Sub-problem 3c: Critical Movement Analysis

Application of the critical movement analysis methodology to the Styner-Lauder/U.S. 95 intersection yields the following results, in vehicles per lane:

The results shown in Exhibit 1-37 are consistent with those that we obtained in earlier sub-problems from both the HCM methodology and from the application of a microscopic simulation model.  It should be noted that all volumes presented in this Exhibit are expressed in terms of vehicles per hour per lane, or vphpl. Specifically, the sum of the critical movements (1,790) is greater than the estimated capacity threshold of 1,400. Thus, the intersection demand exceeds its capacity and we can conclude with a fair amount of confidence that the intersection is above capacity.

If the sole question we were trying to answer was whether or not the intersection has sufficient capacity in its current configuration to accommodate the projected traffic volumes, the critical movement analysis might have been the most appropriate analysis tool to use, because it is able to provide the answer with much less effort and time than would be required by the other methodologies we have explored. Thus, the critical movement analysis methodology can be an effective and efficient way to answer some questions, as long as its limitations and constraints are always kept in mind.