90-113 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

079 Circulation Significant Effects The construction activities required to widen the roadway will temporarily restrict traffic flow along Bristol Street. While the roadway will remain open to through traffic, the number of available travel lanes will probably be reduced during various phases of construction, thereby reducing the capacity and efficiency of the roadway. For this reason, the volume of traffic which Bristol Street can handle efficiently will be decreased during the period of project construction. Since this would result in an increase in travel time along Bristol Street, some motorists will probably choose to take an alternative route when convenient. Joint construction of~he proposed I-5 Freeway widening project would further increase traffic congestion on alternate routes throughout the general area. Access to property fronting along Bristol Street will also be intermittently disrupted as work progresses adjacent to individual parcels and temporarily blocks driveway access. Provisions will be made for interim access whenever necessary. Since construction of the project will be undertaken in phases, the disruption of circulation along the roadway will be reduced since only certain segments of the street would then be affected at any one time. In order to enhance traffic flow and minimize hazards, traffic control plans will be prepared prior to each step in the construction process. The disruption of traffic and restriction to access along Bristol Street during project construction could affect the mobility and responsiveness of emergency vehicles which commonly utilize the street. The fire department has indicated that Stations 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 will be impacted during construction of the proposed project since these stations typically utilize Bristol Street in route to au emergency call. Similarly, police vehicles and ambulances commonly utilize Bristol Street as a travel route in emergency situations and, as a result, will be adversely impacted by any restrictions to travel caused by construction activities. Even though movement may be hampered by construction activities, Bristol Street will remain open to through traffic and access to property along the street will be maintained. Findings The following measures have been incorporated ihto the project, which if properly implemented, will avoid or substantially lessen the effects upon local circulation to an acceptable level of significance. If feasible, construction activities and lane closures will occur primarily during non-peak driving periods.