BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
In conjunction with preparations for the proposed 2020 Bond Election, staff requested Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to examine traffic demands along Knowles Ave, W.J. Boaz Rd. and W. McLeroy Blvd. Based on demands, staff is recommending that the Master Thoroughfare Plan for both roadways be changed. Minor Arterials designated in the City’s Master Thoroughfare Plan are designed to carry 24,000-36,000 vehicles per day. Both W.J. Boaz and W. McLeroy are not projected to need the capacity of a Minor Arterial.
W.J. Boaz is recommended to be changed from a Minor Arterial (M4U) to a Minor Arterial (M3U) from Old Decatur to Saginaw Main St. (Bus. 287). Current traffic count is approximately 6,700 vpd on W.J. Boaz east of Knowles Ave. The current street section is a 48 foot wide two lane roadway with on street parking. Demand for on street parking is generally non-existing. Roadway capacity could be increased, if desired, by restriping the roadway to provide one lane in each direction and turn lanes at intersections.
W. McLeroy Blvd. is recommended to be changed from Minor Arterial (M4D) to a Municipal Collector (C). Traffic counts currently are approximately 10,000 vpd well below the Minor Arterials capacity. A municipal collector is designed to carry 10,000-15,000 vehicles per day. In addition to capacity, the proposed roadway section provides for a more context sensitive roadway with on street parking, reduced speeds and more pedestrian friendly environment. The roadway is constrained within the proposed limits by a cemetery and impacted by two public school facilities.
The Planning and Zoning Commission met on November 12, 2019 and unanimously approved the MTP amendments for consideration by City Council.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Master Thoroughfare be amended to:
- Change W.J. Boaz from a M4U to a M3U from Old Decatur Road to Saginaw Blvd. (Bus. 287), and
- Change W. McLeroy from a M4D to a C from Knowles to Saginaw Blvd. (Bus. 287).