BOULDER CITY BYPASS TRAFFIC FORECAST MEMORANDUM

Transcription

1 BOULDER CITY BYPASS TRAFFIC FORECAST MEMORANDUM Submitted to: The Nevada Department of Transportation Prepared for: The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada Prepared by: THE Louis Berger Group, INC. September 2012

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page No. 1. INTRODUCTION Project Description Alternatives Evaluated Forecast Horizon Year of Methodology Report Structure EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS Existing Highway System Traffic Volumes and Trends Speed and Delay Analysis License Plate Matching Survey CORRIDOR GROWTH ASSESSMENT Review of Historical Socioeconomic Growth Review of Regional (RTC) Model Forecasts Adjusted Growth Forecasts TRAFFIC ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY Traffic Model Development and Refinement Traffic Model Calibration Results Basic Assumptions Roadway Improvements Toll Sensitivity TRAFFIC FORECASTS Traffic Forecasts for Study Alternatives Level of Service Analysis Vehicle Miles of Travel Truck and Bus Traffic LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page No. 1-1 Project Location Map Average Annual Daily Traffic Counts Monthly Traffic Variations Daily Traffic Variations Hourly Traffic Variations by Direction Estimated 2012 Passenger Car Travel Times License Plate Matching Survey Operations Estimated Thru Traffic Volumes and Percentages Clark County Historical Population Trend TOC-i

3 LIST OF FIGURES (continued) 3-2 Clark County 2010 Population Geographical Distribution Boulder City Historical Population Trend Clark County Historical Employment Trend Clark County 2010 Location Quotients Las Vegas Historical Visitor Volume Trend Las Vegas Valley Historical Room Inventory and Occupancy Rates Hoover Dam Visitation Trend Study Area (RTC Region Based) Population Forecasts by Source Estimated 2018 and 2035 Toll Sensitivity Curves Volumes by Period US-93 at US Volumes by Period US-95 at Volumes by Period US-93 at Veterans Memorial Drive Volumes by Period US-93 at Nevada Way / Buchanan Boulevard Volumes by Period US-93 at Nevada Interchange No Build AM(PM) Peak Hour Traffic Volumes No Build AM(PM) Peak Hour Traffic Volumes Untolled AM(PM) Peak Hour Traffic Volumes Tolled AM(PM) Peak Hour Traffic Volumes Nevada Interchange LIST OF TABLES Table Page No. 2-1 Historical Corridor Annual Average Daily Traffic Counts Vehicle Classification Distribution at Selected Corridor Locations Distances, Travel Time, Speed Summary-Weekday and Weekend Day License Plate Matching Survey Summary Population and Household Growth Trends Key Unadjusted Socioeconomic Variables Clark County Population Forecasts by Source Key Adjusted Socioeconomic Variables Baseline Scenario Calibrated Travel Demand Model Percent Deviation Comparison Along Project Corridor Links AADT Traffic Forecasts by Alternative Mainline Bypass Level of Service Signalized Intersection Levels of Service Estimated Year 2035 Daily Vehicle Miles of Travel on US-93 and the by Alternative Between Nevada State Drive And the Nevada Interchange at SR Year 2035 Estimated Heavy Trucks APPENDIX Signalized Intersection Analysis TOC-ii

4 1. INTRODUCTION BOULDER CITY BYPASS TRAFFIC FORECAST MEMORANDUM The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has been charged by the Nevada State Legislature with establishing a demonstration project to develop a portion of the (BCB) as a toll road using a public-private partnership (P3) concept. The purpose of the project, for which preliminary design plans have been prepared by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and for which a record of decision was issued in 2005, is to reduce traffic problems in the vicinity of Boulder City and to create a safer transportation corridor. Current design plans envision the BCB being constructed in two phases. Phase 1, which is under final design by NDOT, will reconstruct the short section of US-93/95 from I-515 at Foothills Drive in Henderson to US-95, providing a new Railroad Pass Interchange maintaining access to US-93 serving Downtown Boulder City and a new interchange connection to US-95. The Phase 2 tolled section would extend the BCB from US-95 easterly for approximately 12 miles, around the southern perimeter of Boulder City, to the Nevada Interchange near Hoover Dam. Traffic and revenue studies have been conducted under the auspices of the RTC for purposes of evaluating the financial feasibility of tolling Phase 2 of the. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is conducting a re-evaluation of the 2005 FEIS to include tolling of Phase 2 of the Bypass. The purpose of this Traffic Forecast Memorandum is to provide traffic forecasts to support the environmental re-evaluation. As described in this memorandum, the methodology followed the NDOT guidelines for Traffic Forecasting with a Travel Demand Model. Most of the material presented in this memorandum comes from the RTC s Sketch Level Traffic and Revenue Study for the, August 27, 2012 prepared by CDM Smith. 1.1 Project Description Figure 1-1 depicts the project location and its relationship to the surrounding transportation system. The Phase 1 segment of the BCB is shown in red; while the tolled, Phase 2 segment is shown in blue. The proposed project is a southern bypass of Boulder City. Upon completion, it would consist of a continuous four-lane, controlled-access, divided highway bypassing the developed area of Boulder City. The Phase 1 alignment begins at the Foothills grade separation, crosses under the Boulder City Branch Railroad, and continues just south of the highway to a new interchange near the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino. From there, the roadway will continue south and east to US 95 with a new, full-access interchange approximately 1.2 miles south of the existing US 93/95 interchange. The Phase 2 highway segment alignment continues south and east toward the Mead Substation. The alignment runs approximately 0.9 miles south of Georgia Avenue, just north of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Mead Substation, and then turns northward to run parallel to the transmission corridor between the landfill and the Boulder City Rifle and Pistol Club range prior to crossing a ridge representing a western extension of the Eldorado Mountains, east of Boulder City. The highway will be developed as a limited-access, divided highway from US 95 to a redesigned, full-access Hoover Dam Bypass Nevada Interchange. The highway would tie into US 93 at the Hoover Dam Bypass Nevada Interchange. 1

5 FIGURE 1-1 PROJECT LOCATION MAP THE Louis Berger Group, INC 2

6 Except for the interchanges at the project s eastern and western termini, there are no planned intermediate access locations. However, an emergency access ramp for fire, police, and other emergency vehicles is planned at Buchanan Boulevard. Its use would be controlled, and would not be available to the general public. The total length of the BCB including Phases 1 and 2 is approximately 15 miles. For the purposes of this memorandum, the Study Area or Bypass Corridor includes: Phase 2 of the from US-95 to the SR-172 Nevada Interchange at Hoover Dam; and US-93 from US-95 to the SR-172 Nevada Interchange at Hoover Dam as the existing alternative route. 1.2 Alternatives Evaluated This memorandum addresses the following alternatives: 2011 No-Build Alternative - Existing Base Condition No-Build Alternative - Assumes that Phase 2 of the Bypass is not constructed and that traffic continues to use US-93 through Boulder City. Also assumes that Phase 1 of the Bypass will be constructed Untolled Alternative - Assumes that the Bypass is constructed but that the Bypass is not tolled. This is the same as the Build Alternative in the 2005 FEIS Tolled Alternative - Assumes that the Bypass is constructed and that an optimum toll rate is charged to motorists electing to use the Bypass. Also assumes that motorists who elect not to pay the toll will continue to use US-93 through Boulder City. For the Tolled Alternative, the volume of traffic using the Bypass is a function of the amount of the toll and therefore, a write-up describing the recommended optimum toll is included. 1.3 Forecast Horizon Year of 2035 The RTC s Travel Demand Model was used for this memorandum. However, the presently adopted and approved RTC model only provides forecasts through the year 2030 and is based on outdated population and land use as far as this study is concerned. Accordingly, the updated RTC Travel Demand Model with land use data adopted in 2011 was used for this memorandum because: It provides the best available data for projecting traffic through the year 2035; and It includes Boulder City. 1.4 Methodology As a part of this study, inventories of the corridor operating conditions were conducted including traffic counts, license plate matching surveys, and speed-delay studies. Additionally, previous reports and study materials related to the proposed BCB were also reviewed. This included the 3

7 prior sketch-level traffic and revenue analysis, and relevant sections of the Boulder City/US 93 Corridor Study, Environmental Impact Statement. In addition to the NDOT permanent count station data in the project corridor, supplemental traffic counts were conducted. This information facilitated both the calibration of the travel demand model used in the analysis and provided a base case count condition for use in the traffic analyses described below. The proposed improvements to other roadways in the Boulder City area inherent in the traffic networks of the travel demand model provided by the RTC were included in the traffic assignments. An overview of the major tasks in the methodology follows. These tasks included an extensive data collection effort, refinements to the regional travel demand model, a corridor growth assessment, and a traffic and revenue analysis to establish traffic volumes at optimum toll rates for the Tolled Alternative Data Collection The NDOT Traffic Records INformation Access (TRINA) website was the primary source for the current and historical traffic count data for the major roads in the study area, particularly US 93 and US 95. In particular, data from permanent automatic traffic recorder (ATR) count station located on US miles south of the US-95 interchange and on US miles south of Lakeshore Road were used for assessing historical traffic growth, as well as monthly, daily, and hourly traffic variations. Vehicle classification data was also collected. The data was also used for the traffic model validation process. The evaluation of the traffic and revenue potential of the Bypass required development of a traffic and operation profile on the competing, non-tolled US 93. To accomplish this, additional traffic data as noted below was collected: Seven day and 72-hour automatic traffic recorder (ATR) counts by direction and vehicle classification in 15-minute intervals for additional locations on US 93 and US 95; Travel time/speed-delay measurements on US 93 from the vicinity of Lakeshore Road to the Railroad Pass Casino by direction for peak and off-peak conditions. Multiple runs in the a.m. peak from 6:00-9:00, the midday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and the p.m. peak from 4:00 7:00 p.m. were made. The runs, done with GPS equipment, were performed during an internal weekday (Tuesday) and weekend day (Sunday). The data was summarized and used to calibrate the travel demand model developed for this analysis; and Video license plate surveys with cameras set up on the west and east ends of US 93 were performed to determine the number and percent of through vehicles by passenger car and commercial vehicle categories. The US 93 video surveys were done coincident with the ATR counts mentioned above. These recordings identified license plate numbers passing each survey station. Matched license plates (captured at both survey sites) represent a through trip taken on US 93. License plates recorded at only one of the locations indicated a local trip with an origin or destination in Boulder City or the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Compared with ATR outputs on US 93, at the same time as video recording, the number and percent of through trips were estimated. Also acquired from the RTC as part of data collection was the latest version of the RTC travel demand model, including traffic networks, trip tables, socioeconomic datasets, and transportation improvement projects. In addition to the 2010 base year model, future years 2015, 2020, 2030 and 2035 models were provided. 4

8 Finally, relevant previous reports and study materials related to the proposed BCB were reviewed. This included the prior sketch-level traffic and revenue analysis, and relevant sections of the Boulder City/US 93 Corridor Study, Environmental Impact Statement Traffic Model Refinement As part of this study, the most recent version of the RTC travel demand model was obtained. This traffic model covers Clark County, including the Boulder City area. Files obtained for the model included highway networks and trip tables for the years 2010, 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2035, as well as socioeconomic forecasts for each year by traffic analysis zone. A base year, 2011, trip table was developed through interpolation using the 2010 and 2015 socioeconomic datasets. A subarea model of the Boulder City area was created as will be described in more detail in Chapter 4. The subarea model was calibrated in the immediate project corridor to achieve the best traffic volume assignments compared to observed traffic counts and observed speeds from speed-delay studies. The traffic model network was updated to reflect the latest improvements recently completed on US 93. A toll collection concept was developed, and the BCB was coded into the network as a toll road. The network was also extended south (US 93 and US 95) to incorporate east west routes SH 68 in Arizona and SH 163 in Nevada. This provided an additional toll-free alternate route, other than US 93 through Boulder City. While not the primary alternate toll-free route, it could be used by a small set of motorists. Information was also obtained pertaining to state, regional and corridor income characteristics to aid in the development of estimated values of time for potential users of the toll facility. This is a critical model parameter used for assessing motorists willingness to pay tolls and for estimating motorists sensitivity to toll rates. Vehicle operating cost parameters were also established specific to the study corridor Corridor Growth Assessment An economic growth assessment is particularly important for a new toll facility such as the proposed BCB. The project would reduce traffic volumes through downtown Boulder City and provide improved access for through trips traveling between Las Vegas and Arizona, and between Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam. As such, analysis and validation of the projected economic activity in the County is particularly important. The socioeconomic forecast provided by the RTC was reviewed and revised as appropriate. The revised socioeconomic forecasts were then used to develop revised trip tables which were then used in the analysis Traffic and Revenue Analysis The subarea model created for the analysis was run first without the Bypass (No-Build) and then under Build, toll-free conditions to estimate the maximum demand for the Bypass. Following this, a series of traffic assignments were run at a range of toll rates for the opening and horizon years to generate toll sensitivity curves. The near optimum revenue toll rates were chosen so as to maximize revenue while retaining sufficient use of the Bypass. A comparison of tolled and toll-free volumes was made to assess the reasonableness of the capture rate of toll-free demand. 5

9 1.5 Report Structure The remainder of this report consists of four chapters. Chapter 2 presents the existing (2011) traffic conditions in the corridor and surrounding area. Chapter 3 describes the socioeconomic characteristics of the corridor. Chapter 4 provides a description of the development of the traffic forecast model, assumed roadway improvements, toll collection concept, toll sensitivity, traffic and revenue forecasts, and net toll revenue. Chapter 5 provides traffic forecasts, level of service analysis and estimates of vehicle miles of travel. 6

10 2. EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS In order to better understand existing travel patterns within the study area, a traffic data collection effort was conducted. Traffic volumes and vehicle type data was compiled for a considerable number of locations in the study area. In addition to historical counts obtained from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), supplementary traffic counts were performed by Silver State Data Collection, LLC (SSDC) at selected locations within the study area. A video license plate survey was performed by National Data & Surveying Services (NDSS) at two locations on US 93 to estimate the through-trip component of US 93 traffic. This was critical in that it is this component of the US 93 traffic than contains the potential users of the proposed. Extensive route reconnaissance and speed data collection were also performed on US 93 and alternative routes within the study area. This chapter describes the methods and results of the data collection effort for US 93 and other relevant facilities in the study area. The information gathered as a result of this effort was used to calibrate the base year travel demand model and to ensure that it adequately replicates current conditions within the study area. 2.1 Existing Highway System As a starting point, the major highways in the study area were identified and a detailed route reconnaissance was performed to collect key highway attribute data. The route reconnaissance provided a better understanding of the local dynamics of the roadways in the region, and also provided background information for the tolling analysis. Information on a variety of different roadways characteristics was collected for major roadways within the study area. This process was used to verify, and if necessary, update roadway link characteristics in the travel demand model. Doing so ensured that the traffic network accurately reflected current roadway characteristics. Key highway attributes were identified, such as: Posted speed limits; Number of lanes; Presence and location of turning lanes; and Location of interchanges and traffic signals. The focus of the reconnaissance was primarily on US 93, given its significance to travel within Boulder City and its potential relationship to the proposed as the primary toll-free alternative route. The proposed would facilitate traffic movement in a north-south direction between I-515, Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam, Arizona and points to the east and south. The proposed new limited access facility bypasses Boulder City to the south, an area currently served by the following major highways: US 93 provides the primary north-south connection between Las Vegas and Arizona through Boulder City. North of Veterans Memorial Drive, US 93 is a four-lane limitedaccess divided highway with a direct connection from I-515. A full diamond interchange is provided with US 95 just to the west of Boulder City. A signalized intersection is located at Veterans Memorial Drive and a partial signal (northbound direction) is located at the Railroad Pass Casino entrance. These segments are signed with posted speeds 7

11 between 65 and 50 MPH. South of Veterans Memorial Drive, US 93 becomes a fourlane arterial with a center turning lane, with a posted speed of between 45 and 35 MPH, and provides access to local businesses and cross streets. A second signalized intersection is located at Nevada Way/Buchanan Boulevard. Two left-turn lanes are provided to facilitate southbound traffic continuing on US 93, while a dedicated right-turn lane is provided in the reverse direction. Between Nevada Way and Lakeshore Drive, US 93 continues as a four-lane arterial with a center turning lane and a posted speed limit of 45 MPH. Significant grades are located on this segment as US 93 descends into the Colorado River valley towards Lake Mead. Lakeshore Drive in this segment provides access to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. South of Lakeshore Drive, just past the Hacienda Hotel, US 93 once again becomes a limited-access divided highway with a posted speed limit of 65 MPH. Access to Hoover Dam via SR 172 is located at Exit 2, the Nevada Interchange, just prior to crossing the Colorado River and entering Arizona. In Arizona, US 93 continues as a divided rural arterial facility, with a posted speed limit of 65 MPH, until AZ 68 and I-40 in Kingman, AZ. US 95 provides a major north-south connection between Las Vegas and California. Within the study area, US 95 is signed along I-515 and US 93 until the interchange located just north of Boulder City. At this point, US 95 continues south through Searchlight to NV 163 and intersects I-40 near Needles, CA. The roadway is primarily a four-lane divided rural arterial, with a posted speed of 75 MPH. However, areas near major intersections and developed areas are posted at 65 MPH or less. US 95 within the study area does not have any significant grades. NV 172 provides access to Hoover Dam from US 93. Running from the Nevada Interchange (Exit 2 on US 93) to Hoover Dam, NV 172 is a two lane rural arterial with steep grades and elbow turns. NV 172 provides the only access to Hoover Dam for tourists accessing U.S. Bureau of Reclamation visitor facilities. NV 163 and AZ 68 together serve as the next crossing of the Colorado River to the south, running east-west between US 95 and US 93 through Laughlin, NV and Bullhead City, AZ. NV 163 is primarily a four-lane, divided rural arterial. Due to grades of 5 to 7 percent, the posted speed limit for cars is 65 MPH and the posted speed limit for trucks is 50 MPH. Two runaway truck ramps are provided in the eastbound direction. After crossing the Colorado River, NV 163 meets AZ 68 at a signalized intersection. AZ 68 is also a four-lane divided rural arterial between Bullhead City, AZ and Golden Valley, AZ. Due to grades of 5 percent and several wide elbow turns, the posted speed limit for cars is 65 MPH and the posted speed limit for trucks is 50 MPH. Three runaway truck ramps are provided in the westbound direction. After entering Golden Valley, AZ, the roadway becomes a four-lane arterial with a posted speed limit of 55 MPH before intersecting with US 93. Nevada Way is a local roadway providing access between US 93 and downtown Boulder City. Nevada Way is a four-lane roadway with posted speeds of between 25 and 35 MPH. Except for the intersection with US 93 west of downtown Boulder City, all major intersections between Nevada Way and local streets are stop-sign controlled. Additionally, several pedestrian crossings are located in downtown Boulder City. Lakeshore Drive provides access between US 93 and the recreational facilities surrounding Lake Mead. Lakeshore Drive is owned by the National Park Service as part of the Lake Mead National Recreational Area and motorists using the roadway are charged an entrance fee. 8

12 Veterans Memorial Drive is a local two-lane roadway with a median running around Boulder City. A major signalized intersection exists Veterans Memorial Drive and US 93 just west of Boulder City. Additionally, the roadway provides access to the Boulder City Municipal Airport. Industrial Road is a two-lane local roadway running parallel to US 93 with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH. Industrial Road intersects US 93 on the west via Veterans Memorial Drive and on the east just north of Nevada Way. 2.2 Traffic Volumes and Trends Historical and current traffic volumes were used to better understand the traffic growth patterns in the region. Additionally, the traffic counts obtained as part of this study were used in the model calibration process. Traffic count data were collected from three primary sources. Historical traffic data from Automatic Traffic Recorder (ATR) stations located on US 93 and US 95 were obtained from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) website. Additionally, traffic counts conducted in 2011 by the NDOT on other significant local roadways were obtained. For locations on US 93 and other roadways in Arizona, historical traffic data was obtained from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website. Lastly, supplementary traffic counts were performed by Silver State Data Collection, LLC (SSDC) at selected locations within the study area Annual Average Daily Traffic Volumes and Trends Figure 2-1 presents the location and annual average daily volumes of the various traffic counts obtained for the sources identified above. These include traffic counts on US 93, US 95, Nevada Way, Lakeshore Drive, and ramps at the US 93/US 95 and Nevada interchanges. The figure shows higher traffic volumes to the north of Boulder City at 42,000 vehicles per day, lowering to 11,000 vehicles per day south of the Arizona Border. At the intersection of US 93 and Nevada Way in Boulder City, traffic volumes on US 93 are 20,000 vehicles per day. The ramp counts conducted by SSDC at the two major interchanges on US 93 within the study area indicate the major directions of travel at those locations. At the interchange of US 93 and US 95, the highest volumes are on the ramps to/from the north, indicating that the majority of traffic from US 95 is headed to Las Vegas and not Boulder City. At Exit 2 on US 93, south of Lakeshore Drive, the ramp volumes indicate that the major movements are to/from the north. This indicates that the primary source of traffic for the Hoover Dam is from Boulder City and Las Vegas. These observations are relevant to the calibration of the travel demand model, to ensure that local traffic patterns are properly captured. Historical traffic volumes also indicate the local growth trends, which are relevant to the assumed traffic growth rates used in the travel demand model. Table 2-1 contains the traffic counts and the average annual growth rates for the three permanent Automatic Traffic Recorder (ATR) stations on US 93 and US 95 within the study area. Annual traffic growth on US 93, south of Lakeshore Drive remained relatively low between 2001 and 2010 due to capacity constraints and vehicle class restrictions over the Hoover Dam prior to the opening of the new Hoover Dam Bypass and Mike O Callaghan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge in October Following the events of September 11, 2001, commercial vehicles were prohibited from crossing the Hoover Dam and new security measures were implemented for passenger cars. 9

13 Figure 2-1 AVERAGE ANNUAL DAILY TRAFFIC COUNTS 10

14 As a result, traffic volumes decreased by 6.8 percent between 2001 and The majority of this traffic diverted to the next available crossing of the Colorado River, using AZ 68/NV 163 and US 95. This is shown in the increase in traffic experienced on US 95 between 2001 and Following the opening of the new bypass and bridge, AADT volumes at this location increased 21.9 percent from 13,700 vehicle in 2010 to 16,700 vehicles in These additional vehicles represent the traffic returning from the AZ 68/NV163/US 95 routing to US 93. The experience of the last fifteen years also demonstrates that under extreme circumstances, AZ 68 and NV 163 serve as a potential alternative to US 93. Therefore, traffic volumes on US 93 south of Lakeshore Drive and on US 95 need to be taken together to represent the historical traffic growth trends for vehicle crossing of the Colorado River, until the opening of the new bypass and bridge in October As shown in Table 2-1, the average annual traffic growth at these combined locations between 2001 and 2010 is 1.2 percent per year. Additionally, given the low growth on US 93 south of Lakeshore Drive, the traffic volumes on US 93 south of US 95 primarily represent traffic growth as a result of growth within Boulder City. Between 2001 and 2010, traffic grew at an average of 0.6 percent per year at this station, with much of that growth occurring prior to It should also be noted that the recession, beginning in 2008, has also contributed to the lower traffic growth trends. TABLE 2-1 HISTORICAL CORRIDOR ANNUAL AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC COUNTS Annual Average Daily Traffic Volumes (000s) US 93, E of US 95 US 93, E of Lakeshore Dr. US 95, N of SR 164 Colorado River Crossings Station Station Station Stations & Year Volume AAPC (1) Volume AAPC (1) Volume AAPC (1) Volume AAPC (1) Source: Nevada Department of Transportation (1) Average Annual Percent Change. 11

15 2.2.2 Monthly Traffic Variations Monthly traffic variations based on 2011 traffic volumes collected at the two ATR stations on US 93 are depicted in Figure 2-2. March, April, June and July represent the months of greatest traffic volume, corresponding to the months during which many people vacation. This indicates that tourism traffic contributes a significant amount of volume during these months. The winter months, December through January, represent the months of lowest traffic. Although both count stations show seasonal trends, US 93 south of Lakeshore Drive has a higher degree of seasonality. Monthly traffic volumes on US 93 south of US 95 range between 91 and 106 percent of average annual volumes. Monthly traffic volumes on US 93 south of Lakeshore Drive range between 85 and 109 percent of average annual volumes Daily Traffic Variations Daily traffic variations based on 2011 traffic volumes collected at the two ATR stations on US 93 are depicted in Figure 2-3. The two count stations exhibit two different sets of daily travel patterns. On US 93 south of US 95, a weekday commuting pattern is observable in that traffic volumes on Monday through Friday are generally higher than the weekend. Average Friday traffic is 111 percent of the weekly average, while average Sunday traffic is 94 percent of the weekly average. The high amount of traffic on Friday and relatively high amount of Sunday traffic (only 6 percent below the weekly average) is most likely due to the recreational travel patterns in the area, as demonstrated by the Lakeshore Drive count station. On US 93 south of Lakeshore Drive, a clear recreational facility travel pattern is shown. The days with the greatest amount of traffic are Friday through Sunday, with the lowest volumes on Tuesday and Wednesday. Based on these daily variations, it would seem that visitors to the area primarily arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday, corresponding to the traffic volumes that are 114 percent of the weekly average Hourly Traffic Variations The observations made based on the daily traffic variations are evident in relationship to hourly traffic volumes. Hourly traffic variations based on 2011 traffic volumes collected at the same two ATR stations on US 93 are depicted in Figure 2-4. On US 93 south of US 95, traffic patterns on Monday through Friday are very similar, with both a morning and afternoon peak. Moreover, the higher volumes northbound on Friday appear to correspond to the higher Sunday southbound volumes, indicative of recreational trips orientated to Las Vegas. On US 93 south of Lakeshore Drive, the hourly patterns of traffic seem to indicate that traffic travels southbound to Hoover Dam and associated recreational facilities in the morning and returns northbound in the afternoon. This pattern is the same for all days of the week, with greater average volumes on the weekend days (Friday to Sunday) Vehicle Classification Table 2-2 presents a summary of vehicle classification count data provided by NDOT and ADOT at select locations throughout the US 93 corridor and other significant roadways within the study area. As might be expected, passenger cars are the predominant vehicle class. On US 93, commercial vehicle traffic range between 11.1 and 8.6 percent of total vehicles. On US 95, commercial vehicle traffic represents 11.9 percent of traffic south of US 93 and 35.9 percent of traffic at the California State Line. This is due primarily to reductions in passenger car traffic instead of large increases in commercial vehicles. 12

16 FIGURE 2-2 MONTHLY TRAFFIC VARIATIONS 13

17 FIGURE 2-3 DAILY TRAFFIC VARIATIONS 14

18 FIGURE 2-4 HOURLY TRAFFIC VARIATIONS BY DIRECTION 15

19 TABLE 2 2 VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION DISTRIBUTION AT SELECTED CORRIDOR LOCATIONS Segment Description Count Station Description CV Percent Route From To Source Station Type Year PC Light Heavy Total Total CV US 93 / US 95 Wagonwheel Dr. RR Pass NVDOT Temp ,375 1,395 2,230 3,625 42, US 93 US95 Buchannan Blvd NVDOT ATR ,335 2,521 1,144 3,665 36, US 93 Buchannon Blvd Nevada Highway NVDOT Temp , ,385 2,059 20, US 93 Nevada Highway Hoover Dam / AZ/NV State Line NVDOT ATR , ,220 1,849 16, US 93 Hoover Dam / AZ/NV State Line Pierce Ferry Rd AZDOT ATR , ,150 1,497 10, US 93 Chloride Rd / Old Highway 62 Cerbat Rd AZDOT Temp ,742 US 93 Cerbat Rd SR 68 AZDOT ATR , ,403 2,057 11, US 93 SR 68 I-40 (Exit 5X) / SB 40 (0) AZDOT Temp ,358 US 95 US93/95 RR Pass SR164 (Nipton Rd.) NVDOT ATR , , US 95 SR164 (Nipton Rd.) SR163 (Laughlin Hwy.) NVDOT Temp , ,490 2,147 6, US 95 SR163 (Laughlin Hwy.) CA/NV State Line NVDOT Temp , ,114 3, SR 163 US95 Needles Hwy. NVDOT ATR , , SR 163 Needles Hwy. AZ / NV Stateline NVDOT Temp , , AZ 68 US 95 Veterans Way AZDOT Temp ,132 AZ 68 US 95 Veterans Way AZDOT Temp ,668 Nevada Highway Buchannan Blvd. US93 NVDOT Temp , , Source: Nevada Department of Transportation, Arizona Department of Transportation. 2.3 Speed and Delay Analysis Travel speeds, travel time and roadway delay for US 93 was also collected. By recording the time and distance that elapsed between points along US 93, a speed profile was calculated. By collecting travel speed, travel time and roadway delay information, roadway link characteristics in the traffic network of the travel demand model were able to be adjusted to more closely match current travel conditions, where necessary, to improve base year, 2011, calibration. Travel time runs within the project study area were conducted on Sunday, May 20, 2012 between 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. and on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 between 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. The results of this data collection effort are summarized by time period and compared to the proposed in Table 2-3. Average speed for US 93 between Exit 2 / Hoover Dam and Exit 56 / Nevada State Drive do not show large variations by direction or by day of the week. The average speed for US 93 is 40.8 MPH, which is about 8.5 MPH less than the average of the posted speed limits, with observed speeds on individual segments ranging from 15.3 MPH to 57.1 MPH. The average observed travel time is 16.6 minutes. The lowest speeds were observed between Yucca Street and Nevada Way, primarily due to the development along that segment, pedestrian walkways and the signal at US 93 and Nevada Way. Additionally, observed speeds on US 93 between US 95 and Exit 56 / Nevada State Drive are significantly lower than the posted speed limit of 65 MPH for that segment. In the northbound direction, observed average daily speeds were 42.9 MPH for a weekday and 44.7 MPH for a weekend. In the southbound direction, observed average daily speeds were 53.0 MPH for a weekday and 54.7 MPH for a weekend. These differences, especially in the northbound direction, are primarily due to the grades on US 93 as it crosses through Railroad Pass between Boulder City and Nevada Way. Estimated 2012 passenger car speeds and travel times are also summarized and compared to the proposed in Figure

20 TABLE 2 3 DISTANCES, TRAVEL TIME, SPEED SUMMARY WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND DAY PROPOSED BOULDER CITY BYPASS (BCB) (1) EXISTING US 93 (2) From To Exit 2 / Hoover Dam El Dorado Mountains El Dorado Mountains US 95 US 95 Exit 56 / Nevada State Dr. Exit 2 / Hoover Dam Lakeshore Rd. Nevada Way Industrial Rd. Total Lakeshore Rd. Nevada Way Industrial Rd. Nevada Way / Buchanan Blvd. Nevada Way / Buchanan Blvd. Yucca St. Yucca St. Veterans Memorial Dr. Veterans Memorial Dr. US 95 US 95 Exit 56 / Nevada State Dr. Total Difference (BCB Minus Existing US 93) Distance (mi.) Posted Speed (MPH) (3) 45.0 (3) 45.0 (3) Northbound/Westbound Weekday (Tuesday) AM Peak Period (4) PM Peak Period (5) Midday Period (6) Daily Avg Southbound/Eastbound Weekday (Tuesday) AM Peak Period (4) PM Peak Period (5) Midday Period (6) Daily Avg Northbound/Westbound Weekend Day (Sunday) AM Peak Period (7) PM Peak Period (8) Midday Period (9) Daily Avg Southbound/Eastbound Weekend Day (Sunday) AM Peak Period (7) PM Peak Period (8) Midday Period (9) Daily Avg (1) Distances and speeds on the proposed are as provided by Louis Berger Group, Inc., June 1, (2) Actual distance and observed speeds on US 93 and Nevada Way are as measured by GPS during May 20, 2012 data collection effort. (3) Due to construction, Posted Speed Limit at the time of data collection was 35 MPH. Posted Speed Limit prior to the construction effort was 50 MPH. (4) Weekday AM Peak Period is 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. (5) Weekday PM Peak Period is 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. (6) Weekday Midday Period is 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. (7) Weekend AM Peak Period is 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. (8) Weekend PM Peak Period is 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. (9) Weekend Midday Period is 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. 17

21 FIGURE 2-5 ESTIMATED 2012 PASSENGER CAR TRAVEL TIMES 18

22 2.4 License Plate Matching Survey In order to better understand travel patterns on US 93 within the study area and to calibrate the travel demand model, a video license plate survey was performed by National Data & Surveying Services (NDSS) at two locations on US 93. These locations were US 93 south of US 95 and US 93 south of Lakeshore Drive. The video surveys were conducted on Sunday, May 20, 2012 and on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 between 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. The purpose of the survey was to estimate the percent of traffic traveling from points west of to points east of Boulder City on US 93. This traffic represents motorists who are the greatest potential users of the proposed. This was accomplished by recording and matching license plates of vehicle traversing both survey stations. Bi-directional license plate surveys were performed at each site, which consisted of two lanes per direction. Each video system consisted of a camera unit installed on a tri-pod and secured at a safe location within clear view of approaching vehicles. The video systems were set up on the shoulder of the road for all directions with one system designated for the outside lane and one system designated for the inside lane. A total of 8 systems were installed. At each station, a video specialist monitored and adjusted the equipment throughout the collection period to account for lighting and other field conditions. A typical license plate matching survey operation is shown in Figure 2-6. After the recording was completed, the license plate videos were downloaded and manually reviewed. License plate numbers were transcribed and entered into a database. A matching matrix was then created with the outlined parameters to match license plates observed at both video locations. For this study, license plates passing both count stations within the period of one hour were considered through trips. The license plate matching matrix and a summary of passenger car/light truck and heavy truck through trips were provided. Additionally, data on vehicle registrations by state. Table 2-4 presents the results of the video survey, which showed that 75 to 80 percent of passenger car traffic are through trips. TABLE 2-4 LICENSE PLATE MATCHING SURVEY SUMMARY Weekday (Tuesday) Southbound Northbound Total Total Passenger Car Volume (1) 4,301 4,078 8,379 Matched License Plates 3,409 2,966 6,375 Percentage Weekend Day (Sunday) Southbound Northbound Total Total Passenger Car Volume (1) 6,186 5,112 11,298 Matched License Plates 4,970 3,529 8,499 Percentage Source: May 2012 survey by Nevada Data and Surveying Services. (1) Volume at US 93 S of Lakeshore Drive. 19

23 FIGURE 2-6 LICENSE PLATE MATCHING SURVEY OPERATIONS 20

24 2.4.1 Estimated Through Traffic Volumes Estimated through traffic volumes and percentages are shown in Figure 2-7. Through trip percentages were based on the observed passenger car through trip percentage of approximately 80 percent during the video survey period and an assumed 95 percent through trip percentage during nighttime hours. The through trip percentages for light trucks and heavy trucks were also based in part on traffic counts provided by NDOT at each of the video survey locations. An estimated 82.7 percent of passenger cars at Station 2 are through trips, or 12,430 passenger cars per day. This represents 38.2 percent of traffic at Station 1. Therefore, an estimated 20,000 passenger cars per day are travelling between Boulder City and Las Vegas, while an estimated 2,600 passenger cars per day are travelling between Boulder City and points east. A significant difference in through trips exists between light trucks and heavy trucks. Of light trucks, an estimated 30.3 percent of those at Station 2 are through trips. This appears to be primarily due to the significant numbers of RVs and trailers visiting the Hover Dam instead of continuing on to Arizona. By contrast, all heavy trucks are estimated to be through trips based on the traffic counts at both video stations. Overall, 13,660 vehicles per day are estimated to be through trips, representing 37.9 percent of the traffic volumes at Station 1 and 81.8 percent of the traffic volumes at Station 2. 21

25 FIGURE 2-7 ESTIMATED THRU TRAFFIC VOLUMES AND PERCENTAGES 22

26 3. CORRIDOR GROWTH ASSESSMENT Vehicle trips on the proposed would occur for various reasons, including, but not limited to recreation, commerce and to a lesser degree, commuting. Using the Bypass for the aforementioned reasons or otherwise are, to an extent, a function of determining socioeconomic variables, such as population, households, and employment since these types of variables generally explain the levels of commuting, commerce, etc. In projecting the effects of future potential traffic growth on the proposed Bypass, a sketch-level socioeconomic growth analysis for the Study Area (1) was undertaken to provide the context to develop travel demand growth projections. During this review and update, various data sources and adjustment techniques were evaluated and applied in developing the socioeconomic growth projections for the Study Area. Initially, historical trends in these variables were evaluated and served primarily for context and update/adjustment purposes. Historical and projected data were obtained from regional, statewide, and national sources, as well as supplemental on-the-ground observations and meetings with Southern Nevada public sector planners and others knowledgeable with respect to the socioeconomic forecasts and developments in the Study Area. This chapter provides a summary description of the methodology and findings related to the socioeconomic forecast update for the Study Area. For contextual purposes, the document begins with an overview of the historical socioeconomic trends in Clark County, Nevada. 3.1 Review of Historical Socioeconomic Growth Presented herein are historical socioeconomic growth trends in Clark County, which very closely match the modeled Study Area. This assessment begins by presenting counts and estimates of population, households, and employment, dating as far back as year Also, since Clark County is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and the Leisure and Hospitality industry is its main economic driver, the area s economic base and trends in key tourism statistics are also discussed. Clark County contains the Cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Mesquite, and Boulder City, as well as unincorporated urban and rural areas. The urbanized portion of Clark County, known as the Las Vegas Valley, is comprised of the Cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and unincorporated urban areas of the County Sources of Historical Data Historical socioeconomic growth trends presented in this document draw primarily from various local/regional and federal public data sources. The historical population for Clark County was obtained from local consensus estimates, as reported by Clark County s Comprehensive Planning department ( CCCP ) and the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas ( CBER ). Local consensus estimates are based on collaborative efforts between the six local jurisdictions in Clark County (cities and unincorporated county areas) to conduct annual population estimates under the guidance of the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition ( SNRPC ) (2). Estimates are produced using the housing-unit method, which employs the U.S. Postal vacancy (1) The Study Area consists of traffic analysis zones in the Southern Nevada RTC model (closely resembling Clark County). (2) Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition s Southern Nevada Regional Policy Plan. Amended September 28,

27 survey to derive occupied housing unit counts. The number of occupied housing units is multiplied by the persons per household (occupancy rate) figure reported by the U.S. Census Bureau to obtain a population estimate each year. Also, an annual population forecast is updated and prepared by CCCP and CBER and is funded by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada ( RTC ) and Southern Nevada Water Authority ( SNWA ). As approved by the SNRPC, CBER uses the Regional Economic Models, Inc. ( REMI ) econometric input-output model to forecast population and other demographic and economic variables that influence the region s growth. Historical household counts were derived from the U.S. Census Bureau s Summary Social, Economic, and Housing Characteristics reports for the years 1990, 2000, and Employment and economic-base estimates for Clark County were collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ). The employment estimates were from the Local Area Unemployment Statistics ( LAUS ) program. Non-farm payroll employment estimates by major industry sector is establishment-based and are from the Current Employment Statistics ( CES ) program. Location quotients were based on private sector employment data, by industry, as measured by the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages ( QCEW ) program. Select key tourism statistics for the Las Vegas Valley include visitor volume, room inventory, and hotel occupancy rate and were from the Las Vegas Conventions and Visitors Authority ( LVCVA ). Visitor statistics on paid tours to Hoover Dam were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation s Hoover Dam Visitor Service Office Total Population & Household Historical Growth The U.S. Census Bureau reports Nevada as the only state to maintain population growth rates in excess of 25 percent over each of the last three decades (3). The remarkable growth was largely attributable to the growth of Clark County, which comprises nearly 75 percent of the State s population. Figure 3-1 presents the population history of Clark County from 1990 to As shown, population in Clark County has hovered near two million since 2007, even after experiencing some recent population losses. As shown in Table 3-1, population in Clark County rose by over 1.14 million (or 142 percent) between 1990 and 2010, reaching 1.95 million residents, which is equivalent to growing at an average annual rate of 4.5 percent. During the same period, households increased by 428,000, to 715,000 in 2010, growing on average at a similar rate of 4.7 percent annually. Growth in both variables did slow down substantially during the inter-censal period compared to the preceding decade. (3 ) U.S. Census Population Distribution and Change: 2000 to < 01.pdf> 24