Chapter 1 - Caltrans - State of California

Chapter 1 Proposed Project
on a basic freeway segment. Within the project limits, the U.S.101 experiences a
deficient LOS and exceeds capacity during peak hours.
Figure 1.1-3 Levels of Service for Multi-Lane Highways
The Department’s Freeway Operations’ primary objective is to improve the LOS, ensure
trip reliability, and provide motorists with accurate real-time information on highway
conditions. The criteria for the current and projected LOS was derived from the
Department’s Highway Capacity Manual for a free flow speed of 50 to 60 mph and from
the Department’s criteria considering the minimum accepted LOS with a flowing volume
of 2000 to 2200 vehicles per hour per lane (VPHPL). Table 1.2-1 compares the traffic
volumes and LOS for 2006, existing conditions, and the projected conditions for 2036.
Since this project spans two counties, more congested conditions were used to analyze
the project as a whole. The peak month traffic in 2006 was 82,000 vehicles and the peak
IS/EA VEN-SB US101 HOV Project 7