Loading...
5.0_MobilityFINAL DRAFT January 28, 2005 Southlake 2025 Plan S.H. 114 Corridor Plan Area Phase II Analysis & Recommendations 32 5.0 M OBILITY PLAN The following are the mobility plan recommendations for the SH 114 corridor area. 5.1 General Mobility Plan Recommendations • Explore traffic management techniques that help make the existing transportation system more efficient and safe. • Provide the necessary road improvements to enhance access and safety to the DPS North Facility. • Provide connectivity throughout the planning area to reduce vehicle trips on SH 114 and FM 1709. • Encourage automobile and pedestrian connectivity between adjoining commercial developments in the corridor. This in turn will reduce auto trips and turning movements on the arterial roadways and improve level of service. • Continue to improve bicycle and pedestrian circulation throughout the study area. • Enhance and improve the visual aesthetic of the SH 114 & FM 1709 corridors. • Protect existing neighborhoods from traffic impacts associated with development along SH 114. 5.2 Specific Recommendations & Implementation Strategies. 1. Recommendation: Conduct a median study for FM 1709, Kirkwood Extension and Dove Street. Roadways in the planning area encouraged to be studied are as follows: - FM 1709 (Village Center Drive to Carroll Avenue); - Kirkwood Extension - White Chapel; and - Dove Street. Justification: Restrictive medians and well designed median openings are known to be some of the most important features in a safe and efficient roadway system. Properly implemented median arrangements will result in improvements to traffic operations and highway safety. As traffic flow is improved, delay is reduced as are vehicle emissions. Also, medians improve the aesthetics by allowing pavement section. Implementation: The study should be prepared jointly by the Planning, Community Services, DPS and Public Works departments. Components of the study should include the creation of a median policy and recommendations for the location, design, landscaping and funding of medians. Consider fund the construction of medians through the CIP or include as part of a future bond election. FINAL DRAFT January 28, 2005 Southlake 2025 Plan S.H. 114 Corridor Plan Area Phase II Analysis & Recommendations 33 Medians can improve the safety, efficiency and visual integrity of a corridor. There are many desirable benefits of medians 2. Recommendation: Improve Dove Street to its ultimate cross section from the DPS North station to the White Chapel intersection to accommodate emergency vehicle traffic in and out of DPS North station. Control the intersection at White Chapel/Dove through signalization or other means to allow emergency vehicles transverse the intersection expediently and safely during emergency response calls. Justification: Currently, Dove Street is 25’ bar ditch roadway. It is estimated that approximately 80% of the emergency vehicle trips from the DPS North station will head west along Dove St. to the White Chapel Blvd./Dove St. intersection. As such, traffic will increase substantially along this section of Dove St. Implementation: Public Works shall submit a CIP request for improvements to Dove Street that result in the ultimate construction of Dove Street to White Chapel and the funding and erection of a traffic signal at the White Chapel Blvd. and Dove St. intersection. Dove Street at White Chapel Blvd. Location of the DPS North Facility FINAL DRAFT January 28, 2005 Southlake 2025 Plan S.H. 114 Corridor Plan Area Phase II Analysis & Recommendations 34 3. Recommendation: Evaluate the feasibility of constructing a roundabout at the Highland Ave. and White Chapel Blvd. intersection. Justification: Significant traffic delays occur at the Highland Ave.-White Chapel Blvd. intersection during the AM & PM traffic peaks. During the PM peak traffic traveling southbound on White Chapel is backing up at the Highland/White Chapel intersection, north to the SH 114 frontage roads. White Chapel Blvd. is scheduled for improvements (widened to 5 lanes) in FY 2009. However, traffic is expected to continue to increase along White Chapel Blvd. Traffic volumes along White Chapel Blvd. will likely experience a sharp increase once the around the SH-114 and White Chapel Blvd. intersection is developed. Highland Street-White Chapel Blvd. Intersection (North View) Highland Street-White Chapel Intersection Aerial Implementation: Have Public Works evaluate the feasibility of a roundabout at the Highland Ave. & White Chapel Blvd. intersection. If feasible, submit a CIP request for funding. If the roundabout is not feasible, consider constructing the ultimate four (4) lane divided section of White Chapel Blvd. from Highland Ave. to SH-114 to eliminate the stacking of south-bound traffic on SH 114 during PM peak-hour. 4. Recommendation: Construct the Kirkwood Blvd. Extension in conjunction with development north of SH 114 and south of Highland Ave & Dove Street. Primary future access for development located between SH-114 and Highland/Dove St. should be on either the SH 114 frontage road or Kirkwood Blvd. Extension. Primary access onto Highland St. and Dove St. is discouraged. Justification: Allowing primary access directly onto Highland Ave. or Dove Street will quickly over-burden the existing two-lane roadway system. Dove Street is shown on the MTP as a five lane undivided; however, construction of the roadway will be expensive due to ROW acquisition and funding is not expected in the near term. Highland Street east of Carroll Ave. is shown on the MTP to remain a two-lane roadway. Also, limited access onto Highland Ave. & Dove St. will serve to preserve the existing neighborhoods along these roadways. FINAL DRAFT January 28, 2005 Southlake 2025 Plan S.H. 114 Corridor Plan Area Phase II Analysis & Recommendations 35 Aventerra Tract II –Internal Gravel Road Highland Street-East of Carroll Ave. Implementation: Encourage developers to construct Kirkwood Blvd. Extension in conjunction with the development of the area. Considering funding critical connection points for Kirkwood Blvd. Extension (i.e Caroll Ave./Highland St. intersection crossing) through the CIP. 5. Recommendation: Work with the Carroll Independent School District, residents, and adjacent property owners in the determination of the Kirkwood Blvd. Extension alignment through the Carroll Ave.–Highland Ave. intersection area. The ultimate alignment should be designed such that the impact on existing church (Christian Fellowship), CISD Intermediate School, Johnson Elementary and nearby residential subdivisions (Highland Estates, Stanhope Addition) is minimized to the greatest extent possible. Carroll Avenue/Highland St. Intersection Christian Fellowship Church located on Highland Justification: Due to the limited right-of-way and building locations, the ultimate alignment of this roadway through this intersection may impact the adjacent existing uses. As such, working with affected property owners is imperative. FINAL DRAFT January 28, 2005 Southlake 2025 Plan S.H. 114 Corridor Plan Area Phase II Analysis & Recommendations 36 Implementation: Prior to determining the ultimate alignment, work with developer of the property and nearby property owners to determine the ultimate alignment of Kirkwood Blvd. Extension through the Highland Ave./Carroll Ave. intersection. 6. Recommendation: Create an interconnected network of linear greens through the employment center areas north of SH 114. Provide linkage from the employment areas to existing and future bicycle and pedestrian trails identified on the Master Pathways plan. Justification: The city had made a commitment to provide a network of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. These facilities can provide a practical alternative to the automobile by providing linkages to businesses, offices, schools and parks. Also, there are numerous health benefits associated with walking and bicycling. To ensure that the pedestrian and bicycle facilities are used to their fullest extent, it is critical that businesses, offices, sc hools and parks are adequately linked to these facilities. Implementation: During site plan and rezoning review, the planning department and community services department should work in conjunction to ensure that sidewalks, paths or trails are incorporated into the planning and development of the site. 7. Recommendation: Revise the Master Thoroughfare Plan for Dove Road from a five (5) lane undivided roadway to a two (2) lane undivided roadway (A2U 94’ ROW). Justification: With the addition of Kirkwood Blvd. Extension to the MTP, it is expected that traffic volumes on Dove Street will be reduced. It is projected that Dove Street will have between 17,000 – 20,000 vehicle trips per day in 2030. A four lane divided roadway has the same carrying capacity as five lane undivided facility. Also, a four lane roadway with a median is more appropriate design given the existing tree areas and rural nature, particularly on the north side of the roadway. Dove St. Aerial Current Master Thoroughfare Plan Implementation: Amend the MTP to revise Dove Street to a two (2) lane undivided facility with 94’ of ROW. FINAL DRAFT January 28, 2005 Southlake 2025 Plan S.H. 114 Corridor Plan Area Phase II Analysis & Recommendations 37 8. Recommendation: Revise the Master Thoroughfare Plan for White Chapel Blvd. from a five (5) lane undivided roadway to a four (4) lane divided roadway (A4D- 94’ ROW). Justification: The maximum service volume (vehicle trips per day) is the same for a 5-lane undivided road as it is for a 4-lane divided roadway. Therefore, the carrying capacity of White Chapel will remain the same. A four (4) lane divided section will improve the aesthetics of the roadway corridor as well as improve the efficiency and safety of the roadway. Implementation: Amend the Master Thoroughfare Plan to change the A5U for White Chapel Blvd designation from F.M. 1709 to Dove Street to an A4D designation retaining the 94’ ROW. 9. Recommendation: Evaluate the feasibility of an exit from S.H. 114 eastbound directly to White Chapel Blvd. to enhance access to the south side of S.H. 114 between White Chapel & Carroll Ave. as a viable retail/office area. Justification: Currently, a vehicle traveling eastbound on SH 114 must exit at Dove St to access White Chapel. A future off-ramp from S.H. 114 located closer to the White Chapel Blvd. intersection will enhance the area as a retail node. Implementation: Work with TXDOT to evaluate the possibility of constructing an off-ramp at the White Chapel Blvd./S.H. 114 intersection. 10. Recommendation: Determine the optimal roadway cross-section for Kirkwood Blvd. extension through the Aventerra properties to promote safe automobile and pedestrian connectivity through any proposed development. Justification: Determining the character of the roadway will depend on the type and intensity of development proposed on the Aventerra tracts. This provides flexibility to the city and the developer to design the best roadway given the context of the development. Implementation: Amend the Thoroughfare Plan map to provide that above flexibility. 11. Recommendation: Determine the feasibility of a “rubber tire” trolley system that would provide an innovative connection between existing and future hotels, retail, office, and entertainment along the S.H. 114 corridor as well as provide service to the future Cottonbelt commuter rail stations. Justification: It is believed that a trolley system along the SH-114 corridor would greatly enhance the city’s ability to improve the quality of the SH-114 corridor by providing such benefits as: • Promoting businesses located along the trolley line • Reducing vehicle trips by providing an option to the automobile • Reducing vehicle miles traveled FINAL DRAFT January 28, 2005 Southlake 2025 Plan S.H. 114 Corridor Plan Area Phase II Analysis & Recommendations 38 • Reducing the need for parking • Assisting in improving air quality since emissions are highest on short trips • Creating an unique environment The primary purpose of this study is to determine the economic feasibility of providing a “rubber tire” trolley system along the S.H. 114 corridor. It is hoped that at a minimum that the following major questions can be addressed as part of the study. • Evaluation of potential trolley routes and stops (including a connection to the Cottonbelt commuter rail station(s)). • Estimation of potential trolley ridership. • Estimation of vehicle costs. • Estimation of the number of vehicles needed to be in service. • Determine threshold benchmarks needed to make a trolley service viable (e.g. square footage, employment numbers, retail, ridership). • Evaluate alternative fuel trolley vehicles (e.g. electric motors, battery/hybrid power, modified diesel engines, etc.) and the costs associated with each type. • Estimate annual maintenance and operating costs. • Estimate public outreach costs by year (e.g. advertising). • Review partnership opportunities (e.g. TxDOT, NTTA, private sector, NCTCOG, Regional Transportation Council, DART). • Estimate potential revenues. • Determine if a trolley system can be provided utilizing the existing planned transportation network (Will roadway improvements be needed at trolley stop locations?). • Determine the type of signage needed to mark the route and stops. • Determine funding sources (including federal funds) available to provide a reasonable and adequate source of capital and operating revenue. • Determine the frequency of service. • Determine the effectiveness of a trolley system to reduce vehicle trips and parking demand in the area. • Evaluate the potential economic benefit of a trolley system to the city (Does the trolley system increase the city’s ability to attract business). • Determine the benefit(s) (if any) of providing service to areas such as the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Grapevine’s Main Street. • Outline legal requirements. It is believed that a trolley system may be viable in the S.H. 114 corridor within the next ten years. In order to provide such as service, it is critical that the city fully understand all the complex issues surrounding the provision of such a service. It is believed that the first step in evaluating the possible implementation of a trolley service is the creation of a planning document that will address the issues listed a bove. FINAL DRAFT January 28, 2005 Southlake 2025 Plan S.H. 114 Corridor Plan Area Phase II Analysis & Recommendations 39 Implementation: Apply for a grant through the North Central Texas Council of Governments Unified Planning Work for Regional Transportation Planning to fund a feasibility study for a “rubber tire” trolley line.