point cover jan 13 - Boston Redevelopment Authority

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ed_PNF\03_Transportation_FINAL.doc
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
The Point, Boston
vehicles experience significant delay and queuing while LOS F suggests unacceptable delay for the average
vehicle. LOS thresholds differ for signalized and unsignalized intersections. Longer delays at signalized
intersections than at unsignalized intersections are perceived as acceptable.
Table 3-8 below presents the level of service delay threshold criteria as defined in the 2010 Highway Capacity
Manual (HCM).
Table 3-8
Level of Service Criteria
Level of Service
3-15 Transportation
Un-signalized Intersection
Control Delay (sec/veh)
Signalized Intersection
Control Delay (sec/veh)
LOS A 0-10 ≤ 10
LOS B > 10-15 > 10-20
LOS C > 15-25 > 20-35
LOS D > 25-35 > 35-55
LOS E > 35-50 > 55-80
LOS F > 50 > 80
Source: 2010 HCM
Adjustments were made to the Synchro model to include characteristics of each intersection, such as heavy
vehicles, bus operations, parking activity, and pedestrian crossings. The LOS results of the analyses are
summarized in Table 3-9 for the Existing, No-Build, and Build Conditions. Detailed results including delay by
approach, queuing and volume to capacity ratio are presented in Appendix B along with the detailed Synchro
results.
In consideration of transportation conditions in the Fenway area, it is important to be cognizant of the traffic and
parking conditions associated with Red Sox home game days. However, it would not be practical to base
operational analysis for the Project on the conditions that prevail under police control on the limited number of
game days per year.
The Boylston Street and Brookline Avenue corridors process heavy traffic and pedestrians volumes during
the commuter peak hours. At times, long queue length and high vehicle delays can be observed. The traffic
model includes a conservative approach to future traffic trends by forecasting an increase in background
traffic and assigning specific known development projects to the study area as required by the Boston
Transportation Department. The model also includes several planned infrastructure projects that will benefit
traffic operations in the neighborhood. These changes assumed under the No Build Condition include:
New Street – this two-way roadway, to be built as part of the Fenway Triangle Mixed Use Project, will
connect Boylston Street and Van Ness Street and will help alleviate traffic demands on Kilmarnock Street
and Van Ness Street.
Two-way Van Ness Street – planned changes to make Van Ness Street two-way between Kilmarnock Street
and Jersey Street/Yawkey Way will improve traffic circulation in the neighborhood. This change is being
made as part of the Fenway Triangle Mixed Use Project.
Sear’s Rotary Reconstruction – this Army Corps of Engineers Project will eliminate the existing jug handle
that existing today and will provide a new Riverway connection to Park Drive thus removing a portion of