median improvements and beautification presentation.pdfintersection & roadway lighting will...
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Median Improvements and Beautification From Gulf State Park to the Florida Line
Orange Beach, AlabamaMarch 29, 2016
Project Sponsor:
Alabama Department of Transportation
Southwest Region
Project Design Team:
Alabama Department of Transportation:
Vince Calametti, P.E.
Gonzalez-Strength & Associates, Inc.:
James Brown, P.E.
Skipper Consulting Inc.:
Darrell Skipper, P.E.
Project Limits
Project Limits:
Alabama Highway 182
from the Orange Beach City Limits
to the Florida State Line
Project Concerns:
Safety: both traffic and pedestrian
Traffic Capacity
Traffic Speeds
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accessibility
Existing Roadway Cross Section
Project Goals:
Enhance Roadway Safety for the traveling public
Balance the needs of the pedestrian/bicyclist,
consumer/beachgoer, and the roadway user
Enhance the aesthetics along the roadway corridor
Create a gateway to the City of Orange Beach as well as to the
Alabama Gulf Coast
Alabama Highway 1822012-2014 Crash Facts:
Total Crashes:
227 Total Crashes
49 injury crashes
4 Fatalities
Pedestrian Involved Crashes:
8 Crashes
6 Injuries
2 Fatalities
At the Average Intersection:
Approximately 72% of all Crashes involve Left Turning Traffic
Of the left turn crashes: 47% are related to Left turns from the side street 39% are related to left turns from the main street
Conflict Point: A conflict point is the point at which a
roadway user crossing, merging with, or diverging from a road or driveway
conflicts with another roadway user using the same road or driveway.
Intersection Conflict Points
Median U-turn/Indirect Left Turn Concept
Reduces crashes by reducing intersection conflict points Anticipated 35% reduction in crashes
Reduces Crash Severity by reducing the number of crossing crashes.
Does not limit Property access from any direction
Alabama Highway 182at
Palm Pointe Centre
Existing Configuration:
39 Conflict Points
Future Configuration:
3 Conflict Points
92% Reduction in Conflict Points
Simplifying the driving tasks by limiting the number of conflicts results in fewer collisions, improves safety, and reduces
congestion.
• Signalized Median U-turns
• Concept has been utilized successfully in other areas of the state with roadways of various traffic volumes
• Traffic signals will be simple with 2 phases
• Pedestrian crossings will be signalized
Project U-turn Locations
Project Cross Section
Alabama Highway 182 at Alabama Highway 161
• Left turn onto SR161 from Eastbound SR182 is prohibited
• An additional westbound right turn lane added
Alabama Highway 182 at Alabama Highway 161 – East of the intersection
• Truck u-turn location
• Dual eastbound u-turn lanes
• Ability to turn left into the Boat Launch or the Cotton Bayou Beach Access
• Dual right turns westbound extend for access onto SR161
Alabama Highway 182 east of Loop Road
• Traffic Signal will be installed at all u-turn locations
• Standard u-turn location
• Trucks are prohibited
• U-turns provided for both directions
Alabama Highway 182 west of Loop Road
• Traffic Signal will be installed at all u-turn locations
• Standard u-turn location
• Trucks are prohibited
• U-turns provided for both directions
Pedestrian/Bicycle Access:
• 8 Existing Signalized Pedestrian Crossings
• 14 Future Signalized Pedestrian Crossings
• Pedestrian Locations identified by Orange Beach were utilized in determining crossing locations
• Public Beach Access Locations
• Emergency Beach Access Locations
• Areas of Pedestrian Safety
• Intersections & crosswalk locations will be lighted
Traffic Counts were utilized from:
• Memorial Day 2014 & 2015
• August 2015
• Spring Break 2016
Traffic has grown at a 1% growth rate over the most recent 10 year period
Level of Service - Traffic Capacity is expressed as a Level of Service on a Scale of “A” (highest quality service) -”F” (jammed conditions). In general a “D” or better is considered acceptable during peak traffic conditions.
Project Concept has been designed to accommodate the following scenarios: Holiday check in/check out rush Weeknight dinner rush
Traffic volumes are projected to grow at a 1.75%/year rate 35% traffic growth can be accommodated (20 years)
Traffic Capacity analysis indicates the concept would provide an acceptable Level of Service (“D” or better during peak periods)
Traffic Simulation Software was used to model what future conditions would look like with future traffic volumes and lanes in place.
The traffic model includes the following conditions:
• A typical summer evening dinner rush (Friday night)
• Future traffic volumes including 35% traffic growth over existing traffic volumes
• Proposed roadway lanes in place
All Traffic Signals will utilize mast arms in lieu of span wire for a “cleaner” appearance
Currently there is a project by others underway to place overhead power lines underground
There will be low growing plantings placed in the median.
There will be trees/other plantings to be placed along the outside of the roadway
All curbing to be used is designed to be traversed by Beach Mouse
Intersection & Roadway Lighting will utilize LED technology and will be “turtle friendly”
How will my customers reach my business?
How will this impact my business?
How will trucks get to my business?
Can a firetruck make the u-turn?
What will this do to my travel time?
How will Customers Reach My Business? Wayfinding - signals will be numbered.
Example: Pigeon Forge, Tn.
How will this impact my business? Economic studies show business owners reported an increase or no change
in their customer traffic when median u-turns were constructed.
How will trucks get into my business? Truck u-turns have been strategically located to provide truck access as
needed.
Surveys of business owners in other locations indicate the majority felt no inconvenience to truck deliveries at their business.
Can a Firetruck Make the u-turn? YES! Each u-turn location is sized so that a firetruck can make the u-turn
movement as needed.
What will this do to my travel time? Simpler traffic signals = more green
Phase 1 – Fall 2016
Remainder of the project to be constructed in multiple phases
Phase 1 Project: Consists of Area from east of Cotton Bayou Beach Access to just
west of Loop Road/Wal-Mart Construction will begin on or about October 2016. Construction is scheduled to be completed by Spring/Early
Summer 2017
The balance of the project is planned to be constructed as multiple phases completed during off-peak tourist seasons.
The City of Orange Beach is working to develop a landscaping plan.
Thank you for your interest in this project!
Median Improvements and Beautification From Gulf State Park to the Florida Line