HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8551 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS NO. 8551
l To the Mayor and Members of the City Council December 9, 2003
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SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC SIGNAL TIMING STUDY
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On November 11, 2003 staff presented an overview of the Downtown Traffic Signal Timing Study to the
Capital Improvement and Infrastructure Committee (CIIC). The purpose of this report is to provide a
synopsis of the project results, discuss the implementation schedule, and address comments expressed at
the CIIC meeting.
The Downtown Traffic Signal Timing Study was undertaken as recommended in the Downtown Access
and Circulation Study (DACS) in order to improve mobility, air quality, and pedestrian service in the
Central Business District. For this study, "Downtown" was defined as the area bounded by Belknap
Street, Jones Street, IH-30 — Lancaster Avenue,, and Forest Park Boulevard which includes 131 traffic
signals. At this time, three traffic signal timing plans operate during the respective AM and PM peak hours
and the remaining times.
In order to address the new traffic flow patterns, new construction, and the increased pedestrian activity in
downtown, five new traffic signal timing plans were developed for the AM, Noon, PM, Evening/Weekend,
and Late Night periods. The new plans are designed to improve pedestrian service while still improving
internal circulation. Although the late night plan only shows modest improvements (because of low traffic
volumes), the projections show a reduction in motorist delay of at least 20% and fuel consumption by at
least 10% during the AM, Noon, and PM periods. During the Evening/Weekend periods when Sundance
Square has high activity levels, motorist delay times are estimated to decrease by 80% and fuel
consumption by 50%.
At this time, staff has reviewed the proposed plans and is preparing to include the new timing plans in the
traffic signal database. In January, weather permitting, staff will activate the new timing and will assist the
Kimley-Horn project team with the on-street fine-tuning. This portion of the project should be complete by
February 2004. A final report documenting the improvements in motorist delays and fuel consumption will
be prepared by Kimley-Horn.
At the November 11 CIIC meeting, Council Member Wendy Davis requested the following changes to the
traffic simulation models to include:
1. Commerce and Taylor as two-way streets;
2. Traffic generated by Pier 1, RadioShack, and SH-121 T;
3. Operational impacts of changing Houston from a one-way to a two-way street.
The traffic signal timing models incorporated the changes identified in Items 1 and 2, and the delay and
fuel consumption reductions reflect these revisions. This information and system analysis will be used as
the DACS Committee evaluates the possible Houston Street conversion from one-way to two-way
operation north of 91h Street.
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City anager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS