PD-17-00001 Marian Meadows Full Record with Index (2)

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Marian Meadows Rezone and Subdivision Final Environmental Impact Statement 3-60 What is level of service (LOS)? Level of service (LOS) is a means of characterizing the operating conditions and driver comfort at roads and intersections. LOS is reported in terms of grades from A through F, much like a school report card. LOS A provides the greatest driver comfort. At intersections, there is little delay, generally less than 10 seconds at signalized intersections or stop signs. LOS B provides a high degree of driver comfort. At intersections, there is little delay, generally between 10 and 20 seconds at signalized intersections and 10 to 15 seconds at stop signs. LOS C provides a generally acceptable level of comfort for most drivers. At intersections, there is minor delay, generally between 20 and 35 seconds at signalized intersections and 15 to 25 seconds at stop signs. At LOS C, the system moves traffic efficiently, despite less driver comfort. LOS D provides a decreased comfort level for most drivers. At intersections, there is substantial delay, generally between 35 and 55 seconds at signalized intersections and 25 to 35 seconds at stop signs. At LOS D, the system can move large volumes of traffic, but with lower driver comfort. LOS E represents unstable flow with substantial restriction and delay. The system is at or near capacity. Driver frustration is high. Delay is between 55 and 80 seconds at signalized intersections and between 30 and 50 seconds at stop signs. LOS F represents traffic moving under forced flow or breakdown conditions. It creates a very high level of frustration for most drivers. At intersections, there are long delays, generally more than 80 seconds at signalized intersections and more than 50 seconds at stop signs. At LOS F, the system moves very little traffic. Kittitas County and the Washington State Department of Transportation have adopted a LOS standard of LOS C within the study area. 6 How well does the existing surface transportation system function? The function of a transportation system can be evaluated with respect to several parameters including consistency with the community, level of service (LOS), and safety. 7 How do local roads currently fit into the character of the local community? Roadways serve a continuum of functions. Roadways that are primarily oriented towards mobility are designated as arterials and those that emphasize direct property access in lieu of mobility are often designated as local streets. Within rural areas, low traffic volume roadways generally serve many functions, but are not designated with multiple classifications. With the exception of I-90, all roadways within the study area are classified as Rural Local Access (class 9) roads or are unclassified and provide direct access to adjacent properties. As a result, these roadways are often used as extensions of front yards where children play. Numerous studies have emphasized that local roadways are generally used by local residents as an integral part of social interactions within the community. A number of studies have shown that social interactions take place regularly across and within roadways where traffic volumes are low (Appleyard 1963). The use of streets with low traffic volumes for children’s play is widespread. Researchers have noted that streets are used for play even if there are alternative recreation facilities in the vicinity because they are immediately available, they are natural meeting places, and they provide a large linear space that is often much larger than is available on residential lots (Whyte 1980). In recognition of this function, many communities have moved toward local street design in residential areas that emphasize the shared use of streets; moreover, streets are designed to be shared by low speed vehicles as well as to accommodate a variety of social functions. Another approach is “traffic calming” that