Draft EIS/EIR for the San Luis Reservoir SRA Resource ...

5. Environmental Analysis
Area. This type of impact would often be long term, highly noticeable, and
substantial. A major adverse impact is equivalent to a CEQA significant
impact, which would result from one or more of the following:
− Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing
measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation
system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass
transit and non-motorized travel, and relevant components of the
circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets,
highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit;
− Conflict with an applicable congestion management program,
including but not limited to LOS standards and travel demand
measures established by the county congestion management agency
for designated roads or highways;
− A change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic
levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks;
− Substantially increased hazards caused by a design feature (e.g., sharp
curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment);
− Inadequate emergency access; or
- Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public
transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the
performance or safety of such facilities.
5.4.7.3 Environmental Evaluation
Increased Traffic to, from, and within the Plan Area Traffic on SR 152
currently exceeds capacity during peak hours, and additional development has
been approved in the region that would further increase automobile and truck
traffic along SR 152. Regional planning documents include the future widening
and partial rerouting of SR 152 to accommodate the increase in traffic volumes
and maintain an acceptable level of service (Sections 3.3.9 through 3.3.11).
Projected increases in local and regional population (Section 2.12.2.1) will result
in additional traffic on roadways in the Plan Area vicinity. Traffic congestion may
reduce circulation along the Plan Area’s roadway network and increase driving
time for visitors to access various parts of the Plan Area. These effects will occur
regardless of alternative or Plan implementation.
The action alternatives could increase visitation by providing for the development
of additional facilities and uses. Increased visitor use could result in an increase in
vehicle trips in and near the Plan Area, thereby contributing to traffic congestion
on SR 33, SR 152, and other roadways near the Plan Area.
Under all of the alternatives, the Plan Area would remain accessible via bicycle
from SR 152, a designated bike route. In addition, the existing Plan Area trail
system provides nonmotorized options for traveling within use areas, and
additional trails included in the action alternatives would facilitate nonmotorized
travel between use areas.
5-56 San Luis Reservoir SRA
Draft RMP/GP and Draft EIS/EIR