Karwood Market Area Traffic Study
Location: Paradise, NL, Canada
Client: Town of Paradise
Duration: 2016
Key Staff: Michael MacDonald, Robin King, Courtney McCarthy, Florence Allaire
Project Description
The Karwood Market and Octagon Pond development areas in the Town of Paradise, NL. have been the subject of several development proposals in recent years. With all the expected construction, Harbourside Transportation Consultants (HTC) was tasked with preparing a Traffic Study to help direct Town staff on the road network improvements that would be required. The traffic study was to cover both development areas over a 5-year and 10-year planning horizon.
Harbourside’s Role
With a reputation for thorough data collection, Harbourside took a detailed approach to this traffic study.
Information Gathering. HTC met with the Town of Paradise and various developers to obtain comprehensive background information. Harbourside reviewed the proposed development concepts for the Karwood Market area and for the lands adjacent to Octagon Pond. The limits of the study were defined, and realistic timeframes were established for developments proposed in the study area.
Data Collection. HTC deployed MioVision video traffic counters to collect traffic count information. A total of eight (8) intersections were counted for the study.
Trip Generation/Trip Distribution. HTC developed the trip generation rates for the developments proposed within the study area based on the 9th edition of the ITE Trip Generation Manual. HTC then distributed the site-generated traffic onto the study area road network. This was done using expanded versions of the VISUM models originally developed by the City of St. John’s.
Existing Capacity Analysis. Harbourside built an existing conditions Synchro model of the study area intersections. This model was used to determine the level of service (LOS) for several different scenarios in all specified study area intersections. The roundabout was analyzed using Arcady software.
Conceptual Road Network. HTC’s analysis of the study area was based on a road network framework that evolved over the course of many different planning studies. This road network was configured for the adjacent land uses, access, and expected traffic volumes. HTC focused on the major roadways and intersections throughout the study area to best achieve a safe, efficient and well-connected road network.
Future Capacity Analysis. Three different future scenario Synchro models were developed. The analysis scenarios included:
Scenario 1: 5-year projection of growth and development (2021)
Scenario 2: 10-year projection of growth and development (2026)
Scenario 3: 10-year projection of growth and development with a connection to Route 2 (2026)
Road Network Improvements. Harbourside reviewed the proposed access options for the various developments from Kenmount Road, Karwood Drive and McNamara Drive. Cross sections were prepared for each roadway with conceptual drawings showing theirs plans and profiles.
Active Transportation. HTC reviewed the network improvements outlined in the Town’s Active Transportation Plan that focused both the safety and the walking environment for active transportation users. HTC considered opportunities to add and or enhance active transportation infrastructure in the study area.
Unique Challenges
To develop a methodology for a traffic study such as this, understanding the many different variables at play is essential. Much of the future analysis was contingent on other developments taking place. These also had to accommodate for potential disruptions to expected timelines.