Sub-problem 1a: Determining the Facility Type and Scope of the Analysis
Step 2: Results
What are the primary criteria used to determine the facility type? The primary criteria the HCM uses for distinguishing an urban street vs. a two-lane highway is signalized intersection spacing. The HCM suggests in Chapter 20 that:
Two-lane highways in urban and suburban areas with multiple signalized intersections at spacings of 2.0 mi or less can be evaluated with the methodology of Chapter 15, Urban Streets.
The route overview shown in Exhibit 3-2 suggests that this question can be answered easily. The signals south of Eureka Drive have a consistent spacing of about 1 mile over this seven-mile section. There are only two signals in the 26 miles north of Eureka Drive. So, for purposes of analysis by the HCM procedures, Eureka Drive should clearly be the dividing point between the two-lane highway and the signalized arterial as shown in Exhibit 3-7.
South of Eureka Drive: signalized arterial
North of Eureka Drive: two-lane highway
How might the facility designation matter in the analysis? The importance of the designation of Krome Avenue relates back to the stakeholders considered at the onset of this Case Study. The interested parties have different perspectives, and our analysis must be sensitive to these considerations. While our designation of Krome Avenue may be appropriate under today's conditions, future development may result in significant changes that may require us to reconsider this designation.
What additional information might be needed? In consideration of the long-term nature of these corridor issues, the following issues and information are necessary to address future year conditions and to refine the scope of the analysis:
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land use and zoning along the corridor (potential for development and type)
transportation (potential intersection or parallel roadways)
supporting policies of the local jurisdiction (air quality, VMT reduction techniques that may affect above assumptions)