TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
> OVERVIEW
Traffic Analysis is used to determine if the designed alternatives will perform with an acceptable Level of Service with the projected future traffic volumes for the year 2040. With the use of Synchro 8 signal timing and lane configuration could be optimized at all intersections within our study boundary. The analysis included the HDI, DDI, SPUI, ParClo, and CFI.
> SCOPE
To evaluate and improve all intersections levels of service to acceptable as per the City’s acceptable Level of Service. Synchro 8 was used to model the alternatives with the projected future traffic volumes of 2040. The use of Synchro 8 allows lane configuration and signal timing to be optimized and monitor operations of controls. Analysis of simulation data gives information of how to improve the interchange and geometric design.
> PROJECTED/FUTURE VOLUMES
A Traffic Volumes Report was given by Caltrans that depicted the short and long term traffic volumes and turning movements for the intersections within our study boundary. The future volumes of 2017 showed that the current interchange will adequately handle the traffic volumes in the short term. However, the future volumes of 2040 showed that the current interchange will not be able to handle the traffic volumes in the long term. Two specific plans were given to our team, which were the Moreno Highlands Specific Plan and the World Logistics Center Specific Plan. In proceeding with our traffic studies with the No Build and viable alternatives, we used the volumes from the World Logistics Center Specific Plan. This plan was used rather than the Moreno Valley Highlands Specific Plan, due to higher projected traffic volumes for 2040, and to also account for the future increased truck traffic.
> ALTERNATIVES
No Build
No Build Alternative LOS
Intersection
Theodore & Eucalyptus Avenue Theodore & SR-60 EB Ramps Theodore & SR-60 WB Ramps Theodore & Ironwood Avenue |
AM Peak
D F F B |
PM Peak
E F F C |
Hybrid Diamond Interchange (HDI)
The Hybrid Diamond Interchange (HDI) is where the grade of the cross street is changed to pass over or under a freeway. The northern ramp terminals are spread and the southern ramp terminals are tight in order to achieve maximum sight distance and minimum intersection cross slope, proportionate with construction and right of way costs, travel distance, and general appearance. A hybrid diamond has the advantage of flatter ramp grades, greater crossroads left-turn storage capacity, and the flexibility of permitting the construction of future loop ramps if required. Geometrically, the interchange can be well accommodated for regular and large truck traffic if including retaining walls at the bridge.
The Hybrid Diamond Interchange (HDI) is where the grade of the cross street is changed to pass over or under a freeway. The northern ramp terminals are spread and the southern ramp terminals are tight in order to achieve maximum sight distance and minimum intersection cross slope, proportionate with construction and right of way costs, travel distance, and general appearance. A hybrid diamond has the advantage of flatter ramp grades, greater crossroads left-turn storage capacity, and the flexibility of permitting the construction of future loop ramps if required. Geometrically, the interchange can be well accommodated for regular and large truck traffic if including retaining walls at the bridge.
Hybrid Diamond Interchange Alternative LOS
Intersection
Theodore & Eucalyptus Avenue Theodore & SR-60 EB Ramps Theodore & SR-60 WB Ramps Theodore & Ironwood Avenue |
AM Peak
B A D B |
PM Peak
C C D C |
Partial Cloverleaf Interchange (ParClo)
The Partial Cloverleaf (ParClo) is where the grade of the cross street is changed to pass over a freeway. Some ramp terminals are spread in order to achieve maximum sight distance and minimum intersection cross slope, proportionate with construction and right of way costs, travel distance, and general appearance. Some ramp terminals are clovers in order to avoid right of way accusation costs. Geometrically, the interchange can be well accommodated for regular and large truck traffic if including retaining walls at the bridge.
The Partial Cloverleaf (ParClo) is where the grade of the cross street is changed to pass over a freeway. Some ramp terminals are spread in order to achieve maximum sight distance and minimum intersection cross slope, proportionate with construction and right of way costs, travel distance, and general appearance. Some ramp terminals are clovers in order to avoid right of way accusation costs. Geometrically, the interchange can be well accommodated for regular and large truck traffic if including retaining walls at the bridge.
Partial Clover Leaf Interchange Alternative LOS
Intersection
Theodore & Eucalyptus Avenue Theodore & SR-60 EB Ramps Theodore & SR-60 WB Ramps Theodore & Ironwood Avenue |
AM Peak
C B C B |
PM Peak
C D C C |
Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) will replace the existing ramp intersections. A DDI design takes the local road approaches leading to the ramp intersections and creates a crossover movement. This allows for large volumes of vehicles to be able to turn left onto the highway without having a conflict movement. The cross over movement only needs two phases at the signalized intersection. This is opposed to other intersections that may require four or more phases. Another advantage to a DDI is that I takes up the same amount of right of way as a spread diamond.
A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) will replace the existing ramp intersections. A DDI design takes the local road approaches leading to the ramp intersections and creates a crossover movement. This allows for large volumes of vehicles to be able to turn left onto the highway without having a conflict movement. The cross over movement only needs two phases at the signalized intersection. This is opposed to other intersections that may require four or more phases. Another advantage to a DDI is that I takes up the same amount of right of way as a spread diamond.
Diverging Diamond Interchange Alternative LOS
Intersection
Theodore & Eucalyptus Avenue Theodore & SR-60 EB Ramps Theodore & SR-60 WB Ramps Theodore & Ironwood Avenue |
AM Peak
C B A B |
PM Peak
C C A C |
Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI)
The SPUI is where the grade of the cross street is changed to pass over or under a freeway. It combines two separate diamond ramp interchanges into one large at-grade intersection. The amount of Right of Way required for this type of alternative requires about the same amount as the contact diamond. However, the bridge for an overpass SPUI can become quite large. This feature is an advantage because the SPUI has the capacity to withstand higher volumes of traffic. However, at the same time, its size is also its downfall because it is not pedestrian and bicycle traffic friendly. Geometrically, the interchange can be well accommodated for regular and large truck traffic if including retaining walls at the bridge.
The SPUI is where the grade of the cross street is changed to pass over or under a freeway. It combines two separate diamond ramp interchanges into one large at-grade intersection. The amount of Right of Way required for this type of alternative requires about the same amount as the contact diamond. However, the bridge for an overpass SPUI can become quite large. This feature is an advantage because the SPUI has the capacity to withstand higher volumes of traffic. However, at the same time, its size is also its downfall because it is not pedestrian and bicycle traffic friendly. Geometrically, the interchange can be well accommodated for regular and large truck traffic if including retaining walls at the bridge.
Single Point Urban Interchange Alternative LOS
Intersection
Theodore & Eucalyptus Avenue Theodore & SR-60 EB Ramps Theodore & SR-60 WB Ramps Theodore & Ironwood Avenue |
AM Peak
D B B B |
PM Peak
D D D C |
Continuous Flow Interchange (CFI)
A continuous flow intersection (CFI) will replace the existing ramp intersections. The continuous flow intersection is used for an at-grade road junction. The CFI has turn lanes which cross to the opposite side of traffic before the signal. This allows the next intersection to proceed without having a left turn signal, allowing a more optimized flow. These turn lanes are separated from the through traffic usually with a concrete barrier or a traffic island. This type of intersection can require a significant amount of right of way acquisition depending on configuration.
A continuous flow intersection (CFI) will replace the existing ramp intersections. The continuous flow intersection is used for an at-grade road junction. The CFI has turn lanes which cross to the opposite side of traffic before the signal. This allows the next intersection to proceed without having a left turn signal, allowing a more optimized flow. These turn lanes are separated from the through traffic usually with a concrete barrier or a traffic island. This type of intersection can require a significant amount of right of way acquisition depending on configuration.
Continuous Flow Interchange Alternative LOS
Intersection
Theodore & Eucalyptus Avenue Theodore & SR-60 EB Ramps Theodore & SR-60 WB Ramps Theodore & Ironwood Avenue |
AM Peak
C C A B |
PM Peak
D D A C |