For Transportation Commission Meeting [November 1, 2017]
TO: Honorable Chairperson and Commission
APPROVAL: Robert G. Eisenbeisz, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer
FROM: Gene Klatt, P.E., Consultant Engineer, Lockwood Engineering
Title
Focused Traffic Impact Analysis - Warehouse Development at the South Side of Valley Boulevard between Cactus and Spruce Avenues.
ACTION ITEM
Body
BACKGROUND:
On July 19, 2017, the first scoping agreement was submitted for the proposed warehouse development on the south side of Valley Boulevard between Cactus and Spruce Avenues. On September 5, 2017, the TIA was submitted. The proposed project is a warehouse development with a total of 402,750 square feet. The proposed project completion is estimated to be in 2019.
The site location is shown on Page 2 of the TIA in Figure 1, which is included as Attachment 1, while the site plan is shown on Page 4 in Figure 2 of the TIA, which is included as Attachment 2.
The site is proposed with two driveways onto Cactus Avenue and two driveways onto Spruce Avenue. All driveways were analyzed as full access driveways. The northerly driveways to both streets are intended for passenger vehicles while the southerly driveways are designated for truck access. The northerly driveways are shown as 30 feet in width and the southerly driveways are shown as 40 feet in width. All driveways are shown as radius type driveways, which per standard plans are up to 50 feet wide. Both Spruce and Cactus Avenues terminate in cul-de-sacs at the southerly terminus approximately 490 feet south of Valley Boulevard.
The trip impacts were estimated using data from ITE land use 150 - Warehouse and conversion to PCE for truck trips was per the CMP guidelines with truck rates per the City policy. Trips are shown on Page 19 Table 3 of the TIA, which is included as Attachment 3. Net Total daily trips from this development are estimated at 2,405 PCE trips with the AM/PM peak hour being 201/215 PCE trips.
Traffic and intersection counts were provided from previous studies that were collected in May 2017. This project has not yet been to DRC for review but will be conditioned to construct necessary street improvements adjacent to the project site. The south side of the project is adjacent to the I-10 freeway and the traffic consultant advised the County of San Bernardino (County) and Caltrans of the proposed development seeking comment on the impacts at the Cedar/I-10 interchange which is in the design phase for improvements. The email from the County is included as Attachment 4.
This site is within the Gateway Specific Plan Area, sub-area 2.
The TIA identified the Spruce Avenue at Valley Boulevard intersection as operating at an unacceptable level of service with the intersection at LOS F in both the AM and PM peak hours in 2019. Also, the intersection of Cedar Avenue at the I-10 WB ramps at LOS E in the AM. Additionally, two roadway segments would exceed capacity in 2019. The segments that are impacted are Cedar Avenue from Valley Boulevard to I-10 WB ramps (outside City jurisdiction) and Riverside Avenue from Valley Boulevard to WB I-10 ramps.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
This TIA analysis is based on ITE trip rates for the anticipated land use. PCE conversion is per CMP guidelines. The TIA analyzed forecast peak hour intersection operations to determine potential impacts on peak hour level of service for the anticipated 2019 opening year.
The TIA included other proposed projects in the area and reflected impacts at the same intersections in the PM peak hour that would be considered significant based on City policy; however, the intersections along Cedar will be addressed with the proposed design improvements for the interchange (based on current planned improvements) and have met approval from the County representing the jurisdiction for these intersections.
The TIA proposed mitigation of the impacts with the payment of fair share payments for a traffic signal at the intersection of Valley at Spruce. This location is a joint jurisdictional location with the County responsible for 50% of the intersection. Additionally, this is along a school route and the County has inquired about a signal at this location in the recent past. It is suggested that this signal be a condition of approval and that it be constructed as a part of this project with the County paying for its portion of the improvement.
Another mitigation is the fair share payment for a right turn overlap at the intersection of Riverside and Valley. This improvement (the overlap) should be installed at this time rather than a fair share contribution to improve overall operations.
The segment of Riverside Avenue between Valley Boulevard and the I-10 WB ramps was subject to a peak-hour link analysis (not in the TIA) which may not be appropriate. The Commission is aware that Riverside Avenue south of the Metrolink tracks may be allowed to operate at LOS E, however, the projected LOS is F. While the overlap may address the impact of the project itself, it does not address the LOS F and the peak-hour link analysis may not be appropriate considering the very short length of roadway, the number of signals and the overall size of the trucks using the facility. The TIA also is based upon not more than 20% of all truck traffic using the Riverside Avenue interchange to reach the project site.
Conclusion
The first scoping agreement was submitted July 19, 2017. The first version of the TIA for this Project was provided to staff on September 5, 2017. Staff reviewed the TIA and provided comments on its contents. This project will be conditioned to complete roadway improvements adjacent to the project site.
Intersections studied are projected to operate at LOS D or better, other than those identified above, and the TIA concludes that payment of fair share fees for a signal at Valley Boulevard/Spruce Avenue and right turn overlap for EB Valley Boulevard to SB Riverside Avenue are adequate mitigation measures.
The project appears to be consistent with zoning and the Specific Plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff requests that the Transportation Commission:
• Set final conditions and recommendations related to approval. Suggestions would be installation of the traffic signal at Valley Boulevard and Spruce Avenue as well as installation of EB right turn overlap at Valley Boulevard and Riverside Avenue.
• Recommend approval to the City Council.