Section 3

Traffic Capacity Analysis

3.1 Capacity Analysis Methodology
The capacity analysis methodology is based on the concepts and procedures
of the 2000 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM). The HCM documents
procedures and guidelines for the measurement, analysis, and interpretation
of data quantifying highway capacity and quality of service. The primary
result of capacity analysis is the assignment of levels of service to traffic
facilities under different traffic flow conditions. The concept of Level of
Service (LOS) is defined as a qualitative measure describing the operational
conditions within the traffic stream and their perception by motorists and/or
passengers. A level-of-service definition provides an index to quality of
traffic flow in terms of such factors as speed, travel time, freedom to
maneuver, traffic interruptions, comfort, convenience, and safety.
Six levels of service are defined for signalized intersections. They are given
letter designations from A to F, with LOS A representing the best operating
conditions and LOS F the worst. Levels of service for signalized intersections
are calculated using the operational analysis methodology of the HCM.
The methodology for signalized intersections assesses the effects of signal
type, timing, phasing, and progression along with vehicle mix and
geometrics on average stopped delay. Accordingly, level of service
designations for signalized intersections are based on the criterion of
calculated average stopped delay per vehicle. Delay is a measure of driver
discomfort, frustration, fuel consumption, and lost travel time.
Table 3.1-1 summarizes the relationship between level of service and average
stopped delay for signalized intersections.

Table 3.1-1 Level of Service for Signalized Intersections

Level of Service

Signalized Intersection Criteria

Average Stopped Delay
(Seconds per Vehicle)

A
B
C
D
E
F

10
10 to 20
20 to 35
35 to 55
55 to 80
> 80

Source: Highway Capacity Manual, HCM2000; Transportation Research Board;

Washington, DC; 2000. Page 16-2.

3-1

Section 3
Traffic Capacity Analysis

For signalized intersections, these delay criteria may be applied in assigning

level-of-service designations to individual lane groups, to individual
intersection approaches, or to the entire intersection.

3.2 Existing and Future No-Build Traffic

Operations
Levels of service were calculated for the signalized intersection of Route 30
and Route 27 using the industry accepted Synchro 5.0 software package. The
analysis was performed for the year 2002 and the design years of 2017 and
2022. The existing and No-Build conditions maintain the current traffic
control, signal phasing operation and lane usage at the intersection as
described in Sections 2.1 (Physical Layout) and 2.2 (Traffic Signals). The
results of the analysis are included in Table 3.2-1 and include the morning
and evening peak hours. The signalized intersection experiences significant
delays, showing a LOS D in the AM peak hour and a LOS E in the PM
peak hour. Without improvements, the intersection level of service will
decrease to F for both the AM and PM peak hours. The existing and future
No-Build analyses are summarized in Table 3.2-1 and detailed traffic
analysis is included in Appendix I.

3-3


0.95
0.78
1.27
0.82
0.81

0.85
0.96
1.70
0.97
0.83

Morning Peak Hour

Route 27 NB L5
Route 27 NB TR
Route 27 SB LTR
Route 30 EB LTR
Route 30 WB LTR
Overall

Evening Peak Hour

Route 27 NB L
Route 27 NB TR
Route 27 SB LTR
Route 30 EB LTR
Route 30 WB LTR
Overall
42.3
37.8
213.3
34.7
23.2
72.1

65.4
19.6
123.0
16.7
23.7
51.0

Delay

D
D
F
C
C
E

E
B
F
B
C
D

LOS

Existing

#162
#433
#508
#497
#323

#159
#306
#508
#376
#276

95%
Queue4

1.37
1.20
4.24
1.31
1.15

1.60
0.97
2.67
1.07
1.15

V/C

155.2
102.1
373.5
130.0
88.6
169.4

201.6
40.0
312.6
58.7
89.3
139.5

Delay

F
F
F
F
F
F

F
D
F
E
F
F

LOS

#226
#583
#660
#699
#470

#1806
#427
#646
#581
#407

95%
Queue

2017 Future No-Build

Volume to Capacity Ratio

Delay in seconds
3
Level of Service
4
Queue in feet
5
L = Left Turn, T = Thru, R = Right; LTR or other combination is a shared lane
6
# indicates that the volume for the 95th percentile exceeds capacity.
7
Overall Level of Service is the Intersection Level of Service.

V/C

Location

Table 3.2-1 Level of Service - Route 30 at Route 27

1.64
1.30
4.98
1.45
1.30

1.73
1.05
4.13
1.17
1.31

V/C

205.8
129.6
388.9
164.9
130.9
200.7

221.0
58.5
371.1
90.5
134.0
177.6

Delay

F
F
F
F
F
F

F
E
F
F
F
F

LOS

#206
#643
#724
#777
#527

#197
#475
#785
#652
#460

95%
Queue

2022 Future No-Build

Section 3
Traffic Capacity Analysis

3-3