Ordinance No. 20258 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WEST EU~NE PARKWAY MODIFIED PROJECT--CONSISTENCY ~TR THE STATEV~DE PLANNING GOALS AND TRANSPORTATION PLANNING RULE bicycle and pedestrian circulation and reasonably direct routes for bicycle and pedestrian travel in areas where usage of these modes is likely. In August, 1997, LCOG analyzed the potential for public transportation in the region. This study consisted of market analysis, system analysis, and findings and conclusions, and it incorporated TDM strategies, transpor~tion system features and land use changes to support mixed use developments. LCOG concluded that an improved transit system, together with nodal mixed use development patterns, would act in a complementary manner and improve overall transit ridership in the region. The improved transit system incorporates the aggressive Bus Rapid Transit pilot project. BRT consists of high-frequency, fast transit service along major transportation corridors, with small bus service in neighborhoods that connects with the BRT corridor service and with nearby activity centers. The BRT system is based on light rail principles, but instead of the required capital investment in trains and track~ it utilizes buses in service that is integrated with key components of the existing automobile transportation inf?astructure, such as roads and rights-of-way, intersections, and traffic signals. The BRT system would be used as a complementary element to the regular public transit service provided by Lane Trar~sit District. Service frequencies would be similar to regular services with minute headways during daytime peak hours and 20-minute headways during daytime off-peak hours and on evenings and weekends. BRT would employ several features to decrease travel time, including exclusive bus lanes, transit priority treatments (e.g., prefhrential traffic signal timing and queue- jumpers), extended stop spacing, enhanced shelters and boarding areas, and a barrier-free fare systemfi7 Improving the transit system through a combination of BRT and nodal mixed-use, development clearly Can significantly increase the modal share assigned to transit~ pedestrian-friendly Moreover, the BRT system is expected to serve West Eugene through its extension along the West 11 Avenue corridor. However, notwithstanding anticipated increases in transit ridership and the increase in trans~t's modal share of all trips, West 1 lth Avenue still will not function adequately wkhout the WEPfi8 The volume to capacity ratios at the intersections of West 1 lth Avenue with Green Hill Road~ Danebo Avenue, Beltline Highwa% Bertelsen Road, Bailey Hill Road and Seneca Road will continue to exceed 1.00 without the WEP, with the ratio at Beltline Highway estimated at 1.50.so Clearly~ travel by alternative modes, combined with TDM and traffic management improvement measures, does not eliminate the need fbr the WEPfi0 The new roadway is still needed to serve existing and planned growth and statewide and regional trips. Transportation ~ana~ement and Transportation Demand ~easures Transportation management measures include techniques for increasing the efficiency, safety, capacity or level of service of a transportation facility without increasing its size. Examples include traffic signal improvements, traffic control devices including installing medians and parking removal~ channelization, access management, ramp metering, and restriping of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. See OAR 660-012-0005(25). Measures such as ramp metering and high occupancy vehicle lanes are not appropriate for West 11 th Avenue. These measures apply more to freeway projects experiencing efficiency or capacity deficiencies. Median barriers along West 1 lth Avenue also are not appropriate g~ven the ex[sting strip 57 Alternative Memorandum at "~ ~-12~ 58 A~tematives Memorandum at 12. 59 Alternatives Memorandum, Appendix B. 60 The figures set out in Appendix B of the Alternatives Memorandum include TDM. EXHIBIT C-1 - FINDINGS