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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-19 Traffic Response Comments SPR Aug-17-98 12 :49P OJK &, Associates , Inc. P.02 , I DJK �3�rr7uN .l, Kelly Associates, Inc. Traffic.Eiiginoorin€VTf;in sporialion Planning Two Dun(.1(16 Park, Suite 301 Andover. MA 01 8 1 0-372 Office. 978-474-1994 Fax,978-474-1778 MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Paul Hajec FROM: DJK Associates, Inc. Hajec Associates, Inc, Two Dundee Park, Suite 301 375 Common Street Andover, MA 01810-3725 Lawrence, MA 01840 office: 978-474-1994 Fax: 978-474-1778 SUBJECT: Hillside Road Office Development RIFF: 362-3.1 North Andover, MA DATE: August 13, 1998 As we discussed on Wednesday, August 12, 1998, the following is In response to comments dated August 12, 1998 relative to your review of the Traffic Impact& Access Study(TIAS) conducted for the above referenced project: COMMENT NUMBER 1 Need Clarification or Additional Evaluation/Information The historical traffic volume summary in Table 2 of the TIAS indicates an actual ava(age annual growth rate of 2.1% at a nearby MHD permanent count station. An average annual growth rate of only 1% was used in calculations of No Build traffic flows in the TIAS. This difference should be explained. RESPONSE This procedure has been followed in other similar Traffic Impact and Access Studies recently completed in North Andover. Furthermore, comparing the existing traffic volume condition with 2003 No build traffic volumes, the effective background traffic growth rate varies from 6.4% to 9.6% along Route 125 which accounts for the four significant development projects known at the time of the initial traffic study. 362-mom 1181131A91 Aug-17-98 12 :49P DJK &rAssociates , Inc P.03 Dcrrnpt J. Kelly Ass(.')rJ 3tes, Inc. Treat(; Eengincc;rif'sg/lransportalioii Planning Mr. Hajee August 13, 1998 Page 2 COMMENT NUMBER 2 A sight distance evaluation for the study area intersections (including the Hillside Road/Site Drive location) is not provided. (Hajec Associates, Inc. has conducted a sight distance evaluation of these intersections and determined that distances are/will be adequate. Thus, no further work is required on this issue.) RESPONSE No further response necessary. COMMENT NUMBER 3 Study area accident data has not been provided. A summary of data for the most recently available three-year period is suggested. RESPONSE Accident data was provided at our August 12th meeting. There were 10 reported accidents during 1994 and 1995 (the last two complete years of available accident data), Ninety percent of those accidents were property damage only with the remaining 10% (1 accident) involving a personal injury. Sixty percent involved an angle type collision; 40% were rear end type collisions. Forty percent (4 accidents) occurred during the 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM peak hours. Of those tour accidents over two years, two were angle type collisions and two were rear and type collisions. COMMENT NUMBER 4 The project trip distribution/assignment was based on existing peak hour traffic flow distribution in the study area (73.9% southbound in the AM and 74.9% northbound in the PM). This existing distribution may be biased by the heavy use of Route 125 as a commuter route to Boston (via Route 93). It would be better and more realistic to develop the project distribution using Journey-to-Work data for Andover/Norih Andover from the United States Census. RESPONSE As we discussed, even if the journey4o-work data revealed a different trip distribution pattern, the finding of the study would not change. �fi2 mnmIow1919w Aug-1 7--98 12 :49P C.?JK &,. Assoc i atQs , 1 he. P,04 r JDermot J. Kully Associates, Inc. Tgiffic: Engineef'IngfTranr.;p()rl ition Planning Mr. Hajec August 13, 1995 Page 3 COMMENT NUMBER 5 A summary table of peak hour net vehicle and percentage traffic increases on study area roadways Is not In the TIAS. This summary is a typical traffic study element and should be presented in a response document. RESPONSE The percent increase in traffic this project would generate over existing traffic is as follows: Location AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour Route 125 South of Hillside Road d 5 Route 126 North of Hillside Road 1 1.4 Hillside Road 44.2 35.7 East of Route 125 COMMENT NUMBER 6 Level of Service (LOS) calculations and results are not presented for the Hillside Road/Site Drive intersection. These calculations and results should be part of the response document. The introductory portion of the TIAS indicated that this intersection was a part of the study area and implied that such calculations would be forthcoming. RESPONSE As we discussed and you agreed, the LOS at the Site Drive would be in the LOS A range due to the relatively low level of traffic both on Hillside Road and generated by the site. COMMENT NUMBER 7 The LOS results for Route 125/Hillside Road indicate that the addition of site-generated traffic would increase average PM peals hour delays for turns from the westbound approach by 38 seconds. This warrants further discussion from the proponent's traffic consultant. It is also hoped that actual delays to this movement will be verified during the joint site visit between Hajec Associates, Inc. and DJK. 302•meml fall 319til Aug--17-98 12 : 50P DJK &. Associates , Inc. l y E DJKDGvrnnt J. Kelly Associates. Inc. Traffic EngineerirrglTran;;rxo�rl;3tion Planning Mr. Hajec August 13, 1998 Page 4 RESPONSE As we discussed, the 38 figure referenced above is the increase in demand, vehicles per hour, and not seconds. As we observed between 5:22 and 6:1 g PM on Wednesday, August 12, 1998. the maximum queue on Hillside Road was 3 vehicles which occurred once, At other times during our observation period the Hillside Road queue varied from D to 2 vehicles, indicating that there is more than sufficient capacity for this intersection to accommodate the anticipated site-generated traffic. The Route 125 northbound queue from Route 114 back up across Hillside Road between 5,38 and 5:53 PM. This queue generally cleared the Hillside Road Intersection and then backed up across the intersection coincidentally with the traffic signal cycle at the intersection of Route 125 and Route 114. Vehicles exiting Hillside Road during this period did so without exceeding a queue of more than two vehicles. COMMENT NUMBER 8 Hajec Associates, Inc. concurs with the suggestion of a need for the operational/safety improvements mentioned for Route 125/Hillside Road in the TIAS. The proposed signage, pavement marking, and minor geometry improvements mentioned for Route 125/Hillside Road, however, need further clarification. Specifically, the type, schedule, and responsibility (financial and construction) olements for implementation need to be explained. RESPONSE The proponent would assume the responsibility of implementing the mitigation measures suggested in the Traffic Impact and Access Study, assuming the Town approves of these measures and that the project is approved with all necessary permits and approval acquired and the project proceed to construction and occupancy. The Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD) planned improvements for this intersection are in the conceptual planning process with additional detailed information unknown at this time. As we discussed, the MHD has Indicated to us, "it has been determined that this project does not exceed any of the threshold that would create a substantial increase or impact on the existing traffic." See MHD letter dated April 15. 1998. COMMENT NUMBER 9 Alternative access plans were not considered in the TIAS. Two additional options for primary and secondary access for the site would be via a connection to the Chestnut Green office complex and via a direct connection to Route 125. The viability and feasibility of these alternatives should be discussed. The Chestnut Green alternative would mitigate the need for a new curb cut on Hillside Road (directly opposite residential uses). 352•105rn1 i9/131861 Aug-17-96 12 . 50P E3.7K &.,Associates , It-tc. P.06 1 I a Air ' I Dermot J. Kelly AssuCi3res, Inc. Trsiffic Engineermq/Transpodation f E,inning Mr. Hajec August 13, 1998 Page 5 RESPONSE As we discussed, all alternatives, practical and non-practical alternatives, were considered for access to the site. Access through Chestnut Green was considered as not practical since: (1) Tha Chestnut Green parcel is private property and the proponent has no rights of access and/or egress. (2) Access to and/or egress from the site via Chestnut Green would require a wetland crossing on the project site and on the Chestnut Green site. (3) The Chestnut Green site was not designed to accommodate access to and/or egress from this site. Similarly, accoss/egress to this site along Route 125 is not practical for the following reasons: (1) The Right-of-Way line along Route 126 adjacent to the site is a no access line, consequently, the MHD would not grant access to this from Route 125. (2) There is approximately 400 feet between the median openings on Route 125 between Hillside Road and Merrimack College. Locating a driveway midway between these openings would require entering traffic from the north to cross 3 lanes of northbound Route 125 traffic over a 200-foot distance, Similarly. exiting traffic heading south would be required to cross 3 lanes of northbound traffic to U-turn at the Merrimack College Driveway. As we discussed and you agreed, considering all issues and independent of the Route 125 no access line, the proposed location of the site access/egress drive is the most appropriate location for this project. The driveway Is located along Hillside Road to provide for sufficient storage of vehicles queued on Hillside Road at the Route 125 intersection. Locating the driveway further to the east would not minimize the impact of the site-generated traffic into the adjacent residential neighborhood. COMMENT NUMBER 10 In the absence of a legal agreement for shared use, the potential for site traffic using the Hillside Road (rear) driveway to Chestnut Green as a by-pass to Route 114 should be discussed. Even though speed bumps are present throughout the Chestnut Green parking and driveway areas, it Is not clear that this world be an unfavorable route (from a travel time standpoint) to motorists exiting the new project, particularly during the PM peak commuter period (when northbound traffic on Route 125 is heavy and queues/delays at the Route 125/Route 114 intersection are long). '169-mnm1 fefi'MW i i Aug-17-98 12 : 51P DJK & Associaties , Inc. P.07 i DOM Derinot ,i. Kelly Assogiatc:s, it,(_ Mr. Haj®c Traffic Cngineeringtiransportation Pltinniny August '13, 1998 Page 6 RESPONSE As we discussed, although signage is present prohibiting cut-through traffic, a minor amount of traffic currently cuts through Chestnut Green office complex. This is a private property enforcement issue which is not controlled by the proponent of this project. COMMENT NUMBER 91 The potential for site exiting traffic using the west side of Hillside Road as a by-pass (to obtain access to Route 495 in Andover, etc.) should be discussed. This seems likeiy as an option when considering the delays along the "primary" route (Route 114 westbound). The movement across six lanes of traffic on Route 126 that would be required to access the Hlllslde Road by-pass route would be compromising, from a safety standpoint RESPONSE As we discussed, a review of existing traffic patterns does not substantiate the use of this by-pass route. In Summa As we discussed and agreed, the site access drive is appropriately located and the Hillside Road/Route 125 intersection can accommodate the relatively small amount of traffic anticipated to be generated by this project. 162 mom 1(8113199) to i yTown of North Andover tA°or" 1H O� � CE or, �� y�'` O0G COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES ° ..' 30 School Street North Andover, Massachusetts 01845 4A 41,AP"'gay* WMLIAM 1. SCOTr SSAcllusk Director September 10, 1998 Mr. Paul Hajec 375 Common Street Lawrence, MA 01840 Re: Executive Quarters—Site Plan Review Access to and from the Site Dear Mr. Hajec, At the August 18, 1998 Planning Board meeting, the Board discussed several options for access to the proposed Executive Quarters office building on the corner of Hillside Road and Rt. 125. 1 have spoken with Dermott Kelly, the applicant's traffic engineer, as well as Mike Karas fiom MHD regarding these options as follows: Enter and exit from Rt. 125 with a cut in the existing edian strip on Rt. 125: This option would keep all traffic from the proposed office building away from Hillside Road. However, Mr, Karas and Mr. Kelly stated that the MHD would not support this option for the following reasons: • The median strip is only 400' long and generally breaks in medians should be no closer than 500' apart, a cut in the median here would provide significantly less than the require 500' between breaks. Any break in the median strip here would cause an unsafe condition for the cars traveling along Rt. 125. • Rt. 125 is a limited access highway therefore any proposed curb cut into Rt. 125 would require a lengthy application process which would probably not be supported by the State. BOARD OF APPEALS 688-9541 BUILDING 688-9545 CONSERVATION 688-9530 HEALTH 688-9540 PLANNING 688-9535 1 Enter and exit from Rt. 125 at the existing median cut at the entrance to Merrimack College: This option would keep all traffic from the proposed office building away from Hillside Road. However,this option would also not be supported by MHD for the following reasons: 1 • Rt. 125 is a limited access highway therefore any proposed curb cut into Rt. 125 would require a lengthy,application process which would probably not be supported by the State. • Mr. Karas stated that he would definitely not support lining up the proposed driveway with the opening in the median strip as he is concerned about the overall safety of cars traveling on Rt. 125. • Additionally, there are wetlands in the vicinity of the proposed driveway therefore this proposal would not be supported by the Conservation Commission. Exit only with a right hand turn only onto Rt. 125: This option would channel the exiting traffic away from Hillsdie Road, Again, MHD would not support this option for the following reasons: • Rt. 125 is a limited access highway therefore any proposed curb cut onto Rt. 125 would require a lengthy application process which would probably not be supported by the State. • Mr. Karas would again be concerned that people exiting the site would attempt to turn left thereby causing a safety hazard to cars on Rt. 125. Entrance and exit with a right hand turn only on Hillside Road: Dermott Kelly has submitted a revised plan showing this option with a delta island that channels the cars to the right. This would keep traffic from exiting through the residential neighborhood and through the Chestnut Green Office park. This option would also not require a specific permit from MED. Entrance and exit with a right Band turn only and a dedicated turnin lane on Hillside Road: This option would still require a change of access permit as the limited access line reaches the edge of the eAting Hillside Road ROW however, according the Mr. Karas, this permit may be supportable by the State as it would improve the safety of the intersection and would also respond to the neighborhood complaints. Easements would need to be obtained from the applicant to crate this turning lane. This option would also provide additional stacking space for cars exiting the office building. This option appears to best the most viable solution. Mr. Karas also suggested that the applicant study the intersection of Hillside Road and Rt. l25 to determine what overall improvements could be made as a whole to improve the existing situation. He mentioned a request from a resident to have the radius of the island in Hillside Road reduced. This will occur in conjunction with all of the traffic improvements proposed-in Andover along Rt. 125. Do you have any general thoughts on what improvements could be made to the Hillside Road/Rt. 125 intersection as a whole? I would like your input on these different options. 1 } I i i I would like to know what information would need to be provided to the MHD for a change of access permit and what type of process is involved with the application. Are there "warrants" for an access permit as there are with a traffic light? Mr. Karas implied that the number of trips generated was not a factor. At one point the Planning Staff had discussed channeling the traffic from Chestnut Green through this project and out onto Rt. 125, thereby keeping all of the commercial traffic off of Hillside Road. One of the reasons behind this option was to increase the traffic flow coming out onto Rt. 125 to make the access permit application more favorable. I would appreciate any thoughts you may have regarding the traffic issues raised by this project. I will need your comments in writing by the end of the day on Thursday October 1, 1998 in order for your comments to be included in the Planing Board packets. I would also like you to attend the Planning Board on October 6, 1998 to discuss this issue in more detail. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 688-9535. Very truly yours, Kathleen Bradley Colwell Town Planner cc, Planning Board W. Scott,Dir, CD&S J. Rand,DPW J. Chessia,Coler&Colantonio Sgt. Soucy,Police Dept. M. Karas,MHD K, Granostaff,Mesiti Development P.Marchionda,Marchionda Associates D. Kelly,DJK DJ;K Dermot vdly Associates, Inc. 1! Traffic Engineering/Transportation Planning Two Dundee Park, Suite 301 Andover, MA 01810-3725 i Office: 978-474-1994 Fax: 978-474-1778 Ref: 362 , 1, r 0 September 21, 1998 ,S f V' 1 Mr. Eric W. Botterman, P.E. District Highway Director Massachusetts Highway Department District 4 519 Appleton Street Arlington, MA 02174 Attention: Ms. Judy Veria RE: Proposed Office Building Route 125 and Hillside Road North Andover, MA Dear Judy: Enclosed please find a Conceptual Access Plan for the proposed Executive Quarters Office Building in North Andover, MA which graphically presents the proposed Office Building and the proposed improvements to the intersection of Route 125 and Hillside Road. During the review of the proposed Office Building, the Town of North Andover has requested the applicant, Mesiti Development Corp. to pursue the possibility of requesting the Massachusetts Highway Department to change the status of the Limited Access Line along Route 125 between Stations 44+54 and 44+67 in order to construct the intersection improvements as shown on the attached plan. Please review the enclosed plan and issue a change to the Limited Access Line. Please do not hesitate to call me with any questions, comments and/or if you require any additional information. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, D OT J. K Y & 5 TES INC. r - Dermot J. Kelly, E. President Enclosure cc: Kathleen Colwell, North Andover Town Planner Ken Grandstaff and Tony Mesiti, Mesiti Development Corp. Paul Marchionda, Marchionda Assoicates, LLP File ;u o Y DJK Dermot J. Kolly Associalos, Inc. Traffic:t nginc:c-;ringl"fl-ansportation Planning Two Dundoe Park, Suite 301 Andover, MA 01810-3725 Office: 973-474-1994 Fax:978-474-17 73 Ref: 362 It September 3, 1998 Ms. Kathleen Colwell Community Development 384 Osgood Street North Andover, MA 01845 RE: Executive Quarters Hillside Road Dear Kathleen: Pursuant to the August 21, 1998 Planning Broad Hearing for the proposed office building, Executive Quarters, we developed a plan showing a right turn out only egress drive from the site directly onto Route 125. 1 presented that plan to the Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD) on September 2, 1998. MHD told me that they would not approve of a direct access to Route 125 from this site independent of the Limited Access Line. It is MHD's opinion that this site is totally different then the Osco Drug parcel. It is MHD opinion that any access along Route 125 between Hillside Road and the Merrimack College median break would create an unsafe condition to the general travelling public along Route 125 and Hillside Road as well as the potential traffic generated by this site. Furthermore, it was MHD opinion that the proposed driveway opening along Hillside Road adequately accommodates access to and egress from this site. In addition to continuing to explore access alternatives, we have modified the Hillside Road driveway to direct traffic towards Route 125, right turn out only as suggested by the Town's traffic consultant, Paul Hajec. On the enclosed plan, the Hillside Road driveway was modified with a delta island, No Left Turn signs and a potential landscaping area on the south side of Hillside Road. 362-1-105-Kathleen Colwell North Andover 1 t y DJKDort-not J'...Kelly Associates, Inc. iiafflc En( Planning Ms. Kathleen Colwell Community Development September 3, 1998 Page 2 Please review the enclosed plan and call me with any questions and/or comments that you might have. Sincerely, DERMOT J. KELLY ASSOCIATES INC. 911 -e-16 L 911W;14 Dermot J. Kelly, PE President Enclosure DJK/hap cc: Mike Karas, Massachusetts Highway Department Paul Hajec, Traffic Consultant (w/plan) Ken Grandstaff, Mesiti Development Corp. (w/plan) Paul Marchionda, Marchionda Associates, L.P. (w/plan) File 298-Itr7.doo Gkec G DJKDcern-t J. K-H-Assccdales, !no. Traffic Engineering/Transportation Planning Two Dundee Park, Suite 301 Andover, MA 01810-3725 Office: 978-474-1994 Fax:978-474-1778 Ref: 362 FU September 23, 1998 A Mr. Jim Rand Department of Public Works 384'Osgood Street North Andover, MA 01845 RE: Executive Quarters Hillside Road Dear Jim: Ai the request of Kathleen Colwell, enclosed please find a Conceptual Access Plan for the proposed Executive Quarters Office Building to be located at the intersection of Route 125 and Hillside Road. Please review the enclosed plan and call me with any questions and/or comments that you might have. Sincerely, DERMOT J. KELLY ASSOCIATES INC. DermotJ. Kelly, PE President Enclosure DJK/hap cc: Kathleen Colwell, Planning Department (w10 plan) Ken Grandstaff and Tony Mesiti, Mesiti Development Corp. (w/o plan) Mike Medeiros, Mesiti Development Corp. (wl plan) Paul Marchionda, Marchionda Associates, L.P. (w/o plan) File 362-1_t07-Jim Rand North Andover DPW DJKDermot J. Kelly Associates, Inc. Traffic Engineering/Transportation Planning Two Dundee Park, Suite 301 Andover, MA 01810-3725 Office:978-474-1994 Fax: 978-474-1778 �� ( 1 Ref: 362 October 2, 1998 Mr. Gerald Soloman t . Director of Right of Way Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza, Room 6160 Boston, MA 02116-3973 RE: Proposed Intersection Improvements Route 125 and Hillside Road North Andover, MA Dear Mr. Soloman: Enclosed please find a Conceptual Plan for the proposed improvements to the Hillside Road East approach at the Route 125 intersection in North Andover, MA. We have consulted with the Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD) District 4 office on this issue and they have directed us to your office to initiate the process that would allow the proponent to construct the intersection improvements on behave of the town of North Andover as part of the construction of the proposed Executive Quarters Office Building, These improvements are currently not a requirement of the project, however the proponent is willing to construct these improvements with the appropriate MHD approval. The proposed intersection improvements would require Hillside Road to cross the Limited Access Line along Route 125 between Stations 44+54 and 44+67, 13 feet. Presently, Hillside Road East provide access to and egress from a residential neighbor and the Chestnut Green office building located on Route 114. Since we are in the approval process with the town, we would like to know first if these improvements to Hillside Road are acceptable to the Massachusetts Highway Department and secondly, we would like to know what is required from MHD to obtain final approval Upon your review of the enclosed plan, please do not hesitate to call me with any questions, comments and/or if you require any additional information. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, DE WKELLIATES INC. DermPresiden Enclosure cc: Kathleen Colwell, North Andover Town Planner Ken Grandstaff and Tony Mesiti, Mesiti Development Corp. Paul Marchionda, Marchionda Assoicates, LLP 362-LT08 Soloman,Gerald Change of AGC;10/02/98 DJKDermot J. Kelly Associates, Inc. Traffic Engineering/Transportation Planning Two Dundee Park, Suite 301 Andover, MA 01810-3725 Office: 978-474-1994 Fax: 978-474-1778 0 Ref: 362 Via Priority Mail October 2, 1998 ' Mr. Richard Burke Property Management Division Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza, Room 6160 I Boston, MA 02116-3973 RE: Proposed Intersection Improvements Route 125 and Hillside Road North Andover, MA Dear Richard: Enclosed please find a Conceptual Intersection Improvement Plan for the proposed improvements to the Hillside Road East approach at the Route 125 intersection in North Andover, MA. The enclosed plan includes some minor revisions from the previous plan, which were incorporated at the request of the town. Also enclosed, please find a copy of a Traffic Impact and Access Study that was completed for the project. Upon your review of the enclosed plan, please do not hesitate to call me with any questions, comments and/or if you require any additional information. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, DERMOT J. KELLY ASSOCIATES INC. i Dermot J. Kelly, P.E. President E I Enclosure cc: (w/plan) Jim Rand, Director of Engineering - Town of North Andover E Kathleen Colwell, North Andover Town Planner Ken Grandstaff and Tony Mesiti, Mesiti Development Corp. Paul Marchionda, Marchionda Assoicates, LLP File f f 362-LT10 Burke,Richard Property Management; 11 im/9a DJKDorrnot J. Kelly Associates, Inc. T raffic E'.'n g i nee rin gfri-an s portation Planning Two Dundee Park, 13uite 301 Andover, MA 01810-3725 Office:978-474-1994 Fax:978-474-1778 Ref: 362 October 19, 1998 Ms. Kathleen Colwell Community Development 384 Osgood Street North Andover, MA 01845 RE: Executive Quarters Hillside Road Dear Kathleen: Enclosed please find Conceptual Access Plan — Alt. 4 (Hillside Road Right Turn Lane Onto Route 125) dated 10/19198 with revision number 3 dated 10/19/98. This plan was presented at the last Planning Broad Hearing on Tuesday, October 20, 1998, Should you have any questions and/or comments please do not hesitate to call me, Sincerely, DERMOT J. KELLY ASSOCIATES 1.C. Dermot J. Kelly, PE President Enclosure DJK/hap cc: Ken Grandstaff, Mesiti Development Corp. (w/o plan) Paul Marchionda, Marchionda Associates, L.P. (w/plan) File 362-UO9-Kathleen Colwell North Andover