managing travel for planned special events - FHWA Operations ...

oad segment capacity analysis conducted aspart of a feasibility study for a regional/multi-venueevent in Denver, CO.Figure 5-12Local Area Planned Special Event ParkingRestrictionTraffic demand analysis includes developingcomposite background and event-generatedtraffic projections for all roadway systemfacilities serving the event venue. Compositetraffic volumes expressed as an hourly(or sub-hourly) rate meet roadway capacityanalysis input requirements. These ratesidentify the peak hour capacity analysis periodsduring event patron arrival and/or departure.Practitioners must adjust backgroundtraffic volumes to account for displacedand diverted traffic due to road closuresrequired to stage the planned specialevent. These road closures alter traffic patternsto/from commercial trip generators,residential areas, and places of worship.Displaced background traffic assignmentinvolves identifying the shortest path alternateroute that has excess capacity.As a preliminary step to assess the need toperform a detailed roadway capacity analysis,draw a circular screen line (e.g., 0.5 to 1mile radius) around the event venue site.Note each roadway segment intercepted bythe screen line, and estimate the segment’scapacity in each direction of travel. Create achart of hourly composite traffic volumesfor each identified segment, and assess capacitydeficiencies in both directions oftravel. Figure 5-13 shows a preliminaryFigure 5-13Example Preliminary Road SegmentCapacity Analysis (23)Roadway Capacity AnalysisA roadway capacity analysis uses trafficdemand analysis results to measure the impactof a proposed planned special event onroadway system operations. At the feasibilitystudy level, a roadway capacity analysisreferences existing roadway facility operationsand capacity (e.g., no reverse flow operationor other capacity enhancements).The analysis assumes pedestrian accessmanagement strategies will minimize pedestrian/vehicularconflicts, and parking areaaccess points provide sufficient service flowrates through proper design. Regardless ofcapacity analysis outcome, pedestrian accommodationand parking management representkey considerations in a planned specialevent traffic management plan.Roadway capacity analysis involves freewaysegments, freeway junctions such as rampsand weaving areas, street segments, signalizedintersections, and unsignalized intersections.To evaluate these facilities, practitionerscan employ one of two approaches: (1)analyze section and point capacity or (2)analyze network operations.5-30