16 15 20 18 18 19 18 8 63% 83% 2. Hotel to Mt. Diablo Ct. 40 (800') 21 hrs. 5 5 8 9 7 6 11 10 9 20% 28% 3. Mt. Diablo Ct. to Overpass 12 (240') 21 hrs. 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 4% 17% Sub Total 76 (1,520 ) 10 21 23 30 25 24 32 29 17 31% 42% 4. Carol Ln. to Hotel. 7 (140 ) 30 min./ 4hrs. 2 1 2 5 6 5 4 3 5 52% 86% 5. Hotel to Mt. Diablo Ct. 2 (40') 4 hrs. 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 67% 100% 6. Mt. Diablo Ct. to Overpass 12 (240') 21 hrs. 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2% 38% Sub Total 21 (420 ) 3 2 3 7 8 7 5 6 6 24% 38% Total 97 (1,940 ) 13 23 26 37 33 31 37 35 23 30% 38% Note: Parking capacity for the north side of the street is estimated based on curb length minus landscape planter areas, divided by 20 feet (standard parking space length). Capacity for the south side is estimated based on actual count of the marked spaces and estimate of the available curb length. Between Carol Lane. and the hotel entrance, there is a green curb in front of the hardware store measuring about 100 feet long that can accommodate 5 vehicles, plus two marked spaces west of the hotel entrance. The area in front of the current pump station, auto repair shop, and the office building are not included in the analysis since they are not curb-parking. Average occupancy= total parked car/9 hours/capacity. Maximum occupancy=highest hourly parked car/capacity. Max % Occupied 30
Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 3.6 Potential Impact on Public Transits As discussed above, County Connection runs the Route 25 transit bus between Lafayette BART Station and Walnut Creek BART Station via Mt. Diablo Boulevard. There are bus stops along the study corridor on both sides of the street. The bus stops near Carol Lane would not likely be affected. The other bus-stops in front of the Lafayette Park hotel and near Mt. Diablo Court may be affected and may need to be temporarily relocated during construction. 3.7 Potential Impact on Pedestrians and Bicyclists PHA collected pedestrian and bicycle counts while conducting traffic counts for the corridor. Count data and field observation revealed most pedestrian activities in the area occurred near the Mt. Diablo Boulevard/Carol Lane intersection. Only a handful of pedestrians (fewer than 20), mostly dog walkers and recreational strollers, and bicyclists were observed walking or biking along Mt. Diablo Boulevard east of the Lafayette Park Hotel. Construction activities would likely affect pedestrians and bicyclists when lanes and sidewalks are closed. Construction signs will be installed to direct pedestrians and bicyclists to other side of the street opposite construction activity. 31
4. CEQA Review Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 Chapter 3 summarized traffic operations and assessed project impacts based on standard traffic engineering practices and City of Lafayette roadway LOS standards and criteria. This Chapter evaluates project impacts based on criteria set forth in CEQA. Table 7 summarizes potential project impacts based on CEQA guidelines and criteria. Table 7 Project Impact Assessment with CEQA Guidelines Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Traffic Study TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC: Would the project: a. Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths and mass transit? b. Conflict with an applicable congestions management program, including but not limited to level of service demands and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads an or highways. c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant w/mitigation X Less Than Significant Impact No Impact X X d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? X e. Result in inadequate emergency access? X f. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? X As indicated in the above table, the project would have no impact on criterion b, c, and f; however, it would increase roadway hazards (a, d and e) during construction to install pipelines. However, these can be reduced to less than significant with mitigation. 32
5. Mitigation Diablo Vista Pumping Plant Replacement Traffic Study PHA Transportation Consultants 12-05-359 October 2012 PHA has identified potential project impacts in Chapters 3 and 4. Below is a list of potential impacts and recommended mitigation measures. 5.1 Potential Impact and Mitigation 4a. Less than Significant with Mitigations. The project would generate vehicle trips during project construction, temporarily contributing to increased traffic on local roadways. Truck trips would be associated with hauling materials, trench spoils and equipment to and from the project site. Construction employees would also contribute to vehicle trips. The addition of traffic during project construction would not degrade traffic operation along the study corridor. However, lane closures during construction would affect pedestrians and bicyclists. Implementation of Mitigation Measure TRAF-1 identified below will lessen potential impacts to a Less-than-Significant level. Limit construction trucks to ten or less through Mt. Diablo Boulevard during the peak hour period (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.). EBMUD construction inspectors shall enforce these vehicle limits. With implementation of this measure, the impact would be reduced to Less-than-Significant. Construction and haul trucks will be directed to use the Pleasant Hill Road interchange to access the work site. 4b. No Impact: The project and its construction would not conflict with Contra Costa County Congestion Management Policy and LOS standards. All three intersections and roadway segments along the study corridor would operate at LOS A with or without the project and its constructions activities 4c. No Impact. The project would not affect air traffic and no impacts related to air traffic or safety. 4d. Less than Significant with Mitigations. The project would not result in any permanent changes to existing traffic design features, but traffic hazards related to truck traffic and lane closure along the project route would increase. Contract specifications would require implementation of a traffic safety plan (including flaggers) during the construction period. Implementation of Mitigation Measure TRAF-2 identified below will lessen potential impacts to a Less-than-Significant level. EBMUD contract specifications shall require the preparation and implementation of a Traffic Management Plan, which shall include the following elements: The work hours for each phase of project construction, the process for notifying residents and businesses of construction activity, and the means for people to report construction-related problems. Traffic control plans showing typical work areas for each phase of construction along 33