Item B: West 11th Transportation Corridor Study

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th West 7 Avenue/Garfield Street The traffic conflict analysis technique involves the observation and recording of traffic conflicts (near-miss collision) and rating the degree of severity for each conflict event. This data is used to augment the collision reports to provide the analyst with a more comprehensive understanding of physical and behavioral conditions at the intersection. This methodology was used because collision data is not always conclusive in determining the actual safety problems at intersection. METHODOLOGY DKS staff observed each of the five intersections during the AM, afternoon, and PM peak hours, in order to evaluate actual vehicle conflicts that are occurring within the influence of the intersection. The traffic conflict analysis provides insight into human-factors relating issues such as traffic control devices, geometric design, environment, and driver behavior. A traffic conflict is defined as a point in time when two vehicles approach the same space that requires one or both vehicles to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Examples of evasive actions are braking, swerving, and accelerating. DKS staff observed conflicts and recorded the location at each intersection and the conflict type. The conflicts were observed for two days during the morning (7am 9am), afternoon (11am 1pm), and evening (4pm 6pm) peak periods. Each intersection was observed for approximately one hour at a time during each peak period over the two days. The methodology utilized in the observations is similar to the procedures provided in the 16 Traffic Conflict Procedures Manual. ANALYSIS Intersection conflict diagrams have been prepared to illustrate the types and locations of the conflicts observed in the field. Figures 5-1 through 5-5 illustrate the major conflicts that were observed during the morning, afternoon, and evening peak periods. As illustrated in these figures, the majority of the conflicts that were observed at the intersections were due to private driveways and unsignalized pedestrian th crossings. Multiple conflicts along West 11 Avenue occur at the driveways located adjacent to the intersections, as well as offset driveways and intersections. Conflicts created by these driveways were left- turn and right-turn conflicts, as well as vehicles queued along the travel lanes. 16 nd Traffic Conflict Procedures Manual, 2 Editions,Hamilton Associates, November 1996. th West 11 Avenue Corridor Study September 4, 2009 City of Eugene P07265-003-000 33