Sub-problem 2d: How Can We Improve the Level of Service at the Ramp Junction at the Northbound On-Ramp to I-87?

A review of Exhibit 4-36 shows some minor improvements in the operational performance of the merge area. The density is reduced from 42.5 to 34.7 and the speed of the ramp influence area increases from 41.6 to 44.5 mph. But should we believe these forecasts?

No. Since the forecasted volume in the merge area (5,070) exceeds the capacity (4,600) of the area, we know that the model cannot be applied realistically to these conditions. Thus, while we can produce output results, we need to know that in this case, the results cannot be used with any degree of certainty to help us with this analysis. Again, if we desired to have a more definitive assessment of the performance of this alternative, we would have to use another analysis tool, perhaps a microscopic simulation tool.

Continue on to the next page to view the effect of extending the length of the acceleration lane on the performance of the merge area.