HomeMy WebLinkAboutApplicant Comment Response - Cut Through Traffic
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Mr. Justin Lagers February 3, 2016
Avana Ridge, LLC
9675 SE 36th St. Suite 105
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Re: Avana Ridge Apartments – City of Renton
Response to Traffic Comments
Dear Mr. Lagers:
The purpose of this memo is to provide the following response to traffic related
comments regarding the impact of Avana Ridge trips on 106th Ave SE through the
neighborhood to the north of the site.
From existing traffic volume count patterns, the characteristics of the street
network, the location of likely trip origins and destinations (employment, shopping,
social and recreational opportunities), expected travel times and previous traffic studies,
we have estimated approximately 10% of the site generated traffic will travel west of the
site on SE 172nd St and then north on either 106th Ave SE, 105th Ave SE or 104th Ave
SE. This would be 4 vehicles in the AM peak hour and 5 vehicles in the PM peak hour.
The existing traffic volume on SE 172nd is 98 vehicles in the AM peak hour and 89
vehicles in the PM peak hour. The few site generated trips should not have a significant
impact to existing conditions on SE 172nd St or the other streets mentioned.
Several comments mentioned existing cut through traffic speeding on 106th Ave.
SE. The City of Renton has a program that is designed to reduce speeds on local
streets that could be used there.
There are two access driveways to the site. One to SE 172nd St. and one to
Benson Rd. S as shown on the site plan. The Benson Rd. S driveway will allow traffic
exiting the site to make a right turn to Benson Rd. S and a right turn to SR 515 to go
northbound towards Renton. This would be a faster route than driving at 25 mph
through the neighborhoods to the north since the speed limit on SR 515 is 40 mph.
Adding an additional site driveway directly to SR 515 would be difficult since it is
a state route and would need to meet several criteria per the WSDOT Design Manual
including:
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“Private access connections to the state highway system are allowed only where
the property has no other reasonable access to the local road/street system or where
access to the local road/street system will cause unacceptable traffic operational
conditions or safety concerns on that system.” and,
“Intersecting streets, roads, and highways are planned with a minimum spacing
of ½ mile. Intersection spacing of less than ½-mile may be allowed, but only when no
reasonable alternative access exists.”
If you have any questions, please call 425-522-4118. You may also contact us
via e-mail at vince@nwtraffex.com or larry@nwtraffex.com.
Very truly yours,
Vincent J. Geglia Larry D. Hobbs, P.E.
Principal Principal
TraffEx TraffEx