AUTOTURN ANALYSIS
> OVERVIEW
A variety of vehicles traverse the project site including heavy trucks and recreational vehicles. Large vehicles take more time and space to maneuver through the intersections of the proposed alternatives. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate horizontal alignments for heavy vehicles. This is accomplished using Transoft Solutions' AutoTURN, a program that overlays the footprint and sweep path of a variety of vehicles onto the proposed designs.
> SCOPE
The project study area is within a designated federal and state truck route. In addition, according to the City of Moreno Valley’s General Plan, there will be a significant increase in truck traffic through our site by the year 2040. The truck traffic must be accommodated so traffic delays or facility damages do not occur. All proposed geometric horizontal alignments for each alternative are to be analyzed for heavy vehicle accommodation. If the design fails to accommodate the vehicle, then recommendations are made to modify the geometric designs. This is an iterative process continuing until the design meets the vehicle requirements.
> VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
There are standards as to the types of heavy vehicles encountered at the site. Caltrans follows the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) when designating heavy vehicle characteristics. With this guidance, the vehicle used in analyzing turning movements is "STAA Long," a type of semitrailer truck that is 74 feet in overall length.
> ALTERNATIVES
Hydbrid Diamond Interchange
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Partial Cloverleaf Interchange
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Diverging Diamond Interchange
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