(Blue Diamond Road) Corridor Study - Regional Transportation ...

2. Current Conditions of Study Area RTC SR-160 Corridor Study
EXHIBIT 2-14: 10-year Trend in Average Daily Traffic
30,000
Average Daily Traffic
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
Decatur
Rainbow
Pahrump Valley
Rd
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
YEAR
Source: Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT),
2003 Traffic Counts for the Southern Nevada Area
Major arterial streets and highways carry the largest share of through or long-distance
travel. Along the SR-160 corridor, one of the biggest factors contributing to peak traffic
congestion cause by heavy volumes on SR-160 is the incomplete nature of the major
arterial network in the southwest Clark County area.
Because of gaps in several major
north-south arterials approaching SR-160, traffic that would otherwise circulate through a
more integrated street network is funneled onto SR-160. Currently, there are critical gaps
in several major north-south arterials, including Durango, Fort Apache, Buffalo, Jones and
Valley View.
substitutes to SR-160.
In addition, there are no viable east-west arterials that can serve as
Collector streets provide direct service to residential areas, local parks, churches, etc. To
preserve the amenities of neighborhoods, they are usually spaced at about half-mile
intervals to collect traffic from local access streets and convey it to major and minor arterial
streets and highways. The collector streets within the SR-160 corridor provide access to SR-
160 and other major arterials. Again, because of the disconnected nature of the circulation
system, traffic is funneled to SR-160 with few viable alternatives.
Local access streets are the smallest class of roadway and those not selected for inclusion in
the arterial or collector classes. They allow access to individual homes, shops, and similar
traffic destinations. Through traffic should be discouraged by using appropriate geometric
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