2014-069 - Final Environmental Impact Report No. 2014-01

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HARBOR BLVD. MIXED USE TRANSIT CORRIDOR PLAN FINAL FIR CITY OF SANTA ANA 5. Environmental Analysis TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC • ( #10) SR 22 WB Ramps and Harbor Boulevard • ( #16) Harbor Boulevard and 1st Street • ( #19) Harbor Boulevard and Warner Avenue • ( #24) Harbor Boulevard and I -405 Northbound Off Ramp • ( #25) Harbor Boulevard and I -405 Southbound Off Ramp Traffic Counts and Travel Demand Forecasting To determine the existing traffic conditions in the study area, intersection turning movement counts were taken during the morning peak period (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and the afternoon peak period (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM). In addition, ADT counts were taken on study area roadway segments. All traffic counts were taken between February 2011 and February 2013. A 1 percent annual growth rate was applied to counts collected prior to 2013 to bring volume levels consistent with 2013. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is responsible for regional transportation modeling in Orange County. OCTAs role as the regional modeling agency is to evaluate multimodal transportation alternatives to support regional planning activities. The Orange County Transportation Authority Model (OCTAM) is a regional model that is based on traditional four step sequential modeling methodology with "feedback loops" procedures to ensure internal modeling consistency. The model incorporates multimodal analytical capabilities to analyze local and express bus transit, urban rail, commuter rail, toll roads, carpools, truck traffic, and nonmotorized transportation such as pedestrian and bicycle. The model responds to changes in land use types, household characteristics, transportation infrastructure, and travel costs such as transit fares, parking costs, tolls, and auto operating costs. The horizon year 2035 volumes were derived based on existing peak hour count data and forecast link volumes obtained from OCTAM. Growth factors for each intersection approach and departure were interpolated from OCTAM link plots for 2010 and 2035. These growth factors were then applied to existing counts to forecast future turning movement volumes. 5.13.2 Environmental Setting 5.13.2.1 EXISTING ROADWAY NETWORK Selected arterials in the vicinity of the project corridor are described in this section. Items of note include existing geometry, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and adjacent land uses. • Harbor Boulevard is classified as a Major Arterial that travels north and south through the study area. Within the study area, there are three travel lanes in each direction with a raised, landscaped median. The posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour. On -street parking is not permitted, and bike facilities are not provided. OCTA provides bus service along this corridor via Route 43 at approximately 20- minute headways and Route 534, operating at 10- minute headways. • Euclid Street is classified as a Major Arterial that travels north and south through the study area. Within the study area, there are three travel lanes in each direction with a striped center median functioning as a two -way left turn lane. The posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour. On street parking is not permitted October 2014 Page 5.13 5